EXOTIC BIRDSEXOTIC BIRDS

Type of pet birdsType of pet birds

The Class Aves consist of more than The Class Aves consist of more than 8,500 species of birds and 29 orders 8,500 species of birds and 29 orders of birdsof birds

Two orders commonly kept as pets in Two orders commonly kept as pets in the United States are Psittaciformes the United States are Psittaciformes (parrots) and Passeriformes (canaries (parrots) and Passeriformes (canaries and finches) and finches)

Types of pet birdsTypes of pet birds Parrots / Hookbills / Parrots / Hookbills / PsittacinesPsittacines

Parrots come in a wide variety of Parrots come in a wide variety of colors, sizescolors, sizes

Parrots will “pair bond”, which Parrots will “pair bond”, which means they bond well with human means they bond well with human companions.companions.

Parrots are highly intelligent, may Parrots are highly intelligent, may talk, imitate soundstalk, imitate sounds

Parrot feet have 4 toes, 2 pointing Parrot feet have 4 toes, 2 pointing forward and two pointing forward and two pointing backwards.backwards.

Parrots (Parrots (PsittaciformesPsittaciformes))

Cockatiels (Nymphicinae) [1] Cockatoos (Cacatuinae) [6] Keas (Nestorinae) [1]

Lorikeets (Lorinae) [9] Parrots and Relatives (Psittacidae) [7]

Parrots and Relatives Parrots and Relatives ((PsittacinesPsittacines))

Budgerigars [1] Conures [4] Lovebirds [2]

Macaws [7]

Parakeets [9]

Rosellas [3] True Parrots [20]

Budgerigar Budgerigar This small Australian parakeet loves to chatter the day This small Australian parakeet loves to chatter the day

away to whoever will listen – even its mirror or a plastic toy. away to whoever will listen – even its mirror or a plastic toy. Indisputably one of the top pet birds in the United States, Indisputably one of the top pet birds in the United States, the budgie is a playful, affectionate and amusing the budgie is a playful, affectionate and amusing companion. “Fabulous bird, totally underrated. Inexpensivecompanion. “Fabulous bird, totally underrated. Inexpensive

Excellent choice for a first-time bird owner since a bite is Excellent choice for a first-time bird owner since a bite is relatively harmless.relatively harmless.

BudgieBudgie(Budgerigar)(Budgerigar)

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Melopsittacus Melopsittacus undulatusundulatusSize:Size:  Small, up to 9 inches  Small, up to 9 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Australia  AustraliaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  15 years  15 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low; frequent chattering  Low; frequent chatteringTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Low  Low

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Neglected budgies can be susceptible to Neglected budgies can be susceptible to a host of avian diseases, including a host of avian diseases, including psittacine beak and feather disease psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), fatty liver disease, psittacosis, (PBFD), fatty liver disease, psittacosis, polyomavirus, and chronic malnutrition polyomavirus, and chronic malnutrition

Males have a deep blue cere while Males have a deep blue cere while females have a tan to brown colored females have a tan to brown colored cere. As babies, both males and females cere. As babies, both males and females have a light purple cere. Determining have a light purple cere. Determining the age of a budgie is fairly easy. Until the age of a budgie is fairly easy. Until they are 5 to 6 months old, budgie they are 5 to 6 months old, budgie babies have stripes down their cere. babies have stripes down their cere.

CockatielCockatiel As the No. 1 pet bird, the cockatiel doesn’t shy away As the No. 1 pet bird, the cockatiel doesn’t shy away

from the spotlight. These slender Australian parrots, from the spotlight. These slender Australian parrots, available in a variety of mutations, are affectionate, available in a variety of mutations, are affectionate, playful and opinionated. They’ll cuddle up under playful and opinionated. They’ll cuddle up under your chin as readily as they’ll wander around the your chin as readily as they’ll wander around the house (on foot) calling out to intruders. house (on foot) calling out to intruders.

 

 

 

  

  

                                            

             

CockatielCockatiel Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Nymphicus Nymphicus

hollandicushollandicusSize:Size:  12 to 13 inches  12 to 13 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Australia  AustraliaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  15 to 30 years  15 to 30 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Moderate. Males usually   Moderate. Males usually sing to attract a mate or at the sing to attract a mate or at the beginning and end of the day, while beginning and end of the day, while females chirp to get the attention of females chirp to get the attention of their owner or mate. Males are known their owner or mate. Males are known for being more vocal than female for being more vocal than female cockatiels, whose chirping is softer.cockatiels, whose chirping is softer.Talk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate, a 25-  Moderate, a 25-word vocabulary is said to be the word vocabulary is said to be the average. These parrots will imitate average. These parrots will imitate household noises such as the household noises such as the microwave, telephone ring or dog bark.microwave, telephone ring or dog bark.

