Cockatiel vs Lovebird: Key Differences (With Pictures)

Cockatiels and lovebirds are both part of the parrot family, and both are kept as pets. Although their colorings are different, the two birds are attractive and colorful. However, the cockatiel and the lovebird differ in many other respects, so one might make your perfect companion, and the other may not be the best option. Unfortunately, while the cockatiel can do well in a mixed aviary, the lovebird can be quite aggressive with docile species, which means these two types of birds should not live together.

Here, we consider both parrot species, including their main differences, so you can choose the one that best fits your family and your home.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Cockatiel Overview

The cockatiel is a member of the parrot family. It originates from Australia and is considered relatively easy to breed. Cockatiels are commonly kept as pets throughout the world because they are attractive to look at and a decent size and can be tamed and affectionate. Some examples of the species will even talk, though this is by no means guaranteed.

Personality / Character

The word that best describes the cockatiel is gentle. Once tamed, the bird will enjoy being handled and will even butt heads when it wants tickling or scratching. That said, while these birds usually enjoy being around their humans and sitting on hands, they are not cuddly, as such. Your cockatiel may sing in delight when you get home and be eager to get out of the cage and be around you, but this otherwise friendly bird may nip at you if it is untamed and not used to being handled.

Cockatiels are also bird-friendly. They are docile, and not only can they be kept in an aviary with other cockatiels, but they can also mix with other species of birds without any trouble.

Training

The cockatiel is considered an intelligent bird and can be trained. In fact, it is considered as trainable as many of the larger parrot breeds. If you buy or adopt an untamed cockatiel, it is a question of taking your time so you can build trust.

Give it a few weeks to get used to its new home before trying to hand-tame it. Start by talking to your ‘tiel from outside the cage so it gets used to seeing and hearing you. After some time, your bird will move closer to you when it hears you talking, and this is a decent indication that it is getting comfortable. Use treats to encourage the bird to come to you at the cage bars before eventually holding the treat in your hand.

Cockatiels can often also be taught tricks, such as turning around, shaking hands, and walking on a tightrope. They will gladly play with a rope toy and spend hours chattering to the bird in the mirror.

Cage and Equipment

A cockatiel needs space to move about. The minimum size of enclosure for this bird should be 2 ft x 1.5 ft x 2 ft tall. Horizontal bars enable it to climb using its hooked bill. There is no such thing as a cage that is too big for a cockatiel, though, so offer yours as much room as you can spare. Provide multiple perches and toys, and remember that this type of bird appreciates a mirror and items like rope ladders.

Housing a cockatiel isn’t as easy as it sounds. Whether you’re setting up your first cage or looking to upgrade your cockatiel’s home, check out the well-researched book The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels, available on Amazon. 

This excellent resource is packed with information about choosing the ideal perch, selecting the best cage design and positioning, helping your cockatiel adjust to its new home, and much more!

Lovebird Overview

The lovebird is also a member of the parrot family, but this small bird is indigenous to Africa. The birds are social and get their name because they form monogamous pair-bonded relationships that last a lifetime. Different species of lovebirds do exist, but not all are suitable for keeping in captivity. The black-collared lovebird, for example, needs a specific fig that is native to its homeland for dietary purposes, and it will suffer if it does not receive this.

Personality / Character

The lovebird is a lively and curious little bird. While they are smaller than the cockatiel in size, they more than make up for this in volume and character. They shriek loudly and often.

Lovebirds are also far more active than docile cockatiels, and besides giving them ladders and other toys that keep them active, some owners have enjoyed success by providing their energetic little feathered friends with a hamster wheel in which to steam around. A tame, handfed lovebird is an affectionate little soul. It will hop on your hand, sit on your shoulder, and enjoy exploring your person. It may hop around in anticipation of being picked up if it is hand-tamed and enjoys your company.

Lovebirds are often said to be moody and territorial. They have even been described as hormonal, so they are considered slightly more difficult to care for than cockatiels.

Another point worthy of consideration is that the lovebird will bond closely with another lovebird, but it can become aggressive around other bird species, especially docile ones like cockatiels. For this reason, it is common to keep lovebirds in their own cage.

Training

While an older cockatiel can be tamed, it is a lot more difficult to work with if it has not had any hand training. As such, you should ensure that an older lovebird is hand-tamed when you get it, or your should get a younger bird. The process of taming a lovebird is similar to that of a cockatiel, but you need to be especially careful the first few times you open the cage door because the lovebird may be more nervous.

Cage and Equipment

A single lovebird will benefit from a cage measuring 18 x 18 x 18 inches, while a pair needs a cage that is 24 inches tall and measures 18 x 24 inches. If you can provide a larger cage, this will give them more room to move about and will benefit the birds. These active animals will need three or four perches, dishes for their water and food, and a bath. You can also provide them with bells, ladders, mirrors, and other toys to help keep them entertained.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The lovebird and cockatiel are similar in many respects. They are small parrot species, can be tamed, and are considered affectionate and friendly in their own ways. The cockatiel might be considered more beginner-friendly and is less prone to biting while also being easier to tame and not as noisy. The lovebird is smaller but should not be housed with other species of birds, and it can make an incredible racket for a critter of such small stature.

See also:

• Parrotlet vs Cockatiel

Featured Image Credit: Top – Tiểu Bảo Trương, Pexels | Bottom – Anilsharma26, Pixabay