It is a cockatoo fact that there are several unique things about this bird that make it independent as one of the best feathered pets to take home. No less important is the fact that they are the second most popular bird chosen by new pet owners and that is for good reason. Tiels are affectionate, intelligent, and playful, making them excellent feathered friends for both the novice and veteran bird lover.
Take a look at the following cockatiel facts to see if this is the pet bird for you!
Origin
The outback regions of Inland Australia were originally home to the colorful cockatoos that favored the scrublands, scrublands and wetlands of this inland country. Its beautiful feathers are a reminder of the beauty of the wild Australian countryside.
Species
Generally considered part of the parrot family, recent molecular studies have resolved the ambiguity about its specific species. They are now classified as part of the cockatoo family and are the smallest of the Cacatuidae. However, most people still refer to them as “parrots”, although it is not entirely accurate. They are the only species of cockatoo that can possibly reproduce at the end of their first year of life.
Life expectancy
The tiels generally live between 15 and 20 years, although there have been birds that have lived up to 30 years. One documented case lived to be 36 years old! Exercise and diet are important factors in determining the lifespan of cockatoos just as they are in humans.
Temperament
These personable birds are known for their sweet and affectionate demeanor. They are also very sociable and fascinating as they show their ability to socialize and become part of the family. In fact, they are one of the easiest birds to tame and train. However, they can also be quite unruly, stubborn, obnoxious, and territorial if untrained and left alone for long periods of time.
Never underestimate the need to spend time with your ‘Tiel or to train him properly. They need to be talked to, handled and played with every day to be happy and healthy.
Colors
Cockatoos can be found in a wide variety of colors including Lutino (yellow), Gray, Pearl, Cinnamon, Whitefact, Albino (white), and Fallow. There are always more attempts to create a new color in cockatoos, which means that a ‘Tiel with a unique color emerges quite often. This arouses the interest of many bird lovers.
Really fun facts about cockatiel
‘Tiels can exhibit almost human socialization traits if trained properly. Cockatoos can imitate noises such as doorbells or telephone rings. They can also whistle, talk, or sing, but prefer to make the noises they hear in their surroundings sound. ‘Tiels can also be trained to perform fascinating tricks to the delight of their owners.
They can become quite attached to a particular person if that person is the only one manipulating and feeding them. For some this is a great comfort, for others it is a nuisance because ‘Tiels can show territorial aggression when others enter the room. It is up to you what kind of accessories you prefer for your companion … you can easily train your bird to be friendly to everyone or just to be your personal friend!
