If you’re considering adding a pet bird to your family, many great options exist. Pet birds come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to consider the type of bird that best fits your lifestyle.
Some popular pet birds include parakeets, parrots, canaries, finches, lovebirds, and cockatiels. Each pet bird type has its unique personality and care requirements, so it’s essential to research before deciding.
In this article, we’ll look at some types of pet birds and discuss their care needs.
1. Cockatiel
The cockatiel is a unique parrot species endemic to Australia, part of the cockatoo family. It is a medium-sized bird, ranging in size from 12 to 14 inches, making it a popular choice for households as a pet or companion parrot.
Cockatiels are prized for their intelligence, affectionate nature, playfulness, and ability to mimic human speech and sounds. They have a wide range of colors and patterns; males tend to have brighter colors and more striking patterns than females.
Furthermore, the cockatiel is one of the easiest parrots to breed and is an ideal choice for beginner bird owners just starting with keeping birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Cacatuidae |
| Genus | Nymphicus |
| Species | N. hollandicus |
2. Budgie
The budgerigar is a small, long-tailed parrot that is native to Australia. It is also known as the common parakeet, shell parakeet, or budgie. Budgies are the only species in the genus Melopsittacus.
In its natural state, the budgerigar has bright green and yellow plumage and black scalloped markings on the back, wings, and nape. This parrot species is primarily seed-eating but can consume fruits, vegetables, and other small things.
Budgies are also very social birds, often found in large flocks, and they are popular as pets due to their lively personalities and ability to learn to mimic human speech.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Melopsittacus |
| Species | M. undulatus |
3. Finch
The true finches are a group of birds belonging to the family Fringillidae, small to medium-sized passerines. These birds have distinctive conical bills that are well adapted for eating seeds and nuts and are often brightly colored.
The true finches can be found in various habitats, from deserts to wetlands, and they tend to remain in the exact location throughout the year rather than migrating.
This vital adaptation allows them to take advantage of seasonal food sources while avoiding the dangers of long-distance migration. True finches are essential for many ecosystems, as they help disperse seeds and nuts throughout their habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
4. Lovebird
Lovebirds are a type of parrot that is part of the Old World parrot family, Psittaculidae. There are nine different species of lovebirds, all native to the African continent.
The grey-headed lovebird is unique among the species, as it is native to the African island of Madagascar. Lovebirds are small birds, typically ranging in size from 4-6 inches in length. They are known for their vibrant colors and playful personalities.
Lovebirds are highly social and enjoy being around other birds. They have an affinity for human interaction, often forming a solid bond with their owners. They can be pretty vocal and learn to mimic human speech.
With proper care, lovebirds can live up to 15 years in captivity. They require a diet of high-quality seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables, and plenty of toys to entertain them.
In the wild, lovebirds live in flocks and can often be seen nesting in hollowed-out tree trunks. They feed on various seeds, fruits, and insects, and they are known for their acrobatic flights.
Lovebirds have a monogamous mating system and form strong pair bonds with their mates. They are also incredibly loyal, often returning to the same nesting spot year after year. Lovebirds are incredibly fascinating birds, and they make lovely pets.
They can live long and happy lives with proper care and attention. Their vibrant colors and playful personalities make them a joy to watch, and they can add a lot of fun and excitement to any home.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Agapornis |
5. Columbidae
Columbidae is a family of birds made up of doves and pigeons. They are the only family in the order Columbiformes, which makes them unique. They are often stout-bodied birds with short necks and short, slender bills.
In some species, the bills have fleshy ceres, which look like a little extra skin or wattle. These birds primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and plants, although they may also eat insects or small invertebrates.
They are found in various habitats, including urban areas, forests, grasslands, and deserts. They are also quite adaptable and can be found in many different parts of the world.
Columbidae are an essential group of birds, as they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations. They also benefit the environment by helping disperse seeds and providing food for other animals.
