Macaw VS Cockatoo: Detail Explained – Choose Your Favorate One

Which bird makes the best pet, a Macaw or a Cockatoo? It can be difficult to decide, as both birds have their own unique set of characteristics.

In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the two species, so you can decide which is right for you to pick between Macaw vs Cockatoo. So, why late? Let’s get started with it.

 

A Table of Comparison between Macaw VS Cockatoo

Characteristic	Macaw	Cockatoo
Size	2-3 feet long	12-24 inch long
Habitat	They can be found in forests, and rainforests. There are also some species which is available in fields and woodlands.	They also can be found at many places like mangroves, rainforests, urban areas, etc.
Distribution	Found in Central and South America	Found in Australia and parts of Indonesia
Dander	Has dander	No dander
Weight	4 pounds	2 pounds
Maintenance	They are a little bit smaller and easy to train, that’s why they need less maintenance	They are slightly bigger than macaws and a little bit tough to train. This is why they need more maintenance.
Breeding	Lay 2-3 eggs and are interested in different positions	Lay 2-3 eggs and want a comfortable place with their companions
Common Species	Blue and gold macaw, green-winged macaw, Hybrid macaw, Hyacinth macaw	Umbrella, sulfur-crested, lesser sulfur-crested, and a Moluccan cockatoo.
Price	$1000-$18,000	$2000-$4000

 

 

 Macaw VS Cockatoo: Size and Weight

When it comes to size, the Macaw is going to be the bigger bird. Usually, a macaw is between 2-3 feet long, and a cockatoo is around 12-24 inches long. The cockatoo is not a very small bird but is relatively small compared to the macaw.

The most notable feature of macaws is that they are relatively large birds that are kept as pets. The largest macaw species is the Hyacinth macaw, and the smallest is the Hans macaw. Macaw weighs up to four pounds, while the Cockatoo typically maxes out at around two pounds.

So, which bird do you want to pet? If you love petting something big, then a macaw is ideal. On the other hand, if you prioritize a small bird then picks a cockatoo.

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Lifespan

One of the key differences between macaw vs cockatoo is their lifespan. Usually, Macaws have a lifespan of about 50-75 years, while Cockatoos only live for about 20-30 years. So if you’re looking for a lifelong companion, the Macaw is the better choice.

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Distribution

What makes these two birds apart is their distribution. Macaws are commonly found in Central and South America. These birds are quite widespread, being found in Mexico, and almost all of South America, and have a native range in the Caribbean.

On the other hand, Cockatoos are native to “Australasia,” a region that includes Australia, parts of Asia, and some other islands in the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find them in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and many other islands.

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Habit and Behavior

Personality is a very important thing when picking the best pet for your home. Do you want a pet that is active and playful or one that is more laid-back?

The Macaw is a very active bird and loves to play. They are known for their loud screeching, which can be a bit of a turnoff for some people. But if you’re looking for a bird that is always up for a game of fetch, the Macaw is the right choice for you.

On the other hand, the Cockatoo is a more mellow bird. They are known for their singing voice, and many people find their cooing to be quite soothing. The Cockatoo is the right choice if you’re looking for a pet that will be content to just sit on your shoulder and watch TV with you.

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Diet

Diet is another important thing you should check out between macaw VS cockatoo.

Macaws are omnivorous, which means they’ll eat just about anything. But cockatoos are mostly herbivorous, so they’ll eat mostly plant matter. This can be tricky if you’re not used to preparing bird food because macaws can be a bit more aggressive when it comes to getting what they want.

 

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Dander

 

Here’s something you probably didn’t know: Macaws and Cockatoos both produce a lot of dander. Dander is that pesky little thing that makes your allergies go crazy, and it’s one of the main reasons people choose not to adopt these birds.

But one thing you may not know is that not all Macaws and Cockatoos produce a lot of dander. In fact, there are some breeds that don’t produce any at all.

So if you’re looking for a bird that doesn’t make your allergies go crazy, you’ll want to do your research and find out which breed doesn’t produce dander.

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Ease of Maintaining

As you might know, petting birds is not an easy task as they are not easily petted. Good maintenance is required for rapid growth. And in this case, Macaws are relatively easy to care for.

Macaws are generally not very demanding, so they are relatively easy to care for. But the biggest problem with them is their size and intelligence. Being about 4 feet tall, these birds are unsuitable for apartment keeping. But hopefully, if they are well-tamed and handled, they become loving and caring.

On the other hand, Cockatoos are considered to be needy, vocal birds and therefore require regular attention and care. If they are not handled properly or if there is a deficiency in their care, they can become vicious bites. So it is very important to take good care of cockatoos.

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Training

When it comes to training, there’s a big difference between macaws and cockatoos.

Cockatoos are a lot easier to train than macaws. They’re intelligent, and they respond well to positive reinforcement. All you need to do is be consistent with your commands, and reward your cockatoo when it does something right.

But macaws are a whole different story. They can be very stubborn, and they definitely don’t want to be told what to do. You’ll need to be patient, and be prepared to put a lot of time and effort into training your macaw.

So in our opinion, it’s better to pet the cockatoo. They’re easy to train, and they make great companions. But if you’re up for the challenge, then go ahead and get yourself a macaw!

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Breeding

There are two types of macaws that breed domestically, the blue and gold macaws. Generally, they are more interested in a variety of positions and situations.

Other species of macaws, such as blue and gold macaws, can be bred domestically but require more time and management.

Cockatoos, on the other hand, are quite capable of breeding. But in that case, it is important to place them in a good and comfortable place with their companions. Besides, it is important to bond with them as well as feed them well.

The female macaw or cockatoo will usually lay 2-3 eggs in a nest. Both parents will take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. This usually takes about 4-5 weeks.

Chicks are born altricial, which means they are helpless and need their parents to take care of them.

 

Macaw VS Cockatoo: Price

The cost of a macaw will depend on the species. There are many different types of macaws available in the pet trade, and you’ll want to do your research to determine the most compatible type for you. You can expect a Macaw to cost anywhere from $1000 to $18,000 for your bird alone.

Cockatoos, on the other hand, are usually priced between $2,000 and $4,000. The high price of cockatoos is a result of the rarity of many of them. The price of a cockatoo can range from $80 for a cockatiel up to $40,000 for a red-tailed black. If you are thinking about purchasing a cockatoo, remember they need a lot of care and are best kept out of cages for long periods of time.

 

Which Bird is Perfect for you between Macaw VS Cockatoo

You already have a complete understanding of the Macaw VS Cockatoo comparisons, right? Now, which of these two is the most suitable for petting?

Whereas macaws are easy to tame as they are relatively easy to train. They have quite a voice though.

On the other hand, Cockatoo has a high demand. They need some time to be tamed or they will exhibit harmful behavior.

Although both are beautiful birds, which one you choose is entirely your decision. But if you want our suggestion, we suggest you pick macaw.

And if you want a beautiful and interactive pet, both birds are great choices. Just remember that they require a lot of care and attention, so be sure you’re ready to take on the responsibility before bringing one home.

Conclusion

Macaw and Cockatoo are both beautiful birds. But if you want to pet the one between them, you must know the differences.

In this article, we try to share a comparison between Macaw VS Cockatoo so that you can pick the perfect one for your pet. Hopefully, this small effort will be helpful for all of you.

If you have any other questions regarding it, just feel free to comment on us. We will surely try to answer. Thank you all.