When you think about adopting a bird, budgies and cockatiels are often the first species that spring to mind – but did you know that there are many types of pet birds?
Taking care of pet birds isn't for the faint of heart. Just like dogs and cats, they have physical, mental, emotional, and social needs that all have to be met to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
But if you're prepared to invest your time and energy into your new beaked buddy, you'll find bird ownership to be hugely rewarding.
Before you hit the shops in search of the best parrot cage and best bird food, be sure to read this guide to find the right feathered friend for you. They all have different requirements, so choosing your new companion bird first will ensure you can then pick out the appropriate equipment for them.
32 types of pet birds
1. Budgerigar
Without a doubt, the most popular choice for those on the hunt for a beaked buddy, the budgerigar (commonly referred to as the budgie) is a small bird native to Australia. While they're not the smallest parrot on the block (that honor is reserved for the parrotlet), they rarely exceed eight inches when measured from their beak to the tip of their tail.
There are two types of budgie – the original small version that hails from the land down under, and a larger budgie that was bred in England. Budgies live between seven and 15 years and need a varied diet consisting of pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Cockatiel
With its cheeky personality and mohawk-style haircut, the adorable cockatiel is a firm favorite amongst bird enthusiasts. Native to the semi-arid regions of Australia, cockatiels may look low maintenance but they have very specific needs. Female cockatiels are prolific egg layers even if they're not housed with a fertile male.
They tend to lay infertile eggs every other day and this can lead to mineral depletion and a serious condition called egg binding in which female birds are unable to lay their eggs. Cockatiels also have very sensitive respiratory systems and need to be kept away from things that emit potentially toxic fumes. However, potential health issues aside, these birds are incredibly affectionate and social, making them a wonderful choice for most households.
3. Lovebird
Native to the African continent, lovebirds are incredibly sweet and get their name from their ability to form lifelong pair bonds. Available in a wide variety of colors, they require daily interaction and playtime outside of their enclosure. Physical and mental stimulation is incredibly important for a lovebirds wellbeing and without this, they can engage in harmful behaviors like feather plucking. When cared for correctly, lovebirds can live for up to 15 years and make wonderfully affectionate companions.
4. Canary
A small bird that's easy to care for, the canary is a charming and undemanding bird that's a great choice for beginners. Canaries are cheerful souls who can often be heard singing away in a soft and pleasant voice, and while they don't appreciate heavy handling, they do enjoy being around people.
The canary is a relatively solitary bird, so you don't need to worry about your feathered friend getting lonely if they're in a cage on their own. Just be mindful that canaries find constant light very stressful and need the same sort of light/dark cycle we humans do, so be sure to cover their cage at night to ensure they get the sleep they require.
5. Finch
Finches are a family of small songbirds and there are a variety of different species including the zebra finch, society finch, and spice finch. They are hugely social little creatures who thrive when kept as a pair or in a small group and while they are very hands-off with humans (they don't enjoy being picked up) they're a lovely bird to watch and they have very pleasant voices. Depending on the species, they can reach around six inches in length and will live for around five to 10 years when cared for correctly.
6. Parrotlet
With the temperament of a large parrot packed into a tiny body, the feisty, wilful and affectionate parrotlet measures less than six inches and is the smallest parrot species in the world. While there are different species of parrotlet, the most popular one kept as a pet is the striking green and blue Pacific Parrotlet.
While active and playful, Parrotlets are not overly loud or squawky and they tend to make great birds for families. However, if you want to bond deeply with your bird, it's recommend you only get one Parrotlet as pairs will bond with each other rather than their human family.
7. Bourke’s Parakeet
One of the most mellow of all the parrot species, Bourke's Parakeets have a lovely calm demeanor and an overall low-maintenance personality. A good introductory bird, they do well in both individual cages and small aviaries – if you do want to keep them with other birds, they get on really well with finches and cockatiels as well as other Bourke's Parakeets. With a lifespan of up to 25 years when well cared for, this gentle and good-natured bird will bond deeply with their humans if they're hand-fed from birth.
