Common Pet Birds in New Zealand
A quick guide to popular species and their characteristics.
Choosing a pet bird is an exciting decision! Different species have unique personalities, care needs, and housing requirements. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right feathered friend for your lifestyle and ensuring a happy life for your bird.
This guide provides a brief overview of some popular pet birds found in New Zealand. Consider their notable traits and who they are typically ideal for. For more detailed information on specific species, be sure to explore our blog!
Species Overview
| Common Name | Notable Traits | Ideal For | Visual Showcase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar (Budgie) | Small, colourful, can mimic speech, social | Beginners, families | |
| Cockatiel | Friendly, easy to tame, whistling ability | Beginners, children |
|
| Canary | Beautiful song, bright yellow or red plumage | Singing enjoyment | |
| Zebra Finch | Small, fast-moving, pleasant chirping | Small spaces, flocks |
|
| Bengalese Finch | Calm, good breeders, subtle sounds | Breeding, gentle homes |  |
| Diamond Dove | Small, gentle, quiet cooing, white spots on wings | Quiet homes, aviaries, pairs |  |
| Lovebird | Playful, strong pair bonds, colourful | Couples, companionship | |
| Alexandrine Parrot | Large parrot, intelligent, trainable | Experienced owners |  |
| Indian Ringneck Parrot | Talkative, striking green/blue colour | Talking & tricks |  |
| Rainbow Lorikeet | Loud, playful, needs fruit-based diet | Active households | |
| Eastern Rosella | Colourful, needs space, may talk with effort | Aviary or large cages |  |
| Red-rumped Parrot | Quiet, colourful, suitable for aviaries | Calm indoor spaces |
|
| Kakariki (NZ Parakeet) | Native, playful, energetic | Local bird lovers | |
| Eclectus Parrot | Sexual dimorphism, slow-moving, calm | Dedicated bird owners |
|
| Cockatoo (e.g. Sulphur-crested) | Highly intelligent, loud, affectionate | Experienced homes | |
| African Grey Parrot | Best talker, extremely smart | Advanced keepers |  |
This table offers a starting point for your research. Remember that individual birds can vary, and proper care involves more than just species selection.
For deeper insights into care, diet, behaviour, and housing for specific birds, please visit our blog section, where we aim to provide detailed profiles and helpful tips.