Cockatiel vs Secretary Bird
Nymphicus hollandicus compared with Sagittarius serpentarius
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Cockatiel | Secretary Bird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nymphicus hollandicus | Sagittarius serpentarius |
| Order | Psittaciformes | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cacatuidae | Sagittariidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Endangered |
| Length | 32.0 cm (12.6 in) | 130.0 cm (51.2 in) |
| Wingspan | 40.0 cm (15.7 in) | 210.0 cm (82.7 in) |
| Weight | 90.0 g (3.17 oz) | 3700.0 g (130.51 oz) |
| Diet | Seeds, grain, berries, and plant material. Forages on the ground in open areas. In captivity, … | Snakes, lizards, small mammals, and large insects. Hunts on foot, stomping prey to death with … |
| Clutch Size | 1-7 | 1-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Cockatiel
Open arid and semi-arid habitats including scrubland, farmland, and woodland near water in Australia.
Secretary Bird
Open grasslands, savannas, and light woodland across sub-Saharan Africa. Avoids dense forests and very arid regions.
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.
Secretary Bird
A surprisingly deep, resonant croaking 'kowrr-kowrr' often heard at dawn on African savannas. Also gives pig-like grunting sounds. Mostly silent compared to true songbirds.
Geographic Range & Migration
Cockatiel
Interior of Australia, generally avoiding coastal areas. The second most popular pet bird worldwide.
Secretary Bird
Sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and Somalia south to South Africa. Resident throughout its range.
Conservation Status
Cockatiel
Secretary Bird
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
Secretary Bird
Grey body plumage with black flight feathers and thigh feathers. Distinctive long black crest feathers trail from the back of the head. Orange-red bare facial skin.
Short, strong, hooked greyish bill with a yellowish cere
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.
Secretary Bird
The secretary bird is the only raptor that hunts primarily on foot, striding through grasslands on crane-like legs up to 1.2 meters tall. Its name may derive from the crest feathers resembling quill pens tucked behind a secretary's ear. The species is classified as Endangered due to habitat loss and decline across much of its range.