Cockatiel: Encyclopedia II - Cockatiel - Biology

Cockatiel - Biology

For many years, the relationship between cockatiels and other cockatoos was unclear. While most other cockatoos are 500 mm to 600 mm in length, cockatiels are normally 300 mm to 330 mm. There are several significant characteristics that are unique to cockatiels, including an erectile crest, a gallbladder, and powder down patches. Recent genetic studies have confirmed the position of the cockatiel within the family Cacatuidae; currently it is the only species in the genus Nymphicus and in the subfamily Nymphicanae. It is clearly more closely related to the Calyptorhynchinae (black cockatoos) than to the Cactuinae (white cockatoos). Despite its apparent physical differences, it actually is thought to have diverged from the black cockatoos quite recently.

The cockatiel's scientific name Nymphicus hollandicus reflects the experience of one of the earliest groups of Europeans to see cockatiels in their native habitat. Travellers thought they were so beautiful that they named them after the mythical creatures, the nymphs. The species name refers to New Holland, an old name for the land of Australia where they were found.

Cockatiels are native only to Australia where they are found largely in arid or semi-arid country, but always near water. Sometimes hundreds will flock around a single such body of water. They are absent from the most fertile southwest and southeast corners of the country, the deepest Western Australian deserts, and Cape York Peninsula. They are the only cockatoo species that can breed in their first year.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Biology", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki