Nymphicus hollandicus
cockatiel

Cockatiels are distributed throughout the interior of the Australian continent. The species is absent from Tasmania and most coastal areas.

Cockatiels prefer open country in the vincinity of water.

Cockatiels are mainly grey with paler underparts that are sometimes washed with brown. There is a prominent patch of orange on the ear coverts, and the rest of the head and crest are yellow. The underside of the tail is black in the male and yellow in the female. Several plumage variants of the species are recognized. The Lutino mutation (Albino or White) is the most popular. These attractive birds are white with white or pale yellow underparts. The yellow face and crest are retained.

The pair bond between two birds can be quite strong and they may remain partners for life. The Cockatiel is often observed in pairs or small flocks. In the north, the species is highly nomadic, but southern populations are more migratory. In flight, they they are swift and direct.

In the wild, the Cockatiel feeds on the seeds of grasses and herbacious plants, grains, fruits, and berries. They prefer, however, Acacia seeds. They are also known to raid standing fields of crops such as sorghum.

Cockatiels are regarded as pests by farmers when they raid standing fields of crops.

There is a well established market for Cockatiels as pets around the world. Mutated birds can be quite expensive. A pair with a newly established mutation can sell for up to $750.

The species is under no current threat. It breeds well in captivity and and is well established in aviaries throughout the world. Due to their popularity as pets, several mutations are recognized, including Lutino, Pied, Cinnamon, and Pearled.

The call of a Cockatiel is a prolonged, warbling queel-queel ending with a pronounced upward inflection.