Large parrots are well-established as popular pets. While they’re fun to have around the home, there are some key points to know before taking one on. These are intelligent and get bored easily if not offered enough mental stimulation. Moreover, inadequate social interaction can lead to behavioral problems and even illnesses. But for people who care for them properly, large parrots can offer unmatched companionship and a unique pet experience. Here are eight of the best large parrots to keep as pets.
Tip
Many large parrot species can live for several decades. Before acquiring one, make sure you can provide care for its entire lifespan.
African Grey
The intelligence and emotional capacity of African greys are often compared to that of a 5-year-old human. But bear in mind these birds don’t move past the maturity of a 5-year-old for their entire lifespan of around 50 years or more. A bored, unattended African grey can quickly become a destructive escape artist. Because of the bird’s intellect, many caretakers constantly have to find new ways to keep their pets occupied.
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Species Overview
Length: 9 to 14 inches
Eclectus
The striking eclectus is a large parrot that offers multiple options. Being a sexually dimorphic species, the male and female eclectus have distinct plumage. Males are vivid green while females are red with bluish-purple accents. There also are three distinct subspecies of eclectus parrots. Like many other large parrots, the eclectus has a long lifespan of over 50 years in captivity with proper care.
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Length: 17 to 20 inches
Umbrella Cockatoo
With proper care, umbrella cockatoos can live 70 to 80 years or more in captivity. These birds tend to be gentle and sweet, forming strong bonds with their caretakers. Many love to cuddle up to their favorite person (or bird) and can be distraught whenever they are separated. So it’s important to have enough time to spend with these smart, social birds.
Length: 18 inches
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Length: 12 to 15 inches
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
With a lengthy lifespan of around 80 years, the sulphur-crested cockatoo comes in two sizes. The greater sulphur-crested cockatoo measures around 20 inches from beak to tail while the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo measures around 15 inches. Like other cockatoos, these birds have a reputation for being very affectionate and need to spend ample time with their caretakers.
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Length: 15 to 20 inches
Blue-and-Gold Macaw
With a lifespan upward of 50 years in captivity, the blue-and-gold macaw is a large parrot that has enjoyed immense popularity as a pet. These colorful birds are extremely intelligent and often take well to learning tricks and how to talk. They have strong personalities and are happiest in homes with experienced parrot owners who can give them ample out-of-cage playtime.
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Length: 30 to 36 inches
Scarlet Macaw
Scarlet macaws are intelligent and energetic birds, requiring lots of daily socialization and exercise. They get bored easily and need a rotation of toys to keep them entertained. And while properly tamed macaws can be affectionate birds, some only end up bonding with one family member and are not the best fit for children.
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Length: 31 to 38 inches
Hyacinth Macaw
The beautiful blue hyacinth macaw is the largest of all parrots. With a lifespan of more than 60 years in captivity, this bird’s care needs are as substantial as its size. It requires a very spacious (and escape-proof) enclosure to live in, which most commercial cages cannot meet. It also needs ample room to fly for exercise, even if its wings are clipped. Only experienced, educated bird caretakers are likely to meet its needs.
Length: 40 inches
