15 Most Popular Types of Pet Parrots
Parrots are becoming increasingly popular as pets, with over 350 species available worldwide. These colorful and intelligent birds are known for their curved beaks, zygodactyl feet, and ability to mimic human speech. Budgerigars, cockatiels, and African greys are among the most common pet parrots.?
These feathered friends can live up to 70 years with proper care, making them a long-term commitment. Parrots are social creatures that need plenty of mental stimulation and interaction to thrive. They require spacious cages, a varied diet, and daily out-of-cage time for exercise and bonding.?
While they can be sweet and playful, parrots also need consistent training and socialization to prevent behavioral issues. Potential owners should research different species' needs and consider factors like noise levels, space requirements, and the bird's personality before bringing a parrot home. With the right care, these vibrant avian companions can become beloved family members for decades.
For your pet parrot's health and well-being, you should have the following essential supplies on hand.?
Popular Small Pet Parrot Species
1. Budgerigars (Parakeets)
Budgerigars, also known as parakeets, are tiny bundles of joy that pack a big personality into a small package. These little feathered friends typically measure just 7-8 inches long and weigh only 1-1.5 ounces. In the wild, they sport a bright green body with black markings, but pet budgies come in a rainbow of colors like blue, yellow, and white.?
Their most striking feature is their wavy-patterned plumage that looks like tiny waves rippling across their backs. Budgies have a short, hooked beak perfect for cracking seeds and a long tail that helps them balance as they zip around. These pint-sized parrots are social butterflies that love to chatter and play.
They're always on the go, bouncing from perch to perch and investigating every nook and cranny of their cage. Budgies are natural mimics and can learn to copy words and sounds with practice. Some budgie champs have even learned over 100 words! These little guys are curious and intelligent, always eager to learn new tricks and games.?
They form strong bonds with their owners and can become real cuddle bugs once they trust you. Taking care of a budgie is pretty easy, making them great for first-time bird owners. They need a roomy cage at least 18x18x18 inches with plenty of toys and perches to keep them busy.?
Budgies chow down on a mix of seeds, pellets, and fresh veggies. They love to splash around in a shallow bath and need daily out-of-cage time to stretch their wings. With proper care, these little feathered dynamos can live 5-10 years, bringing joy and laughter to your home.
2. Lovebirds
Lovebirds are tiny powerhouses of personality, measuring just 5-7 inches long and weighing 1.5-2 ounces. Don't let their small size fool you – these little birds are feisty and full of energy. Lovebirds have a stocky build with a short, blunt tail and a large, curved beak.?
In the wild, they're mostly green, but pet lovebirds come in a rainbow of colors like peach, blue, and yellow. Their name comes from their tendency to snuggle up close to their mate or favorite human. There are nine species of lovebirds, but the most common pets are Peach-faced, Fischer's, and Masked lovebirds.?
These little firecrackers are known for their big attitudes and fearless nature. They're active and playful, always ready for a game or adventure. Lovebirds can be nippy if not well-socialized, so they need patient handling from a young age. While not great talkers, they make up for it with their cheerful chirps and acrobatic antics.
Lovebirds are social creatures that need lots of attention and interaction. In the wild, they live in flocks, so pet lovebirds do best with a feathered friend or lots of human companionship.?
Their cage should be at least 24x24x24 inches, with plenty of toys to keep their active minds busy. Lovebirds have a strong beak and love to chew, so provide plenty of safe wood toys and perches. These little dynamos can live 10-15 years with proper care, bringing energy and excitement to your home for years to come.
3. Bourke’s Parrot
Bourke's Parrots are the gentle giants of the bird world - well, not giants in size, but in personality! These little cuties hail from Australia and are known for their chill vibes and stunning looks. Picture a bird decked out in pink, blue, and brown feathers, like a living sunset!
These feathered friends are perfect for bird newbies or folks who want a quieter pet. They're not big yappers like some other parrots, which makes them great apartment dwellers. Instead of screeching, they make soft chirps and chortles that sound like they're telling you a funny joke.
