Cockatiel

Image from: John Gould (1804-81) The birds of Australia 1840-48. 7 vols. 600 plates Artists: J. Gould and E. Gould; Lithographer: E. Gould.

Cockatiel. Photo: M Seyfort/Nature Focus © Australian Museum

Nymphicus hollandicus

Description

The Cockatiel is an unusual member of the cockatoo family. It is small in size (30 to 33 cm), and has a slender body and long pointed tail, which is more characteristic of a parrot. Its plumage is mostly grey, paler below, with a white wing patch, orange cheeks and a distinctive pointed crest. The male can be identified by its bright yellow forehead, face and crest. Young Cockatiels resemble the adult female, although the young males normally have a brighter yellow face.

Although mostly silent, the Cockatiel gives a long and distinctive "queel-queel" in flight.

Distribution and Habitat

The Cockatiel is widespread throughout mainland Australia, but is uncommon in Tasmania, with only a few sightings being reported to date. It is seen in pairs or small flocks, in most types of open country, usually near water. It is common throughout its range, especially in the north and the more arid inland areas. Throughout its range, the Cockatiel is strongly nomadic, moving around in response to the availability of food and water.

The Cockatiel is not found in any other country, but is a popular cage bird, second only to the Budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus . It does not have the screeching voice of many other parrots and may learn to 'speak'.

Food and feeding

Cockatiels feed on a variety of grass seeds, nuts, berries and grain. They may feed either on the ground or in trees, and always in small to large numbers. Cockatiels roost in trees near water and travel from these areas in large flocks to feeding grounds.

Breeding

Cockatiels may breed at any time, in response to suitable periods of rain, especially in the more arid regions. In the south of their range, breeding is normally from July to December. Both sexes share the incubation of the two to nine eggs (normally five), which are laid in a hollow, high up in trees. Suitable trees are either in or close to water. The Cockatiel chicks hatch after 18 - 20 days and leave the nest after a further 30 days. Cockatiels enter the nest hollow tail first.

References

• Crome, F. and Shields, J. 1992. Parrots & Pigeons of Australia. Angus and Robertson and the National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
• Pizzey, G. & Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
• Schodde, R. & Tideman, S.C. (eds) 1990. Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds (2nd Edition). Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney.