All About Quaker Parrots
Science and Personalities
Quakers originate in parts of Brazil, such as Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. Typically, they are green and weigh 4 to 5 ounces. However, Quakers are illegal in several U.S. states because they consider them invasive species! Quakers are known for their social and confident personalities! They are very outgoing and charming. Quakers are big chewers and love getting their beaks on many of your belongings. Foraging and enrichment are crucial activities for your Quakers to keep them engaged and happy! (And a little less destructive of your property!). Quakers also form strong bonds with their owners and are super loveable, but do not expect this bond immediately! They also may not be the cuddliest birds for up to a few years. Quakers love to vocalize (and sometimes very loudly and high-pitched, but they also are known for their abilities to talk! As loveable as these little creatures can be, they might become aggressive and resort to biting when they feel threatened or when the cage is touched. Their bite hurts but isn't the worst compared to a large bird.
Extra Facts & Health
These birds are monomorphic, so most likely, you cannot tell your bird's gender based on features. However, sometimes males are larger than females. Quakers' most common health problem is fatty liver disease due to deficiencies and a diet too high in fats.
All About Cockatiels
Science and Personalities
Cockatiels are native to Australia in the northern part of the continent and live in large flocks. These birds can live 15 to 20 years and weigh about 2 to 4 ounces, and they are also the smallest member of the cockatoo family! Cockatiels have extremely gentle, affectionate, and unique personalities! They often love to be held and given lots of scritches when bonded. However, they may nip occasionally due to their "dinosaur-like nature"! Cockatiels are not the most precise speakers but learn to mimic sounds and can do various tricks due to their intelligence. Cockatiels love to whistle and vocalize but are not nearly as loud as other birds; their noise can be continuous! Cockatiels are playful little birds and need lots of toys and exercise for a happy, healthy life! These birds make excellent and affectionate pets if you provide the proper lifestyle and care!
Extra Facts & Health
These birds can be differentiated by gender because females have bars on the underside of their tail feathers. However, the male and female look entirely different from other varieties, such as the white face. This being said, a DNA test is still a good idea! Cockatiels are bred to come in many variations of color, such as albino, lutino, pied, and many more. These birds are considered powder birds and tend to leave a lot of dust and feathers behind, so consider this before bringing one into your home. Regular baths can help keep the dust down but not eliminate it. These birds generally struggle with health problems if they are on an all-seed diet.
All About Caiques
Science and Personalities
Caiques are native to South America in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and more! They display orange, black, yellow, white, and green colors! These birds can live 25 to 40 years and grow about 9 to 10 inches. Caiques can be very social and affectionate and create strong bonds with their owners. They also can be pretty mischievous and energetic! However, they do not get along with other birds very well. Caiques can talk, but not quite like most other parrots do. They also love to show off and dance, which gave them the "dancing parrot" nickname! They can also learn tricks! Caiques can get loud but mostly have a moderate noise level as they love to sing and chirp! With their vocal abilities, they can make some pretty shrill and loud noises, so be sure you can tolerate that before getting one! Caiques love lots and lots of exercise and playtime, as well as positive interactions with their owners. Caiques typically get very excited about bath time and are fond of water. However, when your bird is in a cage, he Consciously thinks about all the different doors and exits, and they can become little escape artists!
Extra Facts & Health
These birds can look a few different ways, either with a black head or a yellow/ orange head! They are called black-headed or black-capped and white-bellied caiques! Overall, caiques are healthy birds; however, they are most susceptible to polyomavirus, which can affect their intestines and organs, but there are vaccines to prevent this!
All About Indian Ringnecks
Science and Personalities
Indian ringnecks are found in parts of India, Asia, and Pakistan, and these birds can live anywhere from 25 to 50 years, get about 16 inches, and weigh around 4 ounces! These birds also travel in flocks of up to 100 birds! These birds were considered sacred after people learned they could mimic words and were kept in decorative cages. Since these birds are so intelligent, they can get bored quickly, so training and plenty of enrichment activities are crucial for these feathered geniuses. They also may go through a bluffing stage, which is aggression and biting but only lasts for a few weeks or months. They are not super affectionate but can be easygoing adults and will look out for you by alerting you with loud calls. They have an incredibly fast pace at which they can also learn words and sounds! If this bird becomes aggressive, it's best to give positive affection as they can develop extreme fears of people. Your ringneck needs various toys and foraging experiences as they are big chewers with very strong jaws.