Bourke's Parrots are smart cookies and love to play. They're like tiny acrobats, showing off their flying skills at dawn and dusk. In the wild, they hang out in groups of 4-6 but can form bigger flocks when times get tough.
When it comes to chow time, these birds are ground foragers. They munch on seeds and grasses, acting like little feathered vacuum cleaners. And get this - they help spread seeds around, making them nature's gardeners!
If you're thinking of bringing a Bourke's Parrot home, you'll need a roomy cage at least 3 feet long. Fill it with toys, perches, and a birdie bathtub - these guys love to splash around!
With proper care, including a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups, your Bourke's Parrot can be your feathered BFF for up to 25 years. Now that's what I call a long-term friendship!
4. Pionus Parrots
Pionus Parrots are the hidden gems of the bird world! These medium-sized feathered friends come from South America and are known for being chill, quiet, and super sweet. There are seven species of Pionus, with five of them commonly kept as pets. These birds are like the cool kids at school - they've got all the good stuff without the drama.
Pionus are smart cookies and love to hang out with their human pals. They're not as loud as some other parrots, which makes them great for apartments. It's like having a feathered roommate who won't wake the neighbors.
Pionus have some quirky traits that make them stand out. When they get excited or scared, they make a funny wheezing sound. It's like they're doing their best impression of a tiny steam engine! They also have a special musky smell, kind of like their cousins, the Amazon parrots. These birds can live up to 40 years, so they're in it for the long haul.?
They need a roomy cage (at least 34" x 24" x 36") and lots of toys to keep their clever minds busy. Pionus loves to chew on soft wood and play with foot toys. It's like having a toddler with wings! When it comes to talking, Pionus aren't the chatterboxes of the bird world. Their voices are a bit raspy, but some can learn quite a few words.?
They're more about quality than quantity in the talking department. Pionus are great family birds and don't usually pick favorites. They're like the Switzerland of the parrot world - neutral and friendly to everyone! With their easy-going nature and beautiful colors, Pionus is the perfect pick for bird lovers who want a chill, feathered friend.
Medium-Sized Parrots
5. Conures
Conures are a group of medium-sized parrots that pack a big personality into a compact package. Two popular species are the Sun Conure and the Green-cheeked Conure. These colorful birds are like little fireballs of energy, always ready for action.
Sun Conures are real showstoppers with their bright yellow, orange, and red feathers. They look like they're wearing a fancy sunset costume! Green-cheeked Conures are a bit more subtle, sporting green bodies with splashes of blue and red. These feathered friends are always on the go, bouncing around their cages and playing with toys.
They're super social and love to be the center of attention. If you bring a conure home, get ready for a non-stop party! They're like the class clowns of the bird world, always up to some silly antics. Conures are smart cookies too. They can learn tricks and even mimic a few words, though they're not big talkers like some other parrots.
Now, here's the thing about conures - they're not exactly quiet birds. In fact, they can be pretty noisy! Their squawks can be heard from far away, which might not make your neighbors too happy.
Sun Conures are especially known for their loud voices. They might decide to have a screech-fest right when you're trying to watch your favorite TV show. But hey, that's just part of their charm, right? If you don't mind a little (or a lot) of noise, a conure could be your perfect feathered buddy.
6. Cockatiels
Cockatiels are the gentle giants of the small parrot world, measuring about 12-13 inches long and weighing 3-4 ounces. These elegant birds sport a distinctive crest on their head that they raise and lower to show their mood. Wild cockatiels are mostly gray with white wing patches and orange cheek spots, but pet cockatiels come in a variety of colors and patterns.?
Their long tail feathers make up almost half their body length, giving them a graceful appearance. When it comes to personality, cockatiels are the mellow fellows of the parrot family. They're calm and easygoing, content to perch on your shoulder and watch the world go by. Cockatiels are known for their sweet whistling and can learn to mimic simple tunes.?
