There’s nothing quite like the joy of bringing a new cockatiel into your home. But as your bird grows, it can be difficult to track their size and know when they’ve reached their full potential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the growth journey of cockatiels, looking at wingspan, weight, length, male vs female, age, breed, comparison, growth, development and more.
How Big is a Full-Grown Cockatiel?
A full-grown cockatiel reaches an impressive size considering its classification as a small to medium bird. The average wingspan of an adult cockatiel is around 11 inches, with males generally having a larger wingspan than females. In terms of weight, a full-grown cockatiel will typically weigh between 55 and 75 grams. The length from head to tail can range from 8 to 11 inches, again with males usually being larger. Understanding the specific breed and sex of your cockatiel will provide a more accurate measurement of its full-grown size.
Is a Cockatiel a Small or Medium Bird?
Cockatiels are often considered both small and medium birds, depending on the context of comparison. When compared to larger parrots, cockatiels are relatively small. However, in the context of common pet birds, they are considered medium-sized. Their wingspan, weight, and length place them in a category that bridges the gap between small birds like budgies and larger birds like African Greys. This makes them a popular choice for bird enthusiasts who are looking for a pet that is manageable in size but still has a substantial presence.
How tall is a cockatiel?
The height of a cockatiel can be a bit misleading, as they are often measured in length from head to tail rather than standing height. However, if you were to measure a cockatiel from the bottom of its feet to the top of its crest, you would find that they stand at around 4 to 5 inches tall. This height can vary slightly depending on the breed and sex of the bird. The cockatiel’s tall crest, a distinctive feature of the species, adds to its perceived height and gives it a regal appearance.
Wingspan
Cockatiels are small birds, but they have surprisingly large wingspan for their size. The average cockatiel wingspan is around 11 inches, however, this can vary depending on the breed and sex of the bird. Generally, male cockatiels have larger wingspans than females.
Weight
The weight of a cockatiel can also vary depending on breed and sex. On average, a cockatiel will weigh between 55 and 75 grams. Male cockatiels tend to be heavier than females.
Length
Cockatiels are usually between 8-11 inches in length from head to tail. However, this can vary greatly depending on the breed and sex of the bird. Male cockatiels tend to be larger than females.
Male vs Female
Male and female cockatiels can look quite similar, but there are a few key differences in size and colouration that can help you tell them apart. Male cockatiels typically have a brighter yellow or orange face, while female cockatiels tend to have a grey or white face. Male cockatiels are also typically larger than female cockatiels, with larger wingspans and weights.
Age
Cockatiels can live for up to 20 years, but their growth rate can vary depending on their age. Young cockatiels will typically grow quickly, adding weight, length, and wingspan over the course of several months. As they reach adulthood, their growth will slow down and eventually stop.
Breed
The size of a cockatiel can also depend on its breed. Some breeds, such as the Pied Cockatiel, may be larger than others, with larger wingspans and weights. When choosing a breed, it’s important to research and compare sizes to ensure you pick the right cockatiel for your needs.
Comparison
When looking at the size of a cockatiel, it’s important to compare it to other birds of the same species. For example, a cockatiel may seem large when compared to a budgie, but it may be smaller than another cockatiel of the same breed. It’s important to take this into consideration when evaluating the size of your cockatiel.
Conclusion
Tracking the growth of a cockatiel can be a fun and rewarding experience. By taking into account wingspan, weight, length, male vs female, age, breed, comparison, growth, development and more, you can ensure your cockatiel is growing and developing properly. With the right care and attention, your cockatiel can reach its full size and potential.