When people think of yellow birds, canaries often come to mind. But there are many beautiful parrot species that also have bright yellow feathers. These birds range in size from small yellow parakeets to their large parrot cousins. Most tend to be quite loving with their caretakers, though some have complex care requirements. Here are eight yellow parrots that can add some sunshine to a home.

Tip

Yellowed feathers in non-yellow plumage can be indicative of health problems, including liver disease. If your bird’s feathers appear off-color, dingy, or brittle, consult a vet as soon as possible.

Budgerigar

While wild budgies (also known as parakeets) typically sport green plumage, selective breeding has led to the lutino (or yellow) mutation being fairly common. The color is so brilliant that yellow parakeets are sometimes mistaken for canaries. Some birds with the lutino mutation also display a reddish tint in their eyes. With their small size and friendly demeanor, budgies are among the most popular pet birds the world over.

Amarpreet Kaur/Getty Images

Species Overview

Length: 6 to 8 inches

Cockatiel

The cockatiel’s lutino mutation is one of the most recognizable. Lutino cockatiels vary in shade from a pale yellow to a darker, egg-yolk tone. They display the common bright orange patches on their cheeks, and most have a bright yellow head crest. These birds tend to be very affectionate, and many can become quite skilled at whistling.

Brenda Hughes/EyeEm/Getty Images

Length: 12 to 13 inches

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

The sulphur-crested cockatoo comes in two size varieties: the greater and the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo. Easily recognized by their yellow crest, these birds are known for being loving, affectionate pets. However, they can be expensive and time-consuming, requiring complex diets, ample space, and lots of interaction with their caretakers. Plus, they’re often a decades-long commitment, as they’re known to live past 70 years in captivity.

Scott Gibbons/Getty Images

Length: 15 to 20 inches

Pacific Parrotlet

Known affectionately as “pocket parrots,” the Pacific parrotlet—including its yellow lutino variety—is a small bird with a big personality. In fact, parrotlets require nearly as much care and dedication as a large parrot. They’re quite intelligent, energetic, and somewhat feisty. Regular handling and lots of mental and physical exercise are important to keep them healthy and tame.

Length: 4 to 5 inches

Blue-and-Gold Macaw

As its name suggests, the blue-and-gold macaw is only a partially yellow parrot. But it’s a bright beauty nonetheless. These intelligent, social birds do best with caretakers who can spend lots of time interacting with them. They need plenty of space for play and are prone to some ear-piercing vocalizations. Many are quite entertaining and can learn several bird tricks, including how to talk.

Kouichi Tsunoda/EyeEm/Getty Images

Length: 30 to 36 inches 

Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

Length: 15 to 17 inches

Golden Conure

The eye-catching golden conure has bright yellow feathers all over its body with the exception of the tips of its flight feathers, which offer dark green contrast. Also known as the Queen of Bavaria conure, these birds are fairly rare as pets. They are some of the largest conures, measuring around 14 inches from head to tail. They have a high energy level and require lots of space to exercise both in and out of their cage.

MaViLa/Moment Open/Getty Images

Length: 14 inches

Sun Conure

Sun conures combine bright yellow and orange with green and blue highlights to form some truly gorgeous plumage. These athletic birds are happiest with a very roomy enclosure, along with as much out-of-cage time as possible for exercise and socialization. Many are quite affectionate with their caretakers, though they have a shrill voice that sometimes can be jarring.

Length: 12 inches

  • Parrots & Pet Birds