What is the Difference Between Cockatoo and Cockatiel?

Cockatoos and cockatiels are both birds in the Cacatuidae family, but they have some key differences in appearance, size, and behavior. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Size: Cockatoos are larger birds, with some species reaching up to 20 inches in length, while cockatiels are smaller, typically measuring around 12 inches. Cockatiels are often referred to as miniature cockatoos.
2. Appearance: Cockatiels are distinguished by their orange cheeks, while cockatoos have a more varied appearance, often featuring a crest.
3. Behavior: Cockatoos are known to be more noisy and vocal, while cockatiels are generally calmer birds. Cockatoos are also better at mimicking their owner's words, whereas cockatiels have a softer voice and make more bird sounds.
4. Taxonomy: Historically, cockatiels were considered part of a different family of parrots, but more recent data has recategorized them into the same family as cockatoos, meaning that all cockatiels are technically considered cockatoos.

In summary, cockatoos are larger and noisier birds with a crest, while cockatiels are smaller and calmer birds with orange cheeks. Both birds are in the Cacatuidae family, but they have distinct appearances and behaviors.

Comparative Table: Cockatoo vs Cockatiel

Here is a table comparing the differences between cockatoos and cockatiels:

Cockatoos and cockatiels are both members of the Cacatuidae family, but cockatiels are smaller and sometimes referred to as miniature cockatoos. They have different appearances, with cockatoos having solid or plain feather colors and cockatiels featuring brightly colored plumage with various shades. Additionally, cockatiels have a long tail, a trait commonly associated with parakeets.