A wide variety of parrot species are available as pet birds in Australia. Hand reared male birds of any species always make better pets as they have an increased ability to interact and are less prone to breeding related illness. Whilst female birds still make excellent pets, they are prone to egg laying problems and other health issues. A number of parrot species are sexually monomorphic as juveniles, which means gender cannot be determined through physical characteristics. For such birds, we always recommend surgical or DNA sexing prior to purchase. The following information is designed to give a brief overview of the different parrot species available as pets and help prospective owners select a bird that is most suited to their needs. Our thanks go to Tailai O’brien (bird nehaviouralist) for her contribution to information on the behavioural aspects of the birds discussed in this section.

Eclectus are a remarkable bird and ideally suited as a pet. When taught properly, they are capable of cognitive behaviour from a very young age. The ability of the Eclectus to communicate with humans is a result of their extremely inquisitive nature, a feature strongly linked to their life in the rainforest canopy. This habitat is a rich environment requiring a heightened visual and audible intellect to master. The Eclectus has developed a complex breeding culture in this crowded vegetative habitat, resulting in communal breeding where uncles and aunties help rear young in a creche-like situation. This sharing and caring feature of the Eclectus makes them naturally the perfect pet. When treated in a similarly caring and intelligent way they will quickly learn to communicate cognitively. Eclectus also prefer a calm environment and have a strong ability to notice changes within their normal surroundings. These highly intelligent birds are very animated and love to participate in daily activities and in doing so, will quickly become acquainted with a daily routine. Eclectus can be kept with other parrot species although it is extremely important that any new bird is introduced in the correct fashion. This involves providing one on one attention with the original bird and as much as possible, maintaining its normal daily routine. Regular and consistent training form an integral part of the Eclectus development and with the correct love and attention, this highly intelligent bird makes an excellent pet. Please see the Eclectus section for further information.

The Superb Parrot is a hardy bird originating from the Eucalypt forests adjacent to the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems of New South Wales, Australia. Unfortunately, it is thought that Superb Parrot numbers in the wild are declining. The cock bird is brilliantly coloured and makes an excellent pet when hand reared from aviary bred parents. The vividly coloured male bird has a pleasing, docile and inoffensive nature. With a limited but cheerful mimicking ability, the Superb Parrot is able to produce delightful whistling noises and to a small degree, imitate the human voice.

Aviary notes
The best breeding results are achieved when Superb Parrots are housed as a single pair in an aviary approximately four to six metres long and one to two metres wide. A much larger aviary is required if these birds are to be bred using the colony system. Superb Parrots have been known to have a breeding life of up to twenty years when kept in peak condition. The breeding season begins in September and lasts until December.

The Regents Parrot originates from Eastern Australia is not commonly kept as a companion bird in Australia. Hand reared male birds make the best pets and have a friendly and pleasing nature. The striking golden colour of the male Regents Parrot makes for a very handsome pet and brings much joy to the owner. The Regents Parrot is easily tamed and very sociable. Like the Superb Parrot, the Regents possesses the ability to produce delightful whistling noises and to a small degree, imitate the human voice.

Aviary notes
The Regents Parrot is an excellent aviary bird and will live comfortably with other non-aggressive species. Aviaries should be a minimum of three to four metres long and one to two metres wide. When provided with adequate conditions and a suitable diet, there is no reason why most Regents Parrots will not breed.

The lavishly coloured King Parrot originates from the East coast of Australia. The male has a fiery appearance, with scarlet colourations extending from the back of the neck, over the head and down to the underside of the tail. The wings and back are a dark bottle green with a light green patch across the shoulders. Hand reared male King Parrots make good pets and are colourful and entertaining birds that exhibit bright and cheerful behaviour. King Parrots are generally a hardy species, although they can become susceptible to stress when moved or exposed to new surroundings. Special care to provide the correct housing and nutrition must be taken to ensure this beautiful bird does not become susceptible to illness. In particular, King Parrots are highly susceptible to Bacillus infection that is toxic and invariably fatal irrespective of veterinary attebtion.

