Cockatoo Vs Cockatiel: Amaze-wing Bird Differences Explained For Kids

Nidhi Sahai
Jan 16, 2023 By Nidhi Sahai
Originally Published on Oct 26, 2021
Edited by Jacob Fitzbright
Fact-checked by Vikhaash Sundararaj
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Known as the smallest birds of the cockatoo family

Cockatiels are known as the smallest birds of the cockatoo family and are also popular pet birds.

Cockatoos and cockatiels are members of the order Psittaciformes or parrots. Cockatiels are members of the genus Nymphicus. 

The most obvious way to differentiate between a cockatiel and cockatoos is the size difference. Cockatiels are about half the size of cockatoos and have much smaller beaks. Cockatiels are gray and yellow with orange faces in the wild. Most cockatoos are sulfur-crested in color.

Cockatiels are parrots also known as quarrion and are generally found in Australia.

They are much smaller than cockatoos, although cockatiels belong to the same cockatoo family the difference between a cockatiel and cockatoo is that cockatiel is the smallest member of the cockatoo family and both are popular pet birds but cockatiels are preferred, as cockatiels are much calmer and easy to maintain, while cockatoos come in a variety of sizes and variety of types and can grow up to 26 in (66.04 cm) tall.

Cockatiels are smaller in size and can go up to 13-14 in (33.02-35.56 cm) tall.

If you have a smaller bird, that might be a cockatiel. They are good household pets and are very easy to breed as compared to other birds of the same family.

Cockatoo is a member of the Cacatuidae family which has different 21 species of bird.

The adult birds show variations in personality, and size; cockatiels enjoy more popularity. There are around 18-24 different types of Cockatiel.

The cockatiel is regarded to be one of the first offshoots of the cockatoo lineage, and you can see the cockatoo connection when you look at it closely. Cockatoos and cockatiels both have crest feathers that may be raised or lowered.

When your cockatiel is comfortable, the way his or her cheek feathers cover the side of the beak is simply gorgeous. That is a traditional cockatoo stance. The powdered down feathers of cockatiels and cockatoos are well-known.

Do you also love these parrot-looking birds and want to know more about them? You can also read about cockatiel facts and chigger bites vs flea bites here on Kidadl.

Which is better cockatiel or cockatoo?

Adult cockatoos and cockatiels show many differences in their behavior, tail, size, and personality in the wild but do not show much difference in appearance. Cockatiels are far superior to cockatoos.

Cockatiels are generally calmer and more docile than cockatoos, making them easier to handle and care for, which is why they are the most popular birds in the United States. Cockatoos require more space and time outside of their cage than cockatiels, and they are more expensive to buy.

Moreover, cockatoos require a lot of time out of the cage with their owners and may become stressed if left alone for too long, a cockatoo is openly affectionate to their owners and show it physically.

While on the other hand cockatiels are content to live alone and can be left alone for a longer period of time, however, both are prized as household pets and companion parrots worldwide.

Cockatiels are a more popular choice due to their size and cost. Whenever a cockatiel flies, the tail spreads out like a fan.

Cockatiels are the smallest bird species in the family of cockatoo and are also one of the most popular pet birds.

Larger cockatoos, on the other hand, are less common, with the sulfur-crested cockatoo and umbrella cockatoo being the most prevalent. The family Cacatuidae includes the cockatoo.

Because they create such close ties with their owners when grown in captivity, cockatoos are frequently referred to as 'Velcro birds'. They're also known for being one of the most affectionate bird species, bonding with their owners for life.

Some of these birds have been reported to outlast their owners, becoming melancholy and even dying of a broken heart as a result of their separation.

Cockatiels and cockatoos are popular pet birds, with small white or black cockatiels displaying a variety of behavior, personality, and sound.

As long as the cockatoo isn't aggressive toward the smaller bird, they can stay together. Cockatoos, on the other hand, can be territorial, which means that they may hurt or even kill the cockatiel at some point.

How different is the plumage pattern in cockatoo vs cockatiel?

There are a variety of differences between a cockatoo and a cockatiel. The plumage of a typical gray cockatiel is mostly gray with noticeable white flashes on the outer borders of each wing.

The male has a yellow or white face, while the female has a gray or light gray face. Each gender has a round orange spot on both ear areas, which is referred to as 'cheek patches'.