While not big talkers like some parrots, they can learn a few words with patience. These birds are affectionate and love to snuggle, often giving their favorite humans gentle "kisses" with their beaks. Cockatiels are a bit needier than budgies but still make great pets for beginners.?
They thrive on attention and need plenty of out-of-cage time to bond with their humans. A cockatiel cage should be at least 24x24x24 inches, with lots of toys and perches. These birds have a hearty appetite and enjoy a varied diet of seeds, pellets, and fresh foods. With good care, cockatiels can live 15-20 years, becoming a cherished part of the family for a long time.
7. Quaker Parrots (Monk Parakeets)
Quaker Parrots, also called Monk Parakeets, are like the brainiacs of the medium-sized parrot world. These little green birds might not look as flashy as some other parrots, but they make up for it with their smarts and personalities.?
Quakers are about the size of a dove, with bright green feathers and a gray chest that looks like they're wearing a fancy monk's robe. That's how they got their nickname! What makes Quakers really special is their big brains. These birds are super clever and can learn all sorts of tricks.?
They're also champion talkers! Many Quaker owners say their birds can learn dozens of words and even use them in the right context. It's like having a little feathered chatterbox in your house. Quakers are also known for their building skills.?
In the wild, they make huge stick nests, and pet Quakers often try to build nests in their cages. It's pretty cool to watch! But here's the catch - Quaker Parrots are so good at surviving in different places that some states have made it illegal to keep them as pets.
They worry that if Quakers escape, they might form wild flocks and cause problems. So, if you're thinking about getting a Quaker, make sure to check your local laws first. You don't want to get in trouble for having an illegal bird buddy!
8. Indian Ringneck Parakeets
Indian Ringneck Parakeets are like the brainiacs of the bird world! These feathered chatterboxes have some seriously impressive talking abilities. They can learn up to 250 words and speak with crystal-clear clarity. Most Ringnecks start gabbing between 7 months to 1 year old, but some might surprise you even earlier.?
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Their high-pitched voices make for some pretty hilarious conversations! When it comes to intelligence and trainability, these birds are top-notch. They're quick learners and love showing off their smarts. You can teach them cool tricks like waving hello with their foot or solving treat puzzles.?
Ringnecks are so clever, that they can even mimic sounds around the house. It's like having a feathered Einstein in your living room! But all that brainpower means these birds need plenty of space and attention. A roomy cage (at least 24" x 24" x 24") is a must, plus lots of out-of-cage playtime.?
Ringnecks are social butterflies and need 3-5 hours of quality time with their human pals every day. Without enough attention, they might get bored and turn into feathered troublemakers. So, if you're thinking about bringing home an Indian Ringneck, make sure you're ready for a chatty, smart, and demanding little friend. It's like having a toddler with wings – but way more fun!
9. Eclectus Parrots
Eclectus Parrots are like the supermodels of the bird world, with a wild twist on sexual dimorphism. The boys rock a sleek green look, while the girls strut their stuff in bright red feathers. It's like they're wearing totally different outfits! This color difference isn't just for show - it helps them blend in or stand out in the wild, depending on their job.?
Talk about a fashion-forward survival strategy! When it comes to dietary needs, these birds are real health nuts. They need a mix of pellets, fruits, and veggies to stay in tip-top shape. About 50% of their diet should be high-quality parrot pellets, with another 40-60% coming from fresh fruits and veggies.?
Think of it like a colorful bird salad bar! Tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and pomegranate are their faves. But watch out - they're not big fans of fatty foods, so go easy on the nuts and seeds.?
Eclectus Parrots have a temperament that's as sweet as pie. They're gentle, smart, and love to chat it up with their human pals. These birds are social butterflies and need lots of socialization to stay happy. Without enough attention, they might get stressed and start plucking their feathers - not a good look!?
They're also creatures of habit and can get a bit frazzled by changes in their routine. So, if you're thinking about bringing an Eclectus home, be ready for a feathered friend who needs plenty of love, attention, and a steady routine. It's like having a toddler with wings - but way more colorful and talkative!