Extra Facts & Health
Indian ringnecks are a dimorphic species, meaning the colors and markings can determine a bird's gender. Males typically have deep red beaks, black markings, and a black ring that develops at about 18 months. Blue and pink rings appear by the time they reach three years old. Females may have some darkened areas but will not have the ring. These birds can stay healthy but are most prone to psittacosis, polyomavirus, aspergillosis, and a number of bacterial infections.
All About Budgerigars
Science and Personalities
The Budgerigar parakeet is native to Australia, where they live in extremely large flocks! These parakeets grow 6 or 7 inches and weigh just over an ounce in their lifespan of 10 or so years. These birds are social, curious, and very intelligent! They can be trained and will love to spend time with their owners. Budgies have one of the most extensive vocabularies and can become excellent talkers! They make plenty of other noises but are relatively quiet. Parakeets are known beginner birds but are quite the opposite as they tend to be more timid, require more experienced handling, and can go through bluffing stages where they are very nippy. Budgies are very playful and will love toys, exercise, and opportunities to forage.
Extra Facts & Health
Budgies come in various colors in captivity, ranging from albino to blue to Lutino to multicolored! Males have a blue cere while females do not. These birds don't struggle with health regulary. Still, they may suffer fractures, mites, asthma and bronchitis, epilepsy, paratyphosis, and catarrhal inflammation if their cage and surroundings are not clean and safe.
All About Lovebirds & Parrotlets
Science and Personalities
Parrotlets are native to South America, such as Ecuador and Peru, and they will get around four and a half to 5 and a half inches during their 20 to 30 years. However, love birds are native to Madagascar and grow 5 to 6 inches in a shorter lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Both of these birds can be feisty, act much more significant than they are, and cause territorial fights with other birds. Both can mimic sounds, but lovebirds produce much high-pitched and loud sounds. Both these birds need regular training and exercise to stay happy and less aggressive, and both are relatively high maintenance.
Extra Facts & Health
Lovebirds can come in many colors, from peach to teal, green to red. Conversely, parrotlets are typically green but can be blue, yellow, or white. Both birds do not tend to get any diseases and stay pretty healthy overall.
All About African Greys
Science and Personalities
African Greys are native to Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. These birds will get up to 13 inches and up to 1 pound while living 40 to 60 years. Greys are one of the most intelligent, if not the most intelligent, bird species out there, meaning if this bird gets bored, they can start screaming or becoming depressed. These birds aren't very affectionate with their owners but can become "one-person birds." They have been compared to toddlers as they repeat most things they say very fast. These birds will also need a lot of exercise and something to chew for their strong beaks.
Extra Facts & Health
Like its name, this bird is primarily grey but may have bright red tail feathers or deep maroon-colored tail feathers. A male African grey's tail will remain solid red, a female's red tail feathers will become tipped with silver, and the male's wings will darken underneath. The head shape will also vary as the female has a rounder head, and the male is more narrow. African greys can be prone to feather picking, calcium deficiency, vitamin-A and vitamin-D deficiency, respiratory infection, psittacosis, and psittacine beak and feather disease.
All About Eclectus Parrots
Science and Personalities
The Eclectus is native to Australian forests and will grow 17 to 20 inches, weighing 13 to 18 ounces in a lifespan of 30 to 50 years. These parrots can be caring, gentle, and social. However, males are typically less affectionate than females. These birds are good with routine but may also go through a bluffing stage where nipping is expected and some aggression. Males tend to be trainable, while females may be less dependent and still want to nest. The Eclectus is an intelligent bird that can learn to speak and vocalize quite loudly. These parrots can get jealous and want a lot of attention, exercise, and playtime, so prepare to give them lots of attention.
