Top 10 Pet Birds

Owning a bird as a pet is definitely an outstanding experience. Birds develop friendly and strong bonds with the owner, if given proper care. But, there are some birds who may not like human handling and get aggressive about certain things. Let’s scroll down the list of top 10 birds that can be domesticated along with their characteristics.

1. Budgies 

Budgies, also known as Budgerigar or Parakeets, are small and cute pet birds. Due to their friendly and affectionate nature, they are relatively easy to tame and care for. These birds are fairly low maintenance and require less space for survival. The little cute budgies are not only adorable, but also entertaining and intelligent as well. They may easily catch words and phrases to talk and may copy human voices too. After a certain period, they might be able to develop their own vocabulary.^{2}{3}

Physical Appearance

You can find these birds in many beautiful and vibrant colours. Usually, they have dark blue tail; yellow head; black and yellow back; green abdomen; and blue, yellow, white, or gray variation in colour.

Average lifespan: 12 to 14 years

Approximate size: 6 to 8 inches

Average weight: 1 ounce^{1}

2. Canary

There are many domestic breeds of canaries including red-factor canary, harz roller, and many more. Approximately, there are 200 subspecies of canary birds, and each one of them depicts their unique appearance as well as characteristics. They are usually known for their vocal talent and are good natured songsters. Moreover, these cheerful birds are very curious to investigate everything in their surroundings and may easily detect any changes around. Canaries generally remain happy by simply hanging out in a cage and singing for their owners. They do not require too much handling, which makes them good pets for children as well.^{2}{3}{4}

Physical Appearances

These birds can be found in different colours such as bright orange, green, brown, yellow, etc. 

Average lifespan: 10 to 15 years

Approximate weight: 3 to 4 inches

Average size: 1 ounce^{4}

3. Cockatiel 

These pint-sized parrots are one among the most popular birds. The alternative names are miniature cockatoo, weero, and quarrion. Cockatiel may prove to be an excellent pet, if handled with care and given a positive environment. Moreover, these domestic birds are exceptionally intelligent and may be easily trained to mimic sounds. Also, these cuddly birds may sing, whistle, and make any sort of noise. The interesting aspect is: Cockatiels are very friendly, comical, and enjoy hanging around with their owners.^{4}{1}{3}

Physical Appearances

Usually, these pet birds have gray bodies, yellow face and crist, orange cheeks, and long tails. 

Average lifespan: 10 to 15 years, but a pet tiel may often live longer 

Approximate size: 12 inches

Average weight: 3 ounces^{4}

4. Conure 

These are one of the most diverse parrot species having 100 distinct subspecies. Such small-medium sized parrots can be found in various colours and sizes. Moreover, these friendly and easy to handle birds can be either smaller green cheeked conure, or larger sun and blue crowned conure. Naturewise, conures are intelligent, playful, comical, and fun loving. But, sometimes they also might develop some mischievous nature and turn aggressive or destructive (may also bite). When it comes to their talking abilities, some talk less, some talk more, and some never even utter a word.^{3}{4}{2} 

Physical Appearances

Average lifespan: 20 years or even more, depending on the breed 

Approximate size: 10 to 15 inches

Average weight: 3 to 9 ounces^{2}

5. Eclectus Parrot 

Eclectus parrot comes in the category of popular pet parrots. It is one of the larger parrot species. The range of subspecies of eclectus parrot are: Solomon Island eclectus, vosmaeri, and grand eclectus. They make impressive pet birds due to their charming and eye-catching personality. Moreover, these domestic pet birds are very tranquil and affectionate in nature. However, they are too sensitive and therefore, quickly get stressed, if felt even a little neglected. Also, these friendly birds are quite vocal and may develop their extensive vocabulary within a certain period.^{5}

Physical Appearances

Average lifespan: 30 to 50 years.

