With a jaunty crest, orange cheek patches, and a whistle-along personality, the Cockatiel is one of the most beloved pet birds in the country — and often the first “real” parrot species someone owns. It’s a medium-small member of the cockatoo family, gentle enough for families and expressive enough to make its moods obvious through crest position alone.
Cockatiels are native to the Australian outback, where they travel in nomadic flocks following food and water much like budgies. They were first bred in captivity in Europe in the 1850s, and their easygoing nature made them a natural fit for the pet trade. In recent years, cockatiels have actually overtaken budgies as the most commonly kept companion bird in the US.
Gentle, affectionate, and highly trainable, cockatiels bond closely with their people and often become genuinely attached to one favorite person. They’re famous for whistling — many learn entire tunes — and males in particular tend to be enthusiastic singers. They’re not usually big talkers compared to larger parrots, but they more than make up for it in whistled charm.
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