Cockatiel

Adult males have bright yellow faces and prominent orange cheek patches. Females and juveniles have more muted grey faces, duller orange patches, and barred tail feathers. Selective breeding has produced many color mutations like lutino and pied.

Prominent crest (erect when excited), long pointed tail, and orange circular cheek patches.

Length: 30-33 cm (12-13 in); Wingspan: 30-35 cm; Weight: 80-100 grams.

A melodic, rising whistle and various chirps. Males are proficient at whistling tunes and mimicking sounds.

Mainly seeds (grasses), grains, berries, and occasionally insects found while foraging on the ground.

Arid and semi-arid regions, open grasslands, scrublands, and bushlands, usually near water sources.

Nomadic; they travel in flocks to find water and food sources based on seasonal rains.

Hole-nesters, typically using hollows in Eucalyptus trees near water. Clutch size is generally 4-7 eggs.

Often confused with small Cockatoos, but distinguished by their smaller size, long tail, and unique orange cheek patches.

Acts as a seed disperser and is a prey species for various birds of prey in the Australian outback.

Least Concern (Population stable)

In the wild, look near watering holes at dawn and dusk. In captivity, they are recognized by their whistling and mimicry.

The cockatiel is the only member of the genus Nymphicus and is the smallest of the cockatoo family. They are the second most popular caged bird globally after the budgerigar.