15 Types of Pet Birds (With Pictures)

Types of Pet Birds

Have you ever thought about getting a pet bird? They’re not just pretty to look at; they can also be amazing companions!

Birds can bring so much joy into your home. They are great if you have limited space. They also might be good for you if you are allergic to other animals.

But choosing the right bird is important. You need to consider your lifestyle and what you want in a pet.

This article will help you learn about different types of pet birds. You’ll also get tips on how to care for them.

What to Consider Before Getting a Bird

Before you rush to the pet store, consider what you want in a bird. Do you want a bird that talks? Or one that just chirps happily? Some birds need a lot of attention. Others are happy to do their own thing.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Appearance: Birds come in all sizes and colors. From tiny finches to huge macaws, you have many choices. Think about what colors and size you like.
  • Personality: Each bird species has its own personality. Some are friendly and easy to tame. Others are more independent.
  • Companionship: Birds can be great companions. They can sing, talk, and play. But they are not like cats or dogs. Most birds do not like constant touching, like petting.
  • Lifespan: Birds live for varying lengths of time. Some, like parakeets, live for around 6 years. But some can live for 100 years or more! It’s a big commitment to care for a bird its whole life.
  • Noise: Some birds are quiet. Others can be quite loud. If you live in an apartment, consider if your neighbors would mind the noise.
  • Care: All birds need a good diet, clean water, and a clean cage. Some need more attention than others. You have to be ready to give them the care they need.
  • Veterinary Care: Just like any other pet, birds may require vet visits. You should find a vet who specializes in birds. This will make sure your bird stays healthy.
  • Training: Some birds can learn to talk. You may have to be patient as some may never want to speak.

Friendly Bird Species

Here are some of the friendliest pet bird species you may want to consider:

Budgerigar (Parakeet)

Budgies
Image credit: William Warby | Unsplash

Budgies, also called parakeets, are popular for good reason. These small birds are friendly and affectionate when tamed and cared for. They love to chirp and can be kept alone or in pairs.

Budgies are easy to train, too. They can learn tricks and even how to talk. They’re great for beginners. Budgies are small, about 6 to 8 inches long, and weigh around an ounce.

You can find them in many colors, like green, blue, yellow, and white. They can live up to 20 years. Remember, budgies can be a bit nippy, especially the females. These birds always make noise; they are constantly chirping and singing.

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Cockatiel

Cockatiel
Image credit: Saqib Iqbal Digital | Unsplash

Cockatiels are another great choice for a friendly bird. They are emotional birds, and their crest shows how they are feeling. When hand-fed as babies, and raised well, they make excellent pets.

Cockatiels don’t usually talk. But they are very smart and can mimic sounds, like doorbells. They are about 12 to 13 inches long and weigh around 3 ounces. They are usually gray with yellow faces, orange cheeks, and long tails.

You can keep them in pairs because they don’t like being alone. Cockatiels can live for 15 to 20 years. They need a big cage with toys to keep them happy. Having them can be very dusty, which may be a problem if you have allergies.

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Cockatoo

Cockatoo
Image credit: Cyril Cartuyvels | Unsplash

If you want a large, friendly bird, consider a cockatoo. These birds bond strongly with their owners. They want to spend time with you as much as possible.

You must have plenty of time to socialize with a cockatoo. Otherwise, they may get depressed or do bad things. Cockatoos are not great for beginners.

They are about 18 inches long and weigh 16 to 26 ounces. They are usually white with pale yellow on their wings and tail. They have a big white crest and a black beak. Cockatoos can live for 30 to 70 years.

Read More: Why Do Cockatoos Bob Their Heads? Is It Normal?

Hyacinth Macaw

Hyacinth Macaw
Image credit: Iceburg TheDeepwing | Unsplash

Hyacinth macaws are known as “gentle giants.” They are the biggest of all parrots. These birds are sociable and love to play and cuddle with their owners. But they need a lot of space, which can be a problem for many people.

You will have an amazing relationship with them if you can meet their needs. Hyacinth macaws are best for experienced bird owners.

