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Bird Information
About the Types of Birds and Choosing a Pet Bird

     Our friendly, feathered friends come in many types and sizes!

     There is a lot of interesting bird information to help you out when you are considering a bird as a pet. Getting the right bird starts with gathering bird information and becoming familiar with the different types of birds. Birds are social animals, they enjoy companionship, and have great personalities.

   As you learn about the different types of pet birds, you will then be able to start determining which ones will fit into your household and lifestyle.

     There are birds for sale to suit just about every type of person. Choosing a pet bird means thinking about the the types of birds and their behaviors. Then think about your desires, needs and temperament, to determine which bird is the right bird for you.

     Learning about the many diverse types of birds is an exciting adventure. There are loud birds and quiet birds, show birds and shy birds. Some birds are active and playful, some will talk and others will sing, some like to be a one person bird and others do well in flocks and make great aviary birds.

     Choosing a pet bird is a composite of many factors. Explore bird information to learn about the types of birds, how long they live, and how they behave. Consider how different pet birds will fit into your life, and then you will be ready to find and purchase your chosen type of pet bird.

   See the family Bird Care Sheets for more in depth
information on specific types of birds.

Types of Birds

• Sizes and Colors of Birds:
       Perhaps the most striking thing about birds is that they come in all colors and in many sizes. Smaller birds are usually less expensive and their enclosures and play areas take up less space. Large birds need a lot more room and are more expensive to buy and maintain.
       The sizes of birds varies greatly. Your pet can be a large bird like a macaw or cockatoo. It can be a medium large bird like the Amazon parrots, African Greys, or pigeons. You may want a moderate, medium sized bird like one of the conures, Ringneck Doves, or some of the bigger parakeets. Or you may want to start small, with a less expensive bird. Some of the most popular and readily available smaller birds are the budgerigars (called parakeets in the United States), cockatiels, lots of different types of finches, as well as canaries.
       The many different colors birds come in is definitely intriguing as well. You may be drawn to a particular bird because of its attractive plumage. Fortunately color doesn't usually take any special consideration unless you get a bird that needs color feeding, like a red-factor canary, which needs special red foods to keep its coloring strong.
  
  
• Bird Families or Groups:
       An incredible thing about birds is that they are not all built the same. Because they are not built the same, different families or groups of birds have specialized traits that can be very desirable. Some people love talking parrots and others love the song of the canary. There are also people who love developing and showing different types of birds like canaries, pigeons, or even chickens. Other people enjoy working with birds of prey in the sport of falconry.

• Individual Birds Within Families or Groups:
       You'll find that each of the different families, or groups of birds, will have a shared set of normal behaviors. This is helpful in determining the traits that you want in your pet. However, each individual bird, though still having the characteristics of its group, also comes with its own unique characteristics and temperament.
       Many parrots are known for their talking ability and some types are considered better talkers than others. But because each bird is unique, you could find your bird being a better talker than its group. Conversely you may choose a pet bird whose group is among the best of talkers, and your particular bird may only say a few phrases or not talk at all.

Living with Birds:

• Life Span of Birds:
       Birds are some of the longest living pets. Small birds, like finches and small parrots, can live anywhere from just a couple of years (like some of the finches) up to a few years or a couple decades (small parrots like lovebirds and parakeets). On the other hand, some of the largest parrots can live for many decades. A pet bird may very will outlive its first human companions. Today many parrots are included in wills or estates to be passed on to the children or heirs of the pet owner.
  
  
• Pet Bird Behavior:
       There are as many behaviors in birds as there are colors. Some birds like handling, yet others are simply fun to watch. Some are great talkers while others have a beautiful song. There are exotic pet birds that are loved because they are very colorful or have exotic plumage, with others being enjoyed because they are full of antics.
       When choosing a pet bird you can expect your pet to demonstrate the traits of its family or group. Very social and active birds need much more time and attention than those that are shy or reserved. Some types of birds prefer to live with other birds rather than in a home, and these will thrive best in an aviary.
       One of the most important things to keep in mind is that each bird is an individual. Your bird will have its own set of personality and behavioral traits. Some of these traits will be the result of its upbringing, being either a hand fed bird or a wild bird. Other traits it will learn. Learned traits reflect its environment and its relationship with its human companions, as well as its needs. Learned traits include talking and performing tricks, but they can also include biting, screaming and feather plucking. Before you buy pet birds, gather as much bird information as you can so you will be able to provide the right setting and promote desirable traits.
  
  
• Birds and Your Lifestyle:
       While you are exploring the many types of birds also consider your lifestyle. When choosing a pet bird ask yourself some common sense questions. Ask how much time do you want to devote to your bird (or birds!), how much room you have in your home or yard, and how much do you want to spend.
       Another important consideration is how experienced you are with birds. It is often best to start with one of the small hardy birds until you feel comfortable and ready to take on a more demanding type of bird. With the bird information you've gathered, you will be adept at choosing a pet bird that suits your level of experience now.
  

Choosing A Pet Bird:

• Finding Birds For Sale:
      You can visit many general pet stores to familiarize yourself with the types of birds that are readily available. There are also more bird dedicated pet stores that will carry a more diverse variety of birds for sale. Specialty stores that have only birds for sale will have an even greater variety.
       Other places to see and learn about birds are bird clubs, bird organizations, bird farms, and bird breeders. Birdtalk Magazine not only has great articles about different birds, but carries advertisements and classified ads from breeders and others who sell birds. All these these resources can help you track down the type of bird you want.
  
  
• How to Buy Pet Birds:
       The following bird information should be checked when you are ready to buy pet birds:
  • Make sure the bird is breathing well (not wheezing or straining).
  • Eyes should be clear and clean.
  • Feathers should be shiny with no bare spots.
  • The bird should be alert and aware.
  • Feel the bird to check it's weight. A protruding breast bone means the bird is underweight and could be ill.
  • Handle the bird to make sure it likes you.

      Always request a complete bill of sale and make sure you can return the bird if your vet determines it's not healthy.

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