Cockatoos and Cockatiels both are social and affectionate parrots. Both of these belong to the same species of Cacatuidae, and they are attention seekers parrots. They have some similarities but maximum differences, which will be explained in detail in this article.
Cockatoos and Cockatiels can be easily distinguished by their color, size, appearance, behavior, food choice, vocals, etc. They both have a very different and unique appearance, and Cockatiels are usually more colorful than cockatoos. Cockatoos have solid colors of their bases, For example, Black, white, grey and pink, etc.
Cockatoos have big sizes as compared to cockatiels. The length of the cockatiel nearly occupies half of the length of its body. Cockatoos’ bodies and tails are different according to their species. There are many differences between cockatoos and cockatiels, and all will be explained in detail.
Cockatoos Vs Cockatiels:
Cockatoos and Cockatiels both are different parrots and have different characteristics. They both can be differentiated through their appearance, Size, Color, Patterns on the skin, Vocals, and many other things. Cockatoos are more good at mimicking words, but they both have a loving and gentle nature.
They both belong to the same family and have similar behavioral qualities, like love to get the attention of their caretakers. They both are very social and attached to their owners. If we compare them in terms of socialization, Cockatoos are more social than cockatiels, and they need more time with their owners.
Cockatiels are smaller in size as compared to cockatoos, and they have a size consisting of half of their body and half of their tail. While cockatoos are larger in size, they can reach up to 26 inches, while the smallest cockatoos are up to 12 inches.
Cockatoos have high vocals and loud calls; in contrast to that, cockatiels have sweet and soft voices. Cockatoos’ screams and cocktails have a calm nature. Cockatoos are relatively more aggressive than cockatiels. There are many differences. Let’s explain all these differences individually.
The appearance of Cockatoos Vs Cockatiels:
In the appearance of cockatoos and cockatiels, many differences can be observed. They are different colors and patterns on their skin. Cockatiels are more brightly colored, while cockatoos are less colorful and have less pigmentation. Check Cockatiel Images Here.
| Cockatoos | Cockatiels |
| Cockatoos have solid colors, and they have base colors like White, Black, Grey, or Pink, etc. Their feathers are more plain and solid, and they are less colorful. Cockatoos have small patches on their cheeks and tails, and they have crests. But they have less pigmentation on their body. Every breed of cockatoos has different patterns and colors, but large cockatoos are even colored and have fewer patterns and colors. Cockatoos have large beaks because of their big face and short tails because they have large bodies and short tails. | Cockatiels have many colors in their bodies; most have grey bodies and watch patches on them. Their faces and tails are colorful, and some have white faces, some have grey, yellow and silvery shades. Cockatiels have white patches on their wings, and they have bright-colored patches on their tail. Cockatiels have similar patterns in their all patriots, and they are brightly colored as compared to cockatoos. Cockatiels have small beaks because they are small in size, and they have long tails, which makes the average of their whole size. |
Size of cockatoos Vs Cockatiels:
Cockatiels and cockatoos have differences in their size, but cockatoos have variety in their size. Many people get confused between small cockatoos and cockatiels, but usually, their difference is cleared.
| Cockatoos | Cockatiels |
| Cockatoos are larger in size, and they have a wide range of sizes. The size of cockatoos ranges from 12 to 26 inches.The smallest cockatoo has a size of about 12 to 13 inches and the largest is 26 inches. | Cockatiels are small compared to cockatoos and have a size range of up to 12 to 13 inches.These parrots can be smaller than this but not larger than this size range. |
The lifespan of Cockatoos Vs Cockatiels:
Differences in the lifespan of Cockatoos and Cockatiels are also observed. They both have different lifespans in the wild and in captivity.
| Cockatoos | Cockatiels |
| Cockatoos have a longer lifespan than cockatiels, and it varies according to their breed and in wild and captivity.Cockatoos Can live longer in captivity up to 100 years of age,, e.g., Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. In the wild, the average lifespan of cockatoos is about 55 to 65 years or even less, but they vary according to their breeds. | Cockatiels have a shorter lifespan as compared to cockatoos, and it varies in captivity and in the wild.Cockatiels have a shorter lifespan in captivity, they live up to 14 years of age, and it can be increased to 20 years of age with a lot of care and attention by caretakers.In the wild, they can live up to 25 years only. |
The personality of Cockatoos Vs Cockatiels:
There are many differences in the personalities of cockatoos and cockatiels. Although these parrots can be trained, naturally, they have some differences which can be easily observed.
| Cockatoos | Cockatiels |
| Cockatoos are more social and talkative parrots, and they need much time to spend with their owners. Cockatoos mostly want to be out of the cage, and they become annoyed and sad when they are alone. Cockatoos are very aggressive, and they can even bite their owner if they are ignored or not treated well. | A cockatiel is a friendly and affectionate parrot, and they love to interact with their owners but not more than cockatoos.Cockatiels used to sit peacefully in the cage, and they became calm and silent when they were alone.Cockatiels have a very peaceful and calm nature, and they often sit silently and peacefully. |
Vocals of Cockatoos Vs Cockatiels:
Vocals of Cockatoos and Cockatiels are one of the strong differences among all. Cockatoos are very famous because of their loud and shrill voices, and cockatiels have soft vocals like their personalities.
| Cockatoos | cockatiels |
| Cockatoos have loud, shrill, and harsh vocals as compared to cockatiels, and they can make loud calls that can be easily heard at some distance.Cockatoos are very good at mimicking words and sentences. Mostly they repeat the words of their owners and can memorize them.Cockatoos can mimic human vocalization, as well as they can whistle so loud and produce household sounds. | Cockatiels have Soft, sweet, and squeakier vocals, they can make loud screams, but generally, they do not produce.Cockatiels can make soft sounds, and they are not good at mimicking their owner’s voice; if they utter, then words can not be understood well. Usually, they make household sounds like the sound of the car, phone ring, and sweet whistle, etc. |
Playing of Cockatoos Vs Cockatiels:
Playing behaviors of Cockatoos and Cockatiels are also observed. It is identified that both parrots love to play, but cockatoos are sharper and enjoy more during playing than cockatiels. Like puzzles, toys are played more by cockatoos.
| Cockatoos | Cockatiels |
| Cockatoos love to enjoy puzzle toys, and they are sharp and intelligent. They can solve the puzzle toys and understand the changes in the game.Cockatoos also like colorful toys, but they mostly like those games in which they interact with their caretakers and enjoy. | Cockatiels also like to play with toys but not efficiently as cockatoos do. They did not enjoy playing with puzzle toys, and we’re not very sharp to understand changes. Cockatiels love to play with moveable toys, and they really like to climb ladders and swings. They are usually attracted to colorful toys. |
The popularity of Cockatoo Vs Cockatiel:
All Cockatoos are very popular parrots because of their unique characteristics. Some are famous for their appearance and unique features, some are of their personality,and some are popular because of their crests and nature. Cockatiels are also included in the 21 species of cockatoos.
| Cockatoos | cockatiels |
| All Cockatoos are very famous because of their unique features. Sulfur-crested cockatoos and all their species are popular for their crest.Some cockatoos are very intelligent, and some have a unique appearance and aggressive nature, like Black Cockatoos. | Cockatiels are also from the species of cockatoos, and all cockatoos are popular.But cockatiels are more popular than cockatoos.Due to their different nature, like peaceful and calm nature as compared to other cockatoos, they are very popular parrots. |
The difference in the Price of Cockatoos Vs Cockatiels:
There is a great difference in the price of Cockatoos and Cockatiels has been observed. Cockatiels are more economical than cockatoos. The price range of cockatoos varies with their breeds.
| Cockatoos | Cockatiels |
| Cockatoos are more expensive than Cockatiels, and their price ranges from $1000 to $25000. | Cockatiels are very economical parrots, and their cost ranges from $80 to $250. |
Can Cockatoos and Cockatiels Breed?
Cockatoos and Cockatiels can breed and produce hybrids. Check out Galah Cockatoo and Cockatiel Hyrbids Here.
Conclusion:
Cockatoos and Cockatiels basically belong to similar families, so they have some similarities, but their differences are prominent. All differences between Cockatoos and Cockatiels have been explained above in detail. Many people get confused about them, but this article will help you identify them more clearly.
Also Read About: Lesser Vs. Medium Vs. Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo; What’s The Difference?
