Nymphicus hollandicus
Nymphicus hollandicus, commonly known as the Cockatiel, is a small, distinctive cockatoo renowned for its expressive erectile crest and vibrant cheek patches. Averaging 30-33 cm (12-13 inches) in length, including its long tail, and weighing 70-120 grams (2.5-4.2 oz), its wild-type plumage is predominantly grey with prominent white flashes on the wings and bright orange or yellow cheek patches, topped by a characteristic yellow crest. These bold facial markings and the crest are key field ide...
Cockatiels inhabit arid and semi-arid interior regions of Australia, preferring open woodlands, scrublands, grasslands, and agricultural areas, always in close proximity to standing or flowing water sources. They are typically found at low to moderate elevations.
Their diet consists predominantly of seeds from grasses, shrubs, and trees, supplemented by berries, fruits, and occasional insects. They forage mainly on the ground, but also in vegetation.
Cockatiels are highly diurnal and gregarious birds, spending their days foraging and interacting within large, often noisy, flocks, before congregating at communal roost sites in trees during the evening. Foraging primarily occurs on the ground, where they glean fallen seeds, but they also feed a...
The Cockatiel is endemic to Australia, where it is widely distributed across the country's arid and semi-arid interior. Its range spans from the central parts of Western Australia, through the Northern Territory and South Australia, into Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, avoiding only th...
Least Concern
- The Cockatiel is the only species in the genus Nymphicus, making it a unique lineage within the cockatoo family. - They are also known by the indigenous names "Quarrion" or "Weero" in parts of Australia. - A Cockatiel's crest acts like a mood barometer: upright and stiff when startled or excite...