Common medical Common medical concerns for cockatiels concerns for cockatiels include upper include upper respiratory and fatty respiratory and fatty liver diseases. The liver diseases. The fungal disease fungal disease aspergillosis usually aspergillosis usually affects a cockatiel’s affects a cockatiel’s sinuses, lungs or air sinuses, lungs or air sacs. sacs.

Female cockatiels Female cockatiels commonly become commonly become chronic egg-layers if chronic egg-layers if they are fed a seed and they are fed a seed and fruit diet because the fruit diet because the fat in seeds encourages fat in seeds encourages egg laying and the egg laying and the limited diet is deficient limited diet is deficient in vitamins and in vitamins and minerals. minerals.

CockatoosCockatoos Raucous and full of life, these large, short-tailed Australian Raucous and full of life, these large, short-tailed Australian

parrots make an impression on all those they meet. parrots make an impression on all those they meet. Cockatoos are noisy, affectionate, playful birds that often Cockatoos are noisy, affectionate, playful birds that often

demand their owners’ undivided attention but they’ll return demand their owners’ undivided attention but they’ll return that devotion two-fold. Their feathering dramatically ranges that devotion two-fold. Their feathering dramatically ranges the color spectrum from blacks and reds to pink and white the color spectrum from blacks and reds to pink and white and yellow. and yellow.

                                                         

   

      

Moluccan CockatooMoluccan Cockatoo Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Cacatua Cacatua

moluccensismoluccensisSize:Size:  Large, up to 20 inches  Large, up to 20 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Indonesia  IndonesiaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  65 years  65 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud.  Loud.Talk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate  Moderate

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Without enough mental and physical Without enough mental and physical stimulation, Moluccan cockatoos can stimulation, Moluccan cockatoos can resort to destructive behavior such as resort to destructive behavior such as feather picking. They can be prone to feather picking. They can be prone to psittacine beak and feather disease psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), fatty liver disease, obesity (PBFD), fatty liver disease, obesity and bumblefoot Moluccan cockatoos and bumblefoot Moluccan cockatoos are known to be dusty birds, which is are known to be dusty birds, which is a concern for those with allergies.a concern for those with allergies.

                                               

          

   

  

Sulphur-Crested CockatooSulphur-Crested Cockatoo Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Cacatua Cacatua

galerita; (Cacatua sulphurea — galerita; (Cacatua sulphurea — lesser)lesser)Size:Size:  Medium; Lesser — up to   Medium; Lesser — up to 13 inches; Greater — up to 20 13 inches; Greater — up to 20 inchesinchesNative Region:Native Region:  Australia, New   Australia, New GuineaGuineaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  65 years  65 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate  Moderate

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    A stressful household or a lack A stressful household or a lack of the appropriate amount of of the appropriate amount of human interaction can cause human interaction can cause bad behavior in these bad behavior in these somewhat high-strung pet somewhat high-strung pet birds. This pet bird does best in birds. This pet bird does best in a home where it is the only a home where it is the only bird. Sulpher-crested cockatoos bird. Sulpher-crested cockatoos can become territorial once can become territorial once they have matured and they they have matured and they are often destructive chewers. are often destructive chewers.

Umbrella Cockatoo Umbrella Cockatoo

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Cacatua Cacatua albaalbaSize:Size:  Medium, 18 inches  Medium, 18 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Indonesia  IndonesiaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  65 years  65 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate  Moderate

Behavior/Health Behavior/Health Concerns:Concerns:  Umbrella   Umbrella Cockatoos can be extremely Cockatoos can be extremely aggressive while breeding. aggressive while breeding. Without enough mental and Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can physical stimulation, they can resort destructive behaviors resort destructive behaviors such as feather picking. They such as feather picking. They are susceptible to psittacine are susceptible to psittacine beak and feather disease beak and feather disease (PBFD), fatty liver disease, (PBFD), fatty liver disease, obesity and bumblefoot obesity and bumblefoot

                                               

          

   

  

Goffin's Cockatoo (Cacatua Goffin's Cockatoo (Cacatua goffini)goffini)

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Cacatua goffiniCacatua goffiniSize:Size:  Medium, 14 inches  Medium, 14 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Indonesia  IndonesiaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  65   65 yearsyearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:    ModerateModerate

Behavior/Health Behavior/Health Concerns:Concerns: Without Without enough mental and enough mental and physical stimulation, they physical stimulation, they can resort destructive can resort destructive behaviors such as feather behaviors such as feather picking. picking.

