Cockatiels
Cockatiels are from the family Cockatoo. In fact, they are the smallest species of Cockatoo and have the most domesticated personalities. They are well known for their calm disposition and gentle nature. Males are known for their singing abilities and limited talking skills. Males and females differ visually as well as behaviorally. Males tend to be louder and like to strut around and sing to attract females. Females, on the other hand, are generally quietier and prefer to search for nesting sites and preen. Depending on the color mutation, females will usually lack coloring compared to males.
Color Mutations
Normal Gray
Normal grays are what you see in the wild. This is the natural look of a Cockatiel. Males develop bright yellow head feathers whereas the females retain their gray feathers. With this mutation, males and females can easily be identified once they have grown in their adult feathers. Young cockatiels look identical regardless of gender.
Lutino
"It's the yellow oooooone"
Lutino cockatiels are all yellow. This makes it nearly impossible to tell males and females apart. It is recommended if you want to know the gender of your lutino cockatiel, that you either get it DNA sexed or carefully observe typical characteristics associated with male and female behavior.
Pied
White Face
Cinnamon
Pearled