Approximate size: 10 to 15 inches

Average weight: 3 to 9 ounces^{5} 

6. Gouldian Finch 

Gouldian finch is gaining popularity among the most beautiful pet bird species. The alternative names are Gould’s finch, rainbow finch, Lady Gouldian finch, and painted finch. These brilliant domestic birds are usually multicoloured and divided into yellow-headed, red-headed, and black headed. They are a little sensitive and therefore, easily get stressed and susceptible to ailments. Generally, they are quiet and avoid singing complicated songs. Moreover, their shy nature makes them to unlike human handling.^{6}

Physical Appearances

Average lifespan: 6 to 8 years

Average size: 5 to 6 inches^{6}

7. Parrotlets 

Affectionately, they are named as ‘pocket parrots’. The name itself suggests that it is the little form of parrot. These birds are easy to domesticate, but demand regular handling. Sizewise, they may be small, but when it comes to personality, they are really charismatic. These little domesticated birds are highly active and love to explore their surroundings. Moreover, Parrotlets are easy maintenance pets and can be trained for several activities. Usually, they talk, but not as noisy as other parrot varieties.^{4}

Physical Appearances

Normally, they have green body and head; bluish back and behind eyes; and white, blue, and yellow colour variations. 

Average lifespan: 15 to 20 years

Approximate size: 4 to 5 inches

Average weight: 1 ounce^{1}

8. Lovebirds 

Lovebirds are the smaller species of parrots. They have 9 different subspecies, all having unique colour and characteristics. The name lovebirds given to them as they develop a loving bond with their mates. The interesting fact about lovebirds is that one can easily carry them in their pocket. Therefore, it is best to keep them in pairs, but they can easily survive solo too, without any issues. They are active, playful, cheerful, entertaining, and easy to tame.^{3} 

Physical Appearances

Average lifespan: More than 20 years

Average size: 5 to 6 inches^{7}

9. Amazons 

Amazons are medium-sized parrots known for being exceptionally beautiful. There are plenty of types of this bird including orange-winged and yellow-naped amazon. They are well known for their talking and singing abilities and may pick any word or phrase easily. Moreover, these comical birds are intelligent social creatures and love being the center of attraction. The owner needs to be very careful while taming this feisty bird, as they have special needs and care requirements.^{7}{3} 

Physical Appearances

Average lifespan: 40+ years (sometimes beyond 80 years)

Approximate size: 10 to 20 inches

Average weight: 10 to 27 ounces^{3}{4}

10. African Greys

These medium sized parrots are high-maintenance species. Their sub-species include Congo African gray having larger body, and black beak and Timneh African gray having smaller body, darker grey feathers, and maroon tail feathers. These domestic birds are sociable, charming, and super intelligent. But they may easily get bored, which may lead to aggression. Usually, they are intelligent and may catch any words or phrases easily and speak as well.^.{2}{3}{4}

Physical Appearances

Average lifespan: 30+ years

Approximate size: 13 to 15 inches

Average weight: 14 ounces^{4}

The above list may prove to be helpful to give a fair idea about the top domestic pets. Each one has a different physical appearance, characteristics, and nature. Moreover, all the pet birds have different requirements from the owner. 

If you are thinking about getting yourself a pair of beautiful pet birds, but not able to bring them because you are not sure about taking care of them, just rely on the DuePet app with its many useful features. For pet birds, the reminder feature will be most helpful in ensuring proper care.

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FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.thesprucepets.com/top-friendly-pet-bird-species-390535
2. https://www.nativebreed.org/the-top-10-best-pet-birds/
3. https://petkeen.com/best-pet-bird-species/
4. https://be.chewy.com/the-top-10-best-pet-birds/
5. https://www.thesprucepets.com/eclectus-parrots-390712
6. https://www.thesprucepets.com/gouldian-finch-species-profile-390632
7. https://petcomments.com/best-bird-pets-beginners/ 
8. https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/adoption-rescue/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Pet-Birds-for-You.html