Popular Bird Reference Guide
I cannot say enough to please remember that all birds require a lot of time and love to become the joy and new family member you are looking for. Before making the quick buy at your local pet store and bringing a new bird into your home… PLEASE do your homework and learn everything and all you can about the bird’s needs, behavior, how much everything will cost up front and how much you need to spend on food and finding the best bird cage type and location for your cockatiel or any bird species. Go talk to local popular bird breeders, talk to an avian vet, attend bird shows, ask questions and read all you can before making the final call. I wouldn’t trade all my cockatiels and parrots for anything despite the noise level throughout the day lol.
Cockatiels
Probably the best all around inexpensive companion birds. These bright and lively birds are very gentle and social. Males become fluent speakers and whistlers although more independent. Females are generally quieter and more social, but not as good a talker.
Common Varieties: Grey, Lutino, Pied , and Pearl
Native Habitat: Australia
Height: 10 to 12 inches from top of crest to tip of tail
Life Span: 15 to 25 years
Sex Differences: When mature males are usually more colorful than females
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 18″H x 18″W x 18″D
Parakeets
The most common and inexpensive of all pet birds. Playful and fun these little guys are a joy to have. Parakeets (also known as Budgies) are hardy and quiet birds that can even learn to talk.
Native Habitat: Australia
Height: 7 inches from head to tip of tail
Life Span: 7 to 15 years
Sex Differences: After 4 months, cere becomes blue in males, brown in females
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 12″H x 14″W x 12″D
Canaries
Well known for their beautiful song and brilliant coloration, especially during breeding season. These birds will certainly brighten any room they placed in.
Common Varieties: American Singer, Border Fancy, Red Factor
Native Habitat: Canary Islands and Azores
Height: 5 to 7 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 5 to 14 years
Sex Differences: Males have loud song and vent becomes enlarged during breeding season. Females rarely sing and vent only swells slightly.
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 12″H x 10″W x 12″D
Finches
These delightful little birds will add excitement and color anywhere. Simple to keep and care for, but they do best in pairs. Some peep or sing softly, many can be finger trained.
Common Varieties: Lady Gouldian, Society, Zebra
Native Habitat: Found worldwide
Height: Generally 3 to 6 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Some varieties develop quite extended tail plumage
Life Span: 4 to 5 years
Sex Differences: When mature males are generally brighter colored or differently colored than female. Some varieties show no differences.
Cage Requirements: Minimum size for a pair 14″H x 36″W x 10″D
Amazon Parrots
Probably the most popular group of parrots available today. These birds are generally very social and loving. These fun-loving birds will appreciate a variety of toys. Always try to purchase young birds, as older parrots can be difficult to tame and train. Some Amazons can make quite a lot of noise, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
Common Varieties: Blue Fronted, Double Yellow-Head, Lilac Crowned, Spectacled
Native Habitat: Mexico, Central and South America
Height: 10 to 18 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 25 to 50 plus years
Sex Differences: Most varieties show no sexual differences
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 24″H x 18″W x 18″D
African Grey Parrots
Talking and mimicry are these birds’ best known traits. They can learn an incredible amount of words, phrases and sounds. Young birds bond very well with humans, sometimes developing a preference for a single person. Quite loving and intelligent, these birds are a real joy to have, but do require a lot of attention.
Common Varieties: Red Tail, Timneh
Native Habitat: Central Africa
Height: 12 to 13 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 50 plus years
Sex Differences: No visible sexual differences
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 24″H x 18″W x 18″D
Macaws
The best known and most often seen of the larger pet birds. Macaws are very intelligent, can develop an extensive vocabulary, and can be taught many tricks. These beautiful animals are often the feature attractions in bird shows. Macaws require a lot of attention and training. They can be prolific chewers and can become very noisy. Very affectionate birds, often developing very strong bonds with their humans.
Common Varieties: Blue and Gold, Green-Winged, Hyacinth, Noble, Scarlet
Native Habitat: Mexico, Central and South America
Height: 12 to 40 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 25 to 50 plus years
Sex Differences: No visible sexual differences
Cage Requirements: Minimum size 24″H x 18″W x 18″D for smallest varieties
Minimum size 48″H x 48″W x 36″D for largest varieties
Cockatoos
Every bird lover is familiar with this group of white colored birds. As a group they are quite loving and can become moderate talkers. They love people and need social interaction. They sometimes bond with only one family member. Cockatoos are very intelligent, are active chewers, and can be quite mischievous. Powder from feathers can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in people. Daily misting can help eliminate problem.
Common Varieties: Goffin, Greater Sulphur-crested, Moluccan, Umbrella
Native Habitat: Australia, Indonesia, and Phillipines
Height: 12 to 26 inches from top of head to tip of tail
Life Span: 30 plus years
Sex Differences: No visible sexual differences
Cage Requirements: Minimum Size 36″H x 24″W x 24″D
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Awesome guide - keep up all your good work!!!!