Top 15 Types Of Pet Birds In Australia (With Pictures)

Here are the top 15 Australian pet birds, each with unique charms and colors that will captivate any bird lover; discover why they're adored…

australian pet bird guide

Australia is home to a variety of enchanting pet birds, each noted for its distinctive traits. The Australian Budgerigar, known for its colorful plumage and small size, is a favorite among bird enthusiasts. Cockatiels are celebrated for their sociable disposition and ability to mimic sounds, easily recognizable by their expressive crests. The visually striking Rainbow Lorikeet features vibrant, multicolored feathers, often found in lush environments. The Eclectus Parrot is admired for its spectacular sexual dimorphism, where males and females display dramatically different colors. Additionally, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, with its prominent yellow crest, is renowned for its intelligence and mimicking skills. Further exploration will uncover more intriguing details about these charming species.

Australian Budgerigar

colorful australian bird species

The Australian Budgerigar, commonly known as a budgie, is a small, colorful parrot first documented by zoologists in 1891.

This species, first discovered in Australia, captivates with its vivid array of colors and compact size, making it particularly appealing for pet owners seeking a smaller, yet visually striking bird.

Their distinct markings further enhance their appeal, solidifying their popularity globally.

Cockatiel

colorful small intelligent bird

Cockatiels, also known as weiros or quarrions, are a popular member of the cockatoo family, renowned for their sociable and amiable nature.

Originating from Australia, these bird species thrive in bushlands, scrublands, and wetlands.

Recognizable by their expressive crest, cockatiels are adept mimics, capable of whistling tunes and replicating sounds, making them cherished companions worldwide.

Rainbow Lorikeet

colorful australian parrot species

Renowned for their striking, multicolored plumage, Rainbow Lorikeets are a vibrant and common parrot species along Australia's eastern seaboard.

These birds thrive in woodland areas, rainforests, and coastal bushes, showing off deep green bellies and greenish wings. Their yellowish rump, tail, and thighs enhance their colorful appearance, making the Rainbow Lorikeet a distinctly playful and social bird in Australia's avian community.

Eclectus Parrot

colorful long tailed parrot

Native to Northeastern Australia, the Eclectus Parrot is known for its striking sexual dimorphism in coloration. Males display bright green plumage, while females boast vibrant red and blue feathers.

Their diet is varied, including nuts, seeds, and a wide range of fruits such as grapes and bananas, which suits their unique, long digestive tract designed to handle such diverse foods.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

colorful australian parrot species

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a prominent and large species found throughout Australia. Distinguished by its vivid yellow crest and white plumage, these parrots are renowned for their sociability. They often form noisy flocks, particularly in urban areas. Their intelligence allows them to mimic human speech impressively.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos thrive on a diet of seeds, fruits, nuts, and roots, showcasing their adaptability in various environments.

Galah

colorful parrot from australia

Galahs, medium-sized cockatoos sporting distinctive pink and grey plumage, are widespread across mainland Australia and Tasmania. Known for their sociable nature, these birds often gather in large flocks, showcasing their vibrant red features.

Adaptable to various environments, including urban areas, Galahs are cherished as pets for their friendly demeanor and vocal mimicry skills, thriving in eastern regions and beyond.

Crimson Rosella

vibrant australian parrot species

While Galahs are renowned for their sociability, another enchanting Australian bird, the Crimson Rosella, is admired for its striking coloration and dynamic personality. Indigenous to Australia, these pet bird species flaunt vibrant red, blue, and black markings.

Common in woodlands and gardens, Crimson Rosellas can live up to 20 years, though they may exhibit aggressive behaviors, making them a fascinating yet challenging companion.

Eastern Rosella

vibrant australian parrot species

The Eastern Rosella captivates bird enthusiasts across Australia with its vivid red, yellow, and black plumage. Native to the eastern seaboard, these colorful parrots thrive in various habitats, from woodlands to urban areas.

Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and insects, complementing their lively behavior and social nature. Known for their high-pitched calls, Eastern Rosellas are cherished for their vibrant colors and playful demeanor.

Australian King-Parrot

vibrant red and green

Among the most striking birds in eastern Australia, the Australian King-Parrot (Alisterus scapularis) showcases a vivid display of colors ranging from deep reds to bright greens.

These Australian Parrots, distinguished by their green plumage, thrive in dense forests and gardens. They primarily feed on seeds and fruits, contributing to their popularity in aviculture and underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to protect their natural habitats.

Red-winged Parrot

vibrant green with red

The Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus) is a visually enchanting species native to the diverse ecosystems of northern and eastern Australia. These medium-sized parrots boast vivid red and green plumage, primarily in males.

Commonly inhabiting woodlands and coastal areas, they feed on seeds, fruits, and blossoms. Red-winged Parrots form long-lasting pairs and nest in tree cavities, showing a strong bond during breeding.

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

colorful australian bird species

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, distinguished by its soft pink and white plumage, thrives in the arid inland regions of Australia.

Named after explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell, these cockatoos form monogamous pairs and display vibrant crests for courtship.

They rely on large, old trees for nesting, facing threats from habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade, categorizing them as vulnerable species in their native habitat.

Palm Cockatoo

large black parrot species

Renowned for their remarkable size, Palm Cockatoos distinguish themselves as the largest cockatoo species in Australia. Native to the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland and New Guinea, these birds exhibit unique behaviors such as drumming with sticks to communicate.

Their diet mainly consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, and insect larvae, reflecting their adaptation to the lush, biodiverse rainforest environment.

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo

distinctive australian bird species

Displaying striking black plumage and vibrant red tail feathers, the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo is a prominent bird species native to Australia.

Found in woodlands, forests, and savannas, they primarily feed on seeds, nuts, and fruits.

Conservation efforts are essential due to habitat loss, ensuring the survival of this magnificent species within its natural Australian habitats.

Gang-gang Cockatoo

colorful australian parrot species

The Gang-gang Cockatoo is a native bird of southeastern Australia. Distinguished by its unique red-headed males and more subdued grey females, these cockatoos inhabit forests and woodlands, feasting on seeds, fruits, and insects. Known for their quiet demeanor, they contrast sharply with noisier cockatoo species.

Conservation initiatives are essential to address their population decline caused by habitat loss and urban expansion.

Are any of the types of black birds in Australia suitable as pet birds?

Yes, there are several types of black birds in Australia that can be suitable as pet birds, such as the Australian Raven, Little Raven, and the Torresian Crow. These birds can make wonderful pets with the right care and attention.

Blue-winged Parrot

colorful bird with wings

Native to both Australia and Papua New Guinea, Blue-winged Parrots captivate with their vibrant blue wings and bright green bodies. These social birds thrive in open woodlands and grassy areas, often seen foraging on the ground.

Their delightful vocalizations contribute to their charm. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to maintain healthy populations of this striking species in their natural habitats.