Most Popular Pet Birds to Consider

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If you are thinking about getting a bird as a pet to keep as a close companion, there are several popular species from which to pick.

However, each of these birds has distinct socialization requirements in reference to other flock mates and specific requirements for training.

Companionship is a two-way street, just like it is with most birds; creatures that are good company for people typically require the same level of social connection from those humans in return.

In this article, we will take a look at eight of the bird species that are recognized as being the most popular companions for their “human flocks,” as well as provide information regarding the social requirements of each species.

Parakeet/Budgie

The budgerigar, also known as the common parakeet, is an excellent choice for a pet for children or for people who are new to keeping birds since, although being intelligent and lively, they require significantly less room and less upkeep than larger types of birds.

Despite their diminutive size, these birds still require the same amount of attention and care as their larger counterparts. Even though they are very little, budgies have a high level of intelligence.

While the majority of budgies are content to whistle and sing, many of them are able to pick up words and phrases. The average lifespan of one of these resilient little birds is between 12 and 14 years, and they can be found in a wide variety of stunning hues.

Cockatiel

Keeping these birds, which are about the size of a sparrow, is pure joy. These residents of Australia are members of the parrot family, and they are famous for the surprisingly advanced whistling and singing abilities that they possess.

Despite the fact that cockatiels are capable of learning to talk, many owners have discovered that their pets are more content to whistle and imitate amusing noises such as the sound of a telephone ringing.

The average lifespan of one of these birds is between 15 and 20 years, and they come in an ever-increasing variety of color combinations.

Finch

Canaries and other types of finches are popular choices for people who want to keep birds as pets. The majority of kinds of finches and canaries measure less than five inches, therefore their space requirements are lower than those of practically every other species of pet bird.

Finches and canaries are examples of what are referred to as “softbills” or “waxbill birds” due to the fact that their beaks are more flexible and waxy than those of hookbill birds like parrots.

Hookbill birds have rigid beaks. These little birds are best kept in small flocks and, in general, pay very little attention to humans.

Because of this, they make excellent pets for people who enjoy watching birds but want a pet that demands less involvement from them. If it receives the proper care throughout its life, a canary or finch could live for up to ten years.

Lovebird

One of the species of parrots that is the tiniest is the lovebird. Lovebirds have all the intelligence and personality of the largest macaws, despite their diminutive size, so you shouldn’t dismiss them in favor of larger, more demanding parrots.

These bright tiny birds are full of personality. Due to the fact that they are relatively quiet companions, these birds are an excellent choice for people who live in condominiums or apartments. The lovebird could live for up to 20 years if it is well cared for.

Monk Parakeet

The monk parakeet, often known as the quaker, is in fact a small species of parrot. It has a well-deserved reputation for being able to expand one’s vocabulary both in terms of words and phrases.

This bird will learn the names of items and how to imitate your pronunciation of those names to a greater extent the more you describe what you are doing to it verbally as you move around the cage.

The average lifespan of a monk parakeet is anywhere between 20 and 30 years.

Dove

The calm and kind demeanors of doves are one of their most recognizable traits. Doves with soft bills rarely make an attempt to bite or cause damage with their beaks, in contrast to hookbill parrots.

Nevertheless, it is always beneficial to employ methods of socializing and bonding with these birds that emphasize being calm and cheerful.

Doves make wonderful pets for older children who are aware of the need to be calm and gentle around their animal companions and who are mature enough to handle the responsibility.

Doves, like other birds, require the company of other individuals, and if they are housed inside on their own, they should be given ample opportunities to fly freely and interact with their human caregivers. It’s a fantastic idea to put mirrors and swings inside of an enclosure for a dove.

17 thoughts on “Most Popular Pet Birds to Consider”

  2. That us not a monk parakeet, that is a picture of a Rainbow Lorikeet. They totally different species, with dramatically different personalities and feeding requirements.