8. Lineolated Parakeet
With its sweetly soft and melodious song-like call, the lineolated parakeet (also sometimes referred to as the linnie) is a quiet and calm member of the parrot family. Native to Mexico, Central and South America, the lineolated parakeet lives in flocks of up to 20 birds in the wild so if you choose to keep them on their own, make sure to spend lots of time with them as they're very social creatures. Charming, comical, and even-tempered, they love spending time with their human family and will often perch on their shoulder.
9. Pionus Parrot
Slightly stocky small to medium-sized birds, the pionus parrot is a vocal communicator native to South and Central America. Between 10–12 inches in length, there are lots of different species of Pionus Parrot but all of them have red feathers underneath their tail. Known to be easygoing and quiet, they tend to make great family birds and can live for up to 40 years when well-loved and cared for.
10. Meyer's Parrot
A laid-back yet observant bird, the Meyer's Parrot grows to around eight to nine inches in length and can live for up to 30 years. They are quiet and relaxed little creatures, making them great if you reside in an apartment and don't want your neighbors complaining about all the bird songs. Native to Africa where they travel in pairs or small flocks, the Meyer's Parrot are generally very gentle when well socialized and will be happy as long as they have a human to bond with and some of the best toys for parrots to shred.
11. Green-Cheeked Conure
A small parrot with a huge personality, the green-cheeked conure is curious, spunky, and tends to attach very strongly to one chosen human. Mischievous and playful, they're a very popular pet thanks to their engaging nature and they have a generous lifespan of around 30 years.
Native to South America, they tend to live in flocks of 10–20 birds and while they do well with their own kind, you want to avoid housing them with other birds of a different species. The green-cheeked conure thrives on spending time playing and socializing with its humans and makes outstanding family pets. Just be sure you read up on parrot enrichment ideas for those times when you can't be home with your beaked buddy as they like to stay active.
12. Quaker Parrot
Also commonly known as the monk parakeet, the Quaker Parrot is known for its clown-like nature and spunky, fun-loving personality. Confident and social, they are endlessly entertaining birds and adore being the center of attention. Quaker Parrots are bold, outgoing, and very chatty, so if you're looking for a quiet life, then you'll probably want to steer clear of this vocal bird. However, if a beaked buddy who you can bond deeply with is high on your list of wants, the Quaker Parrot is an excellent choice as these little guys thrive on human connection and are very loyal.
13. Indian Ringneck Parakeet
Also known as the rose-ringed parakeet, the Indian Ringneck Parakeet is a striking bird that's becoming a popular companion pet. They have a reputation for being nippy and difficult to tame as historically they've been kept in captivity and viewed as ornamental birds to be looked at but not handled.
However, when hand-fed from birth, Indian Ringneck Parakeets can make very loving pets – although, a word of warning, they are known for being a real handful in adolescence as hormonal changes from four months to one year of age can cause them to hiss and bite. Rest assured though with the proper socialization and training (they love a challenge!) they tend to be very sweet and charming birds.
14. Senegal Parrot
Sporting striking green, yellow, and orange plumage and intense yellow irises, the Senegal Parrot is an outgoing, playful, and calm bird with a lifespan of around 30 years. Originating in Africa, they measure around nine inches in length and because they love to have fun, investing in a range of toys for them to play with is an absolute must.
They particularly love chew toys so having a few of those in their enclosure will keep them very happy indeed. Senegal Parrots become deeply attached to their humans and want nothing more than to sit on their shoulders all day and follow them around the house. Because they dote on their human family, they don't need any other birds for company as long as you're prepared to give them the attention they need.
15. Caique
Known as the clowns of the bird world thanks to their endless mischief-making, the caique is a high-energy and playful parrot who loves to make their humans laugh. A chatty bird, the caique (pronounced kai-eke) is native to South America and because they're super energetic and don't like being confined in small spaces, they need a very large cage to ensure they stay happy and healthy. They make truly wonderful pets although they can be wilful and stubborn at times, and they have been known to be aggressive towards other birds, so that's something to keep in mind if you already have feathered friends in your home.
