Illinois Cockatiel Named Oldest of Its Species by Guinness World Records
NORTHBROOK, Ill. — In a heartwarming testament to the bonds between humans and their feathered friends, Sonny, a 33-year-old cockatiel residing with an Illinois family, has been officially recognized as the oldest living bird of his species by Guinness World Records. The milestone was reached when Sonny turned 32 years and 292 days old in October 2025, and he celebrated his 33rd birthday on January 10, a remarkable age for a cockatiel, whose average lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 15 years.
Sonny’s owner, Janet Reicher of Northbrook, shared that the cockatiel joined her family as a chick in 1993. From an early age, Sonny displayed an unusual affinity for music, learning to whistle tunes such as the iconic “Bridge over the River Kwai” and the theme from the “Andy Griffith Show.” Reicher fondly recalled their duets, often performed while she showered, with Sonny perched on the vanity.
“He used to have a large vocabulary, but now it is just a few words with lots of baby babble,” Reicher told Guinness World Records. She attributes Sonny’s longevity to a balanced diet and consistent social interaction, emphasizing the importance of companionship in the bird’s well-being. “He is a great companion to me,” she said. “He socializes with anyone that pays attention to him. My husband used to travel a lot, and Sonny kept me company and always made me laugh.”
Unlike many pet birds that spend most of their time confined to cages, Sonny enjoys freedom during his waking hours, moving between various perches around the home. He is paper trained, requiring his cage only for eating, drinking, and napping. In the evenings, he often sits on Reicher’s knee while they watch television together.
Sonny’s achievement highlights the potential for longevity in pet birds when provided with attentive care, a lesson echoed by avian experts at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center, which monitors avian health and longevity. The bird’s story also underscores the emotional support pets can offer, a connection recognized by organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare division.
Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking achievements, confirmed Sonny’s status after a thorough verification process. Their official recognition brings attention not only to Sonny’s extraordinary lifespan but also to the care and dedication required to nurture such long-lived pets. More information about record verification can be found on the Guinness World Records official website.
As pet ownership continues to grow across the United States, stories like Sonny’s serve as a reminder of the joys and responsibilities involved in caring for animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidelines on proper pet care that can help owners foster healthy, long lives for their companions.
Sonny’s remarkable journey from a tiny chick to a world record holder has brought joy and inspiration to his family and admirers worldwide, proving that with love and attention, even the smallest creatures can achieve extraordinary milestones.
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