Is the Cockatiel Actually a Cockatoo? The Surprising Science Behind Your Favorite Pet

Cockatoos and cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) are very popular pet birds that are keenly intelligent, social, and affectionate. There are generally recognized to be 21 or 22 species of cockatoos in the Cacatuidae family, depending on the taxonomic authority. The smallest species is the cockatiel, while the Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) is the largest. While all 21 species of cockatoos share fundamental physical and behavioral traits, they are a diverse family recognized for their magnificent crests and downy feathers. Continue reading to learn more about the key differences between cockatoos and cockatiels.

Key Differences Between Cockatoos and Cockatiels: Classification

Before 1984, the cockatiel was commonly misclassified within the family Psittacidae, which consists of true parrots such as macaws, Amazon parrots, conures, African gray parrots, lovebirds, and caiques. However, a 1984 study (M. Adams et al.) provided key evidence for reclassifying cockatiels as members of the cockatoo family Cacatuidae.

The smallest member of the family, cockatiels are more often kept as pets than their larger cousins, which require more care and attention.

Appearance

Not all cockatiels look the same. While they share a similar body shape, selective breeding has produced over 15 distinct color mutations beyond the standard gray. Their colors range from the wild-type gray to white, yellow, or pied, and they feature diverse patterns such as pearl, cinnamon, and white-faced varieties.

While all 21 species share a distinct, movable head crest, they vary significantly in size, coloration, and habitat. Most cockatoos are primarily white, black, or gray, often with accents of yellow, pink, or red.

Size

The cockatiel is the smallest species of cockatoo. Cockatiels typically measure between 10 and 13 inches long and weigh 2.5 to 4.2 ounces. Their tails are extremely long in relation to their body, especially when compared to those of other cockatoos.The Palm Cockatoo, the largest cockatoo species, measures between 22 and 27 inches in length and weighs 1.1 to 2.6 pounds.

Distribution

Cockatoos are native to Australasia, a region that includes Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and a few Pacific islands in the region. Not all cockatoo species are found in every region; most occupy specific habitats within their overall range.

Cockatiels are native to Australia and only live on the continent proper. They range across most of the continent, although they aren’t typically found on the East Coast or in Central Australia.

Habitat

Cockatoos have specific habitats according to their species. The most widespread species of cockatoo, the galah (Eolophus roseicapilla), can be found in open areas and feeds on grass seeds. Other species, like the red-vented cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), primarily live in mangroves.

Cockatiels are generally found in arid or semi-arid regions across the continent of Australia. They prefer habitats that are close to water. In Australia, cockatiels stay away from the extremes of the deep desert regions in the center of the continent and the wet, fertile regions of the coast.