Family Bird Breed Guide
Compare 21 companion bird species with sourced references: lifespan, adult length, minimum habitat and the Merck owner notes, each with source and review date.
Data last maintained
Family Bird Breed Guide
Compare 21 companion bird species with sourced references: lifespan, adult length, minimum habitat and the Merck owner notes, each with source and review date.
Data last maintained
These are species-level facts and owner notes from the sources, not guarantees for an individual bird. Confirm separately according to age, health and individual circumstances.
21 birds
Budgerigar
Size · Small (up to 8 in)
Care & enrichment
Cockatiel
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Lovebird
Size · Small (up to 8 in)
Care & enrichment
Canary
Size · Small (up to 8 in)
Care & enrichment
African Grey Parrot
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Blue-and-gold Macaw
Size · Large (over 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Green-cheeked Conure
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Sun Conure
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Pacific Parrotlet
Size · Small (up to 8 in)
Care & enrichment
Indian Ringneck Parakeet
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Zebra Finch
Size · Small (up to 8 in)
Care & enrichment
Blue-headed Pionus
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Umbrella Cockatoo
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Eclectus Parrot
Size · Source gives no length
Care & enrichment
Quaker Parakeet
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Senegal Parrot
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Meyer's Parrot
Size · Small (up to 8 in)
Care & enrichment
Amazon Parrot
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
Caique
Size · Source gives no length
Care & enrichment
Bourke's Parakeet
Size · Small (up to 8 in)
Care & enrichment
Lineolated Parakeet
Size · Medium (up to 14 in)
Care & enrichment
About the pet bird comparison table
Compare everyday living needs
Every species has a sourced lifespan. Species with a PetMD care sheet or VCA page also show adult length, weight and minimum habitat; the Merck Veterinary Manual owner notes are quoted with our translation. Use these facts to identify what to confirm, not to rank household suitability.
Search species and daily needs
Search species names and living references. The size filter follows the source's adult length, spanning two classes when the source range does; species with only a Merck size word use that word. There are no energy or shedding filters because the sources do not score those. Species without a PetMD or VCA page show Merck facts only and say so.
Reference only, not a placement decision
This guide is not veterinary advice, a breeder or adoption endorsement, or a guarantee of temperament, health, lifespan, legality, or suitability. Some species are restricted in some places. Confirm individual behavior, health history, noise tolerance, housing and local rules before choosing a bird.
FAQ
Common questions and answers about this topic.
What is Family Bird Breed Guide?
A sourced reference for 21 companion bird species with lifespan for every species and, where PetMD or VCA covers the species, adult length, weight and minimum habitat, plus the Merck Veterinary Manual owner notes with review dates. It does not score family suitability or an individual bird's health.
Is Family Bird Breed Guide free to use?
Yes, Family Bird Breed Guide is completely free to use.
Data Sources
This tool's data is compiled from the authoritative sources below.
- Merck Veterinary Manual - Popular Pet Birds(opens in a new tab)
- PetMD - Birds(opens in a new tab)
- VCA - Quaker or Monk Parakeets(opens in a new tab)
- VCA - Senegal Parrots(opens in a new tab)
- VCA - Meyer's Parrots(opens in a new tab)
- VCA - Macaws(opens in a new tab)
- VCA - Cockatoos(opens in a new tab)
Data last maintained