Can a cockatiel fly 12 miles, and across a river, in 2 or 3 days?

I lost my cockatiel on Sept. 27 and someone about 12 miles away claimed to have found a cockatiel on Sept. 29 or 30. And it was across a river that is about half a mile wide. Is it possible that he flew that far?Oh, and our cockatiel's wings weren't clipped.

It is possible to have gone farther than that. Especially if the wind took the bird, it could be a state away.

What seems more amazing than a tiel travelled that far is that your lost tiel may have been found and returned to you. Was the tiel yours?

I think that is possible.There are many cases of birds/parrots escaping and being found quite a distance away.If they are claiming to have found your Cocatiel just be careful because there are also SCAMS out there.

In the wild in Australia cockatiels travel in large flocks and have a territory of several square miles. They fly together from feeding place to feeding place and seem to have no regular nesting areas, unless they are breeding. I'm sure 12 miles and over a river is nothing for a flighted tiel. It will be a miracle if you ever see your bird again. But then miracle happen every day. Good luck. If your bird is returned, you might consider clipping its wings.

I would say anything is possible. That distance can be done. It really is hard to say. Many factors go in to it, but it could happen.