As a result, they are considered to be an essential part of many ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Columbimorphae |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
6. Parakeet
Parakeets are a type of parrot that comes in various sizes, ranging from small to medium-sized. These birds are in many genera or taxonomic ranks and possess distinctive long tail feathers.
Parakeets come in various colors and can be found in warm climates, including tropical and subtropical regions. They have long, pointed beaks and short legs, and their wings are relatively short compared to other parrots.
Parakeets are highly social birds that can live in flocks and are known for their ability to mimic human speech. They are also popular as pets due to their distinctive appearance and lively personalities.
7. Canary
The domestic canary is a songbird in the finch family that has been domesticated from its wild form. It is native to the Macaronesian Islands, located near the coasts of Portugal and Morocco.
The domestic canary has been a pet since the 17th century when Spanish sailors brought them back to Europe. Canaries were popular among those with enough money to afford them, as they were seen as status symbols.
Since then, their popularity has grown and are now kept in many households worldwide. The canaries come in various colors and sizes and are known for their beautiful singing voices.
Their songs have been known to bring joy to many, and they can even learn to mimic other birds and some human sounds.
They are also very active and curious birds, often exploring their surroundings and interacting with their owners. Domestic canaries can live for up to 10 years but are delicate creatures requiring special care.
They need a large cage with plenty of room to move around, and they must be provided with a healthy diet and plenty of fresh water. The canaries also need much attention and interaction, as they are social birds.
It is essential to entertain them with toys, perches, and other objects. Overall, the domestic canary is a delightful pet to keep, and it can bring its owners a lot of joy and entertainment.
They can be an excellent addition to any home with the proper care and attention.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Serinus |
| Species | S. canaria |
8. African Grey Parrot
The grey parrot, also known by several other names, is a species of parrot belonging to the family Psittacidae, which are Old World parrots. This species is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech.
It is native to the African continent, specifically the countries of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, and Congo. The grey parrot has a distinctive appearance with light grey feathers, darker grey feathers across the wings, back, head, and red tail feathers.
The grey parrot was previously thought to have a subspecies, the Timneh parrot, but it has since been identified as its distinct species. The Timneh parrot has a slightly smaller body size and darker grey feathers.
It is also native to the same countries as the grey parrot but is mainly found in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The grey parrot is a popular pet with its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech.
They can learn to recognize words and phrases and recognize and respond to their names. These birds can live up to 50 years in captivity with proper care.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Psittacus |
| Species | P. erithacus |
9. Parrots
Parrots, also called psittacines, are birds belonging to the order Psittaciformes. These birds are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in forests, shrublands, and urban areas.
They are divided into four distinct families, which together are made up of 410 species in 101 genera. The most prominent family of parrots is the Psittaculidae, which includes approximately 370 species, such as macaws, cockatoos, and lorikeets.
The Psittacidae family comprises 42 species, including the iconic African Grey Parrot and the Amazon parrot.
The Cacatuoidea family consists of the smallest parrots, such as the cockatiels, and the Strigopidae family is composed of the critically endangered New Zealand parrots.
Parrots are known for their vibrant colors, intelligence, and ability to mimic human speech and sounds. As a result, they are popular pets and have been kept as companion animals for centuries.
Parrots are also crucial for their ecological role in dispersing seeds, pollinating flowers, and controlling insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Psittacopasserae |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
10. Green-cheeked Parakeet
The green-cheeked parakeet is a species of bird that belongs to the subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, a family of African and New World parrots.
This bird species is found in four countries in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. In aviculture, the green-cheeked parakeet is known as the green-cheeked conure.
The species is small and typically found in subtropical and arid forests. It is a trendy pet due to its beautiful colors and ability to learn to speak. Its diet consists of various fruits, vegetables, and seeds, with occasional insects.
It is an intelligent and social bird that loves to play and interact. The green-cheeked parakeet is a playful and friendly species that will bring its owners joy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Pyrrhura |
| Species | P. molinae |
11. Macaw
Macaws are a type of parrot native to the New World, meaning the Americas. They are known for their long, elegant tails and bright, vibrant colors.
Macaws are famous among bird lovers in the form of aviculture, where they are bred in captivity, and companion parrots, where they are kept as pets.
Unfortunately, some macaw species are threatened or endangered in the wild due to deforestation and other human-caused environmental destruction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their natural habitats.
People must become educated about these birds and their plight to do their part in helping to ensure their survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
12. Hyacinth Macaw
The hyacinth macaw, also known as the hyacinthine macaw, is a parrot species native to central and eastern South America. It is an impressive bird, with a length of approximately one meter – making it the longest of all parrot species.
Not only is the hyacinth macaw the longest parrot species, but it is also the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species. However, the flightless kākāpō of New Zealand outweighs the hyacinth macaw at up to 3.5 kg.
The hyacinth macaw has a distinct appearance – a bright cobalt blue plumage, a yellowish-white beak, and yellowish-green facial skin. It also has a long, black-and-white tail, and its eyes are yellowish-green.
Its wings are slightly longer than its tail, and its legs are solid for a parrot. The hyacinth macaw is a social bird living in small groups in its native habitat. It is primarily a herbivore, feeding on various fruits, nuts, and seeds.
It is considered a threatened species due to hunting and trapping for the pet trade. Conservation efforts are now in place to protect the species and ensure its future survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Anodorhynchus |
| Species | A. hyacinthinus |
13. Conure
Conures are a type of parrot found in the New World, meaning they are native to the Americas. They vary in size, with some being as small as lovebirds and others as large as some macaws.
They are members of the Arinae subfamily, a group of parrots characterized by their long tails. Conures are usually kept as pets, and the term is most often used in bird-keeping circles. However, the term has occasionally been used in scientific journals as well.
Conures are a diverse group, with different genera existing within the subfamily. They are known for their bright colors and playful personalities, making them a famous pet bird.
14. Pacific Parrotlet
The Pacific parrotlet is a small parrot species in the Psittacidae family. It is also known by two other names, Lesson’s Parrotlet and Celestial Parrotlet. The species is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America.
These colorful birds are usually around five inches tall, with seven to eight inches wingspan. The Pacific parrotlet has a bright green body, yellow and blue head, and blue wings. These birds are active and social and love flying and exploring their surroundings.
They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and outgoing personalities as pets. They need a lot of socialization and attention, so they do best with an experienced owner. They can also learn to talk, and some can even learn to do tricks.
The Pacific parrotlet is a beautiful pet for anyone looking for a small, intelligent, and loyal companion.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Forpus |
| Species | F. coelestis |
15. Blue and Gold Macaw
The blue-and-yellow macaw, also known as the blue-and-gold macaw, is an iconic bird of South America. It is a large parrot with a wingspan of up to three feet. Its body is blue, mainly on the back, with a light yellow/orange underside, and its head has a green gradient.
It belongs to the family of neotropical parrots, composed of many macaw species. The species is well-known for its intelligence and colorful feathers. Its loud and distinctive call can be heard from miles away, making it a famous bird for birdwatchers.
The macaw is an integral part of many South American cultures, with its feathers often used for traditional ceremonies and decorations. Recently, the species’ population has been declining due to habitat destruction and poaching, making it vulnerable.
Conservation efforts are underway to help protect the species and its habitat from further destruction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Ara |
| Species | A. ararauna |
16. Rosy-faced Lovebird
The rosy-faced lovebird is a species of lovebird native to arid regions in southwestern Africa, such as the Namib Desert. These tiny birds are easily recognizable due to their distinctive rosy-colored faces.
The rosy-faced lovebird is also known as the rosy-collared or peach-faced lovebird. They are incredibly vocal birds known to be loud and constant chirpers. These birds are highly social animals and often form small groups in the wild.
They are known to be curious and friendly and can be kept as pets. They can also mimic human speech, making them popular among bird lovers.
They are highly active and require plenty of space to stay healthy and happy. These birds are also brilliant and need plenty of mental stimulation to stay entertained. They are known to be good problem solvers and enjoy learning new things.
Rosy-faced lovebirds also need plenty of interaction with their owners to stay happy and healthy. They are known to form strong and long-lasting bonds with their owners and enjoy spending time with them.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Agapornis |
| Species | A. roseicollis |
17. Fischer’s Lovebird
Gustav Fischer was a German explorer who discovered a small parrot species in the late 19th century. The species was given his name and is now known as Fischer’s Lovebird.
It is a part of the genus Agapornis, a group of parrots distinguished by their strong bond with their mate. They are highly social birds and tend to stay close to their partner. They form strong attachments with their owners, making them popular pet birds.
They are small parrots with vibrant green bodies and orange-red faces. Their wings are tipped with black and have a bright yellow-orange beak. Fischer’s lovebird is a famous pet bird due to its friendly and social nature.
They are brilliant birds and can learn to mimic words and sounds. They are also playful and energetic, making them great companions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Agapornis |
| Species | A. fischeri |
18. Red-and-green Macaw
The red-and-green macaw, also known as the green-winged macaw, is a beautiful and majestic bird belonging to the genus Ara. It is the largest of this genus and is found in the forests and woodlands of northern and central South America.
This large macaw is mainly red, with some green feathers on its wings. It has a curved and powerful beak, allowing it to crack hard shells, such as nuts and seeds.
It also has a strong, robust body suited to life in the forests and woodlands of South America. The red-and-green macaw is a social bird that tends to flock in large groups. They often fly high in the sky, searching for food and nesting sites.
They are also very vocal, producing loud, piercing calls. These calls can be heard from miles away and are believed to be used to communicate between flock members. The diet of the red-and-green macaw consists primarily of fruits, nuts, and seeds.
They also eat some insects and small mammals.
They are known for their acrobatic feeding, hanging upside down, and using their powerful curved beaks to crack open hard shells.
The red-and-green macaw is a beautiful and majestic bird, and its presence is a welcome sight in the forests and woodlands of northern and central South America.
Its large size and vibrant colors make it an impressive sight, and its loud vocalizations remind it of the abundance of life in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Ara |
| Species | A. chloropterus |
19. Jandaya Parakeet
The jandaya parakeet, or Sunday conure, is a beautiful and vibrant small bird native to northeastern Brazil. It is a Neotropical parrot found in the wild only in the South American continent. Its wings and tail are bright green, while its body is reddish-orange.
Its head and neck are a bright yellow, with orange cheeks and a black bill. It prefers to live in wooded habitats, such as forests and woodlands, where it can find food.
The jandaya parakeet is an integral part of its native environment, and its beautiful colors make it a joy to watch in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Aratinga |
| Species | A. jandaya |
20. Gouldian Finch
The Gouldian finch is a unique and beautiful species of bird that is native to Australia. It is scientifically known as Erythrura gouldiae and is commonly called the Lady Gouldian finch, Gould’s finch, or rainbow finch due to its vibrant and colorful plumage.
This finch species is known for the distinct red, yellow, and green hues that adorn its body. Its head is typically black and yellow, and its wings are tipped with a bright yellow hue. Its back is usually a mix of green and blue, and its tail is often a bright yellow.
The Gouldian finch typically has a slender body, a long tail, and a short, pointed beak. They are relatively small in size and weigh between 12 and 20 grams. This finch species is a social and gregarious bird often seen in flocks of up to 30 individuals.
They feed mainly on grass seeds but also enjoy a variety of fruits and insects. The Gouldian finch is an essential species in Australia, as it plays a critical role in pollinating many native plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Chloebia |
| Species | C. gouldiae |
21. Masked Lovebird
The Yellow-collared Lovebird is a species of parrot found in the family Psittaculidae. It is the only species within its genus and is native to the Arusha Region of Tanzania.
