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507 views as at 13 April 2012
353 views as at 3 January 2012

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BIRDS WATERBIRDS

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Parrots Only Group … October 2010
200 – 499 Views Group … January 2012

Photographed in Canberra, Australia.

Cockatiel
Scientific name: Nymphicus hollandicus
Family: Cacatuidae
Order: Psittaciformes

The Cockatiel is an unusual member of the cockatoo family. It is small in size, averaging 32cm and weighing 93grams. It has a slender body and long pointed tail, more characteristic 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. Young Cockatiels resemble the adult female, although the young males usually have a brighter yellow face.

The Cockatiel is widespread throughout mainland Australia, but is uncommon in Tasmania, with only a few sightings being reported to date. The Cockatiel is seen in pairs or small flocks, in most types of open country, usually near water. It is common throughout its range, especially in the north and the more arid inland areas. The Cockatiel is strongly nomadic, moving around in response to the availability of food and water.

Cockatiels feed on a variety of grass seeds, nuts, berries and grain. They may feed either on the ground or in trees, always in groups. Cockatiels roost in trees near water and travel from these areas in large flocks to feeding grounds.

Cockatiels may breed at any time, in response to suitable periods of rain, especially in the more arid regions. Both sexes share the incubation of the eggs, which are laid in a hollow, high up in trees, either in or close to water. Cockatiels enter the nest hollow tail first.

Edited from The Australian Museum website, Birds in Backyards