Among all parrot species, the Corella (Latin: Nymphicus hollandicus) is considered one of the best options for keeping at home. It combines a balanced character, intelligence, artistry and sincere affection for the owner. Corella is a bird that does not just live in a cage, but becomes a family member, a companion in silence and an interlocutor in heartfelt moments. Its beak does not cut the air like a large Ara, and its singing is not tiresome – it resembles something between the whistle of a flute and purring. It is as if this bird was created to bring harmony into the home.

Origin and natural charisma

Corellas originate from Australia, where they live in open forests and semi-deserts, traveling in flocks. They are birds that in nature fly long distances, live in pairs, never leave each other and always have something to “tell” each other. They retain this sociality in captivity – only a human becomes a partner.

Corella – one of the few breeds of parrots, which can be kept as a pair or alone, without harm to the psyche of the bird. They are very sociable and affectionate, but they know how to respect space and will not aggressively demand constant attention. It is enough for them to know that you are near, that your voice echoes in the room, and they are already calm.

Appearance, which will not be confused with anyone else

Corella is a medium-sized parrot (up to 30-33 cm with a tail), the main decoration of which is an expressive crest on the head. This crest is not just a decoration, but a real emotional “sensor”: it rises when the bird is excited and falls down when it is sad or afraid. Thanks to it, the korella seems amazingly “expressive”, and you can feel its mood exactly.

The coloring of the classic wild Corella is gray body, yellow head and bright orange cheeks. But in home breeding there are dozens of color mutations: snow-white, lutino, pearl, brown, spotted, cream. All of them have in common – large intelligent eyes, slender silhouette and affectionate expression.

Character: gentleness, intelligence and endurance

Corella parrots are a combination of gentleness and restrained playfulness. She is not noisy like the inseparables, and not intrusive like the larger breeds. She is gentle. She likes to sit on your shoulder or head, put her head for stroking, rub her cheek against the palm of your hand. Her behavior is soft, calm, sometimes even “cat-like”. She does not bite without reason – and if she bites, it is more of a warning, not aggression.

These parrots are very intelligent: they can learn simple commands, respond to a name, repeat sounds – from the whistle of the kettle to the doorbell. Males more often and more willingly “sing”, inventing their own melodies or imitating favorite sounds from the environment. Playful, cheerful trills are the corella’s signature style.

Most importantly, corella parrots are capable of making an emotional connection. They memorize the rhythm of your day, respond to your voice, change their moods to match yours. These are those rare birds that truly become friends.

Keeping conditions

Corella – a bird active, mobile, but not destructive. For one individual, the minimum size of the cage should be at least 80×50×50 cm, and if possible – more is always better. There should be horizontal bars in the cage, because corellas love to climb. Obligatory poles of natural wood of different diameters, ladders, swings, ropes, bells. But don’t clutter the whole space – they need a place to spread their wings.

One of the keys is regular free flight. If the corella lives alone and doesn’t have constant access to an aviary, let it out for at least 1-2 hours a day in a room with safe conditions. This is not only about physical health, but also about the psycho-emotional state of the bird. Locked in a cage with no change – she may lose activity and even start pinching herself.

Care and hygiene

Corella does not have a specific odor, does not molt “everywhere” like a cat, and does not leave behind dirt – provided proper care. The cage should be cleaned daily (tray, drinker, bowl), and once a week – completely cleaned with harmless means. It is important to make sure that there is no bird dust and food residues – they can cause fungus or allergies.

Corellas love to bathe: either in a flat bowl of water, or under a light shower from a sprayer. This cleans the feathers, refreshes the bird and makes it feel invigorated. If the bird doesn’t like water – don’t force it, just try other ways until you find a favorite.

To keep your Corella sharpening its beak and claws, give it mineral stone, sepia (cuttlefish shell) and tree twigs (apple, pear, birch without bark).

Nutrition: health begins with food

Corella is not fastidious, but is very grateful for a balanced diet. The basis is a grain mixture for medium-sized parrots. It is important that in the composition there was not an excess of fatty grains, for example, sunflower. The diet should be supplemented daily with fresh vegetables (carrots, beets, broccoli, zucchini), greens (spinach, dill, lettuce), fruits (apple, pear, berry). A few times a week you can add a little boiled egg, porridge without salt, sprouted grain.

There should always be access to fresh water, as well as a mineral source of calcium – this is critical for birds. It is better not to give food from the table – salt, spices, sugar, fried and flour are contraindicated for them. Deadly products: avocado, chocolate, alcohol, onions, garlic, coffee, milk, mushrooms.

Does a Corella speak? And how to teach

Corellas are not famous for “conversational” abilities, like large Ara or Jaco, but they are excellent imitators. Males are able to reproduce whole melodies, songs, sounds of the house – a call, laughter, ringtone, the sound of keys. Some even learn 3-5 simple words. But the main thing is communication in its own form: singing, calls, gentle “grunts”, purring, whispering, with which the corella greets you every morning or reacts to your voice.

To teach a bird to speak or repeat a tune, you must regularly and patiently repeat the chosen sound in a positive emotional context. Better learners are those corellas that are actively socialized with every day.

Corella – for whom it is a bird

It is an ideal choice:
– for families with children (from 6-7 years old)
– for lonely people who need a quiet presence
– for couples who want a bird friend in the house without noise and aggression
– For those who work from home or spend time in peace and quiet

This is not a bird that is “for show” – it is a friend, a companion, a fragile creature that gets used to you and doesn’t want to let you go.

Conclusion

Corella is more than a parrot. It is a gentle musician who fills the house with soft whistling and coziness. It is an intelligent soul that memorizes your voice, facial expressions, rhythm of life. It’s a loyal friend who won’t ask for much, but will give a lot in return. And if you want a bird with character, worthy of true friendship, without tantrums, odors and easy to care for – then the Corella is created just for you.