The Cockatiel is one of the best known and loved of all the parrot family. They are cheerful, friendly, very easily trained, and because of this they are one of the most popular birds. They can talk but it is usually confined to the males. They are more prone to whistling and love to mimic a person if you whistle to them. One of their attributes is the crest on top of the head. To observe it standing up imitates pride and regal ness.
	The 'Normal' Cockatiel: This color variation is typical of Cockatiels in the wild. The primary color of plumage is gray. In captivity they come in a variety of colors: White Face Pearl and White Face Pied Cockatiels, the Silver, Pied, Fallows, Albino, Cinnamon, Lutino, and  Pearl. In addition to these color variations, the cockatiel has also been seen in several different types of cross mutations. Some newer, rare mutations include Olives, Yellow faces, and Pastels.