Parrots & Pet Birds Pet Bird Species Large Bird Breeds

5 Best Large Parrots to Keep as Pets

By
Alyson Kalhagen
Alyson Kalhagen
Alyson Kalhagen is an avian expert and writer with more than 10 years of combined professional experience as a veterinary technician and manager of a chain of successful pet stores. Her specialty is in avian behavior and socialization. Alyson owns several birds and has been featured in Bird Talk Magazine.
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Updated on 12/09/19
Close-Up Of Hand Holding A Bird
Hussain Al-Najar / EyeEm / Getty Images

People often associate the word "parrot" with large, colorful, powerful birds, and rightfully so. As pets, large parrots are certainly bold, eye-catching, dynamic companions. However, not every large bird is a good pet, and not every bird lover is suited to being a large parrot owner.

Explore the information on the popular large parrot species below to see if you have what it takes to live with and care for a large pet parrot. Adopting any pet bird is not a decision to be taken lightly, and adopting a large parrot often involves committing to provide for the animal for 50-plus years. Do your research!

  • 01 of 05

    African Grey Parrots

    African Grey Parrot in a birdcage

    Roman Skorzus / Getty Images

    African grey parrots have been kept as pets for many thousands of years. Their fascinating ability to reason and talent for clearly mimicking human speech has helped to catapult them to stardom both in the field of research and in the pet trade. While their popularity makes them a popular choice as a pet, potential owners need to make sure they have the time and means to care for an African grey before adopting one. This African grey profile will help you understand the day to day roles and responsibilities of an African grey owner.

  • 02 of 05

    Amazon Parrots

    Amazon parrot
    Juergen Bosse / Getty Images

    Amazon parrots are full of personality and spunk. Their comical characters and excellent speech abilities have kept them in the ranks of the most popular pet bird species for decades. However, the Amazon's large frame, powerful voice, and socialization requirements make them a poor choice for many bird owners. Those owners who make the cut are among the happiest bird lovers around, but only because they made sure to do their research before committing to care for their feathered friends.

  • 03 of 05

    Cockatoos

    Cockatoo pair with crest raised
    boti / Getty Images

    Cockatoos are beautiful, affectionate birds who always seem to find a way to melt any bird lover's heart. Their friendly nature has caused many parrot owners to keep cockatoos exclusively—but these are experienced bird owners who know what must be provided to a cockatoo in terms of diet, exercise, space, and attention. Owning any bird is a full-time job, and for cockatoo owners, it can last half a century or more. Explore the variety of interesting cockatoo species, as well as what it takes to provide a loving home for them.

  • 04 of 05

    Eclectus Parrots

    Feeding a female Eclectus parrot

    Catherine Greyling / Getty Images

    Charming and intelligent, the Eclectus are captivating birds that make impressive pets. Their beautiful colors, talking ability, and loveable personalities have gone a long way in establishing them as one of the most popular pet parrots available. Those who fall in love with the Eclectus's beauty and charm should think before bringing one home, however—these birds have complex social needs and require a lot of attention. Make sure you have time to provide for an Eclectus in every way before bringing one home.

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  • 05 of 05

    Macaws

    Macaw on a branch

    Pexels

    Macaws come in a variety of sizes and colors, and the choices are growing by the day due to hybridization in the pet trade. Easily the most recognizable member of the parrot family, macaws are often the first choice for bird lovers who become interested in owning a large parrot. If this sounds like you, make sure to know what you need to care for your new pet properly.