Birds may be kept as pets and long-term friends in a variety of ways. All types of households can accommodate popular pet birds of various sizes. Finches, canaries, parakeets, and lovebirds are small pet birds that require little care.
For newbie and apartment owners, they are also the finest kinds of pet birds. Larger parrots, such as cockatiels and cockatoos, are also suitable household pets but require more care and supervision.
The ability of many species to be low-maintenance makes birds excellent pets. Moreover, several sorts of domestic birds may become devoted pets if they are treated well by humans. Some birds mimic household noises or human speech, which can be entertaining. Certain parrots, such as cockatoos, may be taught tricks.
Some of the most common house birds, which are suitable as pets, are discussed in this article. With the photographs supplied, you’ll also learn how to easily recognize these bird pets.
Types of Pet Birds (With Pictures and Common Names)
Now, let’s examine some of the greatest sorts of birds you can keep at home in greater detail.
Parakeets (Budgies)
Budgerigars are a kind of miniature parrot known as a parakeet or budgie that is popular in numerous homes. The most common kind of bird kept as a pet is this little species. Parakeets are popular domestic birds because they are easy to care for, tiny, and inexpensive to buy.
They are also known as Melopsittacus undulatus. Since the bodies of most budgies are green and their heads are yellowish, identifying them is simple. Their black and white striped wings contrast with these vivid hues. The long tail feathers of parakeets are another way to identify them. Blue, yellow, gray, and white are some of the other colors available in pet parakeets.
Parakeets are a great starter pet because they require little care. They average around 10 years in age and are between 7 and 10 inches (17 to 25 cm) in length. Buying budgerigars in pairs is recommended if you’re considering having one as a household pet.
Budgies are also fairly passive creatures that rarely show any signs of violence. Budgies consume seeds and grains, but they may also eat nuts and fruits in addition to seeds and grains.
Cockatiels
The cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) is the second most popular kind of bird kept as a household pet, after the loveable nature of these birds. Cockatiels are part of the Nymphicinae subfamily, which includes cockatoos. When it comes to color, cockatiels have a wide range of species.
The gray cockatiel, which has light to dark gray plumage and yellow or white faces, is the most common variety. On cockatiels, just under their eyes, you may also see orange blushing. Cockatiels have a distinguishing crest that rises up vertical on their heads, which is sometimes referred to as “cheddar cheeks.”
Cockatiels with lightly coloured yellowish heads, pure white plumage, and wings are some of the most beautiful types. Cockatiels have a kind disposition, which is why they are always mentioned as one of the greatest pet birds. Because they may learn to whistle tunes, these common house birds provide hours of enjoyment.
Cockatiels may provide years of companionship since they may live up to 20 years. Cockatiels eat seeds, nuts, fruits, and fresh vegetables in the same way that parakeets do.
Cockatoo
Cockatoo is a larger parrot species that is similar to the cockatiel. It is a kind of parrot that comes in different colors. The family Cacatuidae includes around 21 cockatoo species. The crested heads of these tame birds and their bent beak set them apart. Cockatoos are bigger birds than cockatiels and therefore more difficult to maintain. The cockatoo family of birds contains a variety of species. Some have crimson cheeks and jet-black plumage.
Several of the species in the genus Cacatua have large showy yellow crests on their heads, and true white cockatoos belong to this subgenus. When cockatoos land or are startled, they raise these beautiful crests. Cockatoos are a medium to large-sized pet bird that may grow from 12 inches to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm). Cockatoos aren’t as brightly colored as other birds in the order Psittaciformes (parrots).
Canaries
Canaries are a popular house pet because they are small and require little care. The Canary Islands are the source of this pet bird’s name. The domestic canary is classified as a member of the Fringillidae family, which includes finches. Its scientific name is ‘Serinus canaria forma domestica.’
Since the 17th century, when they were domesticated, canary birds have been a popular cage and aviary household bird. Pet birds come in a variety of colors, even though canaries are typically yellow. Orange, white, red, black, and brown are some of the most popular pet canary colors.
Canary birds are tiny, delicate birds known for their beautiful song (only males sing). Those birds, on the other hand, are by themselves and don’t like humans all that much. Canary birds are some of the best apartment pets due to their size and tranquil disposition. Canary make ideal pets if you want an uncomfortably easy-to-care-for bird because they are low-maintenance and prefer to be on their own.
