Whistling is one of the
easiest vocal commands to teach a bird. Almost all species of birds from small
birds like budgies and cockatiels to larger birds like parrots and macaws can
learn to whistle. This vocalization comes naturally to birds and most adult
birds can learn to whistle in a month or two (some will learn to whistle in as
little as a week or even a day!).
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To start do use a short whistle (like a woot woot): Cockatoos are capable of learning long whistling tunes, but to start it’s ideal to
use a very short whistle. This allows your bird to grasp the concept of copying
your whistle in an easy manner. Choose a very short whistle (woot woot – used to
catcall women is a perfect example).
Repeat the whistle throughout the day: Once you have chosen the short whistle you’d like to teach your cockatoo, begin
using that whistle frequently throughout the day. Try to use the whistle at
least 5 to 6 times a day in the presence of your bird. Or whistle each time you
pass their cage or play stand. The more frequently your cockatoo hears the whistle,
the more likely they are to try and whistle themselves.
Whistle during times when they are squawking: A great way to inspire any bird to try and whistle is to whistle while they are
squawking. Birds love being vocal- and if your cockatoo is in a loud mood (aka they
are squawking) they are more likely to try and make a different noise as well.
Each time your bird begins to squawk, whistle to them. Most likely they will
stop to listen to the whistle, and at some point they will begin to try and
mimic the whistle themselves. Do this as consistently as possible. Not only
will it teach your cockatoo to whistle, it will also discourage them from squawking
by teaching them to whistle instead.
Reward them for attempts at trying: Each time you hear your cockatoo attempt to mimic your whistle, reward them. Give
them a small treat or special attention. This shows them that the whistle is a
positive activity and they will receive rewards for doing it.
When they try to copy, repeat the whistle very deliberately: Each time your cockatoo tries to copy your whistle, whistle again- as clearly as
possible. This will allow your cockatoo to clearly hear the whistle and then try to
mimic the sound accurately.
When they finally whistle the tune, whistle it back: When your bird does begin to whistle the tune you are trying to teach them,
always whistle it back to them. This shows your bird that whistling is a way
that they can communicate with you, and allows them to practice and perfect
their whistling tune.
Move onto longer whistling tunes: As your cockatoo masters their first whistle you can begin to teach them other
whistles. Most domestic birds are capable of learning multiple different tunes-
and some can even learn entire whistling songs. Simply follow the same steps
above to teach your bird a new whistle and you will have a very vocally diverse
bird in no time!
