Since we kept them in captivity, there have been different variations in the cockatiel’s mutation. Even Cockatiel colors have to do with these changes and crosses between birds. In order to explain which the most popular shades of feathers are, we will comment on the species found and the plumage of each one. Read on to learn more about all the cockatiel colors.
Types of cockatiel and their colors
This bird is originally from Australia. There is only one species of this bird, Nymphicus hollandicus. We know it as quarrion, or weirdo bird. It is a small parrot. Despite this, there are several mutations and colors of the cockatiel. So, if you want to add one of these little birds to your family, decide which mutation you would like to have.
Wild
Silvestre is the original bird of all cockatiel color mutations. For this reason, it has the natural color of the wild bird. In this case, the males have gray bodies, with a white stripe on each wing, bright yellow heads and crests, and those fluffy orange cheek patches. Females also look the same, but their yellow heads and orange cheeks are paler. In addition, it is one of the most common species.
Harlequin
Pied, the oldest mutation of the cockatiel found in California in 1949. While some birds are very similar to those already known of the species, you can recognize others by the presence of just a few gray feathers in pale yellow plumage. Incidentally, the plumage of most harlequin cockatiel colors has a dark gray coloration on the wings and the rest are lighter. The symmetry of the markings also happens, but it is difficult to achieve. A curious fact is that this type of bird has a characteristic song, which helps to identify it.
Lutino
Also being one of the most popular mutations among cockatiels, Lutino is a bird developed in the United States in 1958. It is a white bird with a yellow head and orange spots on its cheek. Incidentally, male and female Lutino looks the same.
White face
The white cockatiel, known as Albino, is a bird that is not colored. These birds are gray and white, that is, they do not have a colored beak or orange cheeks. In fact, some of these birds can have brownish tones, despite this being a cockatiel with rare colors.
Pearl
The pearl is a variation of the bird that, among the known cockatiel colors, also has gray spots on its body. However, the spotted pattern varies. As males can lose their mottled appearance as they age, while females remain mottled for life.
Lower leg
The cinnamon cockatiel can vary greatly in color depth. Adults are darker due to the natural presence of more melanin in their plumage. In fact, a warm and uniform shade of cinnamon is usually predominant in cockatiels of this type. In addition, the legs and eyes are lighter than those of normal cockatiels are.
What does a bird’s lifespan depend on?
It is important to understand that in order for the pet to have a long and healthy life and to be able to accompany its owner for a few decades, some essential management care is essential. Among these precautions, we can mention adequate food, asepsis of the space, environmental enrichment, dedication, time and physical activities.
