The back of our truck was home on San Salvador in the Bahamas
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Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) mutations in captivity and the natural environment (Australia). Relationship and possible evolutionary links to birds in southeast asia, such as cockatoos (Cacatua galerita/sulphurea) and parakeets.
Or, I'd also like to focus on cockatoos origin, evolutionaryy history, environment, and relationship to other parrot-like species.
I'm very interested in this subject because I'm the proud owner of a couple of rescued birdies. I have a 2 yr male lutino (wild type) cockatiel named Larry, and a 23 yr old female? sulfur crested cockatoo named Tika. I became a first time bird owner just 3 months ago and am amazed at the intelligence of these two species. The cockatoo's ability to problem solve is fascinating. I have used many different methods to lock and secure Tika's cage, but still she manages to open the door. And Larry will find any way possible to get to food being eaten by a human.
Both species are so numerous in their natural habitat that they are considered a nuisance to people, especially farmers. These birds are killed in the hundreds by farmers, but have still managed to thrive and populate. They must be cunning enough to steal food and escape quickly. Perhaps they are evolving to an even more intelligent creature due to the stress that humans are placing upon them?
The cockatiel species (Nymphicus hollandicus) developed in an isolated island environment, and is so unique that it cannot be put in the same category with parrot-type birds or parakeets. It shares traits from both these groups, but is still very unique. Larry is the wild type that would be found in the natural environment. Cockatiels are the fastest flying birds in Australia, and because of this, they are infamous for their often deadly crash landings! I've witnessed Larry's speed as he navigates around the house and am concerned about his lack of landing skill. (But, some consider it healthier to allow 'tiels' to fly) He had never been out of the cage when I got him, since he then he's greatly improved in flying.
The cockatoo can be found in parts of Australia, and most islands of southeast Asia, including Indonesia. The verdict is still out on which type Tika is, and even what sex. She/he may be Cacatua sulphurea sulphurea, Cacatua Galerita Galerita, Cacatua Galerita Fitzroyi, Cacatua Galerita Triton, or Cacatua Galerita Eleonora. I was told that it is a she and a medium sized species, but a few breeders and even my veterinarian have had differing views. The problem is that she was completely bald when I got her 3 months ago! So as her feathers grow in I'll be better able to tell.
For Further Info on this Topic, Check out this WWW Site: www.cockatoos.org, www.cockatiel.org .
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