The first time I saw a cockatoo, I thought it was a type of giant cockatiel! Needless to say, when I expressed this to the owner, he wasn’t impressed! One of the only things that these birds share is the first six letters of their names. Cockatiels and cockatoos differ in size, personality, and coloration. Both types of birds require attention, but determining which one is best for you might come down to cost. To help you fully understand these intriguing birds, this guide discerns between cockatiels and cockatoos.
Cockatoos Are Larger Than Cockatiels
One of the most important differences between cockatiels and cockatoos is their size. Cockatiels are generally smaller than cockatoos and are closer in size to budgies and small parrots. A cockatiel may reach between 11 and 13 inches in height and weigh around two to four ounces.
Conversely, a fully grown cockatoo is between 12 and 27 inches and weighs between 10 and 30 ounces. On average, these parrots reach 20 inches in height and have thick beaks that make quick work of splitting wood or cracking nuts. The cockatoo’s beak has been compared to a surgical knife, and one of the first lessons they’re taught in captivity is not to bite their handlers. When comparing the weight of these birds, even the smaller Philippine cockatoo reaches 10 ounces, which is well above that of the smaller cockatiel. Cockatoos are stocky birds with large heads, whereas cockatiels have tiny beaks and feet and are slender adults.
Cockatiels Have More Colors and Patterns Than Cockatoos
The most common color pattern on a cockatiel is gray feathering on the body with a yellow head and rosy cheeks. But this is where things get complicated. You can find cockatiels in various shades from yellow and white to pure white or gray. Today, many breeders experiment with color mutations, giving rise to piebald and exotic color combinations that you simply won’t find in cockatoos.
The color of a cockatoo depends on the species, but they’re rarely patterned and mostly identified by their solid coloring. Certain species have a mixture of blush pink and white or yellow and white, but they’ll have one color across their bodies with brighter crests. If you’re unsure, compare their tails. You’ll notice that a cockatiel has quite a long tail in proportion to its body, whereas the cockatoo has a short tail.
Cockatoos Generally Aren’t as Loud as Cockatiels
If you are looking for a very affectionate and social bird that is incredibly intelligent, then a cockatoo is the better choice. These medium-to-large-sized parrots are best for experienced keepers and are known to bond deeply with their families. They’re vocal parrots, and if you fail to give them what they need, they will definitely let you know about it. With a fair amount of stimulation, cockatoos become so friendly and trusting of their family that they end up enjoying a good cuddle. With training, these birds can learn to mimic human speech!
A tame cockatiel is described as gentle and loving. Cockatiels are calm birds, but if the bird breeder doesn’t socialize them (or you rarely interact with them), they’ll remain on the shy side. Cockatiels can be taught basic commands such as mimicking short sounds or returning to your hand if flying in an enclosed space. They’re less demanding than cockatoos but tend to produce high-pitched chirps and songs throughout the day.
Cockatoos Require Near-Constant Socialization; Cockatiels Don’t
Both cockatiels and cockatoos need lots of attention, but a cockatoo may be more demanding. Cockatoos need a fair amount of time outside of their enclosure where they can walk about and mingle with family and guests. Not only does it ease stress in birds, but it also helps with socialization. Cockatoos are known to become depressed if they’re simply left in their cages without much interaction, making them suited to experienced birdkeepers.
So, before you decide on a cockatoo, determine whether you can commit to constant interactions and activities outside their cage. In addition to time, it is costlier to maintain a cockatiel. From the cage size and food to veterinary care and toys, the larger parrots are more expensive to maintain than the smaller cockatiels.
Cockatiels need attention too, but they cope far better with longer periods spent inside their cages. Cockatiels require frequent handling and patience to become socialized and tame. A single adult cockatiel can be housed in a cage of at least 24 inches wide and 30 inches high. Cockatoos require enclosures of double this size, adding to their overall expense.
Cockatoos Live Decades; Cockatiels Rarely Pass Their Teens
The average lifespan of a cockatiel is 20 years, but most in captivity reach 14 years of age. A cockatoo lives between 40 years and 60 years, with some species, such as the sulfur-crested cockatoo, reaching an incredible 100 years. Both birds can live beyond 20 years of age, so prepare for a long-term pet if you choose either one of them.
Cockatiels and cockatoos make great pets and share ancestry, but in terms of personality, commitment, and appearance, these birds are completely different. Before you make one of them your next pet, get to know the differences between cockatiels and cockatoos. Base your decision on lifestyle, overall care, and costs rather than the look or impressiveness of the bird. Learn how to build a bond with your pet bird, and you will have an incredible companion for life!
