The Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) is an ultrasonically powered aspirator that selectively fragments and aspirates parenchymal tissue while sparing vascular and ductal structures. We evaluated the CUSA and the CO₂ laser for removal of lipomatous masses in 16 budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). With both methods, the level of hemorrhage and length of operating time was acceptable. However, the CUSA, which irrigates and aspirates continuously, provided superior visibility of the surgical field. Results of this study indicate that either the CO₂ laser or the CUSA may be safe and effective in removing lipomas from birds.