In our fast-paced modern lifestyle, it comes as no surprise that dogs, cats, and fish have become the most favored companions in our homes. However, amidst this pet frenzy, have you ever paused to consider the charm and vibrancy that birds bring as pets? Birds possess an inherent ability to captivate us with their colorful plumage, melodic songs, and playful nature. What’s more, if you find yourself unable to accommodate a larger pet due to space or time constraints, a bird can be the perfect choice to infuse your life with joy and companionship. So today, we are going to talk about the top 10 pet birds in India.
So, initially, we have named the top 10 pet birds in India, and we have included very extensive information on each of them below.
- 1] Budgerigars (Budgies)
- 2] Cockatiels
- 3] Pacific Parrotlet
- 4] Sun Conure
- 5] Macaw
- 6] Love birds
- 7] Cockatoos
- 8] Indian Ringneck Parakeet
- 9] African Grey Parrot
- 10] Eclectus Parrot
In Detail about Top 10 Pet Birds in India
1] Budgerigars (Budgies)
The Budgerigar (Budgie) is an extraordinarily friendly and affectionate bird native to Australia. These small, feathered birds are low maintenance and can be easily trained. Budgerigars can learn to mimic human speech and imitate many common household sounds. They are commonly kept as pet birds in India. Budgerigars are the most common bird species, and they are a good option if you have limited space and want to have small-sized birds.
Price- 500rs to 3000rs
Appearance: Budgerigars are small birds, typically measuring around 7 to 8 inches (18-20 cm) in length. They have a compact body with a long, tapered tail. Wild budgies usually have a green body color, yellow head, and black markings on their wings and back. However, through selective breeding, a wide variety of color mutations have been developed, resulting in budgies with various colors, including blue, white, yellow, and combinations of these colors.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a budgerigar is around 5 to 10 years, although some well-cared-for budgies can live up to 15 years or longer.
Behavior: Budgerigars are highly social birds and are known for their playful and active nature. They are intelligent and can be trained to perform various tricks and behaviors. Budgies are also known for their ability to mimic sounds and human speech, although not all budgies develop this skill. They are often kept in pairs or small groups to provide companionship and mental stimulation.
2] Cockatiel
Cockatiels, popular pet birds in India, are captivating and lovable. They belong to one of the most common pet bird species and are native to Australia. These birds are adored for their cuddliness. Although they may not speak, they have remarkable whistling abilities. Male cockatiels, in particular, express their preferences or mimic themselves in the mirror through their whistles. Being small and social, they make ideal companions for apartment living.
Price- 2,000rs to 90,000rs
Appearance: Cockatiels are about 12-13 inches (30-33 cm) long, including their long tails. They have a prominent crest on their heads that can be raised or lowered depending on their mood. The wild-type Cockatiel has a gray body with a yellow face and crest, orange cheek patches, and a long, pointed tail. However, through selective breeding, various color mutations have been developed, resulting in different plumage patterns and colors, such as lutino, albino, pied, cinnamon, and pearl.
Lifespan: Cockatiels have a relatively long lifespan for a small parrot species. They typically live for 15 to 25 years, although some can live even longer with proper care.
Personality: Cockatiels are known for their friendly and gentle personalities. They are intelligent birds and can be trained to perform tricks and mimic sounds. They are also social animals and enjoy interacting with their human companions. Cockatiels are often described as affectionate and may develop strong bonds with their owners.
Vocalization: Cockatiels are known for their unique vocalizations. They can produce a variety of sounds, including chirps, whistles, squawks, and even limited speech. Male Cockatiels are more likely to mimic sounds and learn to talk than females. They are also known for their ability to mimic common household sounds and melodies.
