Different Types of Pet Birds: A Complete Guide for Bird Lovers

Introduction

Did you know that over 6.1 million households in the U.S. own pet birds? Birds come in a spectrum of colors, which adds beauty and song to our homes. Getting the right bird, however, isn’t just about visiting the bird store and inviting them to your home. It’s about understanding all of their different needs for excellent care, and how much time you can dedicate.

If you would like to learn about the different types of pet birds, then take a look at the information listed below. You might just learn about some birds that you didn’t know before.

Types of Small Pet Birds for Beginners

Budgerigar (Budgie)

One of the finest categories of birds that are quite popular as pets, after puppies and kittens. Budgies become extraordinarily affectionate within a quick span of time if tamed in a proper way. The best part about these creatures is that they can learn to mimic simple words or phrases. One thing you need to keep in mind is that these birds require a huge commitment. So, you must be well-prepared in advance.

Fun Fact: Budgies can learn up to 100 words with training!

Pros:

• Very social and loving
• Affordable and widely available
  
• Come in bright colors
  

Cons:

• Need daily interaction
  
• Can develop behavioral issues if bored
  

Care Tips:

• Shift toys weekly to keep them away from boredom. Go for the JW Pet ActiviToy Punching Bag Bird Toy Multicolor to keep your buddy busy and entertained.
  
• Feed a mix of food for birds such as pellets, seeds, fruits, and veggies

Finch

Did you know that these little beauties can get stressed easily? Therefore, Finches are ideal if you live in a space that’s preferably quieter and away from loud areas. Also, they are to be handled differently from other parrots. They are “hands-off” birds and do not love being held. Pet parents should make sure that the habitats are not accessible to other pets.

Fun Fact: Zebra finches sing to their unhatched chicks. 

Pros:

• Beautiful to watch in groups
  
• Very low maintenance
  
• Peaceful chirping sounds
  

Cons:

• Not hand-tamable
  
• Need to be in pairs or flocks
  

Care Tips:

• Offer plenty of the best bird treats. Go for the Kaytee Songbird Treat Jar for Canary and Finch, which is tasty and nutritious.
  
• Provide a shallow bath regularly
  

Canary

Known for their beautiful singing, canaries have always been a popular companion for birdkeepers. They make the best purchase for owners who enjoy listening more than handling. When you are shopping for a canary, always buy from a reputable bird store. Cheerful and healthy canaries will always make the best pets. Additionally, keep in mind that they require a large flight cage to stay in top-notch condition.

Fun Fact: Only male canaries sing 

Try the Kaytee Supreme Canary & Finch Birds Food to keep your bird chirping with delight.

Pros:

• Melodious solo birds
  
• Bright and cheerful appearance
  
• Don’t require handling
  

Cons:

• Fragile—don’t tolerate stress well
  
• Prefer being alone
  

Care Tips:

• Offer cuttlebone for calcium and lots of the best bird treats
  
• Avoid sudden environmental changes.
  
  

Lovebird (smallest species)

Belonging to the parrot family, Lovebirds are teeny. However, size does not matter as they can form the strongest bond with their owner.  If you are looking for a pet bird known for great companionship, bring this bird home. However, these birds can showcase negative traits if not handled properly. So, go for this bird only if you can give them enough time.

Fun Fact: Named for their powerful bonds, they often preen their mates.

Pros:

• Very playful
  
• Bond well with owners
  
• Intelligent and curious
  

Cons:

• Can be territorial or nippy
  
• Need daily attention
  

Care Tips:

• Provide enough toys. Try the JW Pet Disco Ball to grab your bird’s attention. Also, offer a lot of the best bird treats.
  
• Keep their beaks trimmed with cuttlebone or chew toys
  
  

Medium Pet Birds That Make Great Companions

Cockatiel

Cockatiels are a superb choice for you if you are looking for the most communicative birds. Perhaps the cutest thing about this bird is that the crest on the top of their head reflects how they feel. Also, these smart birds crave social interaction. So, their owner needs to devote a lot of time so that they do not get depressed. It’s best to keep two or more cockatiels together so they don't feel left out when you move out for work.

The Kaytee Exact Rainbow Cockatiel Food works amazingly for this category of birds as it contains colorful nuggets that are fun to eat and 100% consumable.

Fun Fact: Males can whistle full songs. Also, they can imitate household sounds!

Pros:

• Sweet and cuddly
  
• Easy to tame
  
• Long lifespan
  

Cons:

• Prone to night frights
  
• Produce feather dust (can irritate allergies)
  

Care Tips:

• Use a night light to prevent nighttime panic
  
• Teach simple tunes—they’ll mimic them back!
  

