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.