Cockatiel Latin name: (Nymphicus hollandicus) Vital Statistics Body length: 12.5 in Body weight: 75-100 Life span: 15-20 yrs

With a scientific name like Nymphicus hollandicus, it's hard to imagine the wonderful little characters these Cockatiels are. Cockatiels are among the most popular pet birds. Small parrots with a variety of colour patterns and a crest, they are attractive as well as friendly and easy to tame. Because of their small size, cockatiel care and taming is easier than some other parrot species. They are capable of mimicking speech, although they can be difficult to understand. However, they are quite good at whistling and can often be taught to whistle tunes.

In their native habitat, the arid interior of Australia, these small parrots are quite nomadic. They travel in flocks following food availability, settling in scrubby low desert vegetation but always close to water, such as creeks and rivers.; When their food supply dwindles they move on. In the wild, the cockatiel is predominately grey.

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