Nymph

     Cockatiel ( Nymphicus hollandicus ) is originally from Australia. Nymphicus means "small nymph," in Greek mythology nymphs are beautiful women who liked music and dancing. Because this bird is so beautiful, playful and beautiful singing, Johann Georg Wagler, German scientist, was very inspired when he gave that name in 1832. hollandicus comes from the old name of Australia - "New Holland ". Nymph reached Europe in the mid nineteenth century, when it began colonization of Australia. In English this parrot is called "cockatiel", which means cockatoo small nymph is classified as the smallest bird in the familyCacauidaelor .

     Nymphs in the wild, live in flocks of 12-100 birds on large fields with groups of trees or bushes near a river. Are small migratory birds, with a height between 29-34 cm and weighing between 75-125 g matures at the age of 6-12 months, their average life is between 12-15 years.

     Nymphs usually plumage is gray. Males are larger than females, face and neck are yellow with orange spots on her cheeks. Eye color varies from brown to black. Crest male is yellow with shades of gray on peaks. Shoulders and wings are covered with white spots, beak and feet are gray and the bottom part of the tail is black. Females show almost the same, but attenuated coloring. Bottom of the female tail is yellow with white shades.

     Genetic mutations have produced eight varieties of colors. Nymphs in captivity can meet with plumage color: white, yellow, brown or silver.

     Nymphs mating season in northern Australia begins in April and lasts until June, and in South Australia begins in August and lasts until December. Usually make their nests in eucalyptus trees, near a source of fresh water. Females deposit between 4 and 7 eggs which hatch about 3 weeks. Nymphs are some of the few parrots that hatched the male part.

     In the wild they feed on seeds and fruits. In captivity their diet must contain carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Which means that in addition to specific pellets and seed mixtures purchased from specialty stores are offering a variety of nymphs and vegetable: carrots, potatoes, peppers, cabbage, tomatoes, eggplant, beans, peas, apples, pears, grapes, raisins, apricots, oranges, pineapple, etc.. Birds choose their food and by the look and feel they not only taste, so you prepare your parrot table, note the colors and shape of vegetables and fruit.

     Nymphs are affectionate birds are ideal as pets. Besides having a beautiful song, are able to learn simple songs and words.