Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are native to Australia, and are the smallest member of the cockatoo family. Also known as ‘weeros’ or ‘quarrions’ in various parts of Australia they inhabitat grasslands and shrublands in drier arid inland regions . Wild cockatiels are adapted to the harsh Australian climate, which can range from intense heat to droughts but are seldom found in actual desert areas. They are also less likely to inhabit coastal fringes especially in the south east and northwest areas. Although not technically migratory birds larger numbers are found within the western edge of the Great Dividing Range and northern Victoria during the breeding season which extends from early spring to late summer. Once the breeding season has past they tend to move further west and north until by the time winter arrives (June to late August) they are found throughout most of the states and territories even as far north as Darwin. As winter departs and breeding season approaches they head east once more. The only state the cockatiel is not naturally found in is Tasmania and the sightings there are most likely birds that have escaped aviaries.

In the wild, they are highly social, living in flocks that can number in the hundreds, especially during the non-breeding drier season. These flocks are constantly on the move, foraging for food and seeking out water sources. Their main diet consists of seeds, either commercially grown crops or wild grasses. The preferred seed depended on the area and what crops were grown there. When sorghum is the main crop grown birds seemed to prefer eating the seed before it was fully ripe and therefore softer. Other favourite commercial crops are sunflower and millet. About 29 different types of seed were found in total to make up their diet but of course in different areas where seeds differ there were variations. The bulk of their diet primarily consists of a mix of sunflower, millet, queensland bluegrass, native millet, and canary grass. Their crops have also been found to contain small rocks and pieces of charcoal that may assist in digestion.

The cockatiels daily routine in the wild is primarily dictated by daylight and temperature. Just after sunrise the flock heads out for their first feed of the day which usually last up to an hour. This routine is repeated in the evening before sunset for around the same period of time. They have also been observed occasionally feeding for short 10 minute periods just before dark and in the middle of the day. Most of the food is consumed in their long feed late afternoons and on completion they head for the trees to roost for the night.

 During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the spring and summer months, cockatiels nest in tree hollows or other sheltered spaces. Both parents incubate and raise the chicks with the male sitting during the day and the hen at night. They lay a clutch of 4 to 7 eggs in usually a eucalyptus tree hollow that is within a close distance to water. The nesting material consists of decaying wood inside the hollow. The eggs hatch between 17 and 21 days after the parents begin incubating them and after hatching remain in the nest for 4 – 5 weeks. Once they fledge they remain dependant on the parents for food for a further month or more while they learn to forage for themselves. Their diet consists of the same native and introduced seeds that the parents consume daily. Once the chicks are independant the bonded parents remain together and will nest again the following season.

Social behavior is a major characteristic of cockatiels in the wild. Flocks often engage in complex communication, using a variety of vocalizations, such as whistles and chirps, to convey information. Cockatiels are known for their distinctive crest, which they raise and lower in response to different emotional states. In the wild, this crest may play a role in signaling to other birds in the flock or in courtship displays. Their ability to communicate and maintain strong social bonds helps them navigate the challenges of their environment, such as predator threats or the search for resources.

Their current status is considered common throughout inland parts of Australia. Due to the increased production of commercial grain their numbers and distribution may have been affected to the point that in some agricultural areas they may even be considered a pest. There is no doubt that the high population is indicative of a species that is at present safe.