The cockatiel is the only member of the genus Nymphicus. It was previously considered a crested parrot or small cockatoo; however, more recent molecular studies have assigned it to its own subfamily, Nymphicinae. It is, therefore, now classified as the smallest of the cockatoo family. Cockatiels are native to Australia, and favour the Australian wetlands, scrublands, and bush lands. They are prized as household pets and companion parrots throughout the world and are relatively easy to breed.