Merlynn TMC – "TMC" is short for "The Magic Cockatiel"

Before He Was Famous…

Merlynn TMC (The Magic Cockatiel) was hatched in January 2019 in Mesa Arizona. He was only about 4 weeks old when Magician Leigh Hotz and his wife Mamata came into Arizona Birds to buy a baby cockatiel as a personal pet. When Leigh placed his hand into the nursery cage to move some baby birds around to see everyone, a young whiteface cockatiel with pied/pearl spots jumped right onto Leigh’s hand, Leigh KNEW this was the one for him and his wife.
Since it be another month and have before the bird was weened off the hand fed liquid diet to transition to solid food, Leigh and Mamata came back to the pet shop twice a week to bond to Merlynn. Once Merlynn was ready, Leigh took him home. Since Merlynn was originally was going to be a personal pet, not a working bird for magic, he had his own separate cage from Leigh’s magic show doves.

Merlynn’s Big Break in Show Business…

Merlynn was a great companion for Leigh and Mamata. He learned to talk and whistle a few songs.
One day, Leigh was getting ready to go out to do a magic show, and his doves were in the middle of a molt and, while they were healthy, they would not look good for a public show if they lost feathers while they were being produced. Leigh decided to take Merlynn to the show for a simple bird trick. Since Merlynn was finger tame and already bonded to Leigh & Mamata, he felt safe using him.
Merlynn did his part of the act very well and the audience was was ecstatic to see a magician using a bird that was NOT a dove, and had a great personality. Merlynn is so human friendly, we will jump onto the shoulders of almost anyone and start talking to them. Merlynn eventually replaced the doves and became a staple part of Leigh’s act.

Going Places In The Future

Merlynn did his part of the act very well and the audience was was ecstatic to see a magician using a bird that was NOT a dove, and had a great personality. Merlynn is so human friendly, we will jump onto the shoulders of almost anyone and start talking to them. Merlynn eventually replaced the doves and became a staple part of Leigh’s act.
The rest is history. Merlynn The Magic Cockatiel has performed in many magic shows. He performs card tricks, mentalism, and a mini-sword box illusion. He is a quick learner. Merlynn performed on America’s Got Talent doing a mentalism routine with Hedi Klum. Fellow judge Howie Mandel stated he WOULD have given Merlynn a golden buzzer, but he already gave his away to an earlyer act. Merlynn is popular on social media these days and has his own YouTube Channel, Facebook page, this website, and most recently , on Tik Tok.

Merlynn’s passing…

More Farewell to a Magical Performer
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Merlynn, the talented and enchanting cockatiel who brightened magician Leigh Hotz’s comedy/magic show. Merlynn, who had been performing magic for almost seven years, left us in June 2024 during a severe wind and dust storm which caused a tree on our property which startled Merlynn from his sleep causing “Night Fright” where he surcumbed to a heart attack.

Merlynn’s Magical Journey
Merlynn was not just any bird; he was a star. He even graced the stage of America’s Got Talent with Heidi Klum, performing a captivating mentalism trick that left the audience in awe. His ability to connect with the crowd and bring magic to life made him a beloved member of Leigh Hotz’s show.

A Tragic Night
Unfortunately, on Saturday night, Merlynn experienced what is known as “night fright.” This occurs when a sudden noise startles a bird from its sleep, causing them to thrash around their cage. Tragically, this sudden fright led to a heart attack, taking Merlynn from us. Our other cockatiel, Smoky, who was Merlynn’s understudy for the shows, also experienced the fright but thankfully survived.

Legacy of a Feathered Magician
Merlynn’s passing is a significant loss to Leigh Hotz’s show and to everyone who had the pleasure of seeing him perform. His legacy of bringing joy and wonder to audiences will live on through the memories shared by those who witnessed his magic. We will always remember Merlynn not just as a cockatiel, but as a true performer who brought a touch of magic into our lives.

Going forward, Merlynn The Magic Cockatiel will become a permiment character in Leigh Hotz’s magic act which will now be played by several cross-trained cockatiel actors who will be rotated with each other between performances.

Merlynn hangs out with world’s top magicians

Merlynn is always trying to expand his knowledge and skills in the art of magic and he often consults with the top experts in the industry. Below are some photos of Merlynn as he consults with them. Pictured below includes Merlynn with Lance Burton, Franz Haray, Mark Wilson, Andre Kole, Banachek, Bizzaro, and other top performers.

Merlynn The magic Cockatiel

Merlynn’s Life Story

Before He Was Famous…

Merlynn’s Big Break in Show Business…

Going Places In The Future

Merlynn’s passing…

Merlynn’s Closing Act

A few cool pics

Merlynn hangs out with world’s top magicians

Oscar Munos

Franz Harary

Jeff McBride

Mark Wilson Family

Mark Wilson

Banachek

Lance Burton

Rocco

Bizzaro

Brad Zinn

What People Say About Merlynn

I just Got Chills… Oh My GOD…That’s was like Paranormal

Alex Rivers

STREET VIOLNIST & AGT Contestant

I would have given you a golden buzzer if I haven’t already gave mine away to a previous act.

Howie Mandel

AGT Judge

Your the worst magician I ever seen!

Simon Cowell

AGT Judge

Latest Blog Posts

Welcoming Merlynn 2.0: The Next Star in Leigh Hotz’s Magic Shows

Merlynn Supports Safe Magic

Merlynn TMC auditions for America’s Got Talent

Remembering Merlynn: The Magic Cockatiel Who Enchanted Audiences

Merlynn in Featherdale