Extra Facts & Health
Males and females look entirely different as the male is bright green with a vivid orange beak, while the female is a deep scarlet red with some purples mixed in and a black beak. The Eclectus is prone to diseases like polyomavirus, Constricted toe syndrome, and Psittacine.
All About Red Fan Parrots
Science and Personalities
The red fan parrot is native to the Amazon and grows around 14 inches and 11 ounces in a lifespan of about 40 years. These parrots need a lot of time and patience as they are more challenging and require large amounts of attention. Females tend to be less temperamental than males, and they are often compared to the conure family. Red fans are playful, curious, and creative parrots full of personality. These birds can vocalize loudly and high-pitched but may also speak and whisper. These parrots also need lots of exercise and play, so provide a lot of toys and enrichment activities.
Extra Facts & Health
These parrots look the same between males and females! Both have fans that are red and blue, with a primarily gray body, and the fan is controlled similarly to a cockatoo crest. These birds are prone to respiratory issues as well as aspergillosis.
All About Senegal Parrots
Science and Personalities
Senegals are native to Africa, grow to around 10 inches, and weigh 4 to 6 ounces in the expected lifespan of 20 to 30 years, but sometimes they can live until 50 years old. These birds can become well socialized but may become a "one-person bird." Senegals are very trainable and can be easy-going birds. This parrot can learn to talk, but they are quieter than other birds since they mostly whistle and chirp. These birds will need lots of space to fly and play, so provide a large cage, flight room, and plenty of toys.
Extra Facts & Health
Senegals are primarily green with a gray head and a spot of orange on their bellies. This appearance is constant in both male and female birds. Health issues these birds face include Aspergillosis, which can be avoided with proper hygiene and diet.
All About Princess Parrots
Science and Personalities
The princess parrot is native to Australia's woodlands, where they will grow to about 18 inches in length and weigh around 4 ounces in their lifespan of approximately 30 years. These parrots can be easygoing and handled pretty easily compared to some other parrots. However, they do not seem to be best housed with other species. These birds can learn to talk, but mainly, they will mimic sounds and produce whistles and calls. Princess parrots will love lots of flight room and play space as well as they are typically very playful!
Extra Facts & Health
Princess Parrots are primarily green with a patch of pink plumage on the face, a bright orange beak, and a blue lower body. Males will have an orange iris while females have a brown iris, and males have an extension from the 3rd flight feather called a spatula. These parrots are susceptible to psittacosis and other bacterial infections or respiratory diseases.
All About Regent Parakeets
Science and Personalities
Regent parakeets are native to Australia and will grow to around 16 inches, weigh about 6 oz, and their lifespan is about 25 to 30 years! These parakeets are mainly pretty affectionate and sweet creatures, and as they build a bond, they will become more energetic and show their fun side! These birds can be pretty noisy, however, as they will whistle, mimic sounds, and chirp for the most part. Regents can learn quickly and may enjoy learning tricks as well. Due to their high energy levels, these parakeets will want lots of space to fly and play!
Extra Facts & Health
Regents are primarily yellowish-green with green wings and back and some small pieces of blue within flight and tail feathers. Males and females will be slightly different in color, but it's not easy to tell. These parakeets don't tend to get any avian diseases and are healthy birds as long as their care is correct.
All About Bourke's Parakeets
Science and Personalities
Bourke's Parakeets are native to Australia and grow to 7 or 8 inches at a weight of just over an ounce in their lifespan of 25 years. These parakeets are calm, gentle, and tame little birds who can be intelligent! These birds may vocalize, but they do so quietly and may whistle or chirp. Bourkes may also love affection and shoulder perching. They do not typically learn any tricks but will love adequate playtime, so provide plenty of play space! These parakeets also love to fly and enjoy plenty of exercise and flight room!
Extra Facts & Health
The most popular variation of this parakeet is the bright pink coloring, but these birds can be several different colors. Males may be slightly larger than females. Bourkes are prone to psittacosis and Aspergillus like other parakeets, but these are treatable diseases, and some diseases can be avoided with proper care and diet.
All About Superb Parrots
Science and Personalities
Superb parrots are native to Australia, grow to about 12 to 14 inches, weigh about 6 ounces, and live around 15 years. These birds are curious and can quickly bond with people and socialize; however, they may be stubborn occasionally and love to chew! These birds will vocalize, make calls, and mimic sounds, and they can also have relatively large vocabularies! Superb can coexist with other small birds as well with proper socialization. Provide this bird with a large amount of space for flight and exploration as they constantly search for new surroundings!
Extra Facts & Health
Superb parrots are primarily green with blue flight feathers, a yellow face, and a patch of red on the front. These creatures are vibrant through male and female, but females will not have a yellow and red throat. These birds love to spend a lot of time climbing and on the ground, so they may be susceptible to foot problems and eye infections.
All About Doves & Pigeons
Science and Personalities
Doves are native from Britain and Ireland to northern Africa, Europe, Arabia, Central Asia, India, the Himalayas, China and Mongolia. Pigeons, conversely, are native to Europe, North Africa, and most of Asia but can be seen in many modern cities now. These birds are around 6 to 10 inches and weigh 6 to 9 ounces. These birds are becoming increasingly common as pets due to their social behaviors and pretty even temperament. Doves and pigeons make sounds but are relatively quiet, as they mainly coo. Both species will enjoy companionship and playtime even though they seem relaxed! These species can make sweet and enjoyable pets!
Extra Facts & Health
Doves and pigeons are susceptible to diseases such as canker, respiratory issues, mites, Mycoplasma and other health conditions.
All About Zebra Finches
Science and Personalities
The zebra finch is a very popular finch native to Australia, and they only grow about 4 inches, weigh less than an ounce, and live around three years. These finches are active and playful and prefer to live in pairs. These birds may not bond strongly with you but still may enjoy company. These birds vocalize quietly with chirps, whistles, and calls and may learn songs. These finches are big-time flyers, so they will love a large amount of space to fly and explore, so provide a large cage and aviary.
Extra Facts & Health
Male and female zebra finches are easy to tell apart as the male has black and white bars on the throat and chest and orange patches, while females are fully gray in those areas. These birds are prone to "scaly face" which is cause by mites and they are also prone to air-sac mite infections.
All About Orange Chinned Parakeets
Science and Personalities
The orange chinned parakeet is native from areas like Mexico to Central America to Venezuela! These birds will grow to about 7 inches and weigh 2 or 2 and a half ounces in their lifespan of about 15 years. Orange chins are social birds than can form strong bonds with their mate as they prefer to be in a pair. They are also energetic and playful so they will love an array of toys and a large amount of space. These parakeets can have sweet personalities as well as their ability to form trusting relationships relatively easy. This birds calls may be sharp, loud and sudden and they vocalize frequently when playing.
Extra Facts & Health
These parakeets are primarily green with a bronze coloration on the wings, and a small orange patch under the beak, and this pattern is consistent through males and females. Health issues this bird may face include, Gout tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Psittacosis, and potential chronic egg laying.
All About Rosellas
Science and Personalities
Rosellas are native to Australia where they will grow to about 10 to 14 inches and weigh 3 to 4 ounces during a lifespan of around 20 or 30 years. These rosellas are not super affectionate but can become very bonded with their owners. They require lots of handling and need lots of flight space and playtime. Rosellas are not the best talkers but may make a lot of noise and chatter. Most of the breeds of rosellas are similar and act similarly as well.
Extra Facts & Health
Eastern Rosellas are red with multicolored wings oh yellow, blue and black with touches of green. The female is more dull than the male and has underwing stripe that is not visible on a male. Another kind of rosella is the Crimson Rosella which is primarily red, blue and shades of purple! Green rosellas are primarily green with a red and purpler-blue face. The pale headed rosella has a blue underbelly and yellow backside while the head is a light shade of yellow. These birds are susceptible to digestive issues and fungal diseases