Eclectus ParrotsEclectus Parrots Probably best known for their bright Christmas coloring, Probably best known for their bright Christmas coloring,

Eclectus parrots generally make easy-going pets that softly Eclectus parrots generally make easy-going pets that softly chortle or talk to their owners rather than sidle up for a chortle or talk to their owners rather than sidle up for a cuddle. They prefer a calm, quiet home environment that cuddle. They prefer a calm, quiet home environment that includes challenging daily activitie. No playfulincludes challenging daily activitie. No playfulTheir feathers really glow from several good baths a weekTheir feathers really glow from several good baths a week

Red-Sided Eclectus Red-Sided Eclectus Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Eclectus roratus Eclectus roratus

polychlorospolychlorosSize:Size:  Medium, up to 14 inches  Medium, up to 14 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  South Pacific  South PacificLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to 40 years  up to 40 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low  LowTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate; can learn   Moderate; can learn to talk if socialized early.to talk if socialized early.

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:  Red-sided   Red-sided Eclectus parrots are susceptible to Eclectus parrots are susceptible to feather picking, respiratory infections feather picking, respiratory infections and excessive chewing. They require a and excessive chewing. They require a higher vitamin-A intake than other higher vitamin-A intake than other parrots. Vitamin A-enriched foods parrots. Vitamin A-enriched foods include carrots, squash, broccoli, kale include carrots, squash, broccoli, kale and cooked sweet potatoes. Cases of and cooked sweet potatoes. Cases of feather picking in this pet bird are often feather picking in this pet bird are often caused by malnutrition and vitamin-A caused by malnutrition and vitamin-A deficiency. Red-sided Eclectus parrots deficiency. Red-sided Eclectus parrots are sexually dimorphic birds, which that are sexually dimorphic birds, which that their sex can be distinguished by their their sex can be distinguished by their coloringcoloring

MacawsMacaws Native to Central and South America, macaws are the gentle Native to Central and South America, macaws are the gentle

giants of the parrot species. They’re the largest parrot species giants of the parrot species. They’re the largest parrot species and some of the most popular pet birds, because of their and some of the most popular pet birds, because of their endearing characteristics. Then again, these social birds can endearing characteristics. Then again, these social birds can create quite a racket when they want to, and those large create quite a racket when they want to, and those large beaks intimidate many. You’ll need a lot of space and time to beaks intimidate many. You’ll need a lot of space and time to keep your macaw happy, but it will reward you with a comical, keep your macaw happy, but it will reward you with a comical, friendly and affectionate pet. friendly and affectionate pet.

Blue and Gold MacawBlue and Gold Macaw Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Ara Ara

araraunaararaunaSize:Size:  Large, up to 33   Large, up to 33 inchesinchesNative Region:Native Region:  South   South AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  60 years   60 years average, up to 80 yearsaverage, up to 80 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Very   Very GoodGood

Behavior/Health ConcernsBehavior/Health Concerns Blue and Gold macaw Blue and Gold macaw require more fat in their diet than other parrots, which require more fat in their diet than other parrots, which you can provide with pellet-based diet, fresh fruits, you can provide with pellet-based diet, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and the occasional nut. They vegetables, whole grains and the occasional nut. They are prolific chewers, so offer toys to chew and destroy are prolific chewers, so offer toys to chew and destroy often. They are susceptible to overgrown beaks, often. They are susceptible to overgrown beaks, papillomas, proventricular dilatation disease (PDD, also papillomas, proventricular dilatation disease (PDD, also known as “macaw wasting” disease), psittacosis and known as “macaw wasting” disease), psittacosis and vitamin-A sensitivity.vitamin-A sensitivity.

Green-Winged MacawGreen-Winged Macaw

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Ara chloropteraAra chloropteraSize:Size:  Large, up to   Large, up to 37.5 inches37.5 inchesNative Region:Native Region:    Mexico, Central Mexico, Central America, South America, South AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  60   60 years average, up to years average, up to 80 years 80 years Noise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:    Very GoodVery Good

Scarlet MacawScarlet Macaw

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Ara Ara macaomacaoSize:Size:  Large, up to 38   Large, up to 38 inchesinchesNative Region:Native Region:    Central and South Central and South AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  60   60 years average, up to years average, up to 80 years80 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:    Very goodVery good

Military MacawMilitary Macaw

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Ara militarisAra militarisSize:Size:  Large, up to 34   Large, up to 34 inchesinchesNative Region:Native Region:    Mexico, South AmericaMexico, South AmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  60   60 years average, up to years average, up to 80 years80 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:    ModerateModerate

Hyacinth MacawHyacinth Macaw Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Anodorhynchus Anodorhynchus

hyacinthinushyacinthinusSize:Size:  Large, up to 40 inches  Large, up to 40 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  South America  South AmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  60 years   60 years average, up to 80 years average, up to 80 years Noise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Very good  Very good

They are prolific chewers and They are prolific chewers and susceptible to overgrown beaks, so susceptible to overgrown beaks, so provide wood and other hard toys provide wood and other hard toys to give their beaks a work out. to give their beaks a work out. They are also susceptible to They are also susceptible to papillomas, proventricular papillomas, proventricular dilatation disease (PDD, also known dilatation disease (PDD, also known as “macaw wasting” disease), as “macaw wasting” disease), polyomavirus, psittacosis and polyomavirus, psittacosis and vitamin-A sensitivity. Exposure to vitamin-A sensitivity. Exposure to natural sunlight is also important. natural sunlight is also important.