16. Rainbow Lorikeet
Native to Australia, the stunning rainbow lorikeet looks like a work of art with its bright and bold plumage that makes this bird impossible to miss. Real little sweethearts who are known for their chatty nature, the rainbow lorikeet is a popular companion bird who thrives on human attention and loves to play. Measuring up to 15 inches in length and with a lifespan of 30 years or more, rainbow lorikeets can fly up to 40 miles in the wild each day so a large flight cage or aviary is a must. They are highly intelligent birds who adore learning tricks and they're very friendly and easy to socialize.
17. Derbyan Parakeet
Native to India, Tibet, and China, the Derbyan Parakeet is an intelligent, social, and affectionate bird with a curious personality. Fun to train and engage with, the Derbyan Parakeet can grow to be genuinely fond of their human family but because they're so smart, they require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them healthy. They do best in homes where people are around a lot to give them the attention they need, and you'll also want to invest in plenty of toys to keep them occupied when you're too busy to play.
18. Plum-Headed Parakeet
A monogamous bird that forms a strong pair for life, the plum-headed parakeet hails from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh where it thrives living in forested areas. While it still requires regular interaction with its humans, it's less demanding than other parrots so it can be a good choice if you're out during the day.
The plum-headed parakeet is typically very gentle and affectionate with their humans but can be standoffish with strangers. They're also relatively quiet, so they're a good choice if you live in an apartment and don't want your neighbors complaining about frequent bird songs.
19. Alexandrine Parakeet
Loyal, playful, and super chatty, the Alexandrine Parakeet loves to perform tricks and show off its acrobatic skills. Gentle, independent, hardy, and very bright, this bird is native to East India and enjoys a pellet-based diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to add variety.
Because they have very long tail feathers that measure around 14 inches, they need a tall cage as well as plenty of puzzle toys to give their brains a good workout. They have an impressive vocabulary and tend to bond deeply with their humans, so they need a lot of time outside of their cage.
20. Blue-Crowned Conure
Native to South America where it can be found anywhere from Colombia to Argentina, the woodland and rainforest-dwelling blue-crowned conure became particularly famous after it was chosen as the bird of choice in the 1998 family ‘Paulie’. Highly intelligent and with a very large vocabulary, this beautiful bird prefers the company of humans or other birds and doesn't like to be kept in a cage all day.
21. Crimson-Bellied Conure
A colorful bird with a bright red belly, the crimson-bellied conure is striking to look at and has a temperament that's equally as beautiful. One of the few birds that likes to be cuddled, the crimson-bellied conure is a sweet and affectionate soul with a lively and friendly nature. It has a soft and pleasant voice and while generally very good-natured, it can become destructive if it doesn't get the attention it craves. For that reason, it does best in a home where someone is around all day to shower this little bird with affection.
22. Sun Conure
The sun conure is native to northeastern South America where it loves inhabiting tropical and coastal forests. A popular companion bird, they are highly trainable and their friendly nature makes them ideal for families. However, just be warned that sun conures are amongst the loudest of all the parrot species, and they require a great deal of daily interaction, so they're not the best choice for beginner bird enthusiasts. If you have the time though, this playful and amusing little bird makes for a wonderful affectionate, and cuddly companion.
23. Dusky-Headed Conure
Typically found in western South America, the dusky-headed conure likes to live with others of their species so in the wild you'll find them in anything from small family groups to flocks of dozens of birds. Intelligent with big personalities, the dusky-headed conure isn't suitable for someone who's out of the house all day as they thrive on attention and adore their human flock. Known to be boisterous and fun-loving, these affectionate birds love to learn and play.
24. Jardine’s Parrot
While they may be one of the smaller parrot species at just 10 inches in length, the Jardine's Parrot has an impressive lifespan of over 35 years if cared for correctly. Native to parts of Africa, their numbers are declining in the wild but they remain a popular companion pet.
Notoriously affectionate, they can be somewhat temperamental as they move through adolescence but tend to be very good-natured once they reach adulthood. Super smart, they are independent enough to be able to entertain themselves with toys for a few hours each day.
