Guinness Recognizes Illinois Cockatiel as Oldest on Earth

Birds age differently than other animals. We’ve all done the “dog years” math, but different species of birds age at varying rates. Smaller birds age quicker and only live 5-10 years. Larger birds can live between 25 and 50 or more years. Mid-sized birds, like cockatiels, are old by the time they are 20 years of age.

It's a golden era for cockatiels because of social media

These numbers come into play as Guinness World Records has just recognized a cockatiel from Illinois as the oldest one on the planet. Sonny the cockatiel in Northbrook, Illinois, set the world record last October at 32 years and 292 days old. Sonny just turned 33 last month.

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Because of social media, cockatiels have achieved a growing fan base. They are good whistlers, can talk, dance and aren’t afraid to show personality or perform. I wonder if Sonny reminds people of how old he is like senior citizens tend to do? His owner says he doesn’t talk as much as he used too, but enjoys socializing with anyone that will engage with him. He’s also paper trained, so he only gets into his cage to eat, drink water and nap. With age come privileges.