Cockatiels are the smallest member of the cockatoo family and are native only to Australia where they are found largely in arid or semi-arid country, but always near water. Sometimes hundreds will flock around a single such body of water.

Male cockatiels do not display any obvious courtship rituals. Females do not talk, however, male cockatiels can learn to talk and are quite vocal.

Male cockatiels often have a very deep yellow face and bright orange cheek patches at maturity. Female cockatiels will retain their immature coloration and the barring of the underside of the tail.

Both males and females that share incubation responsibilities. Cockatiels are prolific breeders and they will breeding in captivity all year long, if allowed to do so. However, clutches should be limited to no more than 2 per year, the amount that avian veterinarians consider normal.

Playful and easily amused with simple toys cockatiels are a lot easier to care for because of their size. You don't need a very large cage like you would need if you had a cockatoo. However, cockatiels live for about 20 years, so a long term commitment is required.

Cockatiels are playful birds, and adding toys such as bells and mini ladders (a cockatiel favorite) are important. Because cockatiels love to chew, toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. A cockatiel will gladly entertain themselves in front of a mirror for hours while whistling or talking. Keep your cockatiels *away* from any electrical wires and equipment!

Cockatiels are naturally dusty birds because of the powder down they produce. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a HEPA filter running near the cage, especially if a member of the household has asthma, allergies, or respiratory disease. One or two birds that are bathed often and whose cages are kept very clean are not much of a problem, but of course the amount of dust will increase with each additional bird.

Cockatiels are reluctant to accept new foods and will accept few fruits and vegetables. They do tend to enjoy whole wheat bread, grated carrots and shredded greens. Lots of water and sun light are needed to keep cockatiels happy.

Cockatiels are very susceptible to strong smells such as insecticides, smoke and air fresheners. Their respiratory system is so delicate some of these can kill a cockatiel.

Cockatiels are a great first bird along with the Budgie and Parakeet. A tame hand-fed cockatiel will most likely be loving and gentle. Cockatiels are the gentle ambassadors of the bird world. Many aviary lovers owe their passion for birds to a pet Cockatiel they owned or encountered in childhood.