Cockatoo vs. Parrot — What's the Difference?

Known for its mainly white, black, or grey plumage.

Any bird of the order Psittaciformes, known for bright colors.

Requires social interaction and mental stimulation.

Omnivorous birds, eat seeds, fruits, and sometimes insects.

Noted for its strong, curved bill.

Requires mental stimulation and social interaction.

Recognized for its loud, raucous call.

Parrots, also known as psittacines , are birds of the roughly 398 species in 92 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes , found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The order is subdivided into three superfamilies: the Psittacoidea ("true" parrots), the Cacatuoidea (cockatoos), and the Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots).

A cockatoo is any of the 21 parrot species belonging to the family Cacatuidae, the only family in the superfamily Cacatuoidea. Along with the Psittacoidea (true parrots) and the Strigopoidea (large New Zealand parrots), they make up the order Psittaciformes.

Any of numerous primarily tropical and subtropical birds of the order Psittaciformes, characterized by a short hooked bill, brightly colored plumage, and, in some species, the ability to mimic human speech or other sounds.

A parrot with an erectile crest, found in Australia, eastern Indonesia, and neighbouring islands.

One who imitates the words or actions of another, especially without understanding them.

A small-scale farmer.

To repeat or imitate, especially without understanding.

A lookout posted by those engaged in illegal activity

A kind of bird, many species of which are colorful and able to mimic human speech, of the order Psittaciformes or (narrowly) of the family Psittacidae.

Any of various parrots of the family Cacatuidae of Australia and adjacent areas, characterized by a long erectile crest.

A parroter; a person who repeats the words or ideas of others.

A bird of the family Cacatuidae with a curved beak and a zygodactyl foot.

(archaic) A puffin.

A lookout posted during a two-up game, when gambling was illegal.

Channel coal.

A bird of the Parrot family, of the subfamily Cacatuinæ, having a short, strong, and much curved beak, and the head ornamented with a crest, which can be raised or depressed at will. There are several genera and many species; as the broad-crested cockatoo (Plictolophus cristatus or Cacatua cristatus), the sulphur-crested (Cacatua galerita or Plictolophus galeritus), etc. The palm cockatoo or great black cockatoo of Australia is Probosciger aterrimus (formerly Microglossus aterrimus).

A transponder.

White or light-colored crested parrot of the Australian region; often kept as cage birds

(transitive) To repeat (exactly what has just been said) without necessarily showing understanding, in the manner of a parrot.

A bird of the family Cacatuidae with a distinctive crest.

In a general sense, any bird of the order Psittaci.

Any species of Psittacus, Chrysotis, Pionus, and other genera of the family Psittacidæ, as distinguished from the parrakeets, macaws, and lories. They have a short rounded or even tail, and often a naked space on the cheeks. The gray parrot, or jako (Psittacus erithacus) of Africa (see Jako), and the species of Amazon, or green, parrots (Chrysotis) of America, are examples. Many species, as cage birds, readily learn to imitate sounds, and to repeat words and phrases.

To repeat by rote, without understanding, as a parrot.

To chatter like a parrot.

Usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds

A copycat who does not understand the words or acts being imitated

Repeat mindlessly;

Renowned for their ability to mimic sounds, including human speech.

Have zygodactyl feet (two toes forward and two back).

These colors are typical of the Cacatuidae family, though reasons are evolutionary and species-specific.

Many parrots can, but the ability varies among species.

Most parrots are social, often living in flocks, but individual behavior can vary.

Cockatoos are known for their prominent crests.

Yes, cockatoos are a specific family within the larger parrot order.

Cockatoos are native to Australasia, including Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

Cockatoos are known for their loud calls, especially in the wild or when seeking attention.

Parrots generally eat seeds, nuts, fruit, buds, and other plant material.

Some cockatoos can mimic words and sounds, but their repertoire isn't as extensive as some other parrots'.

Mimicry helps parrots communicate within their flock, identify one another, and sometimes interact with humans or other species.

Parrots are among the most intelligent birds, capable of problem-solving and sometimes mimicking speech.

They can, but they require a lot of attention and mental stimulation.

Cockatoos can live between 40-60 years, sometimes longer in captivity with proper care.

There are about 393 species of parrots known.

Some parrot species are endangered due to habitat loss and the pet trade.