10. Senegal Parrots
Senegal Parrots are the cool cats of the bird world! These little charmers hail from West Africa and are part of the Poicephalus family. They're like the perfect combo of cute and sassy, measuring about 10 inches long and weighing in at a featherlight 4-6 ounces.
These feathered friends are real fashion icons. They rock a sleek gray head, green wings, and a funky V-shaped patch on their belly that can be yellow, orange, or even red. Talk about a bird with style!
When it comes to personality, Senegal Parrots are the life of the party. They're super friendly and love to goof around. These little comedians can keep you laughing with their silly antics. And get this - they're not big screamers like some other parrots. Instead, they prefer to whistle and cluck, making them great apartment dwellers.
Senegal Parrots are pretty brainy too. They can learn to talk, though they're not as chatty as some other birds. But what they lack in words, they make up for in tricks. These clever clogs love to show off their skills!
If you're thinking of bringing a Senegal Parrot home, get ready for a long-term friendship. These birds can live up to 50 years with proper care! They need plenty of toys to keep their smart brains busy, and a diet that's more than just seeds. Think of it like a colorful bird salad bar with fruits and veggies.
Remember, these little guys need lots of love and attention. Spend at least an hour or two a day hanging out with your feathered pal to keep them happy and healthy. It's like having a toddler with wings - but way more fun!
11. Caiques
Caiques are like the acrobats of the parrot world. These medium-sized birds are known for their playful nature and non-stop energy. They come in two main types: Black-headed Caiques and White-bellied Caiques.?
Both have colorful feathers that make them look like they're dressed up for a party all the time! If you bring a caique home, get ready for a feathered ball of energy. These birds love to play and can entertain themselves (and you) for hours.?
They're famous for their funny "hops" - instead of walking, they often bounce around like little feathered pogo sticks. It's hilarious to watch! Caiques are also super curious and love to explore. They'll check out every nook and cranny of their cage and your house if you let them.
Because caiques are so active, they need lots of exercise. They're not the kind of birds that are happy sitting in a cage all day. They need plenty of out-of-cage time to fly, play, and burn off energy. A good rule of thumb is to give them at least 3-4 hours of playtime outside their cage every day.?
Make sure to bird-proof your house first, though! Caiques are known for getting into mischief. Caiques are also very social birds and need lots of interaction with their human friends. They love to be part of the family and will want to be involved in whatever you're doing.
?Whether you're watching TV, cooking dinner, or just hanging out, your caique will want to be right there with you. They're not big talkers like some parrots, but they make up for it with their playful personalities and silly antics.
Large Sized Parrots
12. African Grey Parrots
African Grey Parrots are the brainiacs of the bird world. These smart cookies have cognitive abilities that'll knock your socks off! They can understand cause and effect, use tools, and even do basic math. Imagine having a feathered friend who can count up to 8 items - that's pretty wild, right??
These birds are so clever, they're said to have the smarts of a 4-year-old human kid. When it comes to speech capabilities, African Greys are the top dogs (or should we say birds?). They can learn hundreds of words and use them in the right context. It's like having a tiny, feathered chatterbox in your house!?
Some African Greys have even been known to mimic car engines and other animals. Talk about a party trick! But owning an African Grey isn't all fun and games. These birds come with some serious care challenges. They need a ton of attention and mental stimulation, or they might get bored and start picking their feathers.?
African Greys need to hang out with their human pals for several hours every day. They also need a big cage (at least 24" x 36" x 48") filled with toys to keep their smart brains busy. If you're thinking about getting an African Grey, make sure you're ready for a long-term commitment - these birds can live for 30 to 50 years, or even longer!
13. Amazon Parrots
Amazon Parrots come in a rainbow of colors and species varieties. You've got your Yellow-headed Amazons, Blue-fronted Amazons, and even Orange-winged Amazons, to name a few. These birds are like a box of crayons with feathers! Most Amazons rock a green look with splashes of bright colors on their heads, wings, or tail.
