Cockatiel vs. Cockatoo: Though both are parrots, they differ in size, lifespan, and price. Find out more in this post
Scientifically, cockatiels and cockatoos are both Psittacidae and are classified in the same family Cacatuidae but they are different genera and species. Cockatiels are from the genus Nymphicus hollandicus, while cockatoos belong to several genera, including Cacatua and Calyptorhynchus.
But perhaps this is complicated jargon that is not helpful for someone looking to purchase a first bird from a pet store.
So, in simpler terms, Tiels and Toos share some similarities due to their common ancestry, but they are distinct species with unique traits and characteristics.
Cockatiels and Cockatoos are native to Australia, and both species have similar body shapes and beak structures. Both birds also have crests but differ in size, temperament, lifespan…and much more.
See more below.
What is The Difference Between A Cockatoo and a Cockatiel
The most apparent difference between a cockatoo and a cockatiel is their body size, with Toos much bigger than Tiels. Both birds come in different colors, but Cockatoo’s variants are mostly naturally occurring, while most tiel colors result from selective breeding in the hobby.
Cockatoos have longer lifespans than Tiels and are noisier than their tiny cousins. Regarding care and maintenance, Cockatoos are also more demanding and prone to behavior and psychological issues than Cockatiels.
Below are these and more differences between Cockatoos and Cockatiels.
Size Difference: Cockatoos vs Cockatiel
Cockatoos are generally larger than cockatiels, both in terms of body size and wingspan, and thus require larger cages to accommodate their size and need for activity.
Cockatiels are smaller birds, measuring around 12 to 14 inches from head to tail and with a wingspan of about 12 to 16 inches. They require a cage at least 24 inches wide, deep, and tall, though bigger cages are better for their comfort and activity.
Cockatoos, on the other hand, vary widely in size depending on the species, ranging from about 12 to 24 inches in length. Their wingspans can span from 20 to over 36 inches or more, depending on the species.
Given their larger size, cockatoos need more spacious cages, ideally at least 24 inches wide, deep, and 36 inches tall, to allow for movement and comfort.
Lifespan Difference: Cockatoos vs Cockatiels
Cockatiels typically live between 15 to 20 years when kept as pets, with some individuals living even longer with proper care and attention
On the other hand, cockatoos generally have a longer lifespan, living between 40 and 60 years, and some species can even live longer with good care.
So, while cockatiels and cockatoos can make long-term companions, cockatoos typically have a significantly longer lifespan when compared to cockatiels.
Knowing this difference will help you understand the long-term commitment involved in caring for a pet bird and plan for the bird’s care and welfare over its lifetime, including financial planning for veterinary care, food, and other supplies.
Buyers will also choose either of the two species based on their lifestyle, living situation, and ability to commit to the bird’s lifespan. For example, someone with a more transient lifestyle may opt for a cockatiel, while others may prefer a cockatoo for a lifelong companion.
Behavior Diffrences: Cockatiels vs Cockatoos
Both tiels and toos are interesting birds that enjoy some constant stimulation. A Redditor on r/parrots Reddit likens cockatoo behavior to that of a cockatiel but amplified 200 times. Both birds are friendly, form strong bonds with their owners, and enjoy playing with different toys, so ensure they have plenty.
Cockatoos are more cuddly than cockatiels, but both species love affectionate neck and head rubs.
They will also enjoy resting on your shoulder and preening on you. They will socialize with you as long as you have time for them.
Cockatoos can learn tricks better than tiels, but both birds are tamable and trainable.
In terms of goofiness, cockatoos are perhaps more entertaining. They will hang upside down at least once a day, particularly Galahs. They also love doing an iconic stomping power walk.
Tiels are not goofy, like cockatoos, and can be couch potatoes, but they make up for that in friendliness. They rarely develop an attitude, like Toos, and are less likely to bite.
They’re also less destructive and won’t chew on anything and everything like Toos. With Cockatiels, you do not have to protect as many household items as you would with a Cockatoo.
Lastly, is the bird’s reaction to displeasure. While cockatoos result in biting, screaming, feather picking, and self-mutilation, as seen in many highly intelligent parrots, Tiels are a tad more resilient and rarely develop behavioral (or psychological) problems.
Tiels are also less needy and demanding in terms of attention and socialization and even accommodate companions. Considering these facts, cockatiels are the easier of the two birds to care for and perfect pets even for beginners.
Which Species is The Right for You: Cockatiel or Cockatoo
Now, when deciding between a cockatiel and a cockatoo, their differences are what you want to focus on.
Ideally, Toos are more engaging and entertaining than Tiels but are more demanding and challenging to keep, so they are ideal for experienced keepers, while Tiels are easier to maintain but not as active and a tad too tiny for most bird enthusiasts, so they are best for younger or first-time parrot owners.
Cockatoos are also more expensive. Their retail price could be up to 10X that of a Tiels, and the maintenance cost is heftier. You’ll require a larger cage for a Too, more accessories and food, which costs more as well.
Moreover, cockatoos are destructive, so be prepared with an amount for birdproofing your house and replacing damaged items for a Too than you would for a Tiel. Toos are the ideal option only for someone with money (+time and patience) to spare and Tiels for keepers on a budget.
That said…both species are remarkably dusty and are not ideal pets for people with dust allergies.
Tiels are the less needy of the two birds and will accommodate equally-sized companions, including budgies. So if you are a student, working person, or you live a fleeting lifestyle, a cockatiel is the best bird for you out of the two.
They are also better for families with kids because Tiels are less likely to bite and are rarely one-person birds. Cockatiels will bond with more than one person in a home, but cockatoos often choose their favorite person to bond with and be quite mean to the rest.
The table below summarizes the ideal owner of a cockatoo and cockatiels.
| Cockatoos (Best if you…) | Cockatiels (Best if you…) |
|---|---|
| 1. Want a talking bird | 1. Want a tiny bird |
| 2. Working with a big budget | 2. Are a beginner |
| 3. Have plenty of space and room at home | 3. Want a bird you can raise with your kids |
| 4. Have a permanent lifestyle | 4. Want a relatively quiet bird |
| 5. Not too old (because they are very longlived) | 5. Only have little room and space to spare (Apartment living) |
| 6. Don’t mind a loud bird | 6. Want a family bird |
| 7. Don’t mind a destructive bird | 7. Working on a budget |
| 8. If you want a big bird | 8. Relatively busy |