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3] Pacific Parrotlet
Yes, small birds with big brains can be a big blast indeed. Parrotlets are those American birds with a spunky and great personality. They require plenty of attention and should ideally be the only pet around. They love their owners dearly and are truly devoted birds. Taking care of them is easy, and Pacific Parrotlets are known to be talking birds and are one of the most common pet birds in India
Price- 5,000rs to 10,000rs
Appearance: Pacific Parrotlets are among the smallest parrot species, measuring around 12.5 centimeters (5 inches) in length. They have a stocky build with short tails. The males have bright, vibrant plumage, typically green in color, with blue streaks on their wings and a blue mask on their face. Females, on the other hand, have less prominent markings and are mostly green overall.
Behavior and Personality: Pacific Parrotlets are known for their energetic and lively personalities. Despite their small size, they possess a bold and confident nature. They are highly social birds that form strong bonds with their human companions if provided with regular interaction and socialization. However, they can also be independent and feisty at times.
Vocalizations: These parrotlets are not as noisy as larger parrot species, but they are still capable of vocalizing. Their vocal repertoire includes chirps, whistles, and occasional squawks. Some individuals may learn to mimic simple sounds or words with training.
Housing and Environment: When it comes to housing Pacific Parrotlets, a spacious cage is essential for their comfort and well-being. The cage should provide enough room for them to stretch their wings and move around. They also require a variety of toys and perches to keep them mentally stimulated. It’s important to provide a safe and enriching environment that includes opportunities for exercise and play.
4] Sun Conure
The Sun conure, a vibrant parrot, is one of the most colorful pet birds in India. This South American beauty is known for its energetic and adventurous nature. It vocalizes loudly with its beautiful feathers, adding to its extraordinary personality. It can become a cherished and loving companion. Sun conures require ample playtime and prefer spending most of their time outside the cage, making them an ideal choice for pet bird enthusiasts in India.
Price- 20,000rs to 2,00,000rs
Physical Appearance: Sun Conures are known for their vibrant and striking plumage. They have a predominantly bright yellow body with orange and red highlights on their head, wings, and tail. Their beaks are black, and they have dark gray feet. Adult Sun Conures typically reach a length of about 12 inches (30 cm) from the beak to the tip of the tail.
Behavior and Temperament: Sun Conures are highly social and intelligent birds. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They thrive on social interaction and form strong bonds with their human companions. Sun Conures are generally outgoing and enjoy being the center of attention. They have a loud and distinctive call, which can be quite vocal at times.
Housing and Environment: When keeping a Sun Conure as a pet, it is important to provide them with a spacious cage or aviary. The cage should be large enough for the bird to move around, stretch its wings, and have room for toys and perches. Sun Conures are active birds and require mental stimulation and regular exercise outside of their cage. Providing a variety of toys, perches of different sizes, and interactive playtime is crucial to their well-being.
Lifespan: With proper care and a suitable environment, Sun Conures can live for approximately 20 to 30 years or even longer. A well-balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, mental stimulation, and plenty of social interaction contribute to their overall health and longevity.
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5] Macaw
The Blue and Gold Macaw, a highly social pet bird species, is known for its stunning appearance and vibrant personality. Found in South America, these birds can even blush with a touch of pink. They possess a lively and comedic charm, making them a beloved pet bird option in India. If you can accommodate larger birds, they make fantastic companions. Blue and Gold Macaws are social creatures and enjoy interacting with different individuals while showcasing their impressive tricks. Ideal for spacious homes, they thrive when they are in close proximity to their owners and love being observed while engaged in various activities. Macaws are exceptional entertainers and easily capture the hearts of people, making them a popular choice among pet birds enthusiasts in India.
Price- 20,000rs to 3,00,000rs
Appearance: Macaws are known for their striking appearance and vibrant plumage. They have a large and robust build with long tails and strong, curved beaks. Their feathers display a wide range of colors, including blues, yellows, reds, greens, and sometimes even oranges or purples. Some species have a mix of these colors, while others have more dominant hues. Macaws also have bare facial patches of skin around their eyes that can vary in color.
Size: Macaws are among the largest parrot species. The size of macaws varies depending on the species, but they generally range from about 20 inches (50 cm) to 40 inches (100 cm) in length, from the beak to the tip of the tail. The wingspan of macaws can be quite impressive, spanning from about 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm).
