Cockatiel vs Common Myna
Nymphicus hollandicus compared with Acridotheres tristis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Cockatiel | Common Myna |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nymphicus hollandicus | Acridotheres tristis |
| Order | Psittaciformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cacatuidae | Sturnidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | 32.0 cm (12.6 in) | 25.0 cm (9.8 in) |
| Wingspan | 40.0 cm (15.7 in) | 38.0 cm (15.0 in) |
| Weight | 90.0 g (3.17 oz) | 120.0 g (4.23 oz) |
| Diet | Seeds, grain, berries, and plant material. Forages on the ground in open areas. In captivity, … | Omnivorous — insects, fruit, grain, and kitchen scraps. Bold and opportunistic around human settlements. |
| Clutch Size | 1-7 | 2-6 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Cockatiel
Open arid and semi-arid habitats including scrubland, farmland, and woodland near water in Australia.
Common Myna
Urban areas, farmland, and open woodland. Closely associated with humans and one of the most successful avian urban colonizers.
Song & Call Comparison
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.
Common Myna
A noisy, cackling chatter and melodious whistling mixed together. An accomplished mimic of other birds and sounds. Gives repeated 'mee-ow' and harsh 'quarr' alarm calls.
Geographic Range & Migration
Cockatiel
Interior of Australia, generally avoiding coastal areas. The second most popular pet bird worldwide.
Common Myna
Native to South and Southeast Asia. Introduced and invasive in Australia, South Africa, Middle East, and many Pacific islands.
Conservation Status
Cockatiel
Common Myna
How to Tell Them Apart
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
Common Myna
Brown body with a glossy black hood, yellow bill, and bare yellow skin behind the eye. White wing patches conspicuous in flight. Yellow legs.
Strong, slightly curved yellow bill
About These Birds
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.
Common Myna
The common myna has been named one of the world's 100 worst invasive species by the IUCN. Originally from South Asia, it has been introduced to tropical regions worldwide where it outcompetes native birds for nest cavities. Despite its invasive status, the myna is an intelligent and charismatic bird capable of mimicking human speech.