The Cockatiel

The Cockatiel is a long bird, with graceful proportions, but of good substance. This bird measure approximately 17 inches in total. Crest Should be long (goal 3"), with good density.

The head is large and well rounded with no flat spot on top or back of the skull. The eyes are large, bright and alert, and placed at midpoint between front and back of the skull.

The beak should be clean, of normal length, and tucked in so the lower mandible is partially visible.

Adult male Cockatiels will have a bright, clear, yellow head, sharply defined where the yellow meets the border of the main body feathers.

Due to its strong muscular development, the Cockatiel is a strong flier. A Cockatiel should have a high, broad, full chest and a slender, tapering abdomen, a wide, straight back, and be a large, sleek bird. Wings are large, wide and long, enveloping most of the body from a side view.

In top condition, the Cockatiel has clean, tight feathers: no frayed or missing feathers, no half grown or pin feathers. The beak and claws must be of suitable length. If a bird is in good condition, it will be almost impossible to get it wet. Water will roll off like it does off a duck.

Many colors are now available in the normal and white face varieties as well. These birds are friendly and easy to care for.

Size: 12-17 inches
Life Span: up to30 yrs.
Temparement: Very friendly and excellent pet. Enjoy being picked up and petted.
Talkative: Males can become talkers and whistlers. Females are more quiet.

For a full description and photos of the many color varieties of the Cockatiels, visit the National Cockatiel Society at: http://www.cockatiels.org/mutations.html

Visit the Cockatiel link page for usefull links and site related to Cockatiels.

Click on the links below to find a breeder in your area. The number in the "#" section represent the number of breeders for a region.

Cockatiel Breeders