Cockatiels are a popular choice among bird enthusiasts due to their diverse mutations. The Normal Gray is the most recognized, featuring a gray body with white wing bars and vibrant orange cheek patches. The Lutino mutation offers a striking yellow-white body and red eyes, while the Pearl type is noted for its pattern of white spots. Whiteface Cockatiels lack the typical yellow and orange colors, displaying a clean white and gray contrast. The Pied variety shows a unique, patchy coloration, each bird having a distinctive pattern. Other notable types include the Cinnamon, Yellowface, Silver, and Albino, each with distinct plumage and characteristics. These varieties provide a broad spectrum of appealing visual traits that enhance any collection. More insights await as you explore further into the world of cockatiels.
Normal Gray Cockatiel
The Normal Gray Cockatiel is characterized by its gray plumage, white wing accents, and vibrant orange cheek patches. It is the most commonly encountered color variant of this popular avian species. These birds exhibit a distinct pattern of white barring on their wings, a trait more pronounced in males.
Recognizable by their gray bodies and orange cheeks, they are a striking example of cockatiel diversity.
Lutino Cockatiel
Moving from the common Normal Gray, Lutino Cockatiels offer a visually distinct variety with their vibrant yellow-white plumage and striking orange cheek patches.
These birds showcase red eyes, a result of lacking gray pigment production. As the second established mutation in America and not found in the wild, Lutino cockatiels are bred specifically for their appealing yellow-white appearance and vivid orange cheeks.
Pearl Cockatiel
Pearl Cockatiels are distinguished by their unique pattern of white spots, known as pearls, adorning their bodies, heads, and wings.
This color mutation, developed solely through selective breeding, features striking orange cheeks that enhance their alluring appearance.
Unlike males, females retain their pearl patterns throughout life, presenting a consistently ornate plumage that contributes to their popularity among bird enthusiasts and pet owners alike.
Whiteface Cockatiel
Whiteface Cockatiels are characterized by their distinctive lack of the usual orange and yellow pigmentation, setting them apart in the spectrum of Cockatiel mutations. These birds exhibit a unique appearance with males typically displaying white heads and gray markings, while females have gray faces.
Known as white-faced Lutinos, they blend Lutino and Whiteface traits, making them a rare and visually striking choice among mutations.
Pied Cockatiel
Pied Cockatiels are distinguished by their irregular, patchy coloration, which results in a mosaic of unpigmented areas mingled with normal feather hues. Each bird showcases a unique pattern, often marked by stray white or yellow feathers.
Their striking appearance is further enhanced by distinct cheek patches, differing from individual to individual, making every Pied Cockatiel uniquely enchanting among the various color mutations.
Cinnamon Cockatiel
Cinnamon Cockatiels, characterized by their warm brown plumage, offer a striking alternative to the traditional gray coloration of their species. These birds showcase yellow masks in males and more subdued cheek colors in females. Remarkably, they can feature white or yellow tail feathers and are found in pied and pearl patterns.
Their earthy tones distinctly set them apart, enhancing their visual appeal.
Yellowface Cockatiel
Yellowface Cockatiels are distinguished by their vibrant yellow cheeks, a striking deviation from the traditional orange cheek patches seen in other varieties.
This recent color mutation presents a unique appearance, maintaining the typical gray body but enhancing it with bright, vibrant coloration.
Their distinctive and eye-catching look makes Yellowface Cockatiels a standout addition to any collection of these charming birds.
Silver Cockatiel
Silver Cockatiels, recognized for their elegant color mutations, are available in both recessive and dominant types, each displaying unique visual characteristics.
The recessive silver showcases a light silvery shade with red eyes, while dominant silvers possess a similar light silvery base but with dark gray accents on the head.
These genetic mutations contribute to their rarity and desirability among bird enthusiasts.
Albino Cockatiel
The Albino Cockatiel, known for its stunning pure white plumage and red eyes, is a fascinating example of genetic mutation in avian species.
These birds, often dubbed white-faced Lutino, exhibit a unique mutation combining traits from both Lutino and Whiteface Cockatiels.
Exclusive to captivity, Albino Cockatiels showcase the absence of pigment, with females sometimes displaying barred patterns on their wing undersides.
Fallow Cockatiel
Fallow Cockatiels are recognized for their distinctive dusty brown coloration tinged with yellow. They possess deep red eyes that set them apart from similar varieties. Nearly indistinguishable from cinnamon cockatiels, they exhibit a unique color palette that adds a striking visual appeal to their appearance.
The yellow-leaning dusty brown coloring and deep red eyes make Fallow Cockatiels an alluring choice for bird enthusiasts.
Emerald Cockatiel
Emerald Cockatiels, a rare mutation in the species, boast a pale gray coloration with a unique yellow tinge and a distinctive greenish hue.
This variety features greenish plumage influenced by a dilute gene affecting melanin. Its feathers display a scalloped pattern, enhancing its exotic appeal.
Breeders value this mutation for its striking visual diversity, adding allure to the cockatiel species.
Olive Cockatiel
Olive Cockatiels are mesmerizing due to their rare and distinctive appearance. These birds exhibit a pale gray color with a subtle yellow tinge, creating a unique greenish hue. The scalloped pattern and interplay of colors result from a rare mutation that affects melanin production. As a result, Olive Cockatiels stand out as prized additions to any cockatiel enthusiast's collection.
Pastelface Cockatiel
Moving from the rare Olive Cockatiel, we now explore the Pastelface Cockatiel, a mutation noted for its gentle, pastel-toned plumage. This color mutation is distinguished by its unique coloring, displaying a blend of light pink, yellow, and gray.
The Pastelface Cockatiel is cherished for its soft pastel-like appearance and subtle hues, offering a softer and more muted color palette appealing to bird enthusiasts.
Dominant Silver Cockatiel
The Dominant Silver Cockatiel is easily distinguishable due to its striking silvery plumage and red eyes. This variant is influenced by dominant genetic traits, resulting in a unique appearance with a light silvery coloration overall. Additionally, these cockatiels feature a dark gray area on the head. The distinct characteristics of the Dominant Silver Cockatiel, driven by dominant genes, contribute significantly to the diversity of color mutations seen in captive cockatiel populations.
What are the Main Differences Between Cockatiel and Pigeon Birds?
One of the main differences between cockatiel and pigeon bird types with pictures is their physical appearance. Cockatiels are smaller with vivid colors and a distinctive crest, while pigeon birds come in a variety of sizes and colors, with a more compact body and a unique plump shape.
Whiteface Pied Cockatiel
Continuing with another unique variant, the Whiteface Pied Cockatiel showcases a striking absence of the typical orange and yellow facial pigmentation seen in other color mutations.
This rare color mutation features males with white heads marked with gray, while females often exhibit all-gray faces.
Their mostly white appearance, accented with gray streaks, lends these birds a beautiful and elegant look, distinguishing them distinctly within the Cockatiel species.