If you’re having a rough day, this video is your official pick-me-up. A Cockatoo named Nelly has gone viral for happily singing and dancing to “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)”—and her joy is contagious.
Nelly’s story is already inspiring. About five weeks ago, her bird mom, Melissa, rescued her from a situation where she’d lost many of her feathers after being picked on by another bird. When she first arrived at her new home, she was shy and unsure, but now, she’s blossoming into a confident little performer.
The sweet clip, shared by TikToker @mel68658, has people in the comments who are big fans of this precious little Cockatoo. One person said, “Oh my goodness. The kisses to your hand, and look at those new feathers coming in!” Someone else said, “LOL… just when you think she couldn’t be any cuter!”
One person replied, “Is it just me, or is the Cockatoo kinda cuter looking like this? Like I know she is a rescue who was subjected to this, and that’s bad, but now that she’s here, the little head is kinda cute.”
Nelly’s amazing mama explained in the comments of another post that sweet Nelly is missing her feathers because “They were plucked by another bird who shouldn’t have been beside her cage. Also, she was abandoned and most likely stressed. She’s got them missing in other parts as well.”
To the comment above, Nelly’s mom said, “I agree. Something about these little featherless chickens is adorable. But we’re trying to grow them back. May take some time… she still has a great personality.”
Watching how sweet Nelly has bonded with her mom in such a short time is just amazing.
Here’s one of the first videos of this cute bird when she keeps saying she’s scared, awwwww!
Whether she’s showing off her moves or spreading joy one “whip” at a time, Nelly is proof that love, patience, and music can heal just about anything, even a plucked feather or two.
Why Birds Are Sometimes Aggressive Toward Other Birds
Image via Shutterstock/Atfie SahidMY
Birds can be surprisingly territorial, especially when sharing cages or competing for food, space, or attention. Aggression can happen when one bird feels threatened, jealous, or simply stressed in a confined environment. Some species—like Cockatoos and Parrots—are especially sensitive to change or overcrowding.
To help prevent aggression, experts recommend giving birds separate spaces, providing plenty of toys and enrichment, and introducing new birds slowly and carefully. And of course, always supervise them when they’re together until you know they can coexist peacefully.
With the right care, even birds like Nelly can recover from rough beginnings, and as she’s proven, find their rhythm again.
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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.