Parrots, also known as psittacines, are found in most tropical and subtropical areas. Parrots have bent bills (beaks), sturdy legs, and clawed feet. Parrots are thought to be some of the most intelligent bird species. Most parrot species eat seeds. Others may consume fruit, nectar, flowers, and small insects.
Small Parrots
Parrotlets
These birds are the tiniest parrots maintained as pets, with a personality similar to an Amazon. However, unlike Amazon, these birds are ideal for first-time owners. They are fascinating and playful, and they can even learn to communicate and do tricks! Their small sounds are so delightful, and they will never cease to astound you.
Sassy birds are brave and may not understand how small they are. They may become violent toward other birds (even much larger ones) and become one-person birds if they are not socialized with multiple humans on a regular basis. You must handle them every day or they will lose their tameness and become snappy. Just like having an Amazon, make sure you set clear boundaries with these little guys from the start or they may never shed their childhood nippiness.
They enjoy human companionship but are also comfortable playing alone. Because of this, the majority are not needy or demanding. The Pacific Parrotlet is the most widely kept species. They are such a delight, and if you would want a larger parrot
They are brave and do not understand how small they are. They may become violent toward other birds (even much larger ones) and become one-person birds if they are not socialized with multiple humans on a regular basis. You must handle them every day or they will lose their tameness and become snappy. Just like having an Amazon, make sure you set clear boundaries with these little guys from the start or they may never shed their childhood nippiness.
These small birds prefer human interaction, yet they are equally content to play alone. Because of this, the majority are not needy or demanding. The Pacific Parrotlet is the most widely kept species. They are such a pleasure, and if you want a larger parrot but don’t have the space or experience, these birds may be a good option for you.
Parakeets
Bird Care Guide: Budgies (parakeets) Parakeets make excellent pets provided they receive plenty of attention and love. Parakeets come in over 100 colors, but the most common are green (typical in the wild), and various hues of blue, white, grey, and yellow. Parakeets measure 7 to 9 3/8 inches in length from bill to tail.
Parakeet Training
Small species are frequently described as nippy birds, while large species might be sensitive biters. You must understand how to train your ‘Keet if you want him to be hand-tamed and love spending time with you. However, if you don’t know how to teach a ‘Keet, you may have trouble getting your bird out of its cage.
Lovebirds
Agapornis, a tiny parrot genus, is commonly referred to as a lovebird. Eight species are native to the African continent, with the grey-headed lovebird being a native of Madagascar.
Those found in nature are usually green with a range of colors on their upper bodies, depending on the species. Some species, such as the Black-masked, Fischer’s, Black-cheeked, and Yellow-collared lovebirds, have a white ring around their eyes, but many color variations have occurred in captivity.
As caring and affectionate as these birds are with their chosen spouse (whether another bird or a human), they can become hostile with individuals they perceive to be invaders or competitors for their mate’s devotion. Their domineering and territorial behavior can be a major challenge for other pets.
Diet / Feeding
Their natural food consists of diverse fruits, vegetables, plant material, grasses, and seeds. Black-winged Lovebirds (also called Abyssinians) eat insects and figs.
Cockatiels
The cockatiel, sometimes known as a small cockatoo or weero, and the quarrion are birds that belong to their own branch of the cockatoo family and are unique to Australia. They are highly valued as family pets and companion parrots around the world, and they are quite easy to breed.
Cockatiels are one of the most popular pet birds. Small parrots with a variety of color patterns and a crest are attractive, personable, and easy to train. Because of their small size, cockatiels are easier to care for and train than many other parrot species.
- Seeds and pellets are the primary components of your cockatiel’s diet.
- Every other day, feed your bird with dark, leafy greens.
- Once a week, feed your cockatiel fruit such as apples, bananas, or melons.
- Give your cockatiel a honey stick or millet spray once a month as a special treat.
Medium Parrots
Caiques
Caiques are a species of parrot in the Pionites genus. They are relatively small and stocky, with a short, square tail and vibrant colors. Their usual weight ranges from 150 to 170 grams. They can live for up to forty years.
If the African grey parrot is the cerebral of the bird world and the macaw is the showman, the caique is the clown.
Pet caiques include the black-headed caique (Pionites melanocephala) and the white-bellied caique (Pionites leucogaster). The yellow-thighed caique, a subspecies of the white-bellied, is also maintained as a pet, however, it is less popular in the pet trade. The black-headed and white-bellied caiques share a similar look.
The caique is a stocky bird, surprisingly heavy for its size, as most new owners will point out.
What can caiques eat?
Because wild caiques search for fruits and vegetables in the morning, offer your “salads” early in the day and remove them before sunset. Chop the pieces or process them in a blender. This can keep fussy eaters from avoiding portions they don’t like, resulting in a more balanced diet. Apples. Peaches. Apricots. Bananas. Blueberries. Pears. Plums.
Small Conures
Lories & Lorikeets
Large Parakeets
Poicephalus
Pionus Parrots
Large Parrots
Large Conures
Small Cockatoos
Amazons
African Greys
X-Large Parrots
Large Cockatoos