They are about 40 inches long and weigh 42 to 51 ounces. They are solid blue with yellow patches around their eyes and beak. These birds can live for 60 or more years.

Dove

Dove
Image credit: Afif Ramdhasuma | Unsplash

You may not think of a dove as a friendly pet, but they are. Doves that are hand-fed and domesticated are very sweet and gentle. They do not usually bite.

Doves are easy to train and bond with, even for beginners. Doves enjoy your company. But they are not overly demanding of your attention. They need a large cage because they don’t climb; they fly.

Doves are about 11 to 13 inches long and weigh 5 to 8 ounces. They have gray and brown feathers with a black collar. Some are white, orange, or pied. Doves can live for 12 to 15 years.

Read More: Why Do Pigeons Sit on My Roof?

Parrotlet

Parrotlets
Image credit: Hagen Avicultural Research Institute

Parrotlets are small but spunky birds. They need much time to play and socialize, or they can become wild. If you play with them every day, you can form a strong bond.

Parrotlets are very comical birds. They are around 4 to 5 inches long and weigh 1 ounce. Most parrotlets are green with blue markings. You can also find blue, yellow, and white ones. Parrotlets can live for 20 to 30 years.

Green-Cheeked Conure

Conure
Image credit: David Clode | Unsplash

Green-cheeked conures love to spend time with their owners. They are intelligent, playful, and a little bit mischievous.

Compared to other conures, they are quieter and more easygoing. They do not usually learn to talk. But their personalities are charming enough.

Green-cheeked conures are about 10 to 11 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 ounces. They are mostly green with olive cheeks and gray heads and breasts. They have maroon tails and blue wings. You can also find turquoise, yellow, and cinnamon ones. Green-cheeked conures can live for 30 or more years.

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Hahn’s Macaw

Hahn’s Macaw
Image credit: Northern Parrots

Hahn’s macaws are the smallest macaws, but they have big personalities. They are smart and playful. When socialized and handled well, they are gentle.

They love to spend time with you and might get sad if ignored. They can be noisy, but some can learn to talk. Hahn’s macaws are best for experienced bird owners.

They are about 12 to 14 inches long and weigh 6 ounces. They are mainly green with blue foreheads. They have red edges on their wings. Hahn’s Macaws can live for 20 to 30 years.

Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus Parrot
Image credit: David Clode | Unsplash

Eclectus parrots come from the Solomon Islands. The males and females look very different. The males are bright green, while the females are red.

These parrots are very friendly and smart. They prefer a calm home without a lot of noise. They need lots of attention and regular routines. Eclectus parrots can learn to talk. They are not as noisy as other parrots.

They are about 17 to 20 inches long and weigh 13 to 18 ounces. Eclectus parrots can live for 30 to 50 years.

Canary

Canary
Image credit: ennif pendahl | Unsplash

Canaries are known for the males’ sweet singing. They are a type of finch. They are cheerful and smart birds that are easy to train. They can sit on your hand if trained.

Canaries are also easy to care for. They are great for beginners. They don’t like to be handled too much. But they enjoy gentle attention. Canaries are small, about 5 to 8 inches long, and weigh less than 1 ounce.

You can find them in yellow, orange, white, or red. Canaries can live for 5 to 15 years. Canaries can be fragile, so be careful. Male canaries sing; females do not.

Lovebird

lovebirds
Image credit: Noppon Meenuch | Unsplash

Lovebirds are small, colorful birds with a lot of personality. They can be playful and feisty. They can bond strongly with their owners.

If you don’t tame them from a young age, they may act jealous or aggressive. With enough time, they are good for beginners. It’s best to keep them in pairs.

Lovebirds are about 5 to 6 inches long and weigh 1.5 to 2 ounces. They come in many colors, like peach, teal, green, and white. They can live for 10 to 15 years.

More Reading:

African Grey Parrot

African Grey Parrot
Image credit: Syed Ahmad | Unsplash

African grey parrots are very smart birds from central Africa. They can learn to mimic sounds and speech quickly.

