Looking for birds that you can keep without a cage? Look no further than this list of 17 amazing birds, each with unique characteristics and behaviors.
Whether you are a bird watcher or just looking for an exciting pet, birds that can be kept without a cage are perfect. They are known for being intelligent, friendly creatures that love interacting with humans and exploring their surroundings.
Keep reading to learn the answers to some crucial questions about keeping a bird without a cage and several options for birds that can be kept without a cage.
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Are Birds Meant To Be Caged?
There is a debate among bird lovers about whether birds can be caged. Many argue that birds have evolved over thousands of years to be free-flying creatures and that keeping them caged restricts their natural behaviors and prevents them from living fully.
However, others argue that birds are intelligent, adaptable animals and can thrive in a cage with proper care. They point to the fact that birds have been kept in captivity for centuries and that birds like parrots and finches have made excellent pets.
So, what is the truth? The answer is that birds are complex animals, and there is no definitive answer. Ultimately, whether or not birds should be caged depends on various factors, including the species of birds, their individual needs, and your preferences.
What Does It Mean if a Bird Doesn’t Fly Away From You?
There are a few different reasons why birds might not fly away from you, some more concerning than others. For example, birds may be curious about you and not want to leave. In this case, giving birds space and respecting their boundaries is essential.
Alternatively, birds might be injured or sick and thus unable to fly away. In this case, you should contact a wildlife expert immediately for help.
Finally, birds may be comfortable around humans and view you as a source of food or protection. In this case, it is vital to reinforce the birds’ natural fear of humans and never feed birds from your hand. Doing so risks disrupting their natural behaviors and damaging their long-term health.
So, if a bird doesn’t fly away from you, it is vital to assess the situation and decide what action to take.
1. Mourning Dove
- Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
- Length: 9-14 in (23-36 cm)
- Weight: 3-6 oz (96-170 g)
- Wingspan: 55-59 in (142-150 cm)
The mourning dove is a beautiful and graceful bird known for its long, pointed tail and soft cooing call. Perfectly adapted to living in various environments, you can find this solitary bird across North America, from forests to cities and farms.
2. Amazon Parrot
- Scientific name: Amazona
- Length: 11-13.7 in (30-35 cm)
- Weight: 11-17 oz (310-480 g)
- Wingspan: 15-17 in (38-43 cm)
The Amazon parrot is a colorful and lively bird known for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech. Found in the forests of Central and South America, this social bird lives in large flocks and prefers to live near water.
3. Finches
- Scientific name: Fringillidae
- Length: 5.5 in (14 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (19-22 g)
- Wingspan: 7.8-9.8 in (20-25 cm)
Finches are small birds known for their bright colors, energetic personalities, and distinctive song patterns. Found throughout the world, these birds can be kept in a wide variety of environments and make great companions for bird owners.
4. Canary
- Scientific name: Serinus canaria domestica
- Length: 4.7-5.3 in (12.5-13.5 cm)
- Weight: 0.7-0.8 oz (20-24 g)
- Wingspan: 7.8-9.5 in (20-23 cm)
The canary is a charming bird known for its beautiful song and plumage. Found in the wild across Europe, this bird thrives in captivity and is a popular choice for bird owners. A canary is an excellent pet because it will sing for you and entertain you for hours!
5. Budgies
- Scientific name: Melopsittacus undulatus
- Length: 7 in (18 cm)
- Weight: 1-1.4 oz (30-40 g)
- Wingspan: 11 in (30 cm)
The budgie, also known as the parakeet, is a highly social bird that thrives in captivity. These birds are intelligent and easy to care for. Budgies will delight and entertain any bird lover!
6. Senegal Parrot
- Scientific name: Poicephalus senegalus
- Length: 9 in (23 cm)
- Weight: 4.2-6 oz (120-170 g)
- Wingspan: 6 in (15 cm)
The Senegal parrot is a sophisticated and charming bird known for its inquisitive nature, outgoing personality, and beautiful plumage. Found in the wild throughout West Africa, this social bird thrives in captivity.
7. Bourke’s Parakeet
- Scientific name: Neopsephotus bourkii
- Length: 7-9 in (18-23 cm)
- Weight: 1.6-1.8 oz (47-49 g)
- Wingspan: 11.8 in (30 cm)
The Bourke’s parakeet is a beautiful and active bird that loves to explore its environment. Adapted to living in arid climates, this bird is wild throughout Australia, where it lives in flocks and forages for food.
