FAMILY: Cacatuidae
GENUS: Nymphicus
SPECIES: hollandicus
Description:
Very small cockatoo with
grey plumage and distinctive white wing patches. Yellow face and crest with
orange cheek patches. Adult females are duller than males with a grey crest.
Immature birds resemble adult females.
Length: 320-350mm.
Weight: 80-100grams.
Other Names:
Quarrion; Wearo.
Distribution:
Common over most of
mainland Australia except Cape York Peninsula and the humid south-east. The
Cockatiel has been recorded in Tasmania but this is almost certainly
attributable to escaped aviary birds.
The Cockatiel is strongly migratory and is found to be rare south of about 30
degrees south in winter. Its movements are strongly influenced by rainfall
however.
Habitat:
arid and semi-arid open
country, usually near water.
Diet:
Seeds, cereal crops,
fruits and berries.
Breeding:
Strongly influenced by
rainfall and other conditions but is usually from July to December in the
interior southeast.
The usual nesting site
is a large hollow limb at heights varying from 1m. to 10m. Hollow depths are
typically about 50cm.
In captivity Cockatiels prefer vertical or inclined hollow logs of about 50cm
depth and an internal diameter of about 30cm. They will also readily accept a
medium to large nesting box (about 45cm x 30cm x 30cm) with an internal ladder
(usually made of wire). Preferred nesting material is wood shavings. Note that
Cockatiels are rather messy nesters and their nests should be cleaned after
each brood has been fledged.
Courthsip Display
Mutual preening is often
observed in this species. However courtship displays are rare. Some males do
display on occaision, and this involves an approach to a female with a hopping
and bobbing motion so often seen in other cockatoos. This may be accompanied
with a low whistle.
Sexual Maturity:
Unlike all the other
cacatuids, the Cockatiel becomes sexually mature at 9 to 12 months of age.
Sexing Your Cockatiel:
When
you only have one bird it can be confusing as to which sex it is. Many owners
have had quite a shock when the bird they have been calling Harry for a couple
of years suddenly starts laying eggs. In fact it is very hard to sex young
Cockatiels. Some old wives tale that aren’t true include males having brighter
cheek patches FALSE, spots, lack of
spots on the feathers under the wings means it’s a male FALSE. A breeder may be able to confirm the sex of a bird for you
depending on the genetics of the particular bird. If this is not possible the
only sure way is to observe their behaviour to distinguish cock from hens
Clutch:
2-8 white oval eggs.
Incubation period: about 19 days. Fledging usually occurs at about 30 days.
Mutations and Hybrids:
Basic mutations include:
Lutino (sex linked); Pied (dominant); Pearl (sex linked) ; Cinnamon (sex
linked); Australian Red-eyed Cinnamon (recessive); Red-eyed Silver (recessive);
Black-eyed White (recessive); White-faced (recessive); Australian Cinnamon (sex
linked); Australian Fallow (inheritance undetermined); Dilute or Black-eyed
Silver (dominant).
Hybrids between this
species and Red Rumped Parrot, Blue-winged Parrot and Eastern Rosella have been
recorded.
Suitable Aviaries and Compatible Birds
As a minimum, a single
bird may be housed in a cage measuring at least 500mm x 500mm x 800mm
(approximately). Pairs can be kept in a slightly larger cage. However, these
birds always fare better (and look more spectacular) in larger aviaries.
Species Specific Problems
Intestinal worms are a
common problem in species which spend time on the ground. Similarly, fungal
infections may become a problem. These are relatively easily dealt with however
simply by maintaining a high standard of hygiene.
Another problem encountered in this species is Psittacine beak and feather
disease. This is an incurable disease which is transmitted through feaces.
Essentially, it results in poor feather growth and feathers which don't replace
themselves when they fall out. Similarly, the beak is also affected and becomes
fragile and does not repair itself. The bills of birds with this condition have
a deep black, glossy appearance rather than the normal chalky grey colour.
It is advisable to test birds suspected to have this condition. The best course
of action for affected birds is to destroy them as there is no cure. Infected
birds will infect their offspring simply by feeding them as there is always
chances of contact with faeces in the nest and during feeding of the young.
Feather plucking may also be a problem.