Finches
Finches come in a variety of colors and shapes. Finches, like zebras, are a small bird that makes excellent house pets. Most of these little active birds live in the cage, and several finch species are excellent singers. The avian order Passeriformes contains finches, which belong to the family Fringillidae.
Finches are gregarious birds that should be kept in pairs or more whenever possible. Their bright hues may make a conversation piece in your space. Some pet finches have gorgeous green and blue iridescent colors, others have vivid red heads, and others have spectacular yellow and blue bodies.
The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a popular pet finch bird. These little birds feature a variety of patterns on their short conical red or orange beaks. The striking black and white pattern on the wings and upper body of these pet birds earned them the name “zebra finch.”
Lovebirds
Lovebirds are little pet birds with green and orange-red feathers. If trained from a young age, these little green birds are actually parrots and are very easy to tame. The cheeks of lovebirds grow to be between 5 and 7 inches (13 and 17 cm) in diameter.
Breeders have produced species with green, yellow, and red hues, as well as blue, white, and black hues, as house pets by selective breeding. Because they are quiet and don’t cause a lot of commotion, lovebirds are also the ideal pet bird for apartments.
Doves
Some of the nicest doves available for keeping as pets are ringneck doves (top image) and diamond doves (bottom image). The genus Columbidae contains doves and pigeons. Ringnecks (Streptopelia risoria) and diamond doves (Geopelia cuneata) are the ideal species of dove for keeping as pets.
Doves are not often considered as a domesticated species to maintain as a companion. They are, however, very tame birds that get along well with their owners.
It’s essential to understand that getting a pet dove involves spending time with it on a regular basis. As a result, if you have space in your home, getting two doves might be a fantastic idea. You can also spend a lot of time throughout the day socializing and bonding. A white dove in your home is a great conversation piece for your guests, and their soft cooing may be very calming.
Toucans
Toucans (Ramphastidae) are beautiful birds that may be kept as pets in a limited number of countries. Toucans need careful treatment, upkeep, and an aviary to fly in. That isn’t easy to provide for them. You should check whether it is permitted in the place where you live if you are considering having a toucan as a pet.
Different Types of Pet Parrots With Their Picture and Common Name
Parrots are one of the most difficult bird species to maintain in captivity at home. Budgerigars and blue and yellow macaws are examples of small pet parrots. Some parrot species are difficult tohandlefor beginners, due to their temperament.
Daily interaction with a parrot and adequate training to socialize them are required if you want to keep one as a pet. Parrots, on the other hand, may be wonderful pets if they are well cared for. To find out which sort of pet parrot is best for you, keep reading.
Poicephalus Parrots
The genus Poicephalus includes a variety of medium-sized pet birds, including various color species. These parrots are the simplest to care for and are not as filthy as other types of companion parrots. The red-bellied parrot, Senegal parrot, and Meyer’s parrot are among the most popular Poicephalus pet birds. These parrots are suitable as apartment pets because they are relatively quiet.
Inquisitive, fun, comical, and acrobatic are some of the friendly birds’ characteristics. The fact that Pocephalus parrots behave like huge parrots in a small body is another reason they make excellent pets. They may become a fantastic feathered friend if you are willing to invest the time learning how to communicate with them.
Pionus Parrots
Any sort of Pionus parrot is a suitable option if you’re trying for a gentle and appealing parrot to maintain as a pet. The Blue-headed, White-capped, and Maximillian species of pionus parrots are the most common pets. They are medium-sized birds with white heads. Pionus parrots are some of the most difficult to care for when it comes to selecting a pet.
They don’t make as much noise and they like human interaction, unlike other types of parrots. These wonderful parrots have been hailed as “cuddly and sweet pets” by their owners.
The most brightly colored parrots are not Pionus parrots. These amicable parrots aren’t particularly popular as pets because of this. The Blue-headed parrot (Pionus menstruus) is the most appealing of the tropical birds. The body is green, and the head and underparts are blue. Many Pionus parrots have a red under-tail, which you may see.
