You may be contemplating getting a 'tiel for the first time, or perhaps you simply want more information about this fascinating bird. Here are some interesting facts about this bird you might be wondering about or you might find surprising.
Can cockatiels talk?
This adorable parrot can make more than just chirps, warbles, and whistles. Many can mimic human voices perfectly. Almost every sound they hear regularly is mimicked.
Male cockatiels are better at talking and whistling than female cockatiels. During the breeding season, male cockatiels make sounds to attract females. When a male cockatiel is attracted to a female, he puts on a show. The more impressive and bolder the show, the greater the chances of attracting a desirable companion.
The cockatiel whistles more easily than it speaks! Some cockatiels are so gifted they can whistle entire songs. Cockatiels are more likely to talk or whistle behind you if they are male. While the female may vocalize, she is more likely to sit quietly.
The cockatiel will vocalize when they perceive danger, when they are happy, or when they want to be left alone.
One of the greatest reasons for people to want to keep cockatiels as pets is their ability to speak.
Do cockatiels belong to the parrot family?
Cockatiels are small, popular parrots that have become very popular as pets. At first, cockatiels were considered crested parakeets or small cockatoos. Recently, molecular studies have revealed that the Cockatiel belongs to the Nymphicinae subfamily.
This Australian parrot breed can live up to 25 years, though the standard is 15 years. Your cockatiel's life span will depend on the proper care, nutrition, and environment he or she lives in. The oldest recorded cockatiel was Sunshine from the United States, aged 32 years old in 2016.
Cockatiels get their name from the Dutch term "kakatielje," meaning "little cockatoo."
Where do cockatiels come from?
Cockatiels were first discovered in Australia in 1770. They gained popularity during the Australian gold rush of the 1900s. Because they behaved similarly to larger cockatoo species, they were exported from Australia by prospectors who saw them and wanted them for themselves.
In Australia, cockatiels live primarily in arid or semiarid areas, but always near water. Cockatiels in the wild circle the skies looking for large bodies of water where they can rest and escape the Australian heat. Farmers are often concerned about them eating their crops.
Today, the bird cannot be exported abroad, and all pet cockatiels are captive-bred instead of wild-caught.
Are cockatiels good parents?
Cockatiels share some parental responsibilities, which is unusual for birds. Their young are nurtured and affectionately taken care of by them.
After mating, the male does not abandon the female, instead choosing to stick around to ensure the safety of the young. The males are generally more loving and nurturing to their babies than the females. As a means of protecting their young, they will readily take on bigger birds and other animals. Cockatiels are dependent on both parents for approximately the first 12 weeks of their lives. Approximately six to eight weeks after birth, cockatiels become fully grown and are able to live on their own. A cockatiel's baby is called a hatchling.
There are sometimes poor parents among them. You may see their parents abuse their chicks if they are too young, physically stressed from overbreeding, or otherwise ill.
How friendly are cockatiels?
Cockatiels are friendly little birds. The birds live in flocks in the wild, but only have one mate. A cockatiel in captivity will benefit from having a mate and can live in an aviary with other small birds or parrots of the same size. Unfortunately, their timid nature can result in them being picked on by other large birds. Particularly their crests and long tails are vulnerable to being chewed and plucked by larger birds.
It is not recommended to leave caged cockatiels alone for long periods of time, as they are very social birds.
Spend several hours each day with your cockatiel if you don't have a companion.
The kind nature, sweet temper, and range of vocalizations of cockatiels make them an important part of their owners' lives, despite their small size.
Using its crest, you can determine how a cockatiel is feeling. Spend a lot of time with them as well.
I find that fascinating! I hope you enjoyed these fun facts.
You can show your feathered friend you care with our variety of supplies, whether you already have one or plan to get one!
Reward him or her with a new toy.