Aviary notes
The King Parrot is a very attractive and acrobatic aviary bird. They require a four to five metre long by one to two metres wide aviary to keep them comfortable and happy. Breeding King Parrots can be a challenge that brings rich rewards. The best breeding results are achieved when the birds have an adequate sized aviary and are provided with all of the vitamins and minerals necessary for perfect health. In the wild, the King Parrot nests deep within tree hollows and therefore require a nest box at least 120cm deep. It is advantageous to provide numerous eucalypt branches for perches to simulate the dense forest environment enjoyed by the King Parrot.

The elegant Princess Parrot originates from Central and Western Australia and today, is rarely seen in the wild. Hand reared males have a charming personality and make the best pets. They are hardy birds and enjoy warm conditions, although they are able to tolerate cold conditions well. While not being excessively loud, the Princess Parrot is a particularly good whistler and generally easily tamed. The long, tapering tail Princess Parrot is elegant and gives this glorious pastel shaded bird a most regal appearance. Princess Parrots are particularly susceptible to worm infestation and must be wormed regularly.

Aviay Notes
The Princess Parrot can be successfully bred using the colony system (more than one pair per flight). They require a four to five metre long by one to two metres wide aviary to keep them comfortable and happy. Plenty of logs and nest boxes should be made available for breeding.

The cockatiel originates from the arid centre of Australia and is found in abundance throughout this region. These intelligent birds are highly popular as pets because they are easy to train and have a good talking ability. Cockatiels make especially good pets for young children who are interested in birds. They have a very relaxed and friendly nature when hand reared and can learn to talk in no time at all. It is always best to select a male hand reared bird. Female cockatiels are less suitable as pets because they are especially prone to excessive egg-laying activity and then egg binding. Please see the cockatiel section for further information.

The Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is a common inhabitant of open woodland and forest along the east coast of Australia extending along the northern coast and across the seas into Papua New Guinea. They are noisy and conspicuous birds and in the wild are wary and difficult to approach. As pets, they require a devoted owner and continuing obedience training from a young age.

The Major Mitchell is a stocky, medium sized pink cockatoo with distinct yellow and red bands in the crest. This cockatoo species inhabits the sparsely timbered grasslands of central and Western Australia and generally moves in a nomadic fashion to sites with water and more favourable conditions. Major Mitchells are usually seen in pairs, often in the company of galahs. Major Mitchells form strong pair bonds and require an owner who is willing to provide meaningful interaction and socialisation. Birds deprived of this activity become susceptible to behavioural problems.

The Black Cockatoos (Yellow and White Tailed) are one of the largest of the cockatoo species and have dull black plumage. In the wild, the Black Cockatoo Inhabits the south eastern and south western corners of Australia and is mainly found in tall eucalypt forests and pine plantations. These birds are noisy and conspicuous and generally socialise in family groups. The Black Cockatoo has a need for attention that far outweighs any of the other cockatoo species, making this an extremely high maintenance bird and one that is generally not suitable as a pet. These birds are highly prone to stress in captivity and often become susceptible to behavioural problems such as feather picking and excessive screaming. The Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, whilst still demanding a lot of attention, is far more desirable as a pet.

Large flocks of Red Tailed Black Cockatoo are commonly seen in the dry woodland areas of northern Australia. Further south, pairs or smaller family groups frequent Eucalypt forests and savannah woodlands. These birds are noisy and conspicuous and have a loud raucous call. The plumage of the male is black, with bright red tail panels, giving this bird a striking appearance. Like the Black Cockatoo, the Red Tailed Black demands a significant amount of attention from its owner and therefore should only be purchased by those who are willing to give this highly intelligent bird the love and attention it craves. When deprived of this attention, the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo becomes susceptible to behavioural problems.

In the wild, the Gang Gang Cockatoo is found along the eastern coast of Australia, inhabiting dense mountain forests and open woodland regions. They are usually seen in pairs, family parties or small groups, a social characteristic that makes this bird highly demanding as a pet. Gang Gang Cockatoos form strong pair bonds with their owner and require a great deal of training and care to avoid the occurrence of behavioural problems. Feather picking as a result of boredom is a common condition seen in Gang Gangs that are deprived of the attention they require. Gangs also love to chew things and should be provided with stimulus to keep them interested and entertained. Gang Gangs are not considered to be a good pet bird due to their boredom related behavioural problems.