Behavior: Macaws are highly intelligent and social birds. They are known for their playful and curious nature. In the wild, macaws live in flocks and engage in various social interactions, including grooming each other, flying together, and vocalizing. They are excellent climbers and spend a significant amount of time perching, climbing trees, and foraging for food. Macaws are also skilled fliers, with strong wings that enable them to cover long distances.
Life Span: Macaws are long-lived birds with a relatively long lifespan compared to many other pet bird species. On average, macaws can live between 30 and 50 years, depending on the species and their care. With proper nutrition, veterinary care, and a suitable environment, some macaws, such as the blue-and-yellow macaw and the hyacinth macaw, can live up to 60 years or more. It’s important to note that their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall well-being.
6] Love birds
Lovebirds, popular pet birds in India. They are small, intelligent, and colorful parrots originally from Africa. They are part of the genus Agapornis and encompass various species and subspecies. These birds earn their name “lovebirds” because of their strong bond and affectionate behavior towards their mates.
Price- 1,000rs to 25,000rs
Appearance: Lovebirds typically measure around 13 to 17 centimeters (5 to 7 inches) in length. They have a stocky build with a short, hooked beak and a relatively large head in proportion to their body. Lovebirds are known for their vibrant plumage, which includes a variety of colors such as green, blue, yellow, orange, and peach, depending on the species and mutations.
Behavior: Lovebirds are highly social birds and have a strong need for companionship. They form deep bonds with their mates and are often seen engaging in behaviors like preening, feeding, and cuddling with each other. Due to their social nature, it’s generally recommended to keep lovebirds in pairs or small groups to ensure their well-being. Lovebirds are known for their energetic and playful nature. They are curious birds and enjoy exploring their surroundings. While they can be quite active and boisterous, they can also become gentle and affectionate with regular handling and socialization. Some lovebirds may even learn to mimic simple sounds or words, although their talking abilities are generally not as advanced as larger parrot species.
Life Span: Lovebirds are relatively hardy and have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, but with proper care and a well-balanced diet, they can live even longer.
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7] Cockatoos
Cockatoos, sought-after pet birds in India, are a group of parrot species renowned for their unique crests and curved beaks. Belonging to the family Cacatuidae, they originate from Australia, Indonesia, and neighboring regions. Cockatoos are remarkably intelligent and social birds that have captivated the interest of bird enthusiasts and pet owners worldwide.
Price- 1 lakh to 10 lakhs
Species Diversity: There are around 21 recognized species of cockatoos, including the well-known Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Galah, and the Palm Cockatoo. Each species has its unique characteristics and appearance, ranging in size from about 12 inches (30 cm) to over 20 inches (50 cm) in length.
Physical Appearance: Cockatoos are often recognized by their impressive crests, which they can raise or lower depending on their mood. Their plumage varies across species, with colors ranging from white, gray, black, pink, and various shades of red and yellow. Some species, like the Galah, have striking pink plumage.
Lifespan: Cockatoos are long-lived birds, and their lifespan can vary depending on the species and the care they receive. In the wild, they typically live between 30 and 60 years, while in captivity, they can live even longer, often reaching 60 to 80 years or more with proper care.
Behavior: Cockatoos are highly social and intelligent birds. They are known for their playful and curious nature, and they require mental stimulation and social interaction to thrive. In the wild, they form tight-knit flocks, and individuals communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including screeches, whistles, and squawks.
8] Indian Ringneck Parakeet
The Rose-ringed Parakeet, also known as the Indian Ringneck Parakeet, is one of the most common pet birds in India. This colorful and intelligent parrot species is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is scientifically referred to as Psittacula krameri manillensis and is cherished for its distinctive ring of feathers around its neck.
