Different species of bird
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To help you find out more about the many different types of bird, we've provided this useful tool to allow you to see the different characteristics of certain species, as well as providing some facts about each.
Simply click on the relevant graphic below to see that bird's information.
budgerigar
canary
finch
cockatiel
lovebird
ORIGIN: Australia, with its vast amount of habitats, from desert to coastal, but primarily they live in the grassland areas where they live in large flocks. They are known as parakeets in America.
About them: Their Latin name means ‘Song bird with wavy lines’. Budgies are the most popular pet bird in the world.
They are often kept as a ‘watch only pet’ and not handled much as they can have a nasty sharp bite. However they can be easily trained, but it does take time and patience. They are good with children, provided they are given their own space.
Budgerigars do not have external sex organs, so to tell the difference between a male and female you need to look at the cere, on the top of their beak. In adult males this tends to be blue (ish) and in adult females it is pink/brown.
A young Budgie has large dark looking eyes, whilst adult birds eyes have a white surround that develops during the first year of life.
Bird SnapshotAs they sit on the sofa watching TV with you, their curiosity may lead them to go and explore. You’ll know where they are when you hear their playful chatter!Diet
They are ground feeders living mainly off seeds, vegetables and flowers. In captivity they often get addicted to one type of seed, leading to health issues such as obesity and vitamin deficiency, so giving them a varied diet is essential.
- As granivorous birds, they naturally seek out small grains and seeds.
- For a balanced, varied diet, freshly chopped fruit and vegetables should be fed so they get all the essential nutrients they need.
- Millet spray is a great treat for birds, but don’t over feed it as they may keep eating them, which could lead to obesity and health issues.
Top tips for Budgerigars
- The less time they’re back in the cage the better. Close all the windows just to make sure they don’t go on an adventure. Whilst they can be kept in a cage only, ideally they should be able to fly freely outside of their cage as much as possible throughout the day. However, they will chew everything, so make sure you’ve ‘bird proofed’ the room first.
- Budgies are very social creatures, as in the wild they are flock birds. Therefore should always be kept in pairs as a minimum and they’ll keep each other amused.
- Clever creatures that can easily become bored, a great way to prevent this is to offer toys, changing them regularly will keep them more entertaining.
- They love to relax and watch TV with you after a long day!
ORIGIN: As the name suggests, from the Canary Islands, as well as Azores and Madera
About them: Their Latin name means ‘Song bird with wavy lines’. Budgies are the most popular pet bird in the world.
They are often kept as a ‘watch only pet’ and not handled much as they can have a nasty sharp bite. However they can be easily trained, but it does take time and patience. They are good with children, provided they are given their own space.
Budgerigars do not have external sex organs, so to tell the difference between a male and female you need to look at the cere, on the top of their beak. In adult males this tends to be blue (ish) and in adult females it is pink/brown.
A young Budgie has large dark looking eyes, whilst adult birds eyes have a white surround that develops during the first year of life.
Bird SnapshotAs they sit on the sofa watching TV with you, their curiosity may lead them to go and explore. You’ll know where they are when you hear their playful chatter!Diet
They are ground feeders living mainly off seeds, vegetables and flowers. In captivity they often get addicted to one type of seed, leading to health issues such as obesity and vitamin deficiency, so giving them a varied diet is essential.
- As granivorous birds, they naturally seek out small grains and seeds.
- For a balanced, varied diet, freshly chopped fruit and vegetables should be fed so they get all the essential nutrients they need.
- Millet spray is a great treat for birds, but