Parrots are extremely spectacular birds, each within the wild and as pets. The bigger species are much more awe-inspiring as a consequence of their lengthy lives, coloring, and intelligence. Whereas there are a number of massive parrot breeds you could’t legally maintain as pets, many breeds have been stored as companions for hundreds of years.
The big parrots on this checklist are all affectionate and devoted companions. They adore their house owners, and their measurement is simply as spectacular as their eye-catching plumage.
How Are Giant Pet Parrots Categorized?
There are a lot of fowl species you could maintain as pets, however not all of them are parrots. Parrots are among the many commonest pet birds as a consequence of their shiny plumage, skill to talk, and social natures. There are over 350 species belonging to the parrot household, and so they all fall beneath the order Psittaciformes.1
Whereas a lot of them do have brightly coloured feathers, their colourful plumage isn’t the one issue that makes them a parrot. These birds are acknowledged by their curved beaks and zygodactyl ft. In addition they vary in measurement from small cockatiels to massive macaws.
The 9 Largest Pet Parrot Breeds
1. African Gray
| Origin: | Central and West Africa |
| Lifespan: | 20–50 years |
| Measurement: | 12–16 inches |
| Temperament: | Charming, clever, talkative |
Alongside the brilliant plumage, a parrot’s skill to imitate human speech is likely one of the causes that these birds are so widespread. The African Gray Parrot, or the Gray Parrot, may not be as vibrant as another massive parrot breeds, however they’re thought-about probably the most clever. They’re so well-known for his or her smarts, actually, they’re continuously in comparison with 3–4-year-old kids.
With their skill to construct an in depth vocabulary, you’ll be able to anticipate them to be extremely talkative. They’re additionally susceptible to boredom and are recognized for making frequent loud, obnoxious, or undesirable noises in a bid for consideration. Whereas they’re not the very best suited to flats, they’re affectionate pets and can search out head scratches once they’re not enjoying or climbing.
2. Blue-and-Gold Macaw
| Origin: | South America |
| Lifespan: | 50–60 years |
| Measurement: | 29–33 inches |
| Temperament: | Social, loud, generally damaging |
While you consider parrots, the Blue-and-Gold Macaw is prone to be one of many first that involves thoughts. They’re extremely simple to acknowledge as a parrot as a consequence of their blue-and-yellow plumage. They’re additionally one of many parrot breeds which are extensively out there within the pet market. Nonetheless, they’re typically topic to unlawful buying and selling, so be certain the breeder you go to is a good one.
Blue-and-Gold Macaws aren’t probably the most beginner-friendly parrots. Not solely can their measurement be troublesome to handle, however they’re additionally too loud for house life and continuously damaging. They will dwell between 50 and 60 years or extra if cared for correctly. Since they type lifelong bonds, they aren’t a dedication to take flippantly.
Together with their vibrant colours, their facial markings are amongst their most outstanding options. These are just like our fingerprints and are distinctive to every fowl.
3. Eclectus Parrot
| Origin: | New Guinea, Indonesia, and Australia |
| Lifespan: | 30–40 years |
| Measurement: | 14 inches |
| Temperament: | Timid, social, talkative |
Some of the colourful and talkative parrot breeds stored as pets is the Eclectus Parrot. There are a number of subspecies, however the commonest within the wild and as a pet is the New Guinea Purple-Sided Eclectus Parrot. Though they’re recognized to dwell longer within the wild than as pets, they nonetheless have a lifespan of as much as 40 years, and so they’re widespread for his or her shiny plumage and talent to imitate human voices.
They’re one of many few fowl species with vastly completely different appearances between sexes. Women and men look so completely different that when the birds have been first documented, they have been believed to belong to completely different breeds.
Whereas the males are predominantly inexperienced to mix in with vegetation, the females are principally shiny crimson, to allow them to be nearly invisible once they’re of their nest. Collectively, they make a placing couple and are social, talkative, and affectionate.
4. Double Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrot
| Origin: | Mexico and Central America |
| Lifespan: | 35–50 years |
| Measurement: | 14–16 inches |
| Temperament: | Boisterous, energetic, talkative |
A placing massive parrot breed generally stored as a pet is the Double Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrot. Like different parrot breeds, they’re adored for his or her talking skill and have been stored as pets for hundreds of years. They’re acknowledged by their yellow face and head, inexperienced plumage, and crimson shoulders. It takes 3–5 years for them to develop their grownup coloring.
Regardless of being one of the crucial widespread pet birds and simply present in captivity, their inhabitants is quickly declining within the wild. Ensure you select a good breeder who doesn’t assist smuggling to assist shield wild birds.
Whereas they’re principally pleasant and extremely social, these birds should not advisable for newcomers. They want a considerable amount of area to fly in and discover and lots of toys to interact with. In the event that they get bored, they’re recognized to scream or grow to be aggressive to amuse themselves.
5. Hyacinth Macaw
| Origin: | Brazil |
| Lifespan: | 30–60 years |
| Measurement: | 35–40 inches |
| Temperament: | Inquisitive, social, talkative |
The biggest macaw breed is the Hyacinth Macaw, and so they’re fairly a preferred pet. Acknowledged by their deep blue plumage, the Hyacinth Macaw is extremely social and infrequently travels in teams of 30–40 birds within the wild. They do finest with a good friend and loads of interplay with you.
Their care wants aren’t the one issue that makes these parrots unsuited for newcomers. They’re additionally extremely costly as a consequence of how troublesome it’s to breed them in captivity and the truth that it’s unlawful to lure wild specimens and promote them internationally.