                                               

          

   

  

Congo African Grey Congo African Grey Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Psittacus Psittacus

erithacus erithacuserithacus erithacusSize:Size:  Medium 13 inches  Medium 13 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Africa  AfricaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to 50 years  up to 50 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Moderate  ModerateTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Known as the   Known as the Einstein’s of the bird world, African Einstein’s of the bird world, African greys have excellent talking ability greys have excellent talking ability and are thought to recognize the and are thought to recognize the meaning of words as well. This meaning of words as well. This parrot will benefit from new parrot will benefit from new challenges and continued learning. challenges and continued learning. It is recommended that grey pet It is recommended that grey pet birds have a variety of toys that birds have a variety of toys that stimulate thinking. stimulate thinking.

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:  Biting and aggression are   Biting and aggression are more common with males, and excessive shyness is more more common with males, and excessive shyness is more common with females. African greys are susceptible to common with females. African greys are susceptible to feather picking, calcium, vitamin-A and vitamin-D feather picking, calcium, vitamin-A and vitamin-D deficiencies, respiratory infections, psittacosis and psittacine deficiencies, respiratory infections, psittacosis and psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD). African greys are sensitive beak and feather disease (PBFD). African greys are sensitive to stress and do best in a low or stress-free environment. to stress and do best in a low or stress-free environment.

Meyer’s ParrotMeyer’s Parrot

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Poicephalus Poicephalus meyerimeyeriSize:Size:  Small, 8 inches  Small, 8 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Africa  AfricaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to 50   up to 50 yearsyearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Moderate  ModerateTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate,   Moderate, but not the best talker.but not the best talker.

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Meyer's parrots are mellow and Meyer's parrots are mellow and will easily interact with all will easily interact with all members of the family. They are members of the family. They are not great talkers and are actually not great talkers and are actually considered one of the quitest considered one of the quitest parrots without making parrots without making particularly loud calls. particularly loud calls.

Amazon ParrotsAmazon Parrots Without Amazons, the pet bird community might be a little duller. Without Amazons, the pet bird community might be a little duller.

These boisterous, clownish parrots love to sing and dance – These boisterous, clownish parrots love to sing and dance – literally – and they eat and yell with the same amount of literally – and they eat and yell with the same amount of enthusiasm. Twenty-six species comprise the Amazona genus, enthusiasm. Twenty-six species comprise the Amazona genus, although only a handful of them are found in the pet trade. They’re although only a handful of them are found in the pet trade. They’re mostly stocky, medium to large green parrots with short tails. mostly stocky, medium to large green parrots with short tails. “Generally speaking, Amazons are rowdy, intelligent, exuberant “Generally speaking, Amazons are rowdy, intelligent, exuberant birds who are prone to noisiness. Males can be headstrong as they birds who are prone to noisiness. Males can be headstrong as they mature. If they were humans, they would be the life of any party, mature. If they were humans, they would be the life of any party, dancing on the table, wearing a lampshade. dancing on the table, wearing a lampshade.

AmazonsAmazons AmazonaAmazona Amazons are from Central and South America; Mexico, Amazons are from Central and South America; Mexico,

Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, BrazilGuatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Brazil One of the first animals Columbus discovered in the new One of the first animals Columbus discovered in the new

worldworld Have good talking ability; highly curious and adventurousHave good talking ability; highly curious and adventurous Can become aggressive, temperamentalCan become aggressive, temperamental

Blue-Fronted AmazonBlue-Fronted Amazon Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Amazona Amazona

aestivaaestivaSize:Size:  Medium, 14.5 inches  Medium, 14.5 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  South   South AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  50 years  50 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Very   Very GoodGood

Behavior/Health Behavior/Health Concerns:  Concerns:  Obesity is a Obesity is a concern with blue-fronted concern with blue-fronted Amazon. Provide your Amazon. Provide your Amazon with a balanced, low-Amazon with a balanced, low-fat diet, supplemented with fat diet, supplemented with plenty of exercise. Blue-plenty of exercise. Blue-fronted Amazons tend to fronted Amazons tend to have Vitamin-A and calcium have Vitamin-A and calcium deficiencies. They are also deficiencies. They are also susceptible to psittacosis and susceptible to psittacosis and poxvirus infections.poxvirus infections.

““Extremely intelligent, Extremely intelligent, excellent talkers, lots of excellent talkers, lots of noise.”noise.”

