Pet birds bring joy, color, and song to households worldwide, making them ideal companions for bird enthusiasts. If you’re exploring types of pet birds, you’ll find a diverse range from small, low-maintenance options to intelligent parrots that form deep bonds. These feathered friends vary in size, personality, and care needs, so selecting the right one depends on your lifestyle, space, and time commitment. Whether you’re a first-time owner or experienced aviculturist, understanding the most beloved types of pet birds ensures a happy, healthy companion. Always source from reputable breeders or rescues to guarantee well-socialized, healthy birds, as advised by avian veterinarians.
For beginners seeking the easiest pet bird, start with species that thrive on minimal fuss while offering plenty of entertainment.
Parakeets (Budgies or Budgerigars)
Parakeets top the list of types of pet birds due to their friendly nature and ease of care. These small parrots are affectionate when hand-raised and trained young, making them perfect for novices. Males, in particular, bond quickly and excel at learning tricks or mimicking speech, turning them into delightful talking pets.
Active and playful, parakeets love exploring and chirping melodiously, filling homes with cheerful sounds. They can live solo or in pairs—adding a companion reduces boredom during absences. Their vibrant plumage in greens, blues, and yellows adds visual appeal.
Species Info
- Weight: 1 ounce
- Length: 6-8 inches
- Lifespan: 7-15 years with proper care
- Physical Characteristics: Varied colors like neon green, yellow, blue; black bars on head, wings, back
According to the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), daily fresh fruits, veggies, and pellets form a balanced diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies common in these lively birds.
Parakeets are a type of pet bird
Cockatiels
Among popular types of pet birds, cockatiels stand out for their expressive crests and emotional intelligence. This crest signals moods: flattened for fear or anger, raised for excitement. Part of the parrot family, they mimic household sounds like phones or whistles, with males often whistling tunes to impress owners.
Females are gentle, while males add spunk. They demand social time to avoid depression—pairs or daily interaction work best. Large cages with perches support exercise, mimicking their natural flight.
Species Info
- Weight: 3 ounces
- Length: 12-13 inches
- Lifespan: 15-20 years, up to 30 in optimal conditions
- Physical Characteristics: Gray body, orange ear spots, yellow/white accents; males yellow-headed
Veterinary experts recommend toys and out-of-cage time to keep these social birds mentally stimulated, reducing feather-plucking behaviors.
Cockatiels are a type of pet bird
Doves
Doves offer a low-key option among types of pet birds, ideal for busy owners. Gentle and undemanding, they coo soothingly and enjoy occasional handling without constant attention. Great for families with older kids who handle carefully, they need flight space over climbing ability, so spacious cages are essential.
Social yet independent, solo doves thrive with daily fly time. Their soft feathers and calm demeanor make them stress-free pets.
Species Info
- Weight: 5-8 ounces
- Length: 11-13 inches
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Physical Characteristics: Brown/gray feathers, black eyes/beak/neck collar; variants in orange, white
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) stresses dust-free environments to protect their respiratory health.
Doves are a type of pet bird
Canaries
Canaries, with over 200 breeds, captivate as singers among types of pet birds. Shy at first, they bond with patience but dislike handling. Males serenade beautifully, while females prefer quiet companionship—opt for gender based on your sound preference.
Flight cages prevent fragility issues; they’re vibrant entertainers from afar.
Species Info
- Weight: Less than 1 ounce
- Length: 4-8 inches
- Lifespan: 9-10 years, up to 15+
- Physical Characteristics: Yellow, green, orange, brown; vibrant hues
Avian nutritionists highlight seed mixes with greens for optimal song quality and vitality.
Canaries are a type of pet bird
Hyacinth Macaws
For spacious homes, hyacinth macaws—the largest parrots—reward with cuddly loyalty among types of pet birds. Their blue feathers and smiling faces demand handling and affection. Costly and space-intensive, they form lifelong bonds.
Species Info
- Weight: 42-51 ounces
- Length: 40 inches
- Lifespan: 30+ years
- Physical Characteristics: Cobalt blue, yellow eye/beak patches, black beak
Large aviaries and chew toys suit their powerful beaks, per parrot specialists.
Hyacinth Macaws are a type of pet bird
Lovebirds
Tiny parrot powerhouses, lovebirds pack personality despite their size in types of pet birds. Affectionate bonds form with owners or pairs; singles focus on humans. They test limits with nips—not ideal for toddlers—but thrive with firm training.
Species Info
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Length: 5-6 inches
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- Physical Characteristics: Green body, orange head, blue rump, red beak
Daily foraging toys curb boredom, as recommended by experienced breeders.
Lovebirds are a type of pet bird
African Grey Parrots
Intelligence defines African greys among advanced types of pet birds. With vast vocabularies and emotional insight, they need 5+ hours of daily stimulation. Positive reinforcement training yields context-aware speech.
Species Info
- Weight: 15-18 ounces
- Length: 13 inches
- Lifespan: 30+ years
- Physical Characteristics: Gray body, red tail
Mental enrichment prevents self-harm, per AAV guidelines.
African grey parrots are a type of pet bird
Pionus Parrots
Balanced affection meets independence in pionus parrots, quiet types of pet birds for apartments. Medium-sized, they enjoy 3+ hours out daily but self-entertain.
Species Info
- Weight: 8-9 ounces
- Length: 11 inches
- Lifespan: 30+ years
- Physical Characteristics: Blue head, green body, red undertail
Low-maintenance for parrot lovers, with varied diets.
Pionus parrots are a type of pet bird
Green-Cheeked Conures
Playful mischief-makers, green-cheeked conures bond tightly as quieter types of pet birds. Less vocal than kin, they charm with antics.
Species Info
- Weight: 2-3 ounces
- Length: 10-11 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 30 years
- Physical Characteristics: Green, gray head, maroon tail; color mutations
Social play keeps them happy.
Green-Cheeked Conures are a type of pet bird
Choosing from these types of pet birds matches your home’s vibe—low-key doves for busyness or chatty parakeets for fun. Prioritize vet check-ups, spacious habitats, and nutrition for longevity. Consult avian experts for personalized advice and share your bird stories in comments!
References
- Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV): avianveterinarians.org
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): avma.org
- Tracy Vets Resources: tracyvets.com (original species data)