Amazon Parrots
Amazon parrots are a kind of large tropical bird that is becoming increasingly popular as a pet. The behavior of these parrots might be unpredictable, as they are classified as medium to large-sized birds. The bodies of most Amazon parrots are green. The head and beak regions of the various species are largely covered in colorful markings.
Amazona parrots are native to Central and South America and belong to the parrot genus Amazona. The singing abilities of most parrot species in this genus are well-known. Their behavior is also mischievous, and their antics may be a constant source of delight.
For first-time bird enthusiasts, Amazon parrots are not a recommended choice. They may appear affectionate and adorably until they become aggressive, particularly during mating season. Also, since they are noisier at night and early in the morning, keeping them in flats is not recommended.
Parrotlets
If you don’t have enough space to keep a bird parrot as a pet, then a parrotlet is the best option for you. Amazons have an attitude, but parrotlets are lovebirds in size. Parrotlets make an excellent first-time parrot owner because they aren’t particularly demanding. Most parrotlets are blue or green-colored birds, similar to amazons. The Pacific parrotlet (Forpus coelestis) is the most popular of the parrotlets as a pet.
Parrotlets often belong to one individual, which is an remarkable behavioral trait. As a result, they should be kept as a single pet to prevent them from bonding with the other and becoming aggressive.
In addition, to keep these little parrots socialized and not get nippy, it’s important to handle them every day. You and your pet parrotlet will have hours of enjoyment if you give it the right care, love, and attention.
Golden Conures (Parrot)
The color and size of conures species varies greatly. Conures are a big parakeet or tiny kind of parrot, and there are numerous genera within the family. Conures come in such a wide range of colors and sizes that it’s impossible to classify them precisely.
The tails of most conures are lengthy, and their beaks are strong and hooked. These are very social animals who need rigorous training and care to keep their conduct under control. According to some experts, interacting with conure parrots for one hour every day is required.
The exotic coloring of these little parrots is one of the reasons they are popular pets. Some have orange or yellow heads that contrast with their dark green bodies. Green plumage and black faces are seen on others. The golden conure is the most beautiful of all the tiny pet parrots.
This is a green-feathered yellow parrot with a white beak. The golden parakeet or yellow macaw are other names for the same species.
Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus parrots are a lovely and colorful domestic companion that you can keep at home. The genus Parrots belongs to the family Psittaculidae, and it is a big kind of parrot. One of the appealing features of these retiring family pets is their unusual coloring. Males and females seem to be of different species since they appear to be so different.
Males have brilliant orange-colored beaks and are bright emerald green. The heads of the females are bright red, and the bodies are blue and purple.
Calmer than some of the other breeds, eclectus parrots are more relaxed. They make less noise and squawk than other birds when sitting on a perch. These big clever pet birds may imitate household sounds such as phones ringing, alarms going off, or a microwave ding. To avoid vitamin deficits, they also need a specialised diet.
Lories and lorikeets
Some of the most vivid birds available as a housepet are rainbow lory and lorikeet parrots. They are not low-maintenance pet birds because they need a specialized diet and frequent interaction. Bright orange, vibrant blue, and vivid green are some of the colors found in these active parrots.
The rainbow lory (Trichoglossus moluccanus) is a good example of this breed of parrot. The bird’s beauty is further enhanced by its lengthy, tapered tail feathers. The black-capped lory, with its red and green body and black-capped head, the chattering lory with brilliant red plumage and green wings, and the dusky lory with orange and black striped markings are some of the other intriguing types of lories available.
Macaw
Macaws are high-maintenance pet parrots that need a lot of attention. They’re the kind of parrot most people picture when they think about pets. Macaws are high-maintenance, demanding birds that may become aggressive and domineering if they aren’t kept in check. The lengthy graceful tail feathers, broad powerful beaks, and vibrant hues of macaws distinguish them. Bright yellow underparts and dark blue upperparts characterize several of the most popular macaw species.
Since they need space to fly, keeping these big birds at home might be difficult. It’s critical to educate them, spend a lot of time with them, and accept the odd nip here and there! Macaws are excellent pet birds for training and doing tricks, according to experienced avian experts.
Some macaw species are more manageable than others. These, on the other hand, must be carefully maintained and attended to.