These well-adapted birds are found in abundance throughout central Australia. They are also becoming increasingly common towards the coastal regions. They are usually seen in large flocks, often feeding with Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. Galahs make wonderful, energetic pets and when trained with consistency have a good talking ability. These birds have an affectionate and bubbly personality and are extremely popular as pets in Australia. They are very smart and enjoy human company, loving to learn new tricks and impress their owner. Being well adapted to the dry conditions of central Australia, the Galah is a hardy and robust bird that adjusts well to climatic changes. They are also keen chewers and require toys or other forms of boredom relief to keep them stimulated and out of trouble. Pet galahs should always be obtained as hand reared birds from aviary-bred parents and once again, males generally make better pets than females. It is not advisable to obtain a pet Galah from the wild as these birds quickly revert to their wild behaviours and become difficult birds to keep..

Disease Susceptibility
Galahs are especially prone to fat tumours and require a balanced, low fat diet and plenty of exercise as prevention.

The Quaker Parrot, also known as the Monk Parrot, originates from South America. In the wild, these birds exist in large colonies with complex social structures. They have an unusual ability to use twigs and pliable branches to build large, communal nests in which all members of the colony may breed. As a result of this rich social structure, the Quaker Parrot is a highly social, friendly and energetic bird and makes a wonderful pet. They are playful, cheeky and inquisitive and make excellent talkers. The voice of the Quaker Parrot has a distinct croaky/clicking sound and raspy chattering is frequently heard from these birds. Socialisation and interaction form an important part of the Quaker Parrots daily routine. This positive training approach should be used to overcome the domineering behaviour that some Quaker parrots may exhibit. They should not be confined to the cage as this may lead to behavioural problems. Physically, the Quaker Parrot is a hardy bird and is able to tolerate cold temperatures well.

Originating from South and Central America, the conure has over 30 different species in the wild. These friendly birds have a cheeky and boisterous nature and make for a very entertaining pet. Although conures make delightful house pets, prospective owners should be aware of their loud and high pitched voice. Some conures are particularly good escapists and special training is required to set boundaries of acceptable behaviour and promote wanted activities. Conures are extremely intelligent and easy to train. They enjoy learning new tricks and can be very entertaining. They love to dance and can also be taught to go the toilet with a simple command such as "toilet".

Of the conure species, the Sun Conure Aratinga solstitialis is the most desirable because of its particularly friendly and cheeky nature. It has bright yellow plumage, tinged with orange and green. In the wild, Sun Conure flocks frequent the savannahs of southern Surinam. This flock-type social structure makes the Sun Conure a particularly animated bird that communicates through actions rather than words. Sun Conures do however have a high pitched squawk and can be very noisy pets. Continuing obedience training is necessary to prevent this from becoming a problem.

The Jandaya conure is more introverted than the Sun Conure and is a pleasant, loving bird. In the wild they are usually seen in pairs or small flocks frequenting primary rainforest. They form strong bonds with their owner and make very good pets. Jandaya conures are not typically good talkers but love to dance and listen to music.

Other popular conure species include the Blue crowned (one of the quieter species), Dusky, and Nanday.

Originating from South America, the macaw is a striking and impressive bird. A large variety of Macaw species are available as pets, ranging from the smaller Macaws such as the Red Shouldered Macaw (30cm in length) and Yellow-Collared Macaw (38cm in length) to the larger Scarlet Macaw (85cm in length). Macaws are very intelligent birds and require an owner who is willing to provide the necessary stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. This includes providing lots of toys on which they can chew. Macaws deprived of such toys often become very destructive, using their large, strong beaks to chew on their cage and other household items. Macaws have an excellent talking ability, however constant training is also required to prevent this beautiful parrot from becoming excessively loud. The Macaw is a very sociable parrot and will most often develop a strong bond with its owner, making it a wonderful pet for those experienced in the care and training of a companion parrot. As with any parrot species, a hand reared male macaw from aviary bred parents always makes the best pet.

The Amazon is a loving and sociable parrot originating from South America. The affectionate and loyal nature of the Amazon make this bird a wonderful pet for those experienced with companion parrots. Amazons are highly intelligent and require a devoted owner who is willing to provide significant and meaningful attention, as well as stimulus such as chewing toys to keep them happy and healthy. Hand reared male birds from aviary bred parents make the best pets. Amazons are generally easily trained and have an excellent talking ability. If not provided with the necessary training and socialisation, the Amazon can become aggressive and susceptible to other behavioural problems.