Double Yellow-Headed Double Yellow-Headed AmazonAmazon

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Amazona Amazona oratrixoratrixSize:Size:  Medium, up to 14 inches  Medium, up to 14 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Mexico, Central   Mexico, Central AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  50 years  50 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Very good  Very good

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Obesity is an important concern Obesity is an important concern for the double yellow-headed for the double yellow-headed Amazon’s health. Provide your Amazon’s health. Provide your pet bird with a balanced, low-fat pet bird with a balanced, low-fat diet supplemented with plenty diet supplemented with plenty fruits and vegetables as well as fruits and vegetables as well as foods high in natural beta foods high in natural beta carotenes, such as carrots, beets carotenes, such as carrots, beets and sweet potatoes. Double and sweet potatoes. Double yellow-headed Amazons are yellow-headed Amazons are susceptible to vitamin-A and susceptible to vitamin-A and calcium deficiencies, psittacosis calcium deficiencies, psittacosis and poxvirus infections.and poxvirus infections.

Yellow-Naped AmazonYellow-Naped Amazon

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Amazona Amazona auropalliataauropalliataSize:Size:  Medium, up to 14 inches  Medium, up to 14 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Central   Central AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  50 years  50 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Loud  LoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Very Good  Very Good

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Most Amazons have a tendency Most Amazons have a tendency for obesity, so be certain that for obesity, so be certain that your yellow-crowned Amazon your yellow-crowned Amazon receives a balanced, low-fat receives a balanced, low-fat diet of pellets, fruits and diet of pellets, fruits and vegetables along with plenty of vegetables along with plenty of exercise. They are also exercise. They are also susceptible to vitamin-A and susceptible to vitamin-A and calcium deficiencies, psittacosis calcium deficiencies, psittacosis and pox-virus infections. and pox-virus infections.

ConuresConures Two major genera make up the general category of conures Two major genera make up the general category of conures

where more than 50 individual bird species are grouped: where more than 50 individual bird species are grouped: Aratingas (the louder, more boisterous species) and Pyrrhura Aratingas (the louder, more boisterous species) and Pyrrhura (more demure, often smaller species). These small to (more demure, often smaller species). These small to medium-sized, mostly South American, parrots charm pet medium-sized, mostly South American, parrots charm pet owners and breeders alike with their clownish, noisy behavior owners and breeders alike with their clownish, noisy behavior that sometimes lands them in trouble. Conures always want that sometimes lands them in trouble. Conures always want to be in the middle of the action, and they’ll work to win over to be in the middle of the action, and they’ll work to win over your attention and affection your attention and affection

Sun ConureSun Conure

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Aratinga Aratinga solstitialissolstitialisSize:Size:  Small, up to 12 inches  Small, up to 12 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  South   South AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to 30   up to 30 yearsyearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Moderate to   Moderate to LoudLoudTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Fair  Fair

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Sun Conures need plenty of Sun Conures need plenty of entertainment and interaction. entertainment and interaction. Sun conures are susceptible to Sun conures are susceptible to feather picking and common feather picking and common psittacine diseases. psittacine diseases.

Blue-Crowned-ConureBlue-Crowned-Conure

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Aratinga Aratinga acuticaudataacuticaudataSize:Size:  Medium, 15 inches  Medium, 15 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  South   South AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to 30   up to 30 yearsyearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Moderate   Moderate Talk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate  Moderate

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Blue-crowned Conures need Blue-crowned Conures need interesting entertainment and interesting entertainment and interaction Provide your interaction Provide your conure with plastic, wood, conure with plastic, wood, puzzle, musical, rope, leather puzzle, musical, rope, leather and other varieties of toys. and other varieties of toys.

                                               

          

   

  

Green-Cheeked Conure Green-Cheeked Conure

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Pyrrhura molinaePyrrhura molinaeSize:Size:  Small, up to 10   Small, up to 10 inchesinchesNative Region:Native Region:  South   South AmericaAmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to   up to 30 years30 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low to   Low to Moderate; quieter than Moderate; quieter than other conures.other conures.Talk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:    ModerateModerate

                                               

          

   

  

Black-Headed CaciqueBlack-Headed Cacique Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Pionites Pionites

melanocephalamelanocephalaSize:Size:  Medium, 9 inches  Medium, 9 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  South America  South AmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  30 years  30 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Medium  MediumTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Fair, likes   Fair, likes to play, so benefits from trick to play, so benefits from trick training and can mimic soundstraining and can mimic sounds

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:  If   If not kept well entertained, the not kept well entertained, the black-headed caique can black-headed caique can become destructive and prone become destructive and prone to screeching. They are to screeching. They are generally hardy, but keepthe generally hardy, but keepthe cage clean as they like to play cage clean as they like to play and bounce around on the cage and bounce around on the cage floor. This pet bird can be beaky floor. This pet bird can be beaky and does sometimes become and does sometimes become aggressive with other birds in aggressive with other birds in the household,the household,

