Cockatoo Blog
Types of Cockatoos: 21 Species, Pictures & Prices (2026)
Jul
There are 21 types of cockatoos (the parrot family Cacatuidae), ranging from the pocket-sized cockatiel to the giant, smoky-black Black Palm. For pet keepers they fall into three easy groups – white cockatoos, pink cockatoos and black cockatoos – plus the cockatiel, their small cousin. We breed and hand-raise ten of these species, so this guide covers the types of cockatoos you are most likely to keep, what each one is like, and what it costs in 2026.
White cockatoos
The white cockatoos are the birds most people picture: big, crested and intensely affectionate. The Umbrella cockatoo and the salmon-crested Moluccan cockatoo are the classic “velcro birds” – cuddly, loud and demanding. The Sulphur-Crested cockatoo, with its bright yellow crest, is bold, outgoing and one of the best talkers, while the smaller Goffin’s cockatoo is a playful, highly intelligent bird that suits homes with less space.
Pink cockatoos
The pink cockatoos are hardy, striking and, in some cases, a little more independent than the big whites. The Rose-Breasted cockatoo (or galah) is a rose-and-grey Australian favourite with a balanced temperament, and the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is arguably the most beautiful parrot in the world, crowned with a red-and-yellow banded crest. The slate-grey, scarlet-headed Gang Gang cockatoo is a gentle, quieter option for cooler homes.
Black cockatoos
The black cockatoos are large, dramatic aviary birds kept mainly for their looks. The Red-Tailed Black cockatoo flashes brilliant red tail panels, the Yellow-Tailed Black cockatoo shows yellow tail and cheek markings, and the rare Black Palm cockatoo – smoky grey-black with a huge beak and red cheek patches – is the largest and most expensive of them all.
The cockatiel: the smallest cockatoo
The cockatiel is technically a cockatoo – the smallest member of the family – and by far the most popular pet bird of the group. At $100 to $300 it is a fraction of the price of the larger species, quieter, and far easier for beginners, though it lacks the size and presence of a true crested cockatoo.
Cockatoo species at a glance
| Species | Group | Adult size | Talking | Price (from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umbrella | White | ~18 in | Strong | $800 |
| Goffin’s | White | ~12 in | Moderate | $1,000 |
| Moluccan | White | ~20 in | Good | $1,200 |
| Gang Gang | Pink | ~14 in | Low | $1,300 |
| Rose-Breasted (Galah) | Pink | ~14 in | Moderate | $1,500 |
| Yellow-Tailed Black | Black | ~22-26 in | Low | $1,500 |
| Sulphur-Crested | White | ~18-20 in | Excellent | $1,800 |
| Red-Tailed Black | Black | ~24 in | Low | $3,000 |
| Major Mitchell’s | Pink | ~14-16 in | Low | $3,500 |
| Black Palm | Black | ~22-24 in | Low | $12,000 |
Which type of cockatoo is right for you?
If you are new to cockatoos, start with a white or pink companion species: the Umbrella, Goffin’s or Rose-Breasted are affectionate and comparatively forgiving. Experienced keepers who can handle noise and intensity often choose the Moluccan or the beautiful Major Mitchell’s. The black cockatoos and the Black Palm are specialist, aviary-style birds for expert aviculturists with space and budget. Whichever appeals, you can see current availability across our full range of cockatoo birds for sale, or browse our hand-raised cockatoos and we will help you choose.
Types of cockatoos FAQ
How many types of cockatoos are there?
There are 21 species of cockatoo in the family Cacatuidae, including the white, pink and black cockatoos and the cockatiel. Around ten of them are commonly kept and bred as pets.
What is the most popular type of cockatoo?
The cockatiel is the most popular by far because it is small and affordable. Among the large crested species, the Umbrella, Sulphur-Crested and Galah are the most commonly kept.
What is the biggest cockatoo?
The Black Palm cockatoo is the largest, reaching about 22 to 24 inches, closely followed by the Moluccan among the white cockatoos.
What is the smallest cockatoo?
The cockatiel is the smallest cockatoo. Among the larger crested species, the Goffin’s is the smallest at around 12 inches.
Which type of cockatoo is friendliest?
The Umbrella, Goffin’s and Rose-Breasted (galah) are among the friendliest and most beginner-friendly, while the Moluccan is the most intensely affectionate but also the most demanding.
Whichever of the types of cockatoos appeals most, remember that every one is a loud, long-lived, intelligent bird that needs daily attention – choose for temperament and commitment, not looks alone.
