Cockatoo vs. Cockatiel: Key Differences Explained

The cockatiel and the cockatiel are two of the most popular birds kept as pets around the globe. These beautiful, vocal birds can bring joy to any environment. But what makes them unique? Today we will be comparing the Cockatoo and Cockatiel to see if there is any difference. Surprisingly, science has changed how these birds are classified. Let’s learn more about these birds.

Comparing a Cockatoo to a Cockatiel

These are the 6 main differences between a Cockatoo and a Cockatiel.

There are many differences between a cockatoo and a pet cockatiel. Most cockatoos have larger bodies, while cockatoos tend to be more widespread and are better pets.

Because of their scientific classifications, there is some confusion about cockatoos vs. cockatiels. Cockatiels were historically considered part of a different parrot family, which helped distinguish them from cockatoos. Recent data has allowed cockatiels to be reclassified into the same group as cockatoos. This means that they are technically all considered cockatoos. However, most people know the difference, even if they have birds as pets. However, today all cockatiels can be considered cockatoos.

Cockatoos can be found in a variety of bird species, including cockatiels. However, most cockatoos tend to be larger than cockatiels. Cockatoos are also more widely distributed than the cockatiel and can be found in various habitats.

Both can be kept as pets, but cockatoos have a reputation for being difficult to handle. They are now a small percentage of all birds that can be kept as pets. On the other hand, Cockatiels are very easy to care for and are one of the most beloved pets in the world.

Let’s look at these differences and a few others in more detail down below.

Cockatoo vs. Cockatiel: Taxonomy

Think of cockatoos in terms of scientific naming and classification. There are 21 species or “breeds” within this category. Cockatoos can be classified as 21 species of parrots belonging to the Cacatuidae group. There are many birds in this group, but they share similar behavioral and physical traits.

Cockatoo vs. Cockatiel: Size

Although cockatoos come in various sizes, all species are larger than the cockatiel. Cockatoos can grow to 1-2 feet long and look like large parrots. Their colors are often more subtle than those of other parrot species.

The cockatiel, the smallest parrot species worldwide, is also the smallest. Cockatiels can measure anywhere from 10 to 13 inches in length. Their tails are also very long, especially compared to other cockatoos. Besides their length, cockatiels also have a smaller stature and weight than any other cockatoo species.

Cockatoo vs. Cockatiel: Distribution

Cockatoos can be found in Australasia, which includes many countries and regions. Cockatoos can be found in Australia, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands. There are not all species of cockatoos in every region. They all have their niche habitats within the range.

Cockatiels can only be found in Australia, where they are native. Although they can be found throughout most Australia, they are not present on the east coast or in central Australia.

Cockatoo vs. Cockatiel: Habitat

Cockatoos can be found in a variety of habitats. Galah, the most common cockatoo species, can live in open areas and eat grass seeds. The red-vented cockatoo is another species that lives in mangroves. The majority of habitats in the group are home to at most one species of cockatoo.

Cockatiels live in semi-arid areas of Australia. Cockatiels prefer to be near water, and they are usually only a short flight away from it. The extremes of Australia’s deep desert areas in the middle of the country and the fertile, wet regions along the coast are avoided by cockatiels.

Cockatoo and Cockatiel: Popular Pets

Cockatoos can be kept as pets, but they aren’t very popular. Cockatoos can be difficult to care for and need special attention to live happily. Cockatoos can also be difficult to breed.

However, Cockatiels are very common as pets. Cockatiels are small and easy to maintain. Cockatiels are also much easier to breed than cockatiels.

Cockatoo and Cockatiel: Two common species kept as pets

These are the primary species of cockatoos that can be kept as pets:

• Umbrella cockatoo
• The sulfur-crested cockatoo
• lesser sulfur-crested cockatoo
• Malukan cockatoo

Although there are only one species, they are extremely popular pets worldwide.