When it comes to personality traits, Amazons are the life of the party. These birds are social butterflies who love to be the center of attention. They're known for being playful, curious, and full of energy. Amazons are also pretty good at talking, though they're not quite as chatty as African Greys.?
But what they lack in vocabulary, they make up for in volume - these birds can be pretty loud! Amazons need plenty of space to spread their wings and show off their big personalities. A cage for an Amazon should be at least 24" x 36" x 48", but bigger is always better.
These birds love to climb and play, so fill their space with lots of toys and perches. And don't forget about out-of-cage time! Amazons need a few hours each day to stretch their wings and hang out with their human flock.
14. Macaws
Macaws are the giants of the parrot world. These birds are big, bold, and beautiful! When it comes to size and lifespan, Macaws are in it for the long haul. The biggest Macaw, the Hyacinth, can grow up to 40 inches long and weigh over 3 pounds. That's like having a feathered bowling ball as a pet!?
And these birds stick around for a long time - many Macaws live 30 years or more, with some reaching 50 or even 60 years old. One of the coolest things about Macaws is their colorful plumage. These birds are like flying rainbows!?
You've got Scarlet Macaws with their bright red, yellow, and blue feathers, or Blue and Gold Macaws that look like they're wearing a tropical sunset. Macaws are so colorful, they'll make your house look dull in comparison.
But all that beauty comes with some advanced care needs. Macaws need a lot of space - we're talking about cages that are at least 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and that's just the minimum. These birds also need tons of toys to keep them busy, and they love to chew.
Be prepared to go through a lot of wooden blocks and rope toys! Macaws also need a special diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and nuts to keep their beautiful feathers healthy. And don't forget about the noise - Macaws are known for their loud squawks that can be heard from far away. If you're thinking about getting a Macaw, make sure your neighbors are cool with having a noisy, colorful neighbor!
15. Cockatoos
Cockatoos are like the class clowns of the bird world, always ready to put on a show! Some popular species include the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, with its fancy yellow mohawk, and the smaller Goffin's Cockatoo, known for being a real smarty-pants. These feathered friends come in different sizes and colors, but they all share a knack for stealing hearts.
Cockatoos are super affectionate birds, often called "Velcro birds" because they love to stick close to their human pals. They're always up for cuddles and can form strong bonds with their owners. Some cockatoos even act like little lovebugs, giving "kisses" with their beaks! But watch out - all this love can be a double-edged sword.
These birds can develop some behavioral issues if they don't get enough attention. They're like needy toddlers with feathers! If a cockatoo feels ignored, it might throw a tantrum by screaming loud enough to wake the whole neighborhood. Some cockatoos even turn into feather-plucking drama queens when they're bored or stressed.
And boy, can they be destructive! A bored cockatoo can turn your furniture into sawdust faster than you can say "Polly want a cracker."To keep your cockatoo happy and well-behaved, you'll need to spend at least 3-5 hours a day playing and interacting with them.
It's like having a part-time job as a bird entertainer! But for many cockatoo owners, the love and laughs these quirky birds bring are totally worth the effort.
Conclusion
Bringing a parrot into your life is a big deal, so it's super important to do your homework first. These feathered friends can live for decades, with some species like Macaws sticking around for up to 60 years! That's a long-term commitment, like having a kid with wings.?
You'll need to provide a spacious cage, lots of toys, and a healthy diet to keep your bird buddy happy. But the rewards of parrot ownership are totally worth it. These smart cookies can learn tricks, mimic words, and even solve puzzles.?
Plus, they're like little comedians with feathers, always ready to make you laugh. Just imagine having a chatty, colorful pal who greets you every morning and keeps you company for years to come. Now that's something to squawk about!
Associate Veterinarian at Mosaic Veterinary Partners ????| NAVLE? ECFVG ? NEB ? (American & Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Certified)
11 个月Nice info ?