Did you know that both cockatiels and cockatoos are incredibly popular pet birds? These charming parrot species have captured the hearts of bird enthusiasts worldwide.
Cockatoos and cockatiels may share some similarities, but they also have distinct differences. But what sets them apart? And which one might be a better fit for you?
Here’s a detailed guide comparing cockatiel vs cockatoo to help you determine which one might be a better fit for your home.
Cockatiel vs Cockatoo Differences
Summary
| Feature | Cockatiel | Cockatoo |
| Taxonomy | Nymphicus hollandicus (part of the Cockatoo family) | Cacatuidae family |
| Size | 12-13 inches (30-33 cm) | 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) or larger depending on species |
| Physical Appearance | Gray with yellow face, orange cheek patches & small crest. (varied color mutations) | White, black, or pink; some with yellow or orange crests |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years, can live up to 25 in captivity | 40-60 years, some up to 80 years |
| Personality | Friendly, easy going, smart, playful, can be timid. More independent. | Highly affectionate and needy, energetic, loud, temperamental, can be demanding. Very intelligent. |
| Talking Ability | Great whistlers, can mimic sounds, not great talkers. | Can mimic words & phrases, louder vocalizations |
| Noise Level | Low to Moderate | High, can be very loud |
| Bite | Likely to bite. Bites hard when upset. Can cause injury. | Can bite, but less aggressively. Injuries are minor. |
| Training | Easy, can learn to whistle tunes and tricks with treats. | Easy, but need consistent training. Can learn phrases and many tricks. |
| Care and Maintenance | Low to moderate | Very High |
| Cost | Relatively inexpensive | More expensive, especially larger species |
| Popularity as Pets | Very popular | Popular but demanding, commonly abandoned |
| Common Species Kept as Pets | Standard Gray cockatiel, Lutino cockatiel, Cinnamon cockatiel. | Sulphur crested cockatoo, Umbrella cockatoo, Moluccan cockatoo, Galah cockatoo |
Taxonomy
First off, let’s set the record straight. You might be wondering, “Are cockatiels part of the cockatoo family?” The answer is yes, cockatiels are cockatoos too!
Cockatiels belong to the Cacatuidae family, which comprises 21 different species of cockatoos. Being the smallest cockatoos, cockatiels fall under their unique species, Nymphicus hollandicus.
Size
Think of cockatiels as mini cockatoos. They are the smallest member of the cockatoo family, measuring around 12 inches (30 cm) in length.
On the other hand, cockatoos range from about 20 inches (50 cm) like the Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo, up to 25 inches (60 cm) for larger cockatoos like the Black Palm Cockatoo.
For reference, most cockatoos are 2 to 5 times bigger than cockatiels.
If you’re looking for a compact bird, a cockatiel might be the way to go.
Appearance
Unlike most parrots, cockatoo species don’t display greens or blues.
Cockatiels are mostly gray with a distinct yellow face, bright orange cheeks, and a small crest. Over the years, they have been selectively bred to create a wide range of different color mutations like lutino, cinnamon, pied, pearl, and many more.
Cockatoos usually come in shades of white, black, gray, and pink, highlighted by their striking crests. While most white cockatoos often have white or yellow crests, some varieties like the Citron Crested Cockatoo have a light orange crest.
Lifespan
The Cockatoo family boast a remarkable lifespan in the parrot world, with some members even holding Guinness world records!
Cockatoos can live around 40 to 60 years, but it’s not unheard of for some to surpass 80! Cookie, a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, holds the Guinness World Record for living an impressive 82 years! For a deeper look on more of the oldest cockatoos, check our Cockatoo Lifespan article.
On the other side, cockatiels have a shorter, yet still admirable lifespan, averaging between 15 to 25 years.
For a deeper dive read our guides on Cockatoo Lifespan and Cockatiel Lifespan.
Behavior and Personality
Both cockatiels and cockatoos are social and affectionate birds.
Cockatoos are famous for being extremely energetic and affectionate. They require a huge amount of constant attention and mental stimulation, and usually tend to bond strongly with one individual.
Cockatiels usually have a calmer demeanor and are very easy going. They like to be petted but are not as snuggly as cockatoos. And they are also more independent and don’t require as much attention as cockatoos.
Talking Ability
Cockatoos can talk and mimic human speech. They may not speak as clearly as African Greys or Quakers, but they can say quite a few phrases.
Cockatiels also have some vocal talent. They are masters in whistling songs and melodies and imitating noises. However, they aren’t the top talkers. Males are usually more vocal than females.
Related article: Can Cockatiels Talk?
Noise Level
Birds aren’t exactly the quietest pets, and cockatoos, with their energetic nature, are considered one of the loudest birds. Not only are they loud vocalizers, but they like to scream a lot, especially when they are excited and happy.
Cockatiels are usually quieter and will tend to whistle and peep every once in a while.
Ease of Training
Both birds are intelligent, but their temperaments can influence trainability.
Cockatoos are amazingly intelligent birds but quite temperamental. Despite their occasional stubbornness, are easier to train than other big parrot species.