Parakeets Parakeets These brightly-colored Asian and African parakeets are often These brightly-colored Asian and African parakeets are often

kept as aviary birds, but they’re making their way into homes kept as aviary birds, but they’re making their way into homes as pets with their grace and social nature. Psittacula as pets with their grace and social nature. Psittacula parakeets earned a reputation as nippy, noisy birds, but their parakeets earned a reputation as nippy, noisy birds, but their owners are fiercely loyal to them, pointing out their good owners are fiercely loyal to them, pointing out their good qualities, such as their easy-going and independent nature. qualities, such as their easy-going and independent nature. Fourteen species make up the Psittacula genus, but the Fourteen species make up the Psittacula genus, but the plum-headed, ring-necked, are the most common species plum-headed, ring-necked, are the most common species kept as pets in the United States kept as pets in the United States

                                               

          

   

  

Indian Ring-Necked Indian Ring-Necked ParakeetParakeet

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Psittacula Psittacula krameri manillensiskrameri manillensisSize:Size:  Medium, 16 inches  Medium, 16 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  India  IndiaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  15 to 30 years  15 to 30 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Moderate  ModerateTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Fair; can be   Fair; can be good mimics.good mimics.

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Indian ring-necked parakeets can Indian ring-necked parakeets can develop social phobias with regular develop social phobias with regular interaction and handling. Enjoy interaction and handling. Enjoy chewing, so provide soft wood toys. chewing, so provide soft wood toys. Generally not picky eaters, provide Generally not picky eaters, provide a varied diet with plenty of fruit, a varied diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, green and whole vegetables, green and whole grains. Males have a more distinct grains. Males have a more distinct rose collar and facial markings than rose collar and facial markings than the females. They have a narrow the females. They have a narrow black stripe on the mandible under black stripe on the mandible under the throat and a black lower the throat and a black lower mandible.mandible.

                                               

          

   

  

Plum-Headed ParakeetPlum-Headed Parakeet Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Psittacula Psittacula

cyanocephalacyanocephalaSize:Size:  Small, up to 13 inches  Small, up to 13 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  India, Pakistan,   India, Pakistan, Sri LankaSri LankaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  15 to 30   15 to 30 yearsyearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low  LowTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Fair  Fair

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Plum-headed parakeets are not Plum-headed parakeets are not as big chewers as other as big chewers as other Psittaculas. Watch the Psittaculas. Watch the temperature, because this temperature, because this species is sensitive to cold and species is sensitive to cold and wet conditions. Males develop a wet conditions. Males develop a plum-red head that fades to a plum-red head that fades to a purplish-blue color toward the purplish-blue color toward the lower cheeks, hind crown and lower cheeks, hind crown and nape of the neck. nape of the neck.

Grey-Cheeked ParakeetGrey-Cheeked Parakeet

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Brotogeris Brotogeris pyrrhopteruspyrrhopterusSize:Size:  Small, up to 8 inches  Small, up to 8 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  South America  South AmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to 15   up to 15 yearsyearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Moderate  ModerateTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Fair  Fair

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Grey-cheeked parakeets are Grey-cheeked parakeets are susceptible to mites, PBFD, susceptible to mites, PBFD, psittacosis and bacterial psittacosis and bacterial hepatitis. Tuberculosis was hepatitis. Tuberculosis was common among imported birds. common among imported birds. Grey-cheeked parakeets also Grey-cheeked parakeets also require extra fruit in their diet, require extra fruit in their diet, and some breeders recommend and some breeders recommend less protein to avoid gout. These less protein to avoid gout. These pet birds are somewhat loud and pet birds are somewhat loud and screech, screech,

                                               

          

   

  

Quaker or Monk ParakeetQuaker or Monk Parakeet This small South American This small South American

parakeet is a common parakeet is a common sight in the United States, sight in the United States, both in the home and flying both in the home and flying free in urban centers where free in urban centers where it has made a home for its it has made a home for its wild flock. Gregarious and wild flock. Gregarious and social, life with a quaker is social, life with a quaker is never dull. Quakers have a never dull. Quakers have a great sense of humor. They great sense of humor. They laugh very easily and laugh very easily and imitate laughter and voices imitate laughter and voices with amazing accuracy. with amazing accuracy. They are strong willed, but They are strong willed, but can be controlled easily can be controlled easily with step-up commands with step-up commands and exercises and exercises

Naturalized QuakerNaturalized Quaker Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Myiopsitta Myiopsitta

monachusmonachusSize:Size:  Small, up to 13 inches  Small, up to 13 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  South America  South AmericaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to 30   up to 30 yearsyearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low  LowTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Fair; can   Fair; can develop an extensive develop an extensive vocabulary, but may not have vocabulary, but may not have the clearest voice.the clearest voice.

