A cockatiel’s crest (mohawk) is a grouping of semiplume feathers on the top of the head.
A cockatiel can move its crest feathers, making it a reliable mood barometer, especially when paired with body language and vocalizations. The crest will usually be flat, half-raised, or fully raised.
If the crest is flat and the cockatiel seems agitated, it’ll likely bite if approached. A flat crest curled upward denotes happiness, which will be reflected in singing, chirping, and other positive actions.
If its crest points directly upward, a cockatiel is usually calm and content. If the crest curls forward while upright, something has captured its attention, meaning it feels cautious or curious.
It’s uncommon to see a cockatiel’s crest half-raised unless it’s exhausted and ready for sleep.
Why Cockatiels Have Crests
Crests are primarily a means of communication, especially among wild birds.
When another cockatiel approaches it in the wild, the crest may rise and puff up. This is to make the cockatiel look larger and more intimidating to adversaries.
In captivity, the crest is an essential communication tool between a cockatiel and its caregiver.
While assessing a cockatiel’s emotional state based entirely on the position of its mohawk isn’t 100% accurate, it’s an essential part of its body language.
Cockatiel Crest Position Meaning
Common crest positions in cockatiels sometimes have more than one meaning.
As you bond with a cockatiel and spend more time together, you’ll understand the meaning of its body language. The position of the cockatiel’s mohawk plays a significant role in determining its mood.
| Emotion | Crest Position | Other Body Language |
|---|---|---|
| Anger: | Flat against the head. | Pinning eyes, spreading wings, crouching, and hissing. |
| Calm: | Straight up. | Eyes half-closed, and limited movement. |
| Cautious: | Fully raised and curved. | Pinning eyes and observing. |
| Curiosity: | Fully raised and curved. | Craning neck and pinning eyes. |
| Happiness: | Flat and curved. | Hopping, tail wagging, chirping, and singing. |
| Tired: | Half-raised and curved. | Preening and tucking the head under a wing. |
Here’s a guide to the meaning of different crest positions:
Crest Standing Upright
If a cockatiel’s crest points straight up, it usually denotes calm and contentment.
As positive as a raised crest is, the mohawk shouldn’t always be up. It should sometimes drop to a ‘half mast.’ If this isn’t happening, it may be unable to relax.
The same applies if the cockatiel is sleeping with its crest up. Cockatiels have a third eyelid, the nictitating membrane, which enables them to sleep with their open eyes to flee danger.
Fully Raised and Curved Crest
While a fully raised crest suggests a cockatiel is calm and content, a curl denotes curiosity. Alternatively, it may be displaying early signs of caution.
You’ll notice this crest position when something unfamiliar enters a cockatiel’s line of sight. Cockatiels are suspicious and uncertain of new objects or people, so they’ll watch closely.
A cockatiel is also likely to curve its crest forward if it notices humans eating or if another pet is in the room. It wonders if it’ll also receive food and if the new animal is a threat.
The crest should relax once its curiosity has been sated. If it still appears cautious, offer reassurance.
Half Raised and Curved Crest
As the day advances and sunset draws nearer, expect to find the crest dropping to half-mast and curving forward. This is a sign that it’s growing tired and ready for sleep.
You shouldn’t see a half-raised crest often during the day. If you see the crest adopting this position in the evening, especially in the winter, consider feeding the bird and covering its cage.
Flat and Lowered Crest
A crest flat against the head means the cockatiel is annoyed, which is a warning not to approach. This crest position will be accompanied by other body language and behaviors.
If the cockatiel is agitated, note the following warning signs:
- Crouching.
- Fluffed feathers.
- Staring at you while pinning the eyes.
- Hissing or growling.
- Opening and closing the beak.
The cockatiel’s temper may be attributable to hormones during the breeding season.
Flat and Curved Crest
If the cockatiel is in a good mood, its crest may be flat against the head but curved at the top.
It’ll make no secret of the joy in its heart, singing and chirping contentedly. You may also find the cockatiel hopping from foot to foot, shaking its tail feathers, and flapping its wings.
How Cockatiels Move Their Crests
Cockatiel crests are plumulaceous feathers, so they’re flexible. Their position can be adjusted at will. They change the position of their crest by contracting muscles.
Based on unfolding events, you’ll likely find the cockatiel adjusts its crest position throughout the day.
Why Cockatiels Lose Crest Feathers
Cockatiels experience a molt of their feathers once or twice a year, including the crest feathers. The purpose of a molt is to replace worn and damaged feathers that are no longer fit for purpose.
Due to their function in communication, a cockatiel’s feathers are regularly used. This means they’ll be subjected to significant wear and tear and must be replaced.
Cockatiels molt around the onset of spring, preparing to shed thicker winter feathers that’ll no longer be needed. Then, they grow robust, vibrant replacements in time for the breeding season.
Something else may be afoot if a cockatiel loses feathers in the fall or winter.
Check to see if it’s sleeping through the night because cockatiels are prone to night frights. If this doesn’t apply, check the top of the head and the rest of the body for parasites, ringworm, or inflammation.
A vet must assess a skin complaint that causes bald patches.
Cockatiels can be prone to plucking feathers in times of stress or ill health, but they can’t reach their crest. If two cockatiels share a cage, one bird may have pulled out the other’s feathers.
Do Cockatiel Crest Feathers Grow Back?
Usually, crest feathers regrow following a molt, but the process takes about 2 months.
If a cockatiel has lost crest feathers in a fight, damage may have been done to the follicles, preventing regrowth. Alternatively, there could be a medical explanation for the lack of feather regrowth.