Cockatiels are also pretty easy to train, especially when they trust you. They’re smart birds that genuinely enjoy pleasing their owners. With a bit of positive reinforcement, like a treat, they’ll perform tricks and whistle tunes to keep you entertained.
Price
The price range for both birds can vary significantly depending on factors like species, age, and rarity.
Cockatoos tend to be more expensive due to their larger size. Cockatoo prices can range quite a bit from the more common ones like the Sulfur Crested Cockatoo to the rarer ones and largest cockatoo like the Black Palm Cockatoo.
Cockatiels, being smaller and more common, are usually more affordable. Cockatiel prices can vary depending on how rare their color mutation can be.
For a detailed breakdown, check our article on Cockatoo and Cockatiel prices.
Common Cockatoo Species Kept as Pets
Popular cockatiel color mutations for pets are: standard gray, lutino, pearl, cinnamon, and pied.
The most popular cockatoo species are: Sulphur crested cockatoo, Moluccan cockatoo, Umbrella cockatoo, Galah cockatoo, and Goffin’s cockatoo.
Cockatiel vs Cockatoo: Which are the most popular pet birds?
Cockatiels have long been popular pets due to their smaller size, lower maintenance requirements, and charming personalities. Cockatiels are the second most popular pet bird after budgies and are often recommended for first-time bird owners.
Cockatoos require a higher level of commitment and experienced handling. They can be a handful even for veterans. Sadly, cockatoos are among the most frequently abandoned and rehomed parrots. This doesn’t mean they don’t make great companions, but they do require a very high level of commitment and attention in order to really thrive.
Choosing the Right Bird for You?
In short: consider a cockatiel. Cockatiels are generally easier to care for than cockatoos. They’re smaller, less pricey, less dependent, have simpler housing needs, and have fewer behavioral challenges.
However, both need regular social interaction. Having a pet cockatoo is more like living with an eternal toddler. Studies how they are as smart as a 3-year old, temper tantrums included.
Here’s some of the things you should consider before getting any bird:
- Experience Level: Cockatoos can be very demanding. They need experienced owners capable of handling their larger size and complex personalities. In contrast, cockatiels are generally more beginner-friendly.
- Space & Noise tolerance: Cockatoos are larger and louder, making them less suitable for apartments where noise can be an issue. Cockatiels are quieter and more adaptable to varied living environments.
- Time Commitment: Cockatoos are very high maintenance and crave a lot of attention. They need huge amount of time outside their cages and plenty of socialization. They also easily bore, which can affect their mental health, and lead to destructive behaviors like feather plucking. And remember, their bites can hurt. Cockatiels also require some level of care, but are more independent than cockatoos.
- Budget: Owning a cockatoo is pricier than a cockatiel, not just in initial costs, but also in regular vet visits, housing, toys, food, etc. Cockatoos can also be incredibly destructive, necessitating constant toy replacements.
- Lifestyle: If you travel frequently, rent, or aren’t ready for a long-term commitment, reconsider. Both birds have long lifespans; cockatiels can live a couple of decades, while cockatoos easily become a life partner or even outlive you. Are you ready for the long term commitment that owning a cockatoo or cockatiel will entail?
Can a Cockatoo Live with a Cockatiel?
While both birds are very social, I don’t recommend housing them in the same cage. Given the size difference, a conflict could seriously harm or even kill your cockatiel.
Cockatoos tend to be more demanding in terms of attention and may become jealous of other birds in the house. So better keep them in separate cages.
During controlled, supervised sessions, introduce them to see if they can interact peacefully outside their individual cages, but always monitor them closely.
FAQ
Which is easier to care for?
Between a cockatoo and a cockatiel, the cockatiel is generally easier to care for. Cockatiels are smaller in size, which means they require less space compared to cockatoos. Their housing needs are simpler, and they’re less prone to some of the behavioral challenges that cockatoos can exhibit, like loud vocalizations and destructive chewing. Cockatoos are highly intelligent and can require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored or developing behavioral issues.
Are cockatoos and cockatiels the same?
No, cockatoos and cockatiels are not the same. While both belong to the Cacatuidae family, they are different species. Cockatoos are generally larger and can have diverse colors, whereas cockatiels are smaller with distinctive color patterns, mainly grey with a yellow face and crest.
What is the friendliest type of cockatoo?
The Goffin’s cockatoo is often cited as one of the friendliest and also quietest cockatoo species. They still have their loud moments, being a cockatoo after all. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them popular as pets.
Which is better, cockatoo or cockatiel?
The choice between a cockatoo and a cockatiel depends on individual preferences and living situations. Cockatiels are generally easier to care for, quieter, and smaller. Cockatoos, on the other hand, are intelligent, can be very vocal, and often require more attention and stimulation.
Now you have a clear understanding of the key differences between cockatoo vs cockatiel, as well as the factors to consider when choosing the right bird for you. Think about how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in caring for these beautiful creatures.
Whether you choose a charismatic cockatoo or an adorable cockatiel, remember that they will rely on you for their physical and emotional well-being. So weigh all the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Got a question or a fun story about your ‘too or ‘tiel? Share your comment below!
Unsure about the perfect bird for you? Don’t miss my guide on the Best Pet Birds for Beginners