8. Cockatiel
- Scientific name: Nymphicus hollandicus
- Length: 12.5 in (32 cm)
- Weight: 3.2 oz (90 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)
The cockatiel is a friendly and playful bird that makes an excellent pet. With its beautiful colors and charming personality, the cockatiel is one of the most popular birds for bird owners.
9. Parrotlets
- Scientific name: Forpus coelestis
- Length: 11.4 in (29 cm)
- Weight: 1.1 oz (33 g)
- Wingspan: 19.6 in (50 cm)
The parrotlet is a small and lively bird that is incredibly popular among bird lovers. With their bright green plumage, long lifespan, and delightful song, parrotlets are an excellent choice for someone looking to keep a bird without a cage.
10. Lovebird
- Scientific name: Agapornis
- Length: 5-6.6 in (13-17 cm)
- Weight: 1.4-2.1 oz (40-60 g)
- Wingspan: 9.4 in (24 cm)
The lovebird is a social and curious bird that thrives in captivity. With its beautiful plumage and charming personality, you can easily keep this bird without a cage.
11. Hyacinth Macaws
- Scientific name: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
- Length: 3 ft (1 m)
- Weight: 6-7.7 lbs (3-3.5 kg)
- Wingspan: 46-53 in (117-137 cm)
The hyacinth macaw is a gorgeous blue color with yellow accents around the eyes and beak. It is one of the largest parrots in the world. Found in the wild throughout South America, this bird is highly social and intelligent. It requires a lot of care and attention, making it best suited for experienced bird owners.
12. Pionus Parrot
- Scientific name: Pionus menstruus
- Length: 11 in (28 cm)
- Weight: 7-9.1 oz (200-260 g)
- Wingspan: 17-19.6 in (45-50 cm)
The Pionus parrot is a beautiful and friendly bird with an outgoing personality. It is easy to care for and relatively quiet.
13. Quaker Parakeets
- Scientific name: Myiopsitta monachus
- Length: 11-11.8 in (28-30 cm)
- Weight: 3.1-4.9 oz (90-139 g)
- Wingspan: 18-20 in (48-53 cm)
The quaker parakeet, also known as the monk parakeet or Argentinean lovebird, is a social and active bird known for its bright green plumage.
14. Eclectus
- Scientific name: Eclectus roratus
- Length: 15-17.7 in (40-45 cm)
- Weight: 8.8-11.6 oz (250-330 g)
- Wingspan: 19.6 in (50 cm)
The Eclectus parrot is popular with bird owners because of its beautiful colors. This bird can be bright red with blue accents or green with red accents. It has a warm personality.
15. Sulfur-crested Cockatoo
- Scientific name: Cacatua galerita
- Length: 17.3-20 in (44-51 cm)
- Weight: 33.5 oz (950 g)
- Wingspan: 40.5 in (103 cm)
The sulfur-crested cockatoo is a large and beautiful bird known for its bright white plumage, long tail feathers, and distinctive yellow crest. It is one of the most popular birds kept by bird owners, as it is easy to care for and highly social.
16. Lineolated Parakeet
- Scientific name: Bolborhynchus lineola
- Length: 6.3-6.6 in (16-17 cm)
- Weight: 1.6-1.9 oz (47-55 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8 in (25 cm)
The lineolated parakeet, also known as the bar-winged parrotlet, is a small and attractive bird that makes an excellent pet. With its unique plumage, playful personality, and easy care requirements, this bird is a perfect choice for anyone looking to keep birds without a cage.
17. Scarlet Macaw
- Scientific name: Ara macao
- Length: 35 in (90 cm)
- Weight: 39 oz (1.13 kg)
- Wingspan: 3.2 ft (1m)
The scarlet macaw is a large and stunning parrot with beautiful red and blue feathers. This brilliant bird requires plenty of space to roam. However, if you have the time and resources to care for this magnificent creature, it will surely be a wonderful addition to your family.
Wrap Up
Whether you are a bird enthusiast, a new bird owner, or just looking for birds that can be kept without a cage, there is something for everyone on this list! These birds are intelligent and beautiful, from the playful budgie to the majestic hyacinth macaw. So if you are looking for birds that will delight and entertain you, consider one of these incredible species!