Sometimes you may need to be a little patient for answers. It might be a slow period, or people simply don't have an answer or comment, or haven't seen your post yet.
I think that comparing a Macaw and a Cockatiel is comparing 'apples and oranges'. A tame bird will have their own way of expressing affection depending on how each species is inclined to demonstrate it. Not necessarily more or less, just different.
Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
Since the two birds you mention are so completely different with vastly different needs and utterly different temperaments, I think most people probably refrain from answering because they feel that you are probably not ready for either one if you haven't narrowed your choices down farther.
That said, I have met extremely affectionate members of both species. Training, socialization, and individual personality are more important.
Depends on the birds and depends on what the person considers affection.
I think our starling is very affectionate. But others would think it's not because it doesn't like to be pet or touched. It likes to sit on my arm/shoulder/hand ect and serenade me. It likes to play games with me, loves if it can join me in the shower or even the bath. Loves play fetch..that means it steals something and I try and fetch it from the bird.
Some people only think affectionate if they can actually squeeze and pet something though.
I have only enjoyed a sampling of 3 macaws and 1 cockatiel. The cockatiel came to us via "holiday auction" from a bird club and was never affectionate. He had defective feet from birth (or parental influence) and supposedly had plenty of therapy, but never enjoyed handling despite lots of attention. My pair of Blue and Golds were moderately affectionate, though the male was fairly aggressive. OTOH, my Greenwing was an awesome bird, very affectionate and playful. I never felt threatened by his beak.
Pineapple! Banana makes me want to puke most of the time...
I like macaws more not because they are necessarily more affectionate but they are more challenging. Which is also why I like the horse that bucks you off more than the one that actually listens and behaves
It was just general question just to see i know their both different species of birds im going to get a macaw in the future i used to have a cockatiel so u wanted to see their differences
Being a Cockatiel breeder for many years plus it was my first bird, I love them dearly! But Macaws on the other hand is what I've always wanted. Both are super affectionate in their own ways. But between the two, I trust my Cockatiels more then the Macaws. They can be unpredictable at times especially during hormone period. NEVER trust a Macaw's beak near your face cause they can do a lot of damage. Willie have never been the same after his first major hormone.