Cockatoos, on the other hand, are distinguished from other parrot species by their striking dusty feathers, crest feathers, and a variety of white, black, gray, and pink colors. The majority of Australian cockatoos are medium-sized birds with distinct crests.

The plumage is overall white, while the underwing and tail are tinged yellow. The expressive crest is yellow.

The bill is black, the legs are gray, and the eye-ring is whitish. Males typically have almost black eyes, whereas females have more red or brown eyes, but this requires optimum viewing conditions to be seen.

Wild cockatiels also have amazing appearance.

Do cockatiels act like cockatoos?

Cockatiels are a species of cockatoo and if you have a pet cockatoo in your home it may be a cockatiel and you might not know of it! Such is the similarity between these two popular pet birds that it takes some time to exactly know which bird you own!

Cockatiels are the most common pet birds in the US.

Cockatiels are intelligent, beautiful, and affectionate birds who have been domesticated for years, so this comes as no surprise. Cockatiels are a simple breed to raise, are small, and need a small nest as compared to cockatoos who need a big nest and are somewhat loud and vocal but equally affectionate to humans.

In the wild, cockatiels are found with gray and white patches on their wings and green and yellow patches on their tails.

Cockatiels who are bred in captivity can be seen in a wide variety of colors that are not available naturally. They have red, brown, yellow, and white patches throughout their bodies.

Being loud and vocal, cockatoos are not suited for small apartments or small homes with close neighbors as they make their vocal noises during sunrise and sunset. Cockatoos are infamous for chewing and, if given the chance, will demolish poorly constructed toys or cages.

Cockatoos and cockatiels have differences in their cage requirements. Cockatoos require large cages to live comfortably and also prefer more playtime outside the cage to maintain their physical health with good mental conditions.

Cockatiels are easy to train because they are quite social and enjoy being close to their owners. Early socializing makes these birds easy to train and they can do tricks, replicate a limited vocabulary, and play games.

Owners can gauge the mood of cockatiels by looking at their crest. Crested cockatoo and a cockatiel are pet birds but cockatoos require more attention. Cockatoo can live without the owners, but not for long.

The difference in appearance in different species of this parrot-like cockatoo and cockatiel is almost impossible to judge at once. Many differences will be there but you won't be able to see them immediately.

What is the oldest cockatiel in the world?

The Guinness Book of World Records dubbed Sammy, a soon-to-be 31-year-old cockatiel from St. Pete Beach, the 'Oldest Cockatiel.' Blindness has blurred his vision and so he sees objects in various hues of darkness.

He has become deafeningly quiet in his old age, and he no longer flaps wildly from room to room due to arthritis. However, Sammy has achieved a minor victory in the form of a Guinness World Records title, he is the oldest cockatiel in the world.

Cockatiels do not have the same lengthy lifetime as cockatoos, but they can live up to 20 years in captivity and are considered to be the healthiest of their cockatoo cousins. In captivity, they can live up to 20 years and are reputed to be healthy and hardy birds.

Cockatiel owners need to trim their nails, feathers, and give their birds a wash every now and then. Cockatiels, like the rest of the cockatoo family, are naturally clean and preen themselves regularly, so they don't need to be bathed.

Cockatiels do not have a long lifespan and don't come with the responsibility of lifelong care.

The popularity of species of cockatoos is quite good. Larger cockatoos and cockatiels have very minor differences in appearance.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy!

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Written by Nidhi Sahai

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication

Nidhi Sahai picture

Nidhi SahaiBachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication

Dedicated and experienced, Nidhi is a professional content writer with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality work. She has contributed her expertise to esteemed organizations, including Network 18 Media and Investment Ltd. Driven by her insatiable curiosity and love for journalism and mass communication, Nidhi pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, graduating with distinction in 2021. During her college years, she discovered her passion for Video Journalism, showcasing her skills as a videographer for her institution. Nidhi's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her professional pursuits. Actively engaging in volunteer work, she has contributed to various events and initiatives throughout her academic career.

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Fact-checked by Vikhaash Sundararaj

Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in International Business

Vikhaash Sundararaj picture

Vikhaash SundararajBachelor of Fine Arts specializing in International Business

With a background in International Business Management, having completed his degree at the University of Hull. Vikhaash has volunteered with 'Teach For India' to help students create a monthly newsletter. In his free time, he enjoys sports and was the assistant captain of his school's hockey team. He has also gained marketing experience through an internship at Decathlon Sports India.

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