Birds
Cockatiel
Nymphicus hollandicus · also called cockatiels, quarrion
A cockatiel raises its mobile crest at the first sign of something interesting, then settles back into a soft, easygoing calm that has made this small cockatoo relative one of the most commonly kept pet birds anywhere in the world.
Overview
The cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus, is a small member of the cockatoo family native to the arid interior of Australia. Its calm temperament, distinctive crest, and whistling ability have made it one of the most popular pet parrot species worldwide.
A gentle relative of a loud family
Where many of its larger cockatoo relatives are known for volume and boldness, the cockatiel has built its popularity around a gentler, quieter presence, easygoing enough to make it a favourite starting point for first-time bird keepers.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and stable across suitable grassland and semi-arid habitat throughout the Australian interior.
Cockatiel: common questions
Is the cockatiel really a type of cockatoo?
Yes, despite its comparatively small size, the cockatiel is classified as a member of the cockatoo family, sharing the movable head crest characteristic of cockatoos generally, though it remains considerably smaller than most of its larger cockatoo relatives such as the palm cockatoo or sulphur-crested cockatoo.
Can cockatiels really learn to whistle songs?
Yes, a cockatiel is capable of learning to whistle recognisable tunes, a form of vocal mimicry that has made it a particularly popular pet choice among people specifically seeking a bird that can be taught musical whistles, an ability that sets it apart from parrot species better known for mimicking spoken words instead.
Why is the cockatiel such a popular first pet bird?
The cockatiel is generally considered to have a calm, easygoing temperament compared with many other parrot species, and combined with its manageable size and whistling ability, this has made it one of the most commonly recommended parrot species for people keeping a pet bird for the first time.
Does the wild cockatiel behave like the budgerigar?
Yes, wild cockatiels move nomadically across the Australian interior in response to rainfall patterns, closely similar to the related budgerigar, following the availability of seeding grasses that become abundant after unpredictable rain events across the arid Australian landscape.