The Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), also known as the Quarrion and the Weiro, is a member of the cockatoo family endemic to Australia. The Albino Cockatiel is not a true ‘albino, but is actually a combination of a White-faced Cockatiel and a Lutino Cockatiel. The Whiteface gene removes all the yellow and orange that would be present in a Lutino, and the Lutino gene removes all the black and grey. The result is an all white cockatiel with red eyes. They are impossible to sex visually, so you will need a DNA test to determine what sex your pet is. Cockatiels are prized as household pets and companion parrots throughout the world and are relatively easy to breed. As a caged bird, cockatiels are second in popularity only to the budgerigar. The Cockatiel is the only member of the genus Nymphicus. Cockatiels were previously considered a crested parrot or small cockatoo, but more recent molecular studies have assigned it to its own subfamily, Nymphicinae. Therefore, it is now classified as the smallest of the Cacatuidae (cockatoo family).
Geography: Cockatiels are native to Australia, and favor the Australian wetlands, scrublands, and bush lands.
Song / Call: Click here for the Cockatiels Song / Call
Size: 12″ – 14″ long
Sexing: Some cockatiels are easily sexed visually while others are not. If there is not a gender option available when ordering, we are unable to guarantee gender.
Life Span: 16 – 25 Years
Temperament: Cockatiels are extremely social birds. They have a need for social interaction. A single pet bird will get more attached to its keeper, but if you are not at home a lot it is best to get two birds. Two birds of the same sex get along just as well as a mixed pair. Well socialized birds are gentle and friendly.
Breeding: Cockatiels are generally easy to breed.
Diet: High Quality Cockatiel Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast, Fruits, Greens, Meats, Hard Boiled or Scrambled Eggs, Peanuts, Cuttlefish Bone, Dried Egg Food
DNA Testing
If there is no gender option listed for a bird on our website, that particular species is ‘monomorphic’, which means we’re unable to determine gender without purchasing DNA testing. DNA testing is an additional $149 per bird to guarantee preferred gender. DNA testing may add an additional 3-6 plus weeks to estimated delivery time to allow for gender results. See our FAQs for more info.
