How to Teach Your Cockatiel to Wolf Whistle

Cockatiels are noted for their ability to whistle and mimic.

Cockatiels are known for their ability to whistle various tunes and even learn a few words. They also make amiable and charming pets. The wolf whistle is a two-note whistle, often used in cartoons and movies, that is most commonly used to show appreciation for (or catch the attention of) an attractive woman. It's an amusing whistle to teach your cockatiel, and since it's so short, it's a great trick for beginning trainers and younger birds.

Things You'll Need

• Cockatiel
• Cockatiel cage
• Wolf whistle recording, if you can't wolf whistle

Instructions

1. 

   Practice your wolf whistle, or find a recording.

   Attempt the wolf whistle yourself, and make sure you can do it consistently several times in a row. Your bird will learn by repetition, so if your whistling is a little rusty, you may need to find a recording of a wolf whistle. (See Resources for a helpful cockatiel-training CD, which includes the wolf whistle among other popular tunes.)

2. 

   Keep your bird in his cage during training.

   Place your bird in his cage and remove all toys, food and other stimuli. This will ensure you have your bird's undivided attention.

3. 

   If you whistle, make sure your bird can see you.

   Make sure your bird is positioned so that he can see your lips, if you plan to do the whistle yourself. If you are using a recording, you may cover your bird's cage with a dark cloth, which will allow your bird to concentrate on the whistling.

4. Repeat the whistle in 10-minute sessions, at least three times a day. Although every bird learns at a different pace, you should see results within a matter of weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• As you're training your bird, look into his eyes. You may notice a change in pupil size or in general demeanor when your bird is completely focused.

• Male cockatiels have a significant physiological advantage over females in whistling, since they are far more vocal in mating. A few females can sing and talk, but they are the exception.

• Cockatiels learn by repetition, so be careful if you use language you wouldn't want your bird to repeat. It may be difficult to "untrain" your bird, especially if he latches onto certain phrases you don't like.

References

• ParrotFeather.com: Teaching your Cockatiel to Talk
• New Cockatiels, Advice for New Cockatiel Owners, How to Tame a Cockatiel, How to Teach Cockatie

Resources

• Cockatiel Training Album CD