Bringing a small bird into your home can be a truly rewarding experience. These intelligent and characterful creatures can quickly become cherished members of the family, filling your days with their vibrant colors, cheerful songs, and even a few amusing tricks. However, choosing the right avian companion for your lifestyle is crucial. This guide, drawing upon the expertise of veterinary professionals, highlights some of the best small bird species for first-time bird owners.
Before you bring a bird home, it’s essential to conduct thorough research to ensure you can meet their specific needs. All pet birds require love, significant attention, a species-appropriate diet, and potentially veterinary care. Ensuring your feathered friend receives proper care from the outset is paramount. Contact our Greeley avian vets for regular check-ups to maintain your bird’s health.
Here are some of the most recommended small bird species for novice owners:
Budgie (Budgerigar)
Species Info
- Weight: 1 ounce
- Length: 6 to 8 inches
Physical Characteristics: Budgies, also known as parakeets, come in a dazzling array of colors, including green, yellow, blue, and violet, often with distinctive black markings on their heads and wings. They are renowned for being exceptionally friendly, gentle, and trainable when given proper care and attention. As one of the smallest bird species commonly kept as pets, they are relatively easy to manage, especially if you acquire a young bird that can be easily trained.
Lifespan: With diligent care, a pet budgie can live between 7 to 15 years.
Cockatiel
Species Info
- Weight: 3 ounces
- Length: 12 to 13 inches (adults)
Physical Characteristics: Cockatiels are predominantly gray with distinctive orange ear patches and accents of yellow and white. Males typically sport yellow heads, while females are more uniformly gray. Their crest is a clear indicator of their emotional state: a flattened crest signifies fear or anger, while an upright crest suggests excitement or surprise. Female cockatiels are known for their gentle nature, and males are adept at mimicking sounds, from phone rings to outdoor bird calls. It’s important to provide a spacious cage with numerous toys and perches to keep them mentally stimulated. A cockatiel whistling at you is considered a high compliment!
Lifespan: With proper care and affection, cockatiels can live for 15 to 20 years, with some individuals reportedly living as long as 30 years.
Dove
Species Info
- Weight: 5 to 8 ounces
- Length: 11 to 13 inches
Physical Characteristics: Doves typically feature brown and dull gray plumage, with black eyes and beaks. Ring-necked doves, a popular variety, may also have alternative colors like orange or appear in pied patterns, including small white individuals. Doves are exceptionally gentle and sweet-natured, particularly when hand-fed and domesticated. They are easygoing companions that enjoy interacting with their owners but are not overly demanding of constant attention. Unlike parrots, doves do not climb cage bars but rely on flying between perches, necessitating a large cage.
Lifespan: Well-cared-for pet doves can live between 8 to 15 years, varying by species.
Canary
Species Info
- Weight: Less than 1 ounce
- Length: 4 to 8 inches
Physical Characteristics: As the smallest birds on this list, canaries are known for their vibrant colors—ranging from yellow and green to bright orange and brown—and their beautiful singing ability. They are an excellent choice for beginners who may not want a bird requiring extensive handling. While they prefer not to be physically handled, canaries are content to entertain with their beauty and song. However, they are delicate and easily startled, requiring a large flight cage to ensure they have ample space to fly and remain happy and healthy. For those seeking a singing bird, male canaries are the vocalists, as females do not typically sing.
Lifespan: Canaries generally live for 9-10 years with good care, though some have been known to live up to 15 years or more.
Green-Cheeked Conure
Species Info
- Weight: 2 to 3 ounces
- Length: 10 to 11 inches
Physical Characteristics: These conures are primarily green with gray heads and chests, featuring blue-tipped wings and maroon tails. Variations in color, such as yellow, cinnamon, and turquoise, also exist. Green-cheeked conures are known for being relatively quiet, playful, and intelligent. While they don’t typically talk extensively, they are charming companions that can be comical and outgoing in the right environment. It’s essential to provide them with ample interaction and mental stimulation.
Lifespan: With sufficient love and attention, these friendly birds can live up to 30 years.
When selecting a pet bird, always purchase from a reputable breeder or pet store to ensure you are acquiring a healthy and well-socialized animal, which will undoubtedly make for a better companion.
Note: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional veterinary advice. For specific health concerns or diagnosis related to your pet bird, please consult with a qualified veterinarian.
Have you recently welcomed a new bird into your family? Contact our Greeley veterinarians today to schedule their initial veterinary visit!
