Other Favorite Birds

Northern Cardinal, Painted Bunting and Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Photos from Thayer's Birds of North America CD

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Even though this web site is all about wild birds, many of you may have a pet bird. The most popular pet birds are budgerigars (parakeets). Also popular are cockatiels, lovebirds, canaries, cockatoos and African Grey Parrots. Pet birds can live for 12 years (budgies) to over 75 years (parrots). Exotic birds are grown by breeders. The exotic bird trade was halted in October, 1992 by an act of Congress that prohibits the importation of wild birds into the U.S.

[The following is from an article at About.com] Cockatiels, lovebirds, senegals, red bellies, African greys, and pionus parrots generally have a reputation for being quieter parrots, the term "quieter" being relative of course. Cockatoos have one of the worst reputations for screaming, largely because they require quite a bit of attention and amusement or they clamor for it loudly. Many of the conures can stun you with their loud screech.

All parrots require a varied diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. These will end up on the floor, on the cage bars, and sometimes halfway across the room on the wall. Birds are messy creatures. You will sweep, vacuum, mop, and pick up after them in order to keep their area clean. Frankly, the amount of clean up necessary has been the biggest complaint heard from bird owners who are having second thoughts about their pets. Pet bird owners have found that behavioral problems decrease dramatically once they make sure their parrot gets a full 10 to 12 hours of undisturbed sleep each night. Finally, pet bird owners need to have time to properly train their parrot to avoid aggressive behavior and painful bites.