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- #1
When CITES was considering the status of parrots, a decision was made to upgrade all species of parrots to make it more difficult to export and import them. Three species (as I recall) were excluded from the upgrade, Budgerigars (Melopsitaccus undulatus), Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), and Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), as these species are widely bred and very numerous in captivity. Nonetheless, seeing wild cockatiels was one of my goals and a truly thrilling experience on my recent trip to Australia. We spent some time in the "Red Center" of the country, hoping to see birds congregate at waterholes. Great for the birds, but unfortunate for us, there had been an unusual amount of rain around Alice Springs, so the birds were not congregating around a few available waterholes, as water was everywhere. While watching a small pool in a river, we were surprised and delighted when a flock of cockatiels came in to drink. The birds perched in a nearby tree and flew around for a while, giving us many photographic opportunities.
Cockatiels are members of the cockatoo family. However, the species is the earliest branch off of the family tree as determined by DNA sequencing, having diverged from other cockatoos more than 20 million years ago. Other than having a crest, they do not look very much like other family members. As shown in the images, the difference between males and females is easily discerned.
As an aside, I am often asked about how difficult parrots are as pets. I always answer that they are very difficult and require lots of care to make a good pet. Parrots are very noisy and very loud, they require almost constant attention, they tend to bond strongly to one person, and they have very strong beaks that bite hard and allow them to chew up wooden furniture. Cockatiels are a bit of an exception, as recently fledged juveniles are easily tamed, they are quite affectionate, all cockatiels sold in the US are captive bred, and, although they are not "good talkers", they can be taught to whistle a tune.
1. A male cockatiel perches on the shore of a small stream and takes a look around before getting a drink.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/800 second @ f/8.0, ISO 800.
2. A female cockatiel is captured as she takes off.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, 1/3200 second @ f/8.0, ISO 500.
3. A male and a female cockatiel take a drink from a slowly flowing stream.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/3200 second @ f/8.0, ISO 800.
4. Two flight shots of a male cockatiel, one flying past and one coming right at me.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/3200 second @ f/8.0, ISO 800.
Cockatiels are members of the cockatoo family. However, the species is the earliest branch off of the family tree as determined by DNA sequencing, having diverged from other cockatoos more than 20 million years ago. Other than having a crest, they do not look very much like other family members. As shown in the images, the difference between males and females is easily discerned.
As an aside, I am often asked about how difficult parrots are as pets. I always answer that they are very difficult and require lots of care to make a good pet. Parrots are very noisy and very loud, they require almost constant attention, they tend to bond strongly to one person, and they have very strong beaks that bite hard and allow them to chew up wooden furniture. Cockatiels are a bit of an exception, as recently fledged juveniles are easily tamed, they are quite affectionate, all cockatiels sold in the US are captive bred, and, although they are not "good talkers", they can be taught to whistle a tune.
1. A male cockatiel perches on the shore of a small stream and takes a look around before getting a drink.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/800 second @ f/8.0, ISO 800.
2. A female cockatiel is captured as she takes off.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, 1/3200 second @ f/8.0, ISO 500.
3. A male and a female cockatiel take a drink from a slowly flowing stream.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/3200 second @ f/8.0, ISO 800.
4. Two flight shots of a male cockatiel, one flying past and one coming right at me.
Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, TC engaged, 1/3200 second @ f/8.0, ISO 800.
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