Difference Between Cockatoo and Cockatiel

Cockatoo vs Cockatiel
 

Cockatoo and cockatiel are truly beautiful birds, native to Oceania. It would be fair enough for some averaged person to identify them as birds is the same group because of their exhibited similarities. That is because cockatiel being one of the cockatoos. Therefore, for the differences between them to be obvious, a proper understanding would be necessary. This article would be helpful for anyone like that, as it explores the characteristics of both cockatoos and cockatiels separately and emphasizes the difference between them, as well.

Cockatoo

Cockatoos are a type of parrots (Order: Pstittaciformes) in general, and members of the Cacatuidae family in particular. There are 21 distinct species under seven genera including the type genus known as Cacatua. Cockatoos are native birds of Australia and the surrounding islands including Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and others. Their distinct chest and the colourful and curved beak are standout features. They are comparatively larger than the parrots. In addition, the plumage is more colourful in comparison to the other members of the Order: Psittaciformes. However, white or grey with black often appear with other colours in various places of their body. The presence of an extremely attractive crest is one of the prominent features of cockatoos. Additionally, their crest is moveable and hard, it is often an excellent tool to attract the sexual partners. Their legs are short with strong claws, and the gait is waddling. They have a wide wingspan and can flap those rapidly during flight. These beautiful creatures have streamlined but stocky bodies, which are medium to large with varying bodyweights from 300 to 1200 grams. In addition, their body lengths vary accordingly from 30 to 60 centimetres. Cockatoos prefer fruits and vegetables as their main food, and they are mainly diurnal. The males whistle and females screech. Despite their harsh vocalizations, sometimes they can talk or imitate human vocals in case of a captive cockatoo. These beautiful and attractive creatures are more often kept in captivity than not, and there is an excellent market value for them.

Cockatiel

Cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus, is one of the 21 species of cockatoos, and it is endemic to the Australian mainland, as well. They have small bodies, and this measure about 30 – 33 centimetres and weigh about 300 grams in average. In fact, the small size of cockatiels is presented here in comparison with the other cockatoos of their taxonomic family, but obviously larger than the parrots. Usually, cockatiels are colourful with males being more attractive than females. For example, both sexes possess crests, but males have a colourful and attractive one compared to the greyish and non-prominent female crest. There is a characteristic orange colour patch on their cheeks, which is a nifty feature to identify them. Cockatiels prefer to live around water and usually do not live in one place. It is interesting to notice that cockatiels are nomadic but never move out of the Australian mainland. These captivating birds live in pairs of small flocks, and the lifespan is about 15 – 20 years. The lifespan of cockatoos positively correlates with the quality of food and the exercise they get according to the findings of studies based on them.