Green-Cheek Conure

Popularly known for capturing the hearts of bird lovers, these energetic birds are small in size. However, they have quirky personalities hidden in these small bodies. Socializing with their owners is one of the things they have a soft spot for. The best part about these birds is that they enjoy riding on shoulders. 

Fun Fact: They're considered the quietest conure species—but still make noise!

Pros:

• Social and goofy
  
• Can learn tricks
  
• Less prone to screaming than other conures
  

Cons:

• Can become nippy
  
• Require mental stimulation
  

Care Tips:

• Give foraging toys and train simple tricks. Try the interactive JW Pet Birdie Basketball Bird Toy to stimulate natural instincts.
  
• Keep a regular routine for bonding
  

Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet)

If you prefer a pet bird with a comical personality, nothing would be better than getting a quaker parrot. Pet parents are usually fans of their intelligence, but not everyone can meet their care needs. However, for someone who can understand them, they will prove to be the best companions. Quakers might become aggressive if left neglected. So it's important to understand them fully before inviting them home.

Fun Fact: Quakers build huge stick nests in the wild, often shared by other birds.

Pros:

• Excellent talkers
  
• Big personalities
  
• Love to play and “build”
  

Cons:

• Can get possessive
  
• Needs a varied diet
  

Care Tips:

• Offer plenty of toys. The Prevue Pet Products Naturals Rope Ladder Bird Toy in Earth tone Brown is a stimulating and interactive toy that your little friend will love to have.
  
• Use positive reinforcement for training
  

Large Pet Birds for Experienced Bird Owners

African Grey Parrot

The African Grey Parrot has a wonderful reputation for being extremely smart. Pet parents usually feel that these cute creatures are the Einsteins of the bird world. African Greys are emotionally sensitive and, if ignored, can develop some unusual behaviours. Most bird keepers feel that you should keep an African Grey Parrot at home only if you are an experienced bird enthusiast.

Fun Fact: Some can mimic sounds with near-perfect accuracy—phones, alarms, human voices.

Pros:

• Outstanding mimics
  
• Form strong bonds
  
• Problem-solvers
  

Cons:

• Require mental stimulation daily
  
• May pluck feathers when stressed
  

Care Tips:

• Offer puzzles and talking sessions. Purchase the JW pet Birdie Basketball Bird Toy in a Small/Medium size to engage and stimulate your pet bird's natural instincts.
  
• Avoid loud or chaotic environments
  

Amazon Parrot

Known for their bold and confident nature, Amazon Parrots are known for their impressive lifespan. They are cheerful birds that can be easily trained to perform and talk. Like all birds,they need routine vet check-ups so that any potential issues can be detected early. Also, they require a high level of care as they form close bonds with their human companions.

Fun Fact: They’re known to sing opera and laugh like humans!

Pros:

• Entertainers
  
• Bright and vocal
  
• Loyal and playful
  

Cons:

• Can be aggressive during hormonal changes
  
• Require a strong handler
  

Care Tips:

• Establish clear boundaries
  
• Offer lots of toys and out-of-cage time. Try the JW Pet ActiviToy Disco Ball Bird Toy can make your bird excited to play
  

Macaw

Did you know that Macaws are called the big birds of the parrot world? Therefore, if you are ready to take care of this giant sized bird, then only consider bringing them home. With their big voices and huge wingspans, macaws are able to attract anyone and everyone. They are unforgettable companions, no doubt, but a major responsibility.

Purchase the Lafeber Tropical Fruit Gourmet Pellets Macaw & Cockatoo Birds Food and give your pet bird the taste of real tropical fruits, including papaya, mango, and pineapple.

Fun Fact: Macaws can crack coconut shells with their beaks!

Pros:

• Incredibly affectionate
  
• Fun-loving and loud
  
• Trainable
  

Cons:

• Need large enclosures
  
• Very loud
  

Care Tips:

• Keep in a room with high ceilings and big bird cages
  
• Socialize extensively from a young age
  

How to Choose Between Different Types of Pet Birds

Before you decide to bring home any of the above birds, be sure to ask yourself:

• How much time can I provide my bird daily?
  
• Do I want a bird I can cuddle or just watch?
  
• Can I handle noise, mess, and potential bites?
  
• How long am I willing to commit (some birds live 50+ years)?
  

Lifestyle Match Table

If you are still confused, here’s a table to make it easy for you to take a decision: 

 

Conclusion

While all the birds require a significant commitment in terms of time and care, there's a bird that fits every family. Grabbing all the information about the different types of pet birds helps you choose a feathered companion and makes your life better.

Make sure you:

• Provide them with plenty of chew toys
• Look after them during their out-of-cage time properly
• Protect them in all possible ways