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    In the wild, quakers are prolific In the wild, quakers are prolific nest builders, so in captivity nest builders, so in captivity they often become protective of they often become protective of their cage, food dish or their cage, food dish or homemade nest. Behavior such homemade nest. Behavior such as territoriality, screeching and as territoriality, screeching and other quaker quirks can be other quaker quirks can be modified if owners are modified if owners are consistent about training with consistent about training with their bird. Quakers are also their bird. Quakers are also prone to destructive behaviors prone to destructive behaviors such as feather picking or self-such as feather picking or self-mutilation mutilation

Lory speciesLory species

If left with only one word to describe the multitude of species If left with only one word to describe the multitude of species and subspecies that make up the subfamily Loriinae, it would and subspecies that make up the subfamily Loriinae, it would be “energetic. They’re constantly on the go – eating, bathing, be “energetic. They’re constantly on the go – eating, bathing, beating up toys or hanging upside down. Native to Australia, beating up toys or hanging upside down. Native to Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia and the surrounding islands, these the Philippines, Indonesia and the surrounding islands, these colorful, small- to mid-sized parrots distinguish themselves colorful, small- to mid-sized parrots distinguish themselves from other parrots with their diet: nectar and pollen. from other parrots with their diet: nectar and pollen.

                                               

          

   

  

Red Lory Red Lory

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Eos borneaEos borneaSize:Size:  Small, 12 inches  Small, 12 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Indonesia  IndonesiaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  20 years  20 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Moderate  ModerateTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate  Moderate

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Red lories are susceptible to Red lories are susceptible to hemochromatosis (iron storage hemochromatosis (iron storage disease) and visceral gout. disease) and visceral gout. They also can have screaming They also can have screaming and biting tendencies. Red and biting tendencies. Red lories are less aggressive than lories are less aggressive than other lories, but be cautious other lories, but be cautious when introducing a new bird when introducing a new bird because some red lories can because some red lories can become jealous. Red lories can become jealous. Red lories can be fearless - attacking dogs, be fearless - attacking dogs, cats and the vacuum cleaner. cats and the vacuum cleaner.

Goldie's LorikeetGoldie's Lorikeet

Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Psitteuteles Psitteuteles goldieigoldieiSize:Size:  7.5 inches  7.5 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  New Guinea  New GuineaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  20 years  20 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low  LowTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Moderate,   Moderate, but not as chatty as other but not as chatty as other lories.lories.

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Goldie’s Lorikeets are Goldie’s Lorikeets are susceptible to susceptible to hemochromatosis or iron-hemochromatosis or iron-storage disease. They need storage disease. They need nectar as the base of their diet. nectar as the base of their diet. The nectar or powder diet The nectar or powder diet should be low iron. Fresh fruits should be low iron. Fresh fruits are also good foods to add to are also good foods to add to the nectar and/or powder bird the nectar and/or powder bird diet. diet.

                                               

          

   

  

LovebirdsLovebirds

These small, stocky African parrots’ feisty nature keeps These small, stocky African parrots’ feisty nature keeps their owners on their toes. They love to beat up their toys, their owners on their toes. They love to beat up their toys, shred anything they can get their beaks on and they’ll shred anything they can get their beaks on and they’ll chase larger birds that get in their way. They’re chase larger birds that get in their way. They’re chatterboxes, too. Occasionally your lovebird will take a chatterboxes, too. Occasionally your lovebird will take a break to share a quiet moment with you – if you’re lucky! break to share a quiet moment with you – if you’re lucky! Nine species make up the lovebird Agapornis genus, Nine species make up the lovebird Agapornis genus, although only a few of those are kept as pets in the United although only a few of those are kept as pets in the United States. States.

                                               

          

   

      

Masked LovebirdMasked Lovebird Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Agapornis Agapornis

personatuspersonatusSize:Size:  Small, up to 6 inches  Small, up to 6 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Africa  AfricaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  20 years  20 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low, although can let   Low, although can let out a shrill shriek from time to time.out a shrill shriek from time to time.Talk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Not known as a   Not known as a talker, but does enjoy learning talker, but does enjoy learning trickstricks

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:  The   The masked lovebird can be nippy, masked lovebird can be nippy, territorial and a prolific chewer. territorial and a prolific chewer. Masked lovedbirds can overindulge Masked lovedbirds can overindulge on seed, so make sure to provide on seed, so make sure to provide plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and exercise. Because whole grains and exercise. Because they are good escape artists. they are good escape artists. Masked lovebird's age can be Masked lovebird's age can be determined by the color of its beak. determined by the color of its beak. Adults have a red, orange, light Adults have a red, orange, light gray or horn-colored beak, gray or horn-colored beak, depending on the species depending on the species

