Cockatoo and Macaw: What is the difference?

Cockatoos and macaws are great options for anyone looking to get a bird as a pet. These birds are beautiful, but they’re also very similar in some ways. It is easy to distinguish them, but what makes them different? Let’s see what we can find when comparing the Cockatoo and Macaw.

These are the 5 main differences between a macaw and a cockatoo.

A cockatoo is smaller than a macaw and more difficult to care for. They are also native to Australia and Asia. Macaws, which are more common and easier to care for, are typically larger and native to Central and South America.

The Psittaciformes orders include both the macaw and the cockatoo. The Psittaciformes group is often referred to as the parrots. It can be divided into three groups. Cockatoos can be described as a group of birds that contains 21 species. Macaws also include 17 species.

Although birds can be very rewarding to keep as pets, they are not easy to care for. The macaw and cockatoo are larger birds, although the macaw is slightly larger. They have special needs because of their intelligence and behavior. They are still very popular as pets.

These birds may be similar, but they are not the same. Let’s look at what makes them different.

Size: Cockatoo and Macaw

Although the cockatoo may not be a small bird, it is usually smaller than the macaw. The average cockatoo is 12-24 inches long, but the cockatiel is smaller. The average cockatoo is between 10-and 30 ounces, depending on its species.

Macaws are large birds and one of the most common pet birds. Macaws can reach 4 pounds and measure between 2 and 4 feet in length. The Hyacinth macaw is the largest macaw species, while the Hahn macaw is smaller.

Cockatoo and Macaw: Distribution

These two birds are unique because of their distribution. Cockatoos can be found in “Australasia”, which includes Australia and some islands in the Pacific. Cockatoos can be found in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. They also live in the Solomon Islands and on a few Pacific islands. There are many species of cockatoos, so many of their ranges don’t overlap with any other members of this group.

Macaws can be found in Central and South America. They are a New World parrot. They are very common and can be found throughout Mexico and South America. These birds are losing habitat, and many species have gone extinct.

Cockatoo and Macaw: Habitat

Cockatoos live in a wide range of habitats. Different species of cockatoos live in different habitats. Galah and the cockatiel are two of their most common members. They can be found in areas with open grasslands or sparse plains. The red-vented and other species of cockatoo live in the mangroves of Asia. Nearly all habitat types have at least one native species across all 21 species.

Macaws have a less diverse habitat. The majority of macaw species live in dense rainforests and jungles. Popular media has led many to associate the macaw with the rainforests of South America. There are still a few macaw species that live in South America’s grasslands and forests.

Cockatoo vs. Macaw: Dander

Allergies are a major factor in choosing a pet. Although it’s not widely known, easy pet. Cockatoos are notoriously difficult to care for. They can be vocal and need constant care. They can bite and self-mutilate if they are not well cared for. They are still popular pets and can be a unique companion for exotic people who want something different. The cockatiel is the exception to the general difficulty of caring for cockatoos. They are considered the best bird for first-timers, and they are smaller and more friendly than other cockatoo species.