If you’re someone who loves animals and is fascinated by birds, keeping a large bird as a pet might have crossed your mind. Large birds are intelligent, colorful, and many species can develop a deep bond with their human owners. However, keeping a large bird is a commitment that requires time, attention, and a good understanding of their needs. In this blog, we’ll look at the top 10 most popular large birds to keep as pets. Each of these birds brings something special to the table, from their personality to their striking appearance. Let’s explore what makes these beautiful creatures so beloved by bird enthusiasts.
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1. African Grey Parrot
The African Grey Parrot is often referred to as one of the most intelligent bird species. Known for their incredible ability to mimic human speech, they can have a vocabulary of hundreds of words. But it’s not just their speech that makes them fascinating ,they are also very social and develop strong bonds with their owners.
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Species Overview:
Species Overview:- Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
- Size: 12-14 inches
- Weight: 0.9-1.4 pounds
- Lifespan: 40-60 years
- Personality: Highly intelligent, social, but sometimes shy with new people
- Fun Fact: African Grey Parrots have the problem-solving abilities of a 4-year-old child.
African Greys require mental stimulation and plenty of attention, making them great pets for those who have time to invest in their care. That’s why African Grey Parrots are one of the most popular large birds to keep as pets.
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2. Macaw
Macaws are among the most iconic large birds, known for their bright, vibrant feathers and playful personalities. They come in several varieties, including Blue-and-Gold, Scarlet, and Green-Winged Macaws, all of which have a larger-than-life presence.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Ara (various species)
- Size: 30-40 inches
- Weight: 2-4 pounds
- Lifespan: 40-50 years
- Personality: Playful, affectionate, and sometimes mischievous
- Fun Fact: Macaws can crack open nuts with their strong beaks, a skill they develop in the wild.
Macaws are highly social birds that need a lot of interaction and large cages to move around in. They are not the best choice for first-time bird owners but are incredibly rewarding for those who understand their needs.
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3. Cockatoo
With their striking crests and affectionate nature, Cockatoos are often referred to as the “velcro birds” because they love sticking close to their humans. They are known for being very loving, but they can also be loud and require a lot of attention.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Cacatuidae (various species)
- Size: 15-20 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Lifespan: 40-70 years
- Personality: Affectionate, sensitive, and social
- Fun Fact: Cockatoos can develop behavioral issues like feather plucking if they don’t get enough attention.
Cockatoos thrive on human interaction and can become quite attached to their owners, which is why they are better suited for households where someone is always around.
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4. Amazon Parrot
Amazon Parrots are known for their bright green feathers and their ability to talk. These birds are full of personality and have a great sense of humor. They enjoy singing, mimicking sounds, and engaging in playful activities.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Amazona (various species)
- Size: 12-18 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Lifespan: 40-60 years
- Personality: Outgoing, intelligent, and social
- Fun Fact: Amazon Parrots are known for their love of music and often “sing” along to tunes they hear.
Amazon Parrots are intelligent and energetic, making them great companions for experienced bird owners who can meet their need for mental and physical stimulation. That’s why Amazon Parrots are one of the most popular large birds to keep as pets.
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5. Eclectus Parrot
With their dimorphic colors—bright green for males and vibrant red for females—the Eclectus Parrot is not only beautiful but also calm and gentle. They are quieter than many other large parrot species, making them a good option for those who prefer a more peaceful environment.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Eclectus roratus
- Size: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 0.8-1.2 pounds
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Personality: Calm, social, and affectionate
- Fun Fact: Male and female Eclectus Parrots are so different in color that they were once thought to be separate species.
Eclectus Parrots need a well-balanced diet and plenty of mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. They bond closely with their owners and enjoy spending time with their family.
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6. Hyacinth Macaw
The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest parrot species in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 4 feet. They are known for their striking blue feathers and strong beaks, which they use to crack open nuts in the wild.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
- Size: 40 inches
- Weight: 2.6-3.7 pounds
- Lifespan: 50-60 years
- Personality: Gentle, curious, and playful
- Fun Fact: Hyacinth Macaws are capable of cracking coconuts with their powerful beaks.
Due to their size and strong personalities, Hyacinth Macaws need a lot of space and an owner who can dedicate time to meeting their physical and emotional needs.
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7. Indian Ringneck Parakeet
Known for their talking ability and colorful appearance, Indian Ringneck Parakeets are medium-sized birds that are often included in the list of large bird species because of their bold personalities. They are highly intelligent and have a talent for learning new words and tricks.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Psittacula krameri
- Size: 16-18 inches
- Weight: 0.25-0.35 pounds
- Lifespan: 25-30 years
- Personality: Intelligent, independent, and playful
- Fun Fact: Indian Ringnecks can learn to speak in full sentences and have clear, precise speech.
These birds are perfect for someone who wants a parrot with a smaller size but a big personality.
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8. Blue-and-Gold Macaw
The Blue-and-Gold Macaw is one of the most popular Macaw species, known for its striking blue and yellow feathers. These birds are highly social and love spending time with their human families, making them one of the most affectionate large parrots.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Ara ararauna
- Size: 30-36 inches
- Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Personality: Affectionate, social, and playful
- Fun Fact: Blue-and-Gold Macaws can form deep emotional bonds with their human owners, often displaying loyalty and affection.
Like all large parrots, Blue-and-Gold Macaws need a lot of space and attention, and they thrive in homes where they get plenty of interaction.
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9. Umbrella Cockatoo
The Umbrella Cockatoo gets its name from its striking crest that fans out like an umbrella when the bird is excited. These birds are highly affectionate and love being the center of attention. However, they can be demanding pets due to their need for constant interaction.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Cacatua alba
- Size: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 1-1.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 40-60 years
- Personality: Affectionate, playful, and social
- Fun Fact: Umbrella Cockatoos have one of the loudest calls in the parrot world and can be heard from a mile away.
Umbrella Cockatoos are loving companions, but they do best in homes where someone is always around to provide the attention they crave.
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10. Scarlet Macaw
The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most visually striking birds, known for its vibrant red, yellow, and blue feathers. These birds are intelligent and social but require strong training and socialization to ensure they behave well.
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Species Overview:
- Scientific Name: Ara macao
- Size: 32-36 inches
- Weight: 2-3 pounds
- Lifespan: 40-50 years
- Personality: Playful, bold, and intelligent
- Fun Fact: Scarlet Macaws are one of the most recognizable and iconic parrot species, often featured in movies and advertisements.
These birds need a dedicated owner who can give them the space, time, and stimulation they need to thrive. That’s why Scarlet Macaw are also one of the most popular large birds to keep as pets.
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3 thoughts on “Top 10 Popular Large Birds to Keep as Pets”
Pingback: 10 Most Popular Large Parrots for Bird Lovers - Pets Chirm
I love how the hyacinth macaw has such an attitude- our birds like to mock our guests when they come at our home, and we all enjoy a good laugh!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts David, hope you have a great time, and if you need any information regarding pets feel free to contact us.