Macaw vs Cockatoo
Macaw or Cockatoo? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Macaw | Cockatoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Central and South America | Australia, Indonesia, Pacific |
| Adult size | 30–40 in including tail | 12–24 in by species |
| Lifespan | 50–60+ years | 40–60+ years |
| Housing | Very large cage or aviary room | Large, sturdy cage, daily time out |
| Diet | Pellets, produce, nuts | Pellets, vegetables, limited nuts |
| Best fit | Experienced keepers with space | Home most of the day |
| Noise | ●●●●● Very loud calls | ●●●●● Among the loudest parrots |
| Social needs | ●●●●● Needs hours daily | ●●●●● Demands constant contact |
| Mess | ●●●●● Destroys wood and toys | ●●●●● Heavy dust, chews a lot |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Not a first parrot | ●●●●● Often rehomed; plan well |
| Observed price | $4,100 median (154 prices) | $4,200 median (116 prices) |
How they differ
- Noise: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Social needs: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Mess: the Macaw rates higher than the Cockatoo (5 of 5 vs 4).
- Beginner fit: about the same (1 of 5 each).
The Macaw
The large macaws, such as blue-and-gold, scarlet and green-winged, are Central and South American parrots up to three feet long. They are outgoing and playful, but their size, volume and beak strength mean they need a household built around them.
A macaw can live 50 years or more, chew through furniture, and call loudly enough to bother neighbors. It needs a huge cage, constant supply of destructible toys, and an owner who can read and manage a powerful beak.
The Cockatoo
Cockatoos are crested parrots from Australia, Indonesia and nearby islands, bonded to their people to an intense degree. That devotion is the draw and the difficulty: many need more attention than a working household can give, and they tell you loudly.
Cockatoos are among the most frequently rehomed parrots because their need for contact is so high. Screaming, feather plucking and self-harm can follow neglect. They also shed a lot of powder down, which bothers some people's allergies.
Questions
Is a Macaw or a Cockatoo better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 1 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Macaw: Not a first parrot. Cockatoo: Often rehomed; plan well.
What is the main difference between a Macaw and a Cockatoo?
A macaw can live 50 years or more, chew through furniture, and call loudly enough to bother neighbors. It needs a huge cage, constant supply of destructible toys, and an owner who can read and manage a powerful beak. By contrast, cockatoos are among the most frequently rehomed parrots because their need for contact is so high. Screaming, feather plucking and self-harm can follow neglect. They also shed a lot of powder down, which bothers some people's allergies.
Which costs more, a Macaw or a Cockatoo?
On the prices we observed, the Macaw median is $4,100 (154 prices) and the Cockatoo median is $4,200 (116 prices).