Cockatiel, kok uh TEEL, also spelled cockateel, is a type of parrot. It lives throughout Australia, except in coastal areas. The cockatiel is about 121/2 inches (32 centimeters) long and has a crown of feathers on its head and a long, tapered tail. Cockatiels are mostly gray. The male has a bright yellow head with an orange ear patch on each side. The female has duller head colors.