Do Cockatiels Mate For Life?

Cockatiels is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the family of Cacatuidae. This fascinating bird is quite similar to look like a parrot. Most bird enthusiasts are wondering to know do cockatiels mate for life.

This loving bird is mostly native to Australia. Commonly it is also known as weero, weiro, or quarrion. The scientific name of cockatiels is Nymphicus hollandicus.

After budgerigar, the second most popular caged bird is cockatiel. Being a member of the cockatoo family, they have a vibrant distinctive presence of crest.

The average lifespan of the cockatiels is about 10 to 15 years. But, it is expected to live up to 16 to 25 years. However, the oldest cockatiel bird was reported to be at least 36 years old.

In today’s blog post, we will delve into the fascinating bird cockatiel mating partner in detail.

Are Cockatiels Monogamous? | Do Cockatiels Mate For Life?

Generally, the cockatiels are considered to be socially monogamous. They prefer to form long-term pair bonds with a single mate during the breeding season.

Forming a strong pair of bonds, the cockatiels can be variable in both the wild and in captivity. The pair may live together because of engaging activities such as preening, feeding, and raising their young ones.

How Do Male Cockatiels Choose Their Mating Partners?

Cockatiels are sociable birds that mainly prefer to live in Australian wetlands, scrublands, and bushland. They are found in western New South Wales, Queensland, Alice Springs, Western Australia, and the Cape York Peninsula.

Typically, these birds are observed in pairs or small flocks migrating from one place to another in search of food and water. During the courtship, the male cockatiels have a unique style of calling or impressing their potential partners.

Female cockatiels are mostly attracted by males when they begin to call or display their colorful plumage. It also includes their mating dance by bobbing their heads, hopping around, and singing.

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Once the pair is formed, then both sexes evaluate their potential partners depending on various factors during the mating period.

At the time of copulation, the female cockatiels are ready to mate with male cockatiels. While mating, the female will crouch down which leads the male to mate with her.

Cockatiels During Mating Season | Lifecycle of Cockatiels

During mating season, cockatiels exhibit courtship behaviors to attract a potential mating partner. Males perform aerial displays to attract female cockatiels.

To be a potential partner, the male cockatiels age should be at least 18 months old while the female cockatiels should be at least two years old.

The pair is often triggered during seasonal rainfall. So, the beautiful cockatiels build their nest in tree hollows which are closer to the source of fresh water. Both sexes will work together to build their nest. 

The cockatiel hen lays eggs. It lays about four to seven eggs one every other day. However, it is estimated that they can lay up to eight eggs.

Additionally, the incubation period occurs for seventeen to twenty-three days. After five weeks, the chicks fledge. Thereafter, both male as well as female cockatiels’ responsibilities begin after the eggs are hatched.

Then, both parents will work together to care for the young ones. Over that time, the male brings food for the young ones and the female.

It is believed that cockatiels are only the species of cockatoo that reproduces by the end of their first year. The young ones have to live with their parents for about twelve weeks of age.

The diet of the young cockatiels includes seeds, fruits, and vegetables like broccoli, peas, carrots, and cucumber.

How Many Times in a Year Does Cockatiels Mate?

Like other birds, the beautiful species of cockatiel courtship is not strictly mentioned to be in a year. The mating period of cockatiels is often influenced by various environmental factors.

Such as seasonal changes like rainfall, and availability of food, etc. They often breed once a year. Generally, the breeding period occurs from August to December.

Frequently Asked Questions