Breeding of the Cockatiel Nymphicus hollaildicus in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia

Abstract

Cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus were first recorded in small numbers at Burakin (200 km north-east of Perth) in 1974/75. They were common during the spring and summer from 1977/78 to 1980/81, but few were seen in the spring of 1981 and none was seen in 1982 or 1983. Their arrival and departure from Burakin coincided with the onset and breaking of a drought. Breeding took place every year from 1977 to 1981; nests were in Salmon Gum Eucalyptus salmonophloia or Gimlet E. salubris 3 m to 10 m above ground. Data from 14 nests found in 1979 and 1980 showed that clutches were started from July to late September; mean clutch, brood and fledgling group sizes were 3.4, 2.8 and 2.6 respectively. Young fledged when 23+ to 31+ days old after which they stayed with their parents for at least one month.