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  3. Stop encouraging the purchase of birds. They are wild animals meant to fly free, NOT be caged for our entertainment. They are NOT domesticated. People buy them for their antics and to hear them talk, without fully understanding that they are messy, loud, destructive, can and eventually will bite, get hormonal 2 times a year, need proper socialization, proper enrichment, toys, entertainment, time out of cages, proper diet ( not bird seed!) and are basically a toddler for life and beyond. So many end up in rescues or just shoved in a basement or garage and ignored and traumatized because people weren’t informed or educated enough and these amazing beings suffer for it. They decide they don’t like the person who wanted them, they choose someone else to be their person, they bite once, they scream, they are dusty, and basically just being what they are and then pay for it with a life of misery.They deserve better. They require expensive vet care, some of them will outlive you, you must plan for them. Education is crucial. Yes, there are many who do get loving, caring, happy homes who take the responsibility as they should and bond with the bird and have a companion, who is part of the family as it should be. Those are the lucky ones.
    But bird rescues are full. I know, I did my research prior to adopting from a rescue. Not only are they full of the discarded, unwanted, damaged, traumatized, wouldn’t talk birds, but even the much loved and cared for birds who suddenly find themselves grieving and scared because their person died, or left for college, or suddenly developed an allergy, or had some other life change that caused them, for whatever reason, to need to surrender their beloved bird. Sadly, that happens too. And now that bird has some trauma and must learn to trust and bond with someone new. If you aren’t going to share the hard cons and the important information, don’t promote the sale of these sentient, intelligent beings for more of them to end up with trauma, self mutilation issues and tossed away. Be part of the solution for them, not the problem. When we know better, we should do better.

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    • My parakeet is now 6 months old and he is the love of my life. I know that nothing is guaranteed in my life or his. I do know he will be well cared for while I’m alive and in good health. He will not eat regular food so I provide him with pellet food made with fruit and vegetables.

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    • Vicki:. I’ve had Birds all my life, and thats a long time. Currently I have two Amazon Parrots, the female is 30 & the male is 20. They are in separate cages. I got both of them from a Bird Rescue about 8 years ago. And, yes, they both had their own issues; but with Love & good care, they trust me & I love them! Yes, all pets are a responsibility and can require visits to the Vet, good food etc. Their cages need changed often. My husband passed away several years ago, but I say that I don’t live alone! They tell me good morning, I Love You, bye bye, and have beautiful singing voices. The female can whistle along with songs she’s heard on the radio or TV several times. They each have very different personalities. Did I forget to mention that I have 4 Canaries? My kids gave me 2 Canaries for my birthday a few years ago. They are sweet little birds & their songs warm my heart. Well, spring came & the female layed & hatched 4 eggs… Of course, I had to keep 2 of the Babies for myself. My grandmother raised Canaries when I was young.
      .As I think of it, animals ran in the wild for many years… Horses, dogs, cats to mention a few. Does that mean we should not have a horse, dog or kitty cat?

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    • Amen! I have a double yellow head Amazon. He is 38 years old now, and has always been a lot of work/trouble. Bought him from a breeder in Tampa @ 2.5 months, baby fed him, and he was sweet to everyone until he reached sexual maturity at seven years or so. Now I am the one and only.
      He has done thousands of dollars in damage over the years. Thousands of dollars in cages and perches. Vet care is expensive, even tho he has never been sick. He needs sooo much attention. He is a real pain to travel with. He doesn’t just bite – he takes big bloody chunks. I love the little pound and a half beast, but if I could go back 38 years, I would not have a parrot. For sure. He eats fruits and veggies mostly, and makes an incredible mess all day long. No seed. Loves chick peas. And Wheat Thins. And peanuts.
      People are fascinated by him. He rides on my bike handlebars. I stop for them to visit with him a bit. He likes to sing opera-like, and they are amused. And I always tell them: do not even think about about getting a bird. Explain how much work he has been for last 38 years, and that he will be that much trouble for – very likely – at least another 38 years. I stress that he is not a decoration. He is as needy as a toddler. The only really good part is he will never drive, and never need a college fund. Other than that he is a life long combo of a toddler and a teenager. He is not a pretty toy. Think long and hard before making a life long decision to buy a bird. Then think again. Offer to care for someone else’s bird for a couple of weeks. If that doesn’t cure you of the itch, wait a year. Calculate how much extra time you have had to spend with a bird in that time. If you are still sure, look up rescue bird places. Make a home for some poor pitiful and most likely neglected bird in need.

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    • Do you have anything positive to say about these beautiful creatures? We have 24 parrots, some rescues some raised from babies. If you want a meaningful relationship with an intelligent creature buy a bird, they are messy, sometimes loud, can be destructive, bite when they feel like it no reason needed and most importantly give back the love they receive. If you don’t like responsibility get a stuffed teddy bear.

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