If ignored, they may get noisy and harm themselves. So, daily interaction and play are needed to keep them happy. They require a large cage.

African greys are best for experienced bird owners. They are about 13 inches long and weigh 1 pound. They have gray bodies, white masks, and red tails. They have yellow eyes and a black beak. These birds can live for 40 to 60 years.

Other Types of Pet Birds

There are many other bird species to consider if you are looking for a pet, such as finches, Bourke’s parakeets, and turquoisine parakeets. Each one has its own unique qualities. It is important to do your research before you pick a pet bird.

Finches

Finches
Image credit: Jan Hruska | Unsplash

Finches are small, active birds that come in various colors. They are best kept in pairs or groups. They do not like to be handled. Finches need a large space to fly. They are good for those who want a quieter bird.

Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke’s Parakeet
Image credit: Chris Charles | Unsplash

These birds are gentle, sweet, and quiet. They don’t like to be touched. They need a large cage where they can fly. They can mix well with other birds.

Turquoisine Parakeet

Turquoisine Parakeet
Image credit: Simon Degenhard Photography

These birds are beautiful and quiet. They can be tame if hand-raised. If not, they can be shy of people. They need a large space to fly.

Birds That Talk

Many people want a bird that can talk. Some species are better at this than others.

Here are some of the best talking birds:

  • Budgerigars (Parakeets): These birds are small but mighty talkers. They can learn many words and phrases.
  • Cockatiels: Male cockatiels are good at learning words and phrases. They can learn to whistle songs.
  • Quaker Parakeets: These birds are fast learners. They can mimic human speech and other sounds.
  • Ring-necked Parakeets: These birds can learn longer phrases and mimic many sounds. They can be stubborn and noisy.
  • Eclectus Parrots: Eclectus Parrots can learn many words and phrases. They are not as noisy as other parrots.
  • Yellow-Naped Amazons: These birds are excellent talkers. They can learn many words and make coherent sentences.
  • Macaws: Macaws can develop a decent vocabulary. They are loud and require a lot of training.
  • Myna Birds: Myna birds can learn many words and sounds. They are independent and need a special diet.
  • African Grey Parrots: These parrots are very smart and can learn many words. They can also be moody and bite.

It’s important to remember that every bird is different. Some might never talk. Others may talk up a storm. Having patience is key when training any bird.

More Reading:

Caring for Your Pet Bird

Once you have your bird, you need to take care of it. This includes a good diet, a proper cage, and lots of love.

Here are some tips:

  • Diet: Birds need a balanced diet, not just seeds. Talk to a vet about what is best for your bird.
  • Cage: Make sure the cage is big enough. Your bird needs room to climb, walk around, and ideally fly.
  • Perches: Your bird needs perches that are good for its feet.
  • Cleanliness: Clean the cage regularly. Birds can be messy.
  • Out-of-cage time: Birds need time outside of their cage every day. Make sure it’s a safe area.
  • Socialization: Birds need social interaction. Spend time with your bird every day.
  • Veterinary Care: Get your bird regular check-ups with a bird specialist.
  • Training: Train your bird using positive reinforcement.
  • Quarantine: Keep new birds separate from other birds at first. This is to ensure the new bird is healthy.

Where to Find a Pet Bird

You can find birds at pet stores, breeders, or rescue organizations. Do some research to make sure you are getting a healthy bird. Check if the seller will take the bird back if it is not a good fit for you.

When picking out a bird, look for these things:

  • Bright, clear eyes
  • No discharges from eyes or nostrils
  • Clean feathers in good condition
  • Legs, feet, and toes that aren’t scaly
  • A bird that is alert, not sleepy
  • No tail bobbing

Is a Bird Right for You?

Getting a bird is a big decision. You need to be ready for the responsibility. If you are, a bird can be a wonderful and rewarding pet. Birds can bring you years of fun, companionship, and entertainment.

By doing your research and choosing the right bird for you, you will be ready to bring a wonderful new companion into your life.

So, are you ready to welcome a feathered friend into your home?

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