Description
An unusual member of the cockatoo family, it is small in size, it has a slender body and long pointed tail, which are more the characteristics of the smaller parrots. Its plumage is mostly grey, paler below, with a white wing patch, orange cheeks and a distinctive pointed crest. The male can be identified by its bright yellow forehead, face and crest.
Distribution
The Cockatiel is widespread throughout Australia.
Lifespan
10 - 14 years.
Size
The size of the Cockatiel is 30 - 33 centimetres in length and weighs approximately 93 grams.
Diet
Variety of grass seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and grain. They feed mainly on the ground and occasionally in trees.
Habitat
Often seen in pairs or small flocks, in most types of open woodlands, scrublands and plains, usually near water.
Breeding
They can breed at any time of the year usually in response to rain. Both share the incubation of the eggs, usually laid in hollows, high up in trees which they enter tail first. Around 2 - 9 eggs will be laid and incubated for about 19 days.