Cockatiels have bright and shiny orange cheeks that attract every parrot lover. Cockatiels cheeks that have pigmentation known as lipochromes. Lipochromes are responsible for giving orange color to the cockatiels cheeks. Due to presence of lipochrome, cocktails have orange cheeks. Orange cheeks of cockatiels are helpful. Through their orange cheeks, they attract their flock members and their social interaction increases.
Male and female cockatiels have 95% orange patches on their cheeks. Orange cheeks are more visible in male cockatiels as compared to the females. Orange color of male cheeks attract females by showing that they have good health. Their cheeks are more attractive to their mates.
Ornithology Textbooks cover a wide part on coloration of cockatiels. It describes various functions of cockatiels orange cheeks.
In this article I will tell you:
- Do adolescent cockatiels have orange cheeks?
- Do male cockatiels have orange cheeks?
- Do female cockatiels have orange cheeks?
- Can cockatiels change their cheek colors?
- Is it bad not to have orange colored cheeks for cockatiels?
Let’s start without wasting time!
Do Adolescent Cockatiels Have Orange Cheeks?
No, adolescent cockatiels have no orange cheeks. It is very difficult to know that adolescent cocktails. Because they have orange cheeks, when they are young, it’s appearance is different. Actually when cockatiel is born, it have no feathers on its body. They don’t resemble to their parents cockatiel. But you can see that when they grew to adult, orange color appear on their cheeks. Then, they resemble the parent cockatiel.
You can see the changes in your baby cockatiel, but it depends on genes and how cocktail becomes mature. Cockatiel appears same to their parents with orange cheeks means they are mature. Cocktails will become mature at the age of 18 to 24 months. But, this age varies among cockatiel species.
If orange color appear on cheeks of cocktail at the early age, then it enters into the spectrum of maturity.
Do Male Cockatiels Have Orange Cheeks?
Yes, male cocktails have orange cheeks. Actually orange color of the cheeks is the basic difference between male and female. Cockatiels have dimorphic sexes. The orange pigmentation varies among cockatiel. This orange color enhances the beauty and attraction by male cocktail.
They have a orange cheeks but they look different from female cockatiels. The main differences is that they have yellow patches on their head. They are not more gray like female cockatiels. It is challenging to see Orange cheeks. Because their head is cover with yellow patches. But, it is very common among cocktails. But the common thing that you will see in all male cockatiels is the presence of orange pigmentation.
Every cockatiel has its own personality. They have different factor that makes difference among each other.
Do Female Cockatiels Have Orange Cheeks?
Yes, female cockatiels have orange cheeks. Like males, female cocktails have orange cheeks. But they have small patches of shading over all on their body. From very young age, female cockatiels have more gray patches on their head. So, the orange color is more prominent on their cheeks because of the grayish head. You can see orange color on gray color.
Some female species have more gray feathers. Some has more yellow patches on their head like males. It is difficult to distinguish between cockatiel species, when yellow patches appear.
If you see more orange cheeks and gray feathers then it is female cockatiel species. As an owner, you should know the difference cockatiel species in the physical realm.
Can Cockatiels Change Orange Cheeks Color?
Yes, cocktails can change the orange color cheeks. But, it occurs by nature or through any accident. Deformity occurs due to the change in cheek colors due to injury. Cocktails also lose their orange color due to age factor. They are born with orange cheeks.
Male cockatiels have orange cheeks and yellow head. While the female cocktails have less orange colored cheeks with gray head. Yellow and gray color of head differentiate between male and female cockatiel. Most owners, differentiate cockatiel species by more or less color of feathers.
There are some cockatiels that have white colored face without any color on cheeks. Rarely, they have a very small patches of yellow color on their cheeks. But, most of them look different from cockatiels
Albino cockatiels are very rare. They have white feathers on their body with white cheeks and face. So, it is important to differentiate between the various species of cockatiel. The orange cheeks will help you in deciding whether the cocktail you have is male or female.
Is It Bad If a Cockatiel Doesn’t Have Orange Cheeks?
No, it is not a bad thing if a cockatiel doesn’t have orange cheeks. If your cockatiel cheek color changes due to any injury, then it is a bad thing. Cockatiels have orange colored cheeks. Cheek colors vary due to genetic factors. Every species of cockatiel has its own cheek color. Yet, you can get confused by their appearance due to the change in cheek colors.
If cockatiel cheeks burnt due to any injury, ensure to help them until they become healthy. In this situation, you have to give first aid immediately to protect your cockatiels life. If you have a trustworthy veterinary doctor, then your cockatiel life is not at risk. The vet will tell you about the problem and how to solve it.
Age factor changes the cheek colors and appearance of cockatiels. Most of their feather colors become dull. They lose the orange color of their cheeks and their cheeks fade. But, if cheek color changes other than age factors, then it is better to consult a veterinary doctor. Don’t be afraid and panic in this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do Cockatiels have Red Cheeks?
Cockatiels have specialized pigmentation that give red color to their cheeks. These type of patches are mostly seen in wild cockatiels. These patches have multiple functions like attracting their mates, communication with other species, and provision of signals to their flock members.
What are the Fun Facts about Orange Cheeks of Cockatiels?
As a cockatiel owner, here, I will tell you some fun facts about the orange cheeks of cockatiels.
- Orange cheeks enables bird lovers to differentiate between male and female cockatiels.
- The orange cheeks attract other bird species and their communication skill increases.
- Bright feathers of cockatiels help them in regulating the body temperature.
- Orange color of cheeks also predicts their diet, health and other factors.
Conclusion
By nature, cockatiels have orange cheeks. Orange cheeks differentiate the male and female cockatiels. Male cockatiels have more bright orange cheeks as compared to the female species. Orange cheeks of male cockatiel attract females during breeding season.
Good and bright feather colors are the symbol for good mental and physical health. It shows the fitness of mates. Cheek patches are very important in interaction and recognition. Orange cheeks play an important role in attracting the mate during mating. It shows social cohesion.
If you have any queries text me in the comment box, I will reply to you soon. Thanks for reading!
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I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!