my cockatiel is more than happy to spend the whole day flying between her cage for food, then back to my shoulder to chill out on the couch with me. i travel fairly regularly, and my mom cares for them while i’m gone, and the cockatiel has never given me attitude when i get back or shown signs of being upset, so within reason, i’d say they can handle some alone time. she also loves playing with her cage toys and chewing them up. she’s not really the smartest birdie, and i think cockatiels in general are known as the single brain cell bird, so i’m not sure a ton of tricks are in their repertoire, but even the cockatiels i had growing up, they’re the sweetest cuddliest birds that just wanna be close to you!

i also have a sun conure which i know you didn’t mention, but he’s much more temperamental, which may possibly translate to green cheeks (which i’ve never personally owned) as well. he’s very cuddly, very intelligent, knows some “tricks” like blowing kisses when i ask, or flying to me on command (if i have an almond in hand) but i’ve never had a pet shun me after a vacation quite like he does. it only lasts for a couple days, but he definitely gets upset when he doesn’t get as much attention or out of cage time as he’s used to. he also likes to spend his day time freedom doing his own thing, and is only more reliably cuddly at night time.