Cockatiel on 09.06.2008 in Wilhelma/Stuttgart - The cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is an Australian bird species from the order of parrots (Psittaciformes).

Cockatiel on 09.06.2008 in Wilhelma/Stuttgart - The cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is an Australian bird species from the order of parrots (Psittaciformes). It was previously unclear whether the cockatiel belonged to the cockatoos or the parakeets within the parrots (older names such as cockatoo parakeet and long-tailed cockatoo indicate these uncertainties in nomenclature), but it is now certain that it is classified among the cockatoos. - The birds, about 30 to 34 centimeters long, weigh approximately 90 to 110 grams. They live 15 to 20 years, in some cases up to 30 years. The original appearance of the cockatiel is gray with white wing coverts and an orange cheek patch. Males have a pronounced yellow facial mask, females have yellow-black barring on the underside of the tail. Unusual is the long pointed feather crest on the head, which the birds probably use to express sensations and moods. - Natural habitat and diet: Cockatiels live in the dry inland areas of Australia. They are currently not endangered there, but the existing wild population is considered to be declining. Except in closed forests, cockatiels can be found in almost every vegetation type of their habitat. The flocks live nomadically and roam extensive areas, only settling in one place during the breeding season. Typically, a flock consists of up to 50 individuals. During seasonal migrations, very large flocks form. At waterholes, over 1,000 birds have been observed simultaneously. Due to this constant mixing of the population, no recognizable subspecies have developed. Wild cockatiels feed on semi-ripe grasses and millets. Wheat and sorghum are also used. When foraging on the ground, one flock member (preferably a male) always remains perched on a high vantage point to warn of danger. - Source = WIKIPEDIA

Manfred Möldner http://www.railpix-ch.de/ 22.06.2008, 699 Views, 0 Comments * automatically translated