Ask Lafeber

Sex of a White Bird

I have a White Cockatiel and I was wondering exactly how could I tell if it’s male or female

Thank you for reaching out to Ask Lafeber. A white cockatiel can be tricky to sex because many color mutations, including whiteface and lutino, do not show the usual male‑vs‑female markings seen in normal grey cockatiels. In these lighter mutations, you generally cannot rely on cheek patch color, tail barring, or face brightness to determine sex. The most reliable non‑DNA clues are behavior: males are more likely to whistle, sing, mimic, tap objects, and perform heart‑wing displays, while females tend to be quieter, more reserved, and may crouch or shred when hormonal. However, these behaviors are not guaranteed, and the only truly accurate way to know is through a simple DNA sexing test, which many avian vets and mail‑in labs offer using a small blood or feather sample.