                                               

          

   

  

Peach-Faced LovebirdPeach-Faced Lovebird Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Agapornis Agapornis

roseicollisroseicollisSize:Size:  Small, 6.5 inches  Small, 6.5 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Africa  AfricaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  20 years  20 yearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low  LowTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  Fair; not   Fair; not known as a talker, but enjoys known as a talker, but enjoys learning trickslearning tricks

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Peach-faced lovebirds can be Peach-faced lovebirds can be nippy and territorial, so daily nippy and territorial, so daily handling and reinforcement of handling and reinforcement of good behavior is necessary Adults good behavior is necessary Adults have a red, orange, light gray or have a red, orange, light gray or horn-colored beak, depending on horn-colored beak, depending on the species. Juvenile peach-faced the species. Juvenile peach-faced lovebirds have black-marked lovebirds have black-marked beaks. The exception is in the beaks. The exception is in the black-collared lovebird, which has black-collared lovebird, which has a gray-black beak as an adult.a gray-black beak as an adult.

PasseriformesPasseriformes

Softbills / Softbills / PassiformesPassiformesValued for singing abilityValued for singing abilityOften easy to keepOften easy to keepSoftbills have feet with 4 toes; 3 pointing Softbills have feet with 4 toes; 3 pointing

forward and 1 pointing backforward and 1 pointing backFlightly and easily stressedFlightly and easily stressedNot usually handled, but are admired from Not usually handled, but are admired from

afarafarTypes include: Finches, Canaries, Mynah Types include: Finches, Canaries, Mynah

birdsbirds

Zebra Finch Zebra Finch Scientific Name:Scientific Name:    Poephila Poephila

guttataguttataSize:Size:  Small, up to 4.5 inches  Small, up to 4.5 inchesNative Region:Native Region:  Australia  AustraliaLife Expectancy:Life Expectancy:  up to 15   up to 15 yearsyearsNoise Level:Noise Level:  Low  LowTalk/Trick Ability:Talk/Trick Ability:  None,   None, although will respond to although will respond to owner’s voice.owner’s voice.

Behavior/Health Concerns:Behavior/Health Concerns:    Althought they are generally a Althought they are generally a hardy species, young zebra hardy species, young zebra finches can experience egg-finches can experience egg-binding Zebra finches require binding Zebra finches require additional food during a molt. additional food during a molt. The male zebra finch is gray The male zebra finch is gray with a black tail and large with a black tail and large white bars. Their throat and white bars. Their throat and upper breast is zebra striped, upper breast is zebra striped, and they have a red beak and and they have a red beak and vivid orange cheek patches A vivid orange cheek patches A female zebra finch's beak is a female zebra finch's beak is a paler color than the male’s.paler color than the male’s. Best kept in pairsBest kept in pairs

CanaryCanary

Serinus canariaSerinus canaria The quintessential pet bird, the The quintessential pet bird, the

canary has enjoyed steady canary has enjoyed steady popularity for more than a popularity for more than a century. Its beautiful song and century. Its beautiful song and color and its charming nature color and its charming nature have endeared it to many bird have endeared it to many bird enthusiasts. All canaries enthusiasts. All canaries originate from the same species, originate from the same species, but there are three types, or but there are three types, or breeds, popular in the United breeds, popular in the United States: color-bred canaries, type States: color-bred canaries, type canaries and song canaries. canaries and song canaries. Noted for singing ability; males Noted for singing ability; males sing the best and are the most sing the best and are the most expensiveexpensive

From Canary IslandsFrom Canary Islands

                                               

          

   

      

Columbiformes Columbiformes

Doves/Pigeons Doves/Pigeons Doves often kept as pets, Doves often kept as pets,

pigeons used to race, carry pigeons used to race, carry messagesmessages

Doves and PigeonsDoves and Pigeons More than 300 species More than 300 species

of doves and pigeons of doves and pigeons (really the same type of (really the same type of bird, although the term bird, although the term pigeon generally pigeon generally denotes a larger bird) denotes a larger bird)

These seed- or fruit-These seed- or fruit-eating, large-bodied eating, large-bodied birds are often found in birds are often found in aviaries, but they can aviaries, but they can also make excellent also make excellent pets. pets.

Two of the most Two of the most common species, the common species, the ring-necked and ring-necked and diamond doves, come diamond doves, come in a variety of in a variety of mutations. mutations.

                                               

          

   

  

ColumbiformesColumbiformes

You’ll find several You’ll find several bird clubs devoted bird clubs devoted just to doves, and just to doves, and other clubs – local, other clubs – local, national and national and international – international – focus exclusively focus exclusively on racing or on racing or homing pigeons. homing pigeons.