10 Best Large Parrots to Keep as Pets

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As an avian expert, we thrilled to share with you some of the most remarkable and captivating large parrots that make exceptional pets. These magnificent birds are renowned for their remarkable intelligence, engaging personalities, and striking beauty. If you’re in the market for a feathery companion, then look no further! Here are the top 10 large parrots to add to your avian family.

Australian King Parrot

Standing tall as one of the largest parrots in the world, the Australian King Parrot boasts a stunning appearance with its brilliant red head and emerald green body. Measuring up to 18 inches in length, these birds are friendly, affectionate, and make wonderful companions. Not only are they visually stunning, but their personalities are equally captivating. These parrots are known for their friendly nature and love of human interaction, making them ideal pets for families or individuals seeking a social avian companion.

Gold Macaw

 These majestic birds are true social butterflies, as they love to be in the company of people and can grow up to 32 inches in length. Their playful nature and captivating beauty make them irresistible companions. With their bright blue and golden feathers, these macaws are a stunning addition to any avian family. They are also highly intelligent, with an ability to mimic human speech and perform tricks. This, coupled with their love of play and interaction, makes them ideal pets for families and individuals seeking a lively and entertaining companion.

Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw is a true work of avian art, with its vibrant and radiant plumage. Native to Central and South America, these birds can grow up to 36 inches in length and are highly social, always seeking interaction with their human companions. These parrots are known for their high energy levels and love of play, making them ideal pets for families or individuals seeking a more active avian companion. In addition to their playful personalities, scarlet macaws are also highly intelligent and have the ability to mimic human speech, adding to their appeal as pets.

Green-winged Macaw

With a wingspan of up to 40 inches, the green-winged macaw is a formidable presence in the avian world. These birds, native to South America, are known for their playful personalities and an inclination towards mimicking human speech. Their striking green and blue feathers, combined with their love of play and human interaction, make them a highly sought after pet. Green-winged macaws are also known for their intelligence and ability to perform tricks, adding to their appeal as pets.

Hyacinth Macaw

The hyacinth macaw is a gentle giant, with a length of up to 42 inches, making it the largest parrot in the world. These South American natives are renowned for their placid dispositions, making them ideal pets for those seeking a calm avian companion. In addition to their gentle nature, hyacinth macaws are also highly intelligent, with the ability to mimic human speech and perform tricks. Their stunning blue feathers and calm dispositions make them a popular choice for avian enthusiasts seeking a serene and beautiful pet.

Kea

Native to New Zealand, the kea is a highly intelligent and playful bird that is always up for a good adventure. With an average length of 17-18 inches, these birds are known for their curious nature and ability to mimic human speech. Their love of exploration and play make them ideal pets for families or individuals seeking a more active and intelligent avian companion. In addition to their playful personalities, keas are also highly intelligent and have the ability to perform tricks, adding to their appeal as pets.

Kakapo

The Kakapo, native to New Zealand, is a unique species of large parrot with a number of fascinating characteristics. Firstly, they are nocturnal, which sets them apart from the majority of other parrots who are primarily active during the day. Secondly, Kakapos have a tendency to be shy around humans, making them a bit of a challenge to keep as a pet. However, those who are up to the task will be rewarded with a highly intelligent and social bird that can learn to mimic human speech with time and patience.

Kookaburra

Kookaburras, native to Australia, are a highly social species of large parrot. These birds love to be around people and are known for their playful personalities. They are also incredibly intelligent, making them easy to train and quick learners when it comes to mimicking human speech. Kookaburras are also known for their distinctive call, which is often described as a loud, cheerful laugh. This distinctive call, combined with their playful personality and social behavior, make Kookaburras a popular choice for those looking for a larger parrot as a pet.

Lorikeet

Lorikeets are small, but highly colorful parrots native to Australia and New Zealand. These birds are known for their playful personalities and love of play. They are also highly intelligent and can learn to mimic human speech, making them a fun and interactive pet. In addition to their playful and social personalities, Lorikeets are also highly attractive birds with their bright, vibrant colors. They are a popular choice for those looking for a smaller, but still highly intelligent and social parrot.

Cockatoo

Cockatoos, native to Australia, are a highly social species of large parrot that make great pets for those who are willing to devote time and attention to their care. These birds are known for their intelligence and can learn to mimic human speech with time and patience. They are also very social birds that love to be around people and are known for their playful personalities. Cockatoos are highly social birds and do best in homes where they will receive plenty of attention and interaction. They are a great choice for those looking for a larger, highly social and intelligent bird to add to their family.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these 10 amazing large parrots make great pets for those who love intelligent and engaging creatures. Each species has its own unique personality and characteristics, and choosing the right one for you will depend on your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a companion. Whether you are a fan of the gentle Hyacinth Macaw, the playful Green-winged Macaw, the social Kookaburra, or the colorful Lorikeet, there is a large parrot out there that is perfect for you.

As an avian expert, we strongly recommend that anyone considering getting a large parrot as a pet take the time to research the species and make sure they are prepared to provide a suitable environment, diet, and medical care for their feathered friend. Large parrots can live for several decades, so it is important to make an informed decision and commit to providing a lifetime of love and care.

Do you have a large parrot as a pet or are you considering getting one? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Whether you are a seasoned bird keeper or just starting out, the bird enthusiast community would love to hear from you.

Picture of Dr. Nouman Tahir

Dr. Nouman Tahir

Dr. Nouman T. is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with years of experience in pet health, behaviour and training fields. He has worked as a freelance veterinary writer and has given services at various veterinary clinics and hospitals. Dr. Nouman's work revolves around making sure that pets across the globe receive the best possible healthcare. He firmly believes that proper education about pet care can help reduce the number of animals suffering from preventable diseases.