Several other names know it, including Masked Lovebird, Black-Masked Lovebird, and Eye Ring Lovebird. The Yellow-collared Lovebird is a small parrot that is predominantly green in color, with a yellow collar around its neck.
It has a black face mask and a white ring around its eyes, which gives it its other name, Eye Ring Lovebird. It has a short tail and a hooked beak. The Yellow-collared Lovebird is a social species that lives in small flocks.
They feed mainly on seeds and other plant matter, but they also eat insects and fruit. They build their nests in tree cavities and lay clutches of two to four eggs.
The chicks fledge after about five weeks. The Yellow-collared Lovebird has been introduced to other areas besides its native Arusha Region. Specifically, it has been introduced to Burundi and Kenya.
It is considered an agricultural pest in these areas as it can feed on crops, but it is still a popular pet species. It is known to be very affectionate and can be easily trained.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Agapornis |
| Species | A. personatus |
22. Spectacled Parrotlet
The spectacled parrotlet is a species of parrot belonging to the family Psittacidae. This species is divided into three subspecies: F. c. conspicillatus, the Cauca spectacled parrotlet, and the Venezuelan spectacled parrotlet—the F. c.
conspicillatus subspecies is found in Colombia and Venezuela, while the Cauca spectacled parrotlet is found in Colombia.
Finally, the Venezuelan spectacled parrotlet is found in Venezuela. The spectacled parrotlet is a small bird with striking plumage and is easily identified by its bright yellow eyerings.
The wingspan of this species is usually between 10 and 14 cm and weighs between 20 and 30 grams. They have a short tail and a large, conical bill. The plumage of this species is usually green, but the F. c.
conspicillatus subspecies has yellow-green wings and a yellow-green forehead. The spectacled parrotlet is a social species, usually found in small groups of 2-10 individuals. They feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and flowers.
They are found in various habitats, including pastures, savannas, and dry scrublands. This species is considered to be of least concern in conservation, but its population is decreasing due to habitat destruction and illegal trapping.
As a result, it is essential to protect this species by creating more protected areas and strictly enforcing anti-trapping laws.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Forpus |
| Species | F. conspicillatus |
23. Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet
The cobalt-rumped parrotlet, also known as the blue-winged parrotlet, is a species of small parrot belonging to the Psittacidae family. It is native to Central and South America and is characterized by its blue wings and cobalt-colored tail feathers.
The species has two subspecies: Salvadori’s cobalt-rumped parrotlet and Hellmayr’s cobalt-rumped parrotlet. Salvadori’s cobalt-rumped parrotlet is found in the Amazon basin of Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.
Its bright yellow forehead, breast, and deep blue wings characterize it. Hellmayr’s cobalt-rumped parrotlet, on the other hand, is found in the Andes mountains of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
This subspecies has more muted colors, with a pale yellow forehead and chest and a light grayish-blue on its wings. Despite their appearance differences, both cobalt-rumped parrotlet subspecies share the same general behaviors and habitats.
They are social birds that live in small flocks, typically in humid forests and woodlands near water sources. They feed mainly on small fruits and seeds and occasionally take small insects. They are active during the day and roost in large trees at night.
The cobalt-rumped parrotlet is a beautiful, unique little bird with two distinct subspecies. Both subspecies are found in different parts of Central and South America and have distinctive colors and behaviors.
They are a fascinating species that is worth taking the time to appreciate.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Forpus |
| Species | F. xanthopterygius |
Conclusion
Various pet bird options depend on the bird’s size, personality, and care requirements. From small parakeets to large macaws, plenty of birds make great pets.
Ultimately, the decision of which bird to get is up to the individual and should be based on the resources available and the amount of time and effort that can be devoted to the bird.