Price- 1,000rs to 5000rs
Appearance: Indian Ringneck Parakeets are medium-sized parrots, measuring approximately 16-17 inches (40-43 cm) in length, including their long tail feathers. The males and females have similar physical characteristics, with some differences in coloration. The male parakeets typically have a bright green plumage with a red beak, while the females usually have a paler green coloration with hints of yellow. Both genders have a prominent black and rose-colored ring around their necks, although it may be absent or incomplete in some individuals. Their eyes are yellow, and their feet are gray.
Personality and Behavior: Indian Ringneck Parakeets are known for their active and playful nature. They are highly intelligent birds and have the ability to mimic sounds and human speech, although their speaking abilities may vary among individuals. These parakeets require mental stimulation and social interaction to thrive, so it’s important to provide them with toys, puzzles, and regular out-of-cage time. They can be trained to perform tricks and learn simple commands. Ringnecks are known to be quite vocal, and they can produce a variety of calls and chirps.
Life Span: The Indian Ringneck Parakeet, scientifically known as Psittacula krameri manillensis, has an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years in captivity. However, with excellent care, a balanced diet, and a suitable environment, some Indian Ringneck Parakeets have been known to live even longer, reaching 40 years or more. It’s important to note that individual lifespan can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and overall well-being.
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9] African Grey Parrot
The African Grey Parrot, also called the Grey Parrot or Congo Grey, is a highly intelligent and charismatic bird that is cherished as a pet bird in India. Scientifically known as Psittacus erithacus, this remarkable parrot is native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. Known for its exceptional talking ability, cognitive skills, and affectionate nature, the African Grey Parrot has become one of the most popular and sought-after companion parrots among pet birds enthusiasts in India.
Price- 30,000rs to 70,000rs
Appearance: African Grey Parrots are medium-sized birds with a predominantly grey plumage, hence their name. They have a distinctive red or maroon-colored tail, a black beak, and bright, expressive eyes. They possess a patch of white feathers around the eye area, which is commonly referred to as the “spectacle” or “mask.”
Size: Adult African Grey Parrots typically measure between 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 centimeters) in length and weigh around 400 to 600 grams.
Intelligence: African Grey Parrots are renowned for their exceptional intelligence and cognitive abilities. They exhibit problem-solving skills, can learn complex tasks, and have the capacity to mimic human speech and various sounds with astonishing accuracy. They are often considered one of the most intelligent bird species and rank among the top talking birds.
Communication and Talking Ability: African Grey Parrots have an impressive talent for mimicry and vocalization. They can learn and imitate a vast range of sounds, including human speech, environmental noises, and even musical tunes. With proper training and socialization, they can develop an extensive vocabulary and communicate effectively with their human companions.
Social Behavior: These parrots are highly social creatures and thrive on interaction with their human caregivers. They form strong bonds with their owners and require regular mental stimulation, socialization, and companionship to maintain their well-being. Neglected or bored African Grey Parrots may develop behavioral issues or exhibit self-destructive tendencies.
10] Eclectus Parrot
The Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus) is a species of parrot native to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, northeastern Australia, and the surrounding islands. It is known for its striking sexual dimorphism, where males and females have completely different appearances.
Price- 10,000rs to 75,000rs
Physical Appearance:
- Sexual Dimorphism: The Eclectus Parrot exhibits one of the most distinct sexual dimorphisms among parrots. Males have bright green plumage with blue and red accents on their wings and a distinct orange beak. Females, on the other hand, have red or purple plumage on their heads, necks, and chests, with a blue-violet abdomen and black beak.
- Size: Both males and females are similar in size, measuring around 35 centimeters (14 inches) in length.
Habitat:
- Natural Range: The Eclectus Parrot is found in rainforests, tropical forests, and woodland areas of the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, northeastern Australia (Cape York Peninsula), and nearby islands.
- Habitat Preference: They are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in the forest canopy.
Behavior and Diet:
- Social Behavior: Eclectus Parrots are generally social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks.
- Diet: They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, seeds, nuts, flowers, and some leafy vegetation.
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