The African Love Bird originates from South Africa and makes a lively and energetic pet bird. They are available in a variety of colours and are playful and often boisterous birds. African Love Birds require an owner that is equally energetic and is willing to provide the care and attention this animated bird adores. Birds that do not receive this attention become prone to behavioural problems, including feather picking.

Aviary Notes
The best breeding results for African Love Birds are achieved when kept in a colony system. A group of five or six pairs requires an aviary a minimum of three metres long and one metre wide. African Love birds may also be bred successfully using the cabinet system, where cabinets no less than 80x50x50cm are recommended. Hens build a substantial nest and will gather twigs and other nest building materials from their surrounds.

Originating from central Africa, the African Grey is a highly intelligent parrot and requires a committed and patient owner. Alongside the Eclectus, these birds are one of the most intelligent parrot species and possess the ability to develop a large vocabulary and communicate efficiently with their owner. Due to their highly intelligent nature, the African Grey can become easily bored and inactivity may quickly lead to behavioural problems such as feather picking. African Greys that are bored have a tendency to chews things and consistent training and a diligent owner are a must for this vivacious bird. These intelligent birds are best suited to people who have experience with pet birds and are familiar with their ongoing care requirements.

The Small Australian Lorikeets are playful and have a delightful personality. These endearing birds do not share the talking abilities of the larger tropical lorikeets but remain remarkable pets for those seeking a colourful and charming small pet bird. The quiet nature of the Small Australian Lorikeets varieties, make them particularly suitable for people who live in units or places where noise must be kept to a minimum. Male hand reared lorikeets, particularly the Varied Lorikeet (Psitteiteles versicolor), make the best pets.

Aviary Notes
Small Australian lorikeets are successfully bred in both large communal aviaries and in suspended single pair cages. These birds can also be housed in a planted aviary in a mixed finch/dove collection.

The larger lorikeets are highly intelligent and make excellent pets for those seeking a playful and energetic bird. All species are strikingly beautiful with their varied colours and stunning glossy plumage. As with any lorikeet species, they have special dietary requirements, and must be provided with nectar and wet/dry mix. The larger lorikeets make excellent talkers but can become extremely noisy and require a committed owner who is willing to provide continuing obedience training.

Aviary Notes
The boisterous nature of the larger lorikeet species demands an aviary no less then four to six metres long and one to two metres high. The best breeding results are achieved when the correct housing and nutritional care are provided. Lorikeets particularly like eucalypt branches in the aviary.

The Black Capped Lory is a medium sized stocky bird with a short, slightly rounded tail. In the wild they are seen in small groups of up to ten but most frequently live as single pairs. In their native habitat, the have an excellent food supply from dense rainforest. These birds typically form very strong bonds with there owners, a characteristic consistent with their wild habits of bonding only to one or two other birds. The Black Capped Lory is playful and animated and makes an excellent pet for those willing to provide significant and meaningful attention. The Black Capped Lory can be very noisy and requires ongoing obedience training to prevent this from becoming an issue. These stunning birds are highly priced and have a demanding nature, making them suitable only for those with experience in the care and training of companion birds.

The Alexandrian originates from India and is well known for its mimicking abilities. These intelligent birds make good pets for those willing to provide continual obedience training. If neglected or not given the appropriate training, Alexandrians become prone to feather picking and other behavioural problems. The Alexandrian’s large and powerful beak has a strong bite and for this reason is not recommended as a pet for children. A larger cage is required for the Alexandrian to accommodate its beautiful, long tapering tail.

As the name suggests, the Indian Ring Neck parrot originates from India. These birds are elegant, beautiful and make good pets for those willing to provide ongoing obedience training. If not given sufficient attention, the Indian Ring Neck may become unfriendly and disobedient. In order to maintain their friendly personalities and tameness, regular handling and socialisation are a must for these birds. The plumage of the Indian Ring Neck is apple green, although mutations in a range of other colours also exist. This includes buttercup yellow and the increasingly popular powder blue.