• History
  • Temperament
  • Speech and Vocalizations
  • Colors and Markings
  • Care
  • Health Problems
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Where to Adopt or Buy
  • Further Research

Origin and History

Species Overview

In the wild, the green-cheeked is an endangered species with only 3,000 and 6,000 left. Its population decline is due primarily to illegal trapping for the pet trade as well as habitat destruction. This species also lives in urban areas of southern California, and feral flocks exist in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico.

Temperament

Highly intelligent, they can quickly learn entertaining bird tricks, as well as words and phrases. They are also very noisy.

Speech and Vocalizations

It is nearly impossible to distinguish males from females. If you can get two side-by-side, you might notice that a male is slightly larger and that the red and blue patches on its face are more significant. That said, the only way to be sure of the sex of the birds is through DNA or surgical sexing.

Unlike other pets, parrots need one-on-one interaction for a few hours every day. This activity keeps the bird happy and healthy in captivity, and it establishes a strong, rewarding bond for the owner and bird.

Inside the cage, place the bird’s perches at various heights and provide ladders and a variety of toys. At least once a week, your bird will appreciate a bath to help keep its feathers from drying out. A birdbath gives your bird an extra place to play. A handheld mister or spray bottle counts as enjoyable interaction time with your feathered friend.

A parrot is an expensive pet. It is not only the initial cost of the bird, but also factor in cage cost, toys, food, and annual visits to the avian veterinarian. The costs can add up quickly.

Common Health Problems

Most parrots that are stressed will feather-pluck out of boredom or lack of interaction. Inadequate diet, toxic exposures, and infections can also cause feather plucking.

Diet and Nutrition

Exercise

These birds are exceptionally playful, so they will thrive on a schedule of activities. Training is a fun way to interact with them.

Out of the cage, a play stand will let your bird enjoy the family’s activities from a safe perch. This perch can also thwart naughty behavior, especially if it has toys that are more interesting than the things around your house.

  • Intelligent, can talk and learn tricks

  • Affectionate, likes petting and holding

  • Long-lived species

  • Requires at least 3 to 4 hours of daily exercise, socialization

  • Can be noisy

  • Requires a large cage

  • Adopt a Pet

  • Rescue the Birds

  • Birds Now

More Pet Bird Species and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar species, check out:

Otherwise, check out all of our other larger parrot species profiles.