African Penguin vs Cockatiel
Spheniscus demersus compared with Nymphicus hollandicus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Penguin | Cockatiel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Nymphicus hollandicus |
| Order | Sphenisciformes | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae | Cacatuidae |
| Conservation Status | Endangered | Least Concern |
| Length | 60.0 cm (23.6 in) | 32.0 cm (12.6 in) |
| Wingspan | 42.0 cm (16.5 in) | 40.0 cm (15.7 in) |
| Weight | 3100.0 g (109.35 oz) | 90.0 g (3.17 oz) |
| Diet | Small schooling fish, especially sardines and anchovies. Forages within 40 km of the colony, diving … | Seeds, grain, berries, and plant material. Forages on the ground in open areas. In captivity, … |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 1-7 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
African Penguin
Rocky coastlines and offshore islands of southern Africa. Nests in burrows, under boulders, or in surface scrapes.
Cockatiel
Open arid and semi-arid habitats including scrubland, farmland, and woodland near water in Australia.
Song & Call Comparison
African Penguin
A loud, donkey-like braying 'waaah-waaah' — hence its nickname 'jackass penguin'. Also gives softer grunts and contact calls at the colony. Highly vocal on breeding beaches.
Cockatiel
A loud, whistled 'weet' or 'weeeet'. Males whistle a melodic series; contact call is a high nasal 'ny'. Capable of mimicry in captivity. Song is relatively simple but pleasant.
Geographic Range & Migration
African Penguin
Coastal southwestern Africa from Namibia to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The only penguin species breeding in Africa.
Cockatiel
Interior of Australia, generally avoiding coastal areas. The second most popular pet bird worldwide.
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Cockatiel
How to Tell Them Apart
African Penguin
Black upperparts and white underparts with a distinctive black horseshoe-shaped band across the breast. Pink patches of bare skin above the eyes help with thermoregulation.
Sturdy, pointed, black bill with a grey band near the tip
Cockatiel
Wild-type males are grey with white wing patches, a yellow face, and bright orange cheek patches. Females are duller with barred tail undersides. Many captive color mutations exist.
Short, curved, grey bill
About These Birds
African Penguin
The African penguin is the only penguin species native to the African continent, also called the jackass penguin for its donkey-like braying call. Their population has plummeted over 95% since pre-industrial times due to egg collection, oil spills, and competition with commercial fisheries for sardine and anchovy stocks.
Cockatiel
The cockatiel is the smallest member of the cockatoo family and one of the most popular pet birds globally. These gentle, intelligent parrots can learn to whistle tunes and mimic sounds. Wild cockatiels are nomadic, traveling in flocks following food and water availability across the Australian outback.