Size of a Cockatoo

The size of an adult cockatoo can range from 12 to 26 inches. The wide size range is because of the differences between species. Any cockatoo smaller than 1 foot in length is probably not fully grown yet. The size of their crests also varies depending on species and can be very small or large and broad.

To determine the size of a cockatoo, grab a ruler or tape measure. Measure from the tip of the tail to the beak. This may prove to be easier said than done, as your feathered friend most likely will not sit still while you attempt it, so do it as quickly as you can.

Choose a cage for your cockatoo based on his size. The bigger the better, of course, but there are some general rules on this. Even with the smaller varieties, such as the Goffin’s, the cage should be no less than 24 inches by 20 inches by 30 inches. The larger varieties need more space. Get a cage that is no smaller than 32 inches by 20 inches by 35 inches. This will give your birdie plenty of space to socialize and move about comfortably. If the cage is too small for your bird size, he will not be very happy and could even injure himself trying to move around the tiny cage.

Although there are many different species, there are some that are more common than others. The Goffin’s (Cacatua goffini) is the white birdie with a pink face and yellow on the underside of the tail and flight feathers. He also has a small white crest. These little winged guys are on the smaller side, averaging about 13 inches in length. On the larger scale of cockatoos, you will find the umbrella (Cacatua alba) measuring in around 18 inches in length. He is almost all white, except for a bit of yellow under the tail and flight feathers. He has a nice big and broad white crest.