Some people like to keep birds as pets because they are beautiful creatures they enjoy watching and interacting with – birds can be very entertaining, as they can mimic sounds and perform various tricks. Others like to keep birds as pets because they are easy to take care of; they don’t need much space, and most species can be kept in a cage or aviary.
Discover the most popular pet birds and the unique qualities that each one will bring into your home. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet or a lifelong companion, there’s a bird for every human.
Budgie/Parakeet
Budgies are a small breed of parakeet, native to Australia; they are usually green and yellow with a long tail and a short beak. They have been popular pets for decades because they are small, friendly, and easy to care for; budgies also make great companions and can be taught to talk.
Budgies have a high respiration rate of 85 breaths per minute, while their heart can beat as many as 300 times within 60 seconds. When they feel happy and relaxed, they grind their beaks – this is equivalent behavior to a cat purring.
Budgies require a healthy diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and access to fresh water at all times. In addition, you must provide your pet with enough daily exercise to maintain their physical health, as budgies can live for between 7 and 15 years when they are given optimum care.
Don’t be alarmed if you catch your budgie looking backward at you! An increased number of neck vertebrae mean that these little birds can turn their heads 180 degrees. Still, their small size means they need a safe environment, as losing even a few dozen drops of blood could prove fatal for them.
Cockatiel
A cockatiel is a small to medium-sized parrot native to Australia. It is a greyish-brown bird with a yellow face; males and females are similar in color, but the females have more of an orange tint to their feathers.
Cockatiels are very social birds, and they are easy to tame. They are intelligent and playful, and they can mimic sounds. Thanks to their energetic nature, cockatiels require a large cage and plenty of space to exercise.
The average lifespan of a cockatiel is 10 to 15 years, though some have been known to live up to 20 years, so it’s vital that you take good care of your bird during its lifetime. You will need to provide your bird with a diet consisting of seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables; they will also eat insects and other invertebrates when they’re available.
A unique feature of the cockatiel is the crest atop its head, which they use to express various emotions. For example, if a cockatiel is curious, they will point the crest upwards, but if they’re angry, they will flatten it close to their heads.
Cockatiels are pretty birds that don’t make too much noise that can be a great addition to any household. However, they can be messy and need a lot of attention, so make sure you have the time and patience for them.
Finch
A finch is a type of bird that belongs to the family Fringillidae. They are found in many parts of the world and are often kept as pets.
Goldfinches were popular during the Italian renaissance and can be found in several artworks. These beautiful little birds grew a religious association with Christ thanks to their love of eating thistles.
They live for an average of 10 to 12 years; however, some individuals may live for up to 20 years or more. They vary in size depending on the species. Some species are only 3 inches long, while others can grow up to 6 inches long. The most noticeable feature of these birds is their beaks, which come in various shapes and sizes depending on the species.
A group of finches is collectively known as a “charm,” maybe because these sweet little birds can easily charm their owners with their mellow and happy demeanor.
Lovebird
Lovebirds are a type of parrot that is small, brightly colored, and primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, where they live in groups. Lovebirds are small, easy to take care of, and have a long lifespan; however, their high-energy lifestyle can be demanding for some people to handle.
The lovebird requires at least two hours of daily exercise, plus the biggest cage your budget can extend to. They enjoy a mixture of seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, with some protein pellets mixed in now and then for added nutrients.
Lovebirds are social animals, and they thrive when they live in pairs. These monogamous birds mate for life and have many ways of expressing their love for one another. You will often see them perch together, and they may take turns feeding one another. Love birds need the company of their mate as they can get stressed out when they are alone for too long.
But this social nature means that they will engage with their owners and other birds they come into contact with. This makes them a perfect pet for older people who often feel lonely or isolated.
The lovebird’s ability to mimic sounds is also one of the reasons why people like them; they can learn and repeat phrases you teach them. Lovebirds have a lifespan of about 10-20 years in captivity.
African Grey Parrot
African Grey Parrots are one of the world’s most popular and well-known pet birds. These intelligent creatures are known for their ability to mimic human speech and their ability to show emotions.
The African Grey Parrot is a large bird and requires a spacious cage or aviary for its home. They are intelligent, social birds that need plenty of interaction with humans for their well-being.
The African Grey can quickly learn words, phrases, and songs. These birds have complex vocabularies that rival those of dolphins or chimpanzees. They are also known as the “Einstein of the bird world” because they have a high level of intelligence and can add more than 1000 words to their vocabulary.
These parrots have a long lifespan of 60 to 80 years, meaning many can outlive their human companions. The African Grey can be one of the most engaging and rewarding pet birds, but they require a lot of care and attention to thrive.
