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Cockatiel

(Nymphicus hollandicus)
Alternative names: "Quarrian", "Cockatoo Parrot"
Aboriginal name: "ooya", "wiyaarr" [yuwaalaraay]
Size: 31-33 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Cockatiels are well-adapted to life in semi-arid environments and are therefore found across large parts of the Australian continent, including the interior. They are most common in southern and central QLD (including the coastline), inland NSW and VIC (excluding a narrow coastal strip) and the eastern half of SA. In addition, they are commonly found in the western half of WA, north of a line connecting Kalgoorlie with Beekeepers Nature Reserve. Outside their breeding season they also populate large parts of the NT (except the top end) and SA (except the Nullarbor towards WA). They are not found in the most arid part of the continent, i.e. the region from about the Nullarbor to south of the Kimberleys. Occasionally, after substantial rainfall, they can cross the arid interior and the north-west of WA and can also populate the top end of the NT, but they are not found either on Cape York or Tasmania in the south.

Cockatiels are usually found in open grassland or lightly wooded scrub with grassy patches or undergrowth, often near water. They can also be found around crops, in particular sorghum.

Sightings

Cockatiels are a common sight on the western side of the New South Wales mountain range. They normally appear in flocks of 10-20 and we have encountered them regularly in the Narrabri area. They are quite shy, which makes it difficult to obtain good photos out in the wild.

Cockatiels are permanent residents at the Australia Telescope observatory, 25 km west of Narrabri. Also often found south-east of Narrabri. In April of 2006 there were hundreds near the roadsides of the Horton Valley, NSW.

Abundant in western NSW in April 2009, when flocks of hundreds were seen by us.

Their call, although usually at a higher pitch, can be mistaken for that of Superb Parrots.

Photos

Lateral view of a male Cockatiel in brilliant evening sunlight

Lateral view of a female Cockatiel in brilliant evening sunlight

Pair of Cockatiels (male on the left), perfectly camouflaged for foraging on bitumen... note the stiped pattern on the rump, tail and forehead of the female

Here the two feeding

Oi, mate, he's watching us! -- Aaah, never mind, he's harmless...

Here the male's back

Typical view of a pair of Cockatiels in a dead treetop; the female is on the left, the male on the right

Lateral view of a very young Cockatiel; note the short crest and the brownish plumage

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Dispersive Elementary unit: Flock

Food

Like basically all cockatoos and many parrots, Cockatiels are seed-eaters; primarily they take grass seeds.