The Hyacinth Macaw is pleasant and talkative, with a eager skill to imitate human speech like many different parrot species. With a lifespan of 60 years or extra, they’re a lifelong dedication for devoted fowl house owners.
6. Purple-and-Inexperienced Macaw
| Origin: | Southern Central America and northern South America |
| Lifespan: | 60–80 years |
| Measurement: | 26–37 inches |
| Temperament: | Gregarious, clever, talkative |
Of the macaw species generally stored as pets, the Purple-and-Inexperienced Macaw (also referred to as the Inexperienced-Winged Macaw) is the second largest. Just like the Blue-and-Gold Macaw, the Purple-and-Inexperienced Macaw is definitely acknowledged as a parrot as a consequence of their bright-red plumage and the blue-and-green coloring on their wings. Like many different parrots, they will dwell as much as 80 years and construct robust bonds with their house owners.
As with all macaw breeds, they’re recognized for his or her intelligence and talent to speak. They’re additionally messy, noisy, and damaging, making them unsuitable for flats or house owners preferring peace and quiet. Whereas they don’t dwell in massive teams within the wild like some macaw species, the Purple-and-Inexperienced Macaw does nicely in pairs or a small household group.
7. Scarlet Macaw
| Origin: | South and Central America |
| Lifespan: | 40–75 years |
| Measurement: | 30–35 inches |
| Temperament: | Sassy, social, talkative |
The Scarlet Macaw is a brightly coloured parrot favored by fowl lovers. They appear just like the Purple-and-Inexperienced Macaw however might be distinguished by the yellow feathers on their wings and the dearth of crimson markings round their eyes.
In the event you’re in search of a big parrot with a persona that matches the vibrancy of their plumage, the Scarlet Macaw is likely one of the finest. They’re sassy and talkative, with loads of power to play, discover, and search affection from you and their companion if they’ve one. Like most macaws, their talkativeness can also be a standard draw back, and so they’re not advisable for small flats or quiet house owners.
Don’t neglect to offer them loads of consideration and toys to play with. They are often damaging or noisier than regular in the event that they get bored. With a lifespan of as much as 75 years, you must be ready for a lifelong dedication.
8. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
| Origin: | East Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and New Zealand |
| Lifespan: | 60–80 years |
| Measurement: | 15–20 inches |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, clever, noisy |
Distinguished from different white cockatoo species by their yellow crest, wing, and tail feathers, the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo has a extra refined coloring than different macaws, however they’re no much less vibrant. Their white feathers additionally make them a simple parrot to identify, however their massive measurement makes them troublesome to take care of.
In addition to being extremely long-lived, with a life expectancy of round 80 years, they’re additionally affectionate and clever. They’ll rapidly study to imitate speech and different family sounds and aren’t afraid to make noise. Their intelligence additionally helps them decide up tips, resembling opening their cage door if it’s not secured correctly.
The Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo wants a considerable amount of area of their cage and out of it and is happiest with a companion or two. In contrast to many different parrot breeds, they’re nonetheless widespread all through Australia and are completely satisfied to dwell alongside people each as pets and wildlife.
9. Umbrella Cockatoo
| Origin: | Indonesia |
| Lifespan: | 50–60 years |
| Measurement: | 18 inches |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, charming, even-tempered |
In comparison with many different parrot breeds, the Umbrella Cockatoo is favored extra for his or her loyalty and companionship relatively than their mimicking expertise. Nonetheless, they’re nonetheless noisy and can scream for consideration or simply for enjoyable, in order that they’re not the very best for flats. Noisiness apart, in case you’re in search of an affectionate pet, the Umbrella Cockatoo is likely one of the most loving parrot breeds.
They’re a captivating, long-lived companion that may also be demanding of your time and a focus. In the event that they really feel uncared for, they’re susceptible to self-mutilation and different damaging conduct and want an skilled proprietor to handle their care wants. When paired with the correct proprietor, although, they simply decide up tips and like to cuddle.
Just like the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, the Umbrella Cockatoo is totally white with yellow feathering on the underside of their wings. They’re acknowledged by their crest, which when raised, seems just like an umbrella.
Are Giant Parrots Really useful for Newbie Chicken Homeowners?
Whereas this checklist incorporates many widespread massive pet parrot breeds, it’s necessary to do not forget that not all parrots might be stored as pets. Sadly, birds of any measurement aren’t at all times the correct selection for all pet house owners.
Giant parrots may be talkative, pleasant, and lifelong companions, however their constructive traits may also be downsides. They’re noisy and require a devoted proprietor who is ready to take care of their fowl for many of their life or make preparations for the parrot ought to they outlive their proprietor. For novice fowl house owners particularly, massive parrots are a a lot larger problem than small species and might be troublesome to take care of as a consequence of their social wants, exercise ranges, and dietary necessities.
You additionally want to contemplate that parrots should not domesticated like cats or canine. They nonetheless have shut ties to their wild ancestors, and lots of are even topics of unlawful buying and selling. A few of them are additionally endangered of their native habitats, so you must watch out whom you buy your parrot from.
Conclusion
For fowl house owners in search of a lifelong companion that turns heads, a parrot is likely one of the most eye-catching pets on the planet. The big breeds are much more spectacular, with their measurement, intelligence, lifespan, and coloring making them lovely and devoted companions.
Earlier than you enterprise into the world of fowl possession, at all times ensure you’ve completed your analysis into their care wants and prices. For the correct proprietor, a big parrot is the proper pet, however additionally they require a lifelong dedication, a nice deal of consideration, and loads of exercise.
Featured Picture Credit score: Suparat Sukpradit, Shutterstock
