Birds of all types and sizes are certainly captivating creatures, but some of the most impressive ones are the large birds. Many of these birds can learn to talk and perform tricks. They also can be highly affectionate and playful. But it's important to remember large birds require ample space, and they can be rather loud. Also, the expenses associated with their care can be high. If you're ready for the commitment, here are eight of the best large pet bird species.
- 01 of 08
Eclectus
Kuksy Makota / Getty Images
Eclectus parrots are a dimorphic species, meaning the male and female birds sport different feather colors. The male eclectus is a bright green with red and blue accents while the female eclectus is a brilliant red with a blue-purple belly. Living around 30 to 50 years in captivity, these parrots are generally very intelligent and affectionate. They also are rather sensitive and can become depressed if they feel neglected.
Species Overview
Length: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 13 to 19 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)
02 of 08Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
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The sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of the largest cockatoo species. And with proper care, it can live up to 80 years in captivity. An aviary environment is best for these large birds, offering them room to climb and fly. They're highly affectionate and can be demanding of their favorite human’s attention. They need several hours of socialization every day.
Species Overview
Length: 15 to 20 inches
Weight: 12 to 31 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Primarily white; crest of yellow feathers; black beak; males have dark brown to black irises while females have reddish-brown
03 of 08Double Yellow-Headed Amazon
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The double yellow-headed Amazon is one of the most popular Amazon species, living around 60 years in captivity. These birds are highly intelligent and have a remarkable mimicry ability. Some can even mimic opera singing. They generally love attention and can be rather noisy, especially if they’re bored or feel ignored.
Species Overview
Length: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 16 to 23 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Green body; yellow head; red at the wing bend; tan beak; white rings around the eyes
04 of 08Scarlet Macaw
Francia Apesteguy / Getty Images
Scarlet macaws can be a commitment of 80 years or more, though a 40- to 50-year lifespan is more typical. They are very intelligent and energetic birds, requiring ample mental and physical exercise. An aviary environment or several hours out of the cage each day is recommended for these large birds to burn off their energy.
Species Overview
Length: 31 to 38 inches
Weight: 32 to 39 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Vivid red with yellow and blue on wings and tail; white circles around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill; black feet
Continue to 5 of 8 below05 of 08Blue-And-Gold Macaw
Kouichi Tsunoda / Getty Images
Blue-and-gold macaws can live around 60 years, and they need a dedicated caretaker who can meet their needs for entertainment and socialization. They tend to be friendly birds and enjoy being near their favorite people as much as possible. As large birds, they are capable of incredibly loud vocalizations, so they’re not ideal for people who can’t handle a noisy environment.
Species Overview
Length: 30 to 36 inches
Weight: 28 to 46 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Green forehead fading into teal on nape, back, tail, and wings; yellow chest and underside of wings; large black beak
06 of 08Red-And-Green Macaw
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The red-and-green macaw, also called the green-winged macaw, is one of the largest pet bird species, living around 50 years in captivity. It ideally should be housed in an aviary environment where it can move freely. But potential caretakers should be warned these birds are often voracious chewers, and their powerful beaks can cause serious damage to a home if they don’t have their own chew toys.
Species Overview
Length: 26 to 40 inches
Weight: 32 to 60 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Red on head, shoulders, and breast; green on middle of wings turning to blue toward the tips; teal and red tail, red lines around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill
07 of 08Umbrella Cockatoo
Arthur Morris / Getty Images
Umbrella cockatoos tend to be gentle companions and live to about 70 to 80 years. And they’re some of the most affectionate birds you can find. Many love to cuddle with their favorite humans (or other birds), and they require lots of attention every day to keep them from feeling neglected. They also don’t tend to do well in a confined space and need as large of an enclosure as possible.
Species Overview
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 16 to 26 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Primarily white plumage; pale yellow on wings and tail; large white crest; black beak
08 of 08Hyacinth Macaw
Pete Turner / Getty Images
Hyacinth macaws are the largest of all parrots. And they require an experienced caretaker who has the time and resources to meet their complex care needs for their 60-year lifespan. Few cages can even contain this large bird, and an aviary is better for it to be able to move comfortably. Despite their imposing size, these birds tend to be gentle and can bond strongly with their caretakers.
Species Overview
Length: 40 inches
Weight: 42 to 51 ounces
Physical Characteristics: Solid blue plumage; yellow patches around eyes and beak; black beak; dark gray feet
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