Get to know the charming canary-winged parakeet! From their vibrant green plumage and striking white wing patches to their intelligence and playful personalities, find out why these small gregarious parakeets can make wonderful pet companions if shown the love and care they deserve.
Society finches make wonderful pets for bird lovers who appreciate their social nature, gentle disposition, and entertaining antics. Society finches are generally non-aggressive and can coexist peacefully with other small, friendly bird species. They are not known to be territorial or prone to fighting, making them ideal for mixed-species aviaries.
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Bourke’s parrots have a reputation for being one of the mellower of the parrot bunch in terms of vocalizations and attitude. They tend to be most quiet during the day and active at sunset and dawn. They are often referred to as the “pink parakeet” because of their small size and popular pink color mutation.
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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!
Psittacula are primarily green, with long tail feathers, and a ring of dark colored feathering around the neck. Psittacula are referred to as parakeets, but they are much larger than what many people think of with the word “parakeet.”
Photo by Dick Daniels of World Birds, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The crimson rosella’s colors are eye-catching, and its whistle sounds are equally enchanting.
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With their vibrant colors, rosellas are hard to overlook. A rosella will charm you with its whistles, too!
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If you want a gorgeous bird for an aviary or habitat setting, or have the space in your home to give this bird the appropriate room, then the golden-mantled rosella might be the bird for you.
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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.
Photo by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A ring-necked dove can make a great pet for those looking for a companion bird with an easy-going nature, potential to be hand-tamed and gentleness. If you like the sound of cooing,this might be the bird for you!
Photo by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Photo by Jim Bendon from Karratha, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The song canary is one of the most popular in the canary group, and is typically sought out for its beautiful melodic song. As the name implies, song canaries are bred to sing, specifically male canaries. Female canaries vocalize mostly with chirps, while males can develop elaborate songs.
The most popular pet canary in the U.S. is the American singer, which not only can have a beautiful voice but also tends to be easy to keep. As with most bird species, only mature male canaries sing, while females produce only a single “cheep” vocalization
The red-factor canary’s body-type appears to be just like the other canaries, but with one special trait – when fed a special diet, this canary’s coloring can change.
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The canary has been a favorite among bird keepers for hundreds of years, and has been bred into more than 200 breeds, much like dogs have, each breed prized for a particular skill or appearance.
Photo “Canario silvestre, Serinus canarius(♂)” by Juan Emilio, CC BY-SA 2.0
The red lory’s playful personality and beautiful appearance make this high-energy parrot a favorite among bird fanciers and the more advanced pet bird owners alike.
The lory personality is intense, in general. This is not a shy species. The rainbow lory is bubbly and enthusiastic, the “coach” of the bird world, encouraging play whenever its favorite human is around.
The rainbow lory is one of the most stunning and beautiful companion birds available today. Lories, in general, need more care and attention than your more common companion birds due to their highly specific dietary and housing requirements. However, they are well worth the extra time and expense.
The budgie (parakeet) is often thought of as a “beginner bird,” however, this social, outgoing little bird deserves just as much care and attention as larger parrots. Budgies are playful, love food and they can rival any parrot in terms of talking ability.
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Finches are the perfect alternative for those wanting a feathered pet but not prepared to take on the challenges of caring for a parrot. Finches don’t talk and are hands-off birds, but they delight their owners with their aerial antics and social interactions with one another.
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As their name suggests, owl finches look like little owls with their distinctive markings. These are curious and social little birds.
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The Gouldian finch is prized primarily for its gorgeous plumage. This small bird is available in a variety of striking, vibrant colors.
Photo by Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Zebra finches are the most popular finch species due to its availability and price. This cute, little striped finch has been kept in captivity for more than a 100 years.
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The Fischer’s lovebird has plenty of energy and can be a loyal friend if interacted with regularly. While energetic, Fischer’s tend to be gentler than other lovebird species, especially when in an aviary environment.
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The popular peach-faced lovebird exudes a big personality in a small body. Peach faces love their playtime and positive interaction with their people. A peach-faced lovebird has a “busy beak” and might be inclined to tear up strips of paper and weave them in the cage bars.
Photo by Peter Békési, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A lovebird might be one of the smaller parrot species available as a companion pet, but this bird is inquisitive and seemingly always on the go. As their name suggests, lovebirds are known for the loving, attentive bond they tend to form with their mates.