25. African Grey Parrot
A truly captivating companion thanks to its hilarious ability to mimic its humans, the African Grey Parrot is known as the Einstein of the bird world thanks to its off-the-charts level of intelligence. With its brainy, no-nonsense attitude, the African Grey Parrot is highly sensitive and can be demanding, so it's best suited to experienced bird keepers.
They are charming birds but they require a very stable and predictable routine as they don't do well with change. African Grey Parrots require a lot of hands-on time with their humans but they don't enjoy intense physical contact, so if you're looking for a cuddle buddy, this may not be the bird for you.
26. Amazon Parrot
If you're looking for a playful and outgoing companion who will keep you company well into your senior years, the Amazon Parrot is well worth considering. These birds can live for up to 60 years with the correct care, so they're a serious lifetime commitment, but if you're happy with that, this expressive, fun-loving creature could well brighten up your home and your life.
Amazon Parrots can be boisterous and because they love to play, you'll need to house them in a very large cage with lots of toys, swings, and climbing ropes. They also adore bathing and believe it or not, most are all too happy to join their humans in the shower or tub!
27. Eclectus Parrot
An eye-catching, intelligent, and charming bird with a lovable personality that will instantly captivate you, the Eclectus Parrot originated in the Solomon Islands and likes to live in tropical rainforests. They were given their name because it means 'eclectic' a reference to the vastly different colored plumage that males and females sport. They can live for up to 50 years and are known for having very gentle, tranquil, and sensitive natures. Very caring creatures who thrive on time spent with family, they are affectionate but not cuddly.
28. Cockatoo
Hugely popular pets the world over, the cockatoo is often referred to as a 'velcro' bird because of their almost obsessive need to be with their humans at all times. Cockatoos need strong cages to prevent them from escaping and a lot of toys that they can chew and destroy.
While hugely loving, they can be needy and demanding, so you'll want to consider that before adopting one. However, while they do require a lot of attention, they are very social, playful, cuddly, loyal, and intelligent, so if you're looking for a true companion bird, the cockatoo is a worthy contender.
29. Macaw
Often referred to as the giants of the parrot world, the Macaw measures 40 inches from head to tail and while their large beaks can seem intimidating to many bird enthusiasts, with the right training and socialization, macaws can make wonderful pets.
Macaws have very raucous personalities, so they're not a bird for those in search of a quiet life. However, underneath all their noise and bluster, they are deeply sensitive birds with loving hearts. Because they're so intelligent, you'll need to ensure you have plenty of challenging activities on hand to keep them occupied.
30. Hawk-Headed Parrot
Named because of their unique ability to raise a fan of red and blue feathers into a dazzling crest display, the hawk-headed parrot is a stunning bird with a one-of-a-kind personality. Native to the rainforests of South America, they have high energy levels and require a large cage with ample room to move about in.
You'll want to provide your beaked buddy with plenty of opportunities to climb and swing as these are two activities they enjoy immensely – plus, puzzle toys are a must as they love to problem-solve. Just bear in mind that these are strong-willed and independent birds and while they can bond with their humans, they expect their boundaries to be respected.
31. Vasa Parrot
A medium-sized parrot from Madagascar, the Vasa Parrot may not have the brilliantly colored plumage of other parrots, but they are an incredibly sweet-natured little bird with an endearing nature. Affectionate and easygoing, the Vasa Parrot tends to be active, playful, and always busy.
They prefer to spend the bulk of their time outside of their cage with their human family and attach strongly to all members. Talkative but without the ear-piercing squawking of some other parrot species, the Vasa Parrot is inquisitive and needs lots of toys and games to keep their brain engaged.
32. Greater Vasa Parrot
A large black parrot from Madagascar, the Greater Vasa Parrot looks almost identical to the Vasa Parrot but can be differentiated thanks to its bigger bill. It also has lower-pitched and rougher vocalizations but aside from that, the two are very similar in temperament. Females are 25% larger than males and tend to rule the roost and in the wild, females will often mate with several males at once with their eggs hatching after a mere 18 days of incubation.
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