With their gentle nature and comparably quieter vocalizations, lineolated parakeets have earned a reputation as one of the more easygoing small parrots. At rest, they strike a distinctive horizontal stance, heads aligned with tails – a mellow match to their calm temperament. Under those horizontal bodies and stripes lies an intelligent, engaging small parrot.
You might think you know what a parrot is, but do you? Learn about parrot characteristics, behavior, care needs, and more. These feathered companions have more to offer than you might guess!
Among companion parrots, vasa parrots are the most peculiar in looks, with their truncated bodies and long necks. Vasas are active birds that need spacious accommodations as well as playtime with their people and toys to keep their inquisitive minds engaged.
Doves are ideal for someone who wants a bird, but cannot accommodate the needs of a parrot (noise, one-on-one social interaction). Their interactions are fun to watch and some consider their cooing pleasant.
For a dove species, the diamond dove is surprisingly small, but eye catching nevertheless, especially with its prominent red eye ring. Many find its soft cooing a pleasant alternative to a boisterous parrot.
Pet cockatoos are often referred to as “velcro” birds because of their highly sociable nature and borderline obsessive need to be around the people in their lives. A cockatoo is a loving but demanding bird.
There’s a reason why the cockatiel is one of the most popular companion birds — this slender Australian parrot can be both cuddly and bold. Cockatiels can also be curious and, at times, feisty. With a cockatiel in the house, you are likely to hear a repertoire of chirps and whistles.
Green-cheeked conures can be outgoing and comical, but they can also be a little shyer than other conures. These birds love their play and will appreciate a good rotation of toys and a spacious cage to run around.
The African grey parrot’s ability to talk and mimic sounds makes this medium-sized parrot a captivating companion. African grey owners often report that their greys oftentimes talk in context and seem very attuned to their people’s emotions. The African grey parrot is not just a top talker — this bird is also known for its extreme intelligence, which gives them the moniker “The Einsteins of the Bird World.”
