Birds make fantastic pets, bringing vibrant colors, cheerful songs, and interactive personalities into your home. If you’re exploring types of pet birds, you’ll find options ranging from small, low-maintenance companions to intelligent parrots that can mimic speech. These feathered friends thrive with proper care, socialization, and a suitable environment tailored to their needs. Whether you’re a first-time owner or experienced bird enthusiast, selecting from the most popular types of pet birds ensures a rewarding companionship. Always source your bird from reputable breeders or stores to guarantee health and good temperament. For more insights on sociable options, check out our guide to the friendliest birds.
Each species has unique care requirements, from cage size and diet to social interaction. Understanding these helps prevent common issues like boredom or health problems, as recommended by avian veterinarians. With lifespans often exceeding a decade, committing to a pet bird means years of joy—and responsibility.
Parakeets (AKA Budgies or Budgerigars)
Parakeets top the list of types of pet birds due to their affordability, small size, and friendly nature. These active little birds bond quickly with owners, especially males, making them ideal for beginners. Train them young to mimic words or perform tricks, turning your home into a symphony of chirps and chatter.
Proper care involves a spacious cage for flying, a varied diet of seeds, pellets, fruits, and veggies, and daily interaction to keep them playful. Neglect can lead to plucking or obesity, so provide toys and out-of-cage time. According to the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), early socialization enhances their affectionate traits.
Species Info
Weight: 1 ounce
Length: 6 to 8 inches
Lifespan: 7-15 years with proper care
Physical Characteristics: Vibrant colors like neon green, yellow, blue, and violet with black bars on head, wings, and back.
Colorful parakeet perched on a branch showing varied feather patterns
Cockatiels
Cockatiels stand out among types of pet birds for their expressive crests and emotional intelligence. This crest signals moods—raised for excitement, flat for fear—allowing owners to respond effectively. Males whistle tunes they love, while females offer gentle companionship.
These parrot family members need large cages with perches for exercise and pairs or constant human interaction to avoid depression. Feed high-quality pellets supplemented with fresh produce; vets emphasize mental stimulation like foraging toys. Experienced owners report cockatiels mimicking household sounds, adding quirky charm.
Species Info
Weight: 3 ounces
Length: 12-13 inches
Lifespan: 15-20 years, up to 30 in ideal conditions
Physical Characteristics: Gray body with orange ear spots, yellow head (males), and white accents.
Cockatiel displaying its raised crest in an expressive pose
Doves
Doves appeal to busy owners among types of pet birds, as they’re low-demand yet affectionate when handled. Their soothing coos create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for households with older kids who handle gently. They prefer flying between perches, requiring wide cages over climbing bars.
Daily flight time and a seed-based diet with greens promote health. Unlike noisier parrots, doves bond quietly, thriving on occasional interaction. Avian experts note their gentleness makes them forgiving for inconsistent schedules.
Species Info
Weight: 5-8 ounces
Length: 11-13 inches
Lifespan: 8-15 years
Physical Characteristics: Brown/gray feathers, black neck collar; variants in orange, white, or pied.
Gentle dove with soft feathers resting calmly on a perch
Canaries
Canaries, with over 200 breeds, offer variety in types of pet birds prized for song. Males serenade beautifully, while females provide quieter company. Shy by nature, they warm up with patience but dislike handling—opt for observation over cuddles.
Large flight cages and a finch mix diet support vitality; avoid drafts to prevent fragility. The AAV highlights their sensitivity, recommending stable environments for longevity.
Species Info
Weight: Less than 1 ounce
Length: 4-8 inches
Lifespan: 9-10 years, up to 15+
Physical Characteristics: Vibrant yellow, green, orange, or brown plumage.
Bright canary showcasing its singing posture and colorful feathers
Hyacinth Macaws
Hyacinth macaws, the largest parrots, reward dedicated owners with deep bonds among types of pet birds. Their blue plumage and smiling faces demand space and affection; they’re cuddlers who crave handling.
Massive cages and nut-heavy diets suit their strength; budget for higher costs, including parrot pet price. Vets stress chew toys to channel powerful beaks.
Species Info
Weight: 42-51 ounces
Length: 40 inches
Lifespan: 30+ years
Physical Characteristics: Cobalt blue with yellow eye/beak patches.
Majestic hyacinth macaw with striking blue feathers and yellow accents
Lovebirds
Lovebirds pack parrot personality into tiny frames, forming strong bonds as types of pet birds. Singles attach to owners; pairs ease social needs. Watch for nipping—firm training curbs it.
Pellets, seeds, and veggies fuel energy; provide destructible toys. Not for young kids due to feistiness, per avian care guidelines.
Species Info
Weight: 2 ounces
Length: 5-6 inches
Lifespan: 20+ years
Physical Characteristics: Green body, orange/yellow head, blue rump, red beak.
Pair of lovebirds displaying affectionate bonding behavior
African Grey Parrots
African greys, among the smartest types of pet birds, learn vast vocabularies and sense emotions. They demand 5+ hours daily stimulation to combat boredom.
Use positive reinforcement training; pair with mental toys. Ideal for committed owners, as AAV notes their longevity requires lifelong dedication.
Species Info
Weight: 15-18 ounces
Length: 13 inches
Lifespan: 30+ years
Physical Characteristics: Gray feathers, red tail.
Intelligent African grey parrot with contextual expression
Pionus Parrots
Pionus parrots balance affection and independence in types of pet birds, suiting apartments with their quiet nature. 3+ hours out-of-cage exercise keeps them fit.
Medium cages with toys work; lower maintenance than bigger parrots.
Species Info
Weight: 8-9 ounces
Length: 11 inches
Lifespan: 30+ years
Physical Characteristics: Blue head, green body, red undertail.
Relaxed pionus parrot with distinctive blue head feathers
Green-Cheeked Conures
Green-cheeked conures charm with playfulness among types of pet birds, quieter than kin. They bond via antics, thriving on socialization.
Diet of pellets/fruits; toys prevent mischief.
Species Info
Weight: 2-3 ounces
Length: 10-11 inches
Lifespan: Up to 30 years
Physical Characteristics: Green with gray head, maroon tail.
Playful green-cheeked conure showing mischievous personality
Choosing from these types of pet birds depends on your space, time, and experience. Prioritize veterinary check-ups and enriched habitats for happy, healthy companions. Consult avian experts for personalized advice, and explore more pet guides on our site!
References
- Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV): avianvets.org
- Tracy Vets Animal Hospital resources on bird care
