10 Wild Bird Species That are Often Owned as Pets

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

A Wild Macaw
Herney/PixaBay

Sharing your home with a bird brings the wonder of the wild into everyday life. Many pet birds still carry the instincts of their untamed ancestors, offering beauty, intelligence, and vibrant personalities. However, owning a wild bird species comes with great responsibility, including respecting their natural origins and following legal protections. Let’s discover 10 incredible wild bird species often kept as pets and the unique traits that make them captivating companions.

Parakeets (Budgerigars)

Indian Ringneck Parakeets
Aslam Jawaid/Pexels

Parakeets, or budgerigars, are one of the most popular pet birds, known for their bright colors and playful personalities. Despite being bred in captivity for generations, their wild origins trace back to the open grasslands of Australia. While legal to own in most countries, laws strictly regulate the capture and trade of wild parakeets to protect native populations. It’s essential to ensure that your budgie comes from a reputable breeder or rescue, as illegal wildlife trafficking remains a concern for this beloved species.

Cockatiels

Three different colored Two Cockatiels birds
Roshan Mendonca/Pexels

Cockatiels, native to Australia, are prized for their affectionate nature and cheerful whistling. Though commonly kept as pets, their wild counterparts are protected under Australian law, making the export of wild-caught cockatiels illegal. Responsible ownership involves verifying that these birds are captive-bred and not sourced from the illegal pet trade. Their wild instincts, like mimicking sounds and exploring their environment, shine through, even in domesticated settings, making them both charming and legally accessible companions.

African Grey Parrots

Three African Grey Parrots perched on arm
damien sanchez/Pexels

African Grey Parrots are widely known for their incredible smarts and talent for imitating human voices. However, their popularity has made them targets of illegal wildlife trafficking, threatening their wild populations in Central Africa. Many countries now list them under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), strictly regulating their trade. Responsible ownership means choosing birds bred in captivity and adhering to local and international regulations to support conservation efforts for this remarkable species.

Macaws

Two colorful Macaws in the open setting
Mateusz/Pexels

Macaws, with their vivid feathers and commanding presence, are iconic parrots from the rainforests of Central and South America. Their wild populations are declining due to habitat loss and poaching, leading to their inclusion in CITES to restrict international trade. Owning a macaw legally requires ensuring it is captive-bred and not taken from the wild. These birds retain their wild instincts, such as a strong need for social interaction and mental stimulation, which owners must respect to provide a fulfilling life.

Cockatoos

Moluccan Cockatoos
Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Cockatoos, native to Australia and Southeast Asia, are known for their high energy and endearing antics. Their wild populations face threats from deforestation and illegal trapping, prompting protective measures under CITES and local wildlife laws. Legal ownership typically requires documentation proving they are captive-bred. Cockatoos’ loud calls and need for constant interaction reflect their wild heritage, reminding owners of the importance of ethical practices in acquiring and caring for these lively birds.

Lovebirds

Two colorful lovebirds perched together
Miguel Cuenca/Pexels

Lovebirds, originally from Africa, are small but spirited parrots with a strong bond to their mates. While they are widely bred in captivity, some species, like the Black-cheeked Lovebird, are threatened in the wild. International trade laws regulate their capture and export to prevent further decline. Prospective owners should prioritize captive-bred birds and understand that their wild instincts, including strong pair-bonding behaviors and high energy levels, make them fascinating but demanding pets.

Canaries

Canaries
Alfred Grupstra/Pixabay

Canaries, famous for their beautiful songs, originate from the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira. Unlike many other wild birds, their domestication history spans centuries, reducing pressure on wild populations. As a result, legal restrictions are generally minimal, provided they are captive-bred. However, their natural vocalizations and bright plumage serve as reminders of their wild roots, making them a joy for those seeking a low-maintenance but lively avian companion.

Finches

Finches
Ingrid und Stefan Melichar/Pixabay

Finches, including zebra finches and Gouldian finches, are adored for their small size and vibrant patterns. While some finch species are bred extensively in captivity, others remain endangered in the wild. Ethical ownership involves avoiding wild-caught birds and choosing domestically bred ones. Their active nature and flocking instincts reflect their origins in the wild, and owners must provide ample space and enrichment to honor their natural behaviors.

Conures

Two Sun Conures
rutpratheep0/Pixabay

Conures, hailing from Central and South America, are affectionate and curious parrots that thrive on interaction. Their wild populations are under pressure from habitat destruction and illegal trapping, prompting strict trade regulations under CITES. Responsible owners should ensure their conure is captive-bred and well-socialized. These birds’ playful antics and natural vocalizations make them lively additions to households, but their care requires a commitment to understanding their wild instincts.

Amazon Parrots

blue fronted amazon parrot
joaosaplak/pexels

Amazon Parrots, native to South America and the Caribbean, are famous for their talking abilities and vibrant personalities. However, their wild populations are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and poaching. International laws heavily regulate their trade, and owning an Amazon Parrot legally often requires documentation proving it was bred in captivity. Their social nature and loud vocalizations are testaments to their wild origins, making them engaging but high-maintenance pets.

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