Birds are often seen as independent creatures, content to fly solo, yet they are one of nature’s most affectionate creatures. They exhibit signs of love and care for their human companions. Some birds are so fond of humans that they follow them around the house or wait by the window for their return.
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1. American Goldfinch
Scientific Name: Spinus Tristis
Length: 4 – 5.5 inches (11 cm – 14 cm)
Weight: .39 – .70 oz (11 grams – 20 grams)
Wingspan: 7.5 – 9 inch (19 cm – 22 cm)
The American Goldfinch resides in both open woodlands and urban areas, where it feeds on seeds and insects in several habitats. Goldfinches are known for their cheerful songs, which they often sing while flying. These birds are very social creatures and enjoy the company of other finches and humans.
2. Dove
Scientific Name: Columbidae
Length: ~12 inch (~31 cm)
Weight: 4.0 – 6.0 oz (112 grams – 170 grams)
Wingspan: 14.5-17.7 inch (37 cm – 45 cm)
The Dove is a small bird found in many different parts of the world. It is closely related to pigeons and has many similar physical characteristics, including a long, slender body and short legs. Doves typically have light grey or white feathers, though some species have brighter colors.
One unique feature of doves is their distinctive cooing call. Many people describe it as soft and soothing, making doves ideal additions to any backyard flock or garden sanctuary.
3. Budgerigar
Scientific Name: Melopsittacus Undulatus
Length: 7 inches (17.8 cm)
Weight: 1 -1.4 oz (.06 grams – .08 grams)
Wingspan: 12 inch (30.5 cm)
The Budgerigar is a small, brilliantly colored bird that has long been a popular pet among bird enthusiasts. These birds are known for their beautiful plumage and cheerful dispositions, but they can also be quite chattery and social animals.
In addition to being attractive and engaging, parakeets are also relatively simple to care for, making them an excellent choice for first-time pet owners.
4. Lovebird
Scientific Name: Agapornis
Length: 5 – 7 inches (12.7 cm – 17.8 cm)
Weight: 1.4 – 2.1 oz (40 grams – 60 grams)
Wingspan: 7 – 9.5 inch (18 cm – 24 cm)
The Lovebird is a small, colorful bird native to Africa. With long, pointed wings and a rounded tail, it is agile and typically feeds on seeds and fruit.
Many experts believe that lovebirds can form close bonds with humans, spending hours preening their feathers or playing interactive games with their keepers. And because lovebirds can live for several decades if properly cared for, they also provide many years of companionship and enjoyment.
5. Cockatoo
Scientific Name: Cacatuidae
Length: 12 – 27 inches (31 cm – 70 cm)
Weight: 10 – 30 oz (300 grams – 900 grams)
Wingspan: ~22 inch (~56 cm)
Cockatoos are large, striking birds native to Australia and the surrounding islands. These birds are known for their stunning plumage and unique crests, which can vary significantly in shape, size, and color between individual species. Cockatoos also have heavy bodies, long tails, and strong feet equipped with powerful claws for digging and climbing.
Although these birds typically feed on plants and insects, they are opportunistic eaters who seek out fruit or scavenge for prey.
6. Parrot
Scientific Name: Psittaciformes
Length: 4 – 40 inches (10 cm – 101 cm)
Weight: 2 – 56 oz (57 grams – 1.6 kilograms)
Wingspan: 41-45 inch (104 cm – 114 cm)
The Parrot is an iconic creature in the animal kingdom with a long history of interaction with humans. It is thought that early civilizations used parrots as household pets, using their bright plumage to add visual interest to their homes.
Parrots have also been widely used in art and popular culture, appearing in everything from paintings and tapestries to movies and children’s books.
7. Scarlet Macaw
Scientific Name: Ara Macao
Length: ~35 inch (~89 cm)
Weight: ~38 oz (~1.07 kilograms)
Wingspan: ~40 inch (~101 cm)
The Scarlet Macaw is a colorful and highly sociable bird native to South America. With its long tail and vivid plumage, the macaw stands out from other birds, making it one of the most distinctive and recognizable species.
Many people keep Scarlet Macaws as pets due to the bird’s outgoing personality and affectionate nature. Macaws will frequently form strong bonds with their human owners and seek out human attention regularly.
8. Green Cheeked Conure
Scientific Name: Pyrrhura Molinae
Length: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
Weight: 2.1 – 2.8 oz (60 grams – 80 grams)
Wingspan: 5 – 5.5 inch (12.7 cm – 14 cm)
The Green Cheeked Conure is a type of Parrot native to South America and has become increasingly popular as an exotic pet in recent years.
These birds are highly intelligent and social, meaning they thrive with regular interaction and positive reinforcement from their human companions. However, these birds can also be quite demanding and vocal. They require proper care and attention from their keepers to stay healthy.
9. The African Grey
Scientific Name: Psittacus Erithacus
Length: 13 – 16 inches (33 cm – 40.6 cm)
Weight: 14 – 17 oz (397 grams – 482 grams)
Wingspan: 18 – 20 inch (45.7 cm – 50.8 cm)
The African Grey is one of the most well-known and beloved bird species. Its popularity attributes to its close relationship with humans. African Greys are intelligent animals capable of learning a wide range of complex behaviors, including vocal mimicry, problem-solving skills, and even using simple tools.
Given their friendly nature and trainability, the African Grey is often the subject of scientific research into animal cognition and communication.
10. Senegal
Scientific Name: Poicephalus senegalus
Length: 7.9 – 9.8 inches (20 cm – 25 cm)
Weight: 4 – 4.4 oz (113 grams – 125 grams)
Wingspan: ~6 inch (~15.2 cm)
Senegals consist of several species of parrots native to various areas in Africa and Asia. These beautiful birds are admired for their vibrant coloring and ability to mimic human speech. Many people keep these birds as pets. There is even an entire subculture of pet owners who collect different kinds of Senegals.
11. Cockatiel
Scientific Name: Nymphicus Hollandicus
Length: 12 – 14 inches (30.5 cm – 35.6 cm)
Weight: 2.5 – 4.2 oz (70.9 grams – 119 grams)
Wingspan: 10 – 12 inch (25 cm – 30 cm)
Cockatiels are small parrots native to Australia. Cockatiels are social animals that thrive on human interaction, forming strong bonds with their companions. They require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Additionally, cockatiels are relatively low-maintenance compared to many other types of pet birds, requiring only occasional bathing and cage cleaning to keep them in top condition.
What Is the Best Bird for Companionship?
Parrots are known for their intelligence and affectionate nature, making them a desirable choice for anyone looking for a pet bird. In addition, many companion parrots are relatively easy to care for and are low-maintenance. Remember, the loyalty and companionship of a bird don’t just come from its inherent qualities – it also depends on how it is cared for by its owner.
Conclusion
Birds are seen as independent creatures, but plenty of avian species love nothing more than a good cuddle with their human companions. Several species of birds have the emotional intelligence and capacity to love their human friends, from finches to parrots.