Cockatoo vs Cockatiel: Key Differences Explained

The cockatoo and the cockatiel are some of the most common birds kept as pets across the world! They are both vocal, beautiful birds that can liven up any environment, but what makes them different? Today, we are going to explore the Cockatoo vs Cockatiel and see what, if anything, separates the two. Surprisingly, the science has recently changed on how these birds are even classified! Let’s explore these birds and learn all about what makes them unique.

Comparing a cockatoo and a cockatiel

The 6 main differences between a cockatoo and a cockatiel

The main difference between a cockatoo and a cockatiel is that most species of cockatoo are larger, cockatoos are more widely distributed, and cockatiels make better pets.

There is a bit of confusion around cockatoos and cockatiels, mostly because of their scientific categories. Historically, cockatiels were considered part of a different family of parrots, helping to distinguish them from cockatoos. More recently, further data has helped recategorize cockatiels into the same category as cockatoos, meaning that all cockatiels are technically considered cockatoos. Still, most people colloquially know the difference between them, especially if they already have birds as pets. Today, however, all cockatiels are cockatoos, but not all cockatoos are cockatiels.

Cockatoos are a diverse group of birds that include cockatiels, but most cockatoos are significantly larger. Additionally, cockatoos have a wide distribution when compared to the cockatiel and inhabit a variety of habitats.

Although both are kept as pets, cockatoos are known for their difficulty. Subsequently, they have a smaller share of the total number of birds kept as pets worldwide. On the contrary, cockatiels are extremely easy to keep and are among the most popular birds kept as pets anywhere in the world.

Let’s explore these differences, plus a few more, in some detail below.

Cockatoo vs Cockatiel: Taxonomy

When it comes to scientific naming and categorization, think of cockatoos as being a category with 21 “breeds” or species within it. Cockatoos are classified as 21 species of parrots that belong to the Cacatuidae family. Within this category are a variety of birds, although they generally share some similar physical and behavioral traits.

Cockatiels are now classified within the Cacatuidae family, technically making them cockatoos. Still, even though they share a taxonomical family, they are probably the most different of all the cockatoo species from the others. Additionally, cockatiels are separated within their family into a different genera to help differentiate them from the other cockatoos. Cockatiels are the only members of the genus Nymphicus. Generally, cockatiels are calmer, easier to keep, and only live in Australia.

Cockatoo vs Cockatiel: Size

Cockatoos can vary in size, but every species is larger than the cockatiel. Most cockatoos appear as large parrots and can measure 1-2 feet in length. In addition to their size, their colors are usually more subdued than other species of parrot.

The cockatiel is the smallest species of cockatoo and is smaller than most other parrots worldwide. Most cockatiels measure between 10 and 13 inches long. Additionally, their tails are extremely long in relation to their body, especially when compared to other cockatoos. Aside from length, cockatiels are smaller in stature and weight than all the other cockatoo species.

Cockatoo vs Cockatiel: Distribution

Cockatoos are native birds to Australasia, a region that includes many different regions and countries. You can find cockatoos in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and on a few Pacific islands in the region. Not all cockatoo species are in every region. Most of them have a niche habitat they live in within the range.

Cockatiels are native to Australia and only live on the continent proper. They range across most of the country, although they aren’t present along the east coast or central Australia.

Cockatoo vs Cockatiel: Habitat

Cockatoos are variable birds that have a specific habitat according to their species. The most widespread species of cockatoo, the galah, for example, can be in open areas and feed on grass seeds. Other species, the red-vented cockatoo, for example, primarily lives in mangroves. Across the entire group, most habitats are home to at least one species of cockatoo.

Cockatiels are generally in arid or semi-arid regions across the country of Australia. They prefer land close to the water and are almost always a short flight from it. In Australia, cockatiels stay away from the extremes of the deep desert regions in the center of the country and the wet, fertile regions of the coast.

Cockatoo vs Cockatiel: Popularity as pets

Cockatoos are kept as pets, but they aren’t all that popular. This is mostly because cockatoos are difficult to keep and require special care in order for them to be happy. Additionally, cockatoos can be tough to breed.

Cockatiels, however, are incredibly common as pets. They are small, easy to care for, and don’t require a ton of upkeep. Additionally, cockatiels are significantly easier to breed than cockatiels are.

Cockatoo vs Cockatiel: Common species kept as pets

The primary species of cockatoo that are kept as pets include:

• Umbrella cockatoo
• sulfur-crested cockatoo
• lesser sulfur-crested cockatoo
• Moluccan cockatoo

There is only one species of cockatiel, but they are incredibly popular as pets worldwide.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Barbara Ash/Shutterstock.com