White Face Cockatiel
White Face Cockatiel
Blog Article
The white-faced cockatiel is a color mutation of the standard cockatiel, characterized by a white or grayish face, lacking the orange cheek patches and yellow coloring typically seen in other cockatiels[1][2][3]. This mutation first appeared in 1964 in Holland and is now a popular pet bird[1][3].
**Description:** White-faced cockatiels have a unique appearance, with a white or grayish face and gray plumage[2][3]. They can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in size and weigh 3 to 4 ounces[1][6].
**Distinguishing Males and Females:** Male white-faced cockatiels have a whiter head, while females have a more grayish head[1][5]. Additionally, females have barred markings underneath their tail feathers, which are absent in males[1].
**Care and Maintenance:**
* **Housing:** White-faced cockatiels need a cage that is at least two feet cubed (two feet long, two feet wide, and two feet tall)[2].
* **Feeding:** They should be fed specially formulated cockatiel food, with brands like Harrison's and Zupreem being good options[2].
* **Grooming:** Grooming includes trimming their nails and beaks, which can be done professionally by a vet[3]. They also need frequent baths to help with excess feather dust; a bowl of cool water should be placed in their here cage two to three times a week for bathing[3].
* **Socialization**: Cockatiels are social creatures that need plenty of interaction to avoid loneliness and depression[2].
**Health:** White-faced cockatiels, like other cockatiel mutations, may have less-developed immune systems, so it's important to watch for any signs of illness[2].
**Temperament:** White-faced cockatiels are social birds who enjoy spending time with their families and other cockatiels[3]. They are energetic and playful and can learn to mimic sounds and whistles[3]. Males are often better whistlers and speakers than females[3].
**Cost and Availability:** White-faced cockatiels can be purchased from reputable breeders for $200-$500, depending on their age, mutation, health, and personality[3]. They can also sometimes be found at pet stores[3].
**Color Mutations:** White-faced cockatiels have several color mutations[1][3]:
* White-faced grey cockatiel
* White-faced pearl cockatiel
* White-faced pied cockatiel
* White-faced pearl pied cockatiel
* White-faced cinnamon cockatiel
* White-faced cinnamon pearl cockatiel
* White-faced cinnamon pied cockatiel
**Albino Cockatiels:** Albino cockatiels are often confused with white-faced cockatiels, but they are a combination of a click here white-faced cockatiel and a lutino cockatiel[1][3]. The "whiteface gene" removes yellow and orange coloring, while the "lutino gene" removes black and grey, resulting in an all-white bird with red eyes[1].
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-faced_cockatiel
[2] https://www.petsmont.com/blogs/pets/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-white-faced-cockatiel
[3] https://pangovet.com/pet-breeds/birds/white-faced-cockatiel/
[4] https://www.shutterstock.com/search/white-faced-cockatiel
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/cockatiel/comments/115b7e3/is_my_whiteface_a_male_or_female/
[6] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/white-faced-cockatiels-white-everything-you-need-know-dr-anees-ashraf-o7laf
[7] https://www.facebook.com/groups/cockatielbirdsfamily/posts/3737092493228273/
[8] https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/white-faced-cockatiel.html