Compare
Budgie vs Cockatiel
The two most popular small parrots — similar care, different scale.
| Budgie | Cockatiel | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | About 1 oz | About 3 oz |
| Lifespan | 7–15 years | 15–25 years |
| Talking | Can learn many words | Better at whistling tunes |
| Noise | Chatty but soft | Louder contact calls |
| Dust | Low | Powder down — more dust |
| Company | Best in pairs or flocks | Pair or lots of daily attention |
Pick a budgie if…
You have less space and want a chatty, smaller bird.
Pick a cockatiel if…
You want a cuddlier bird and can commit 20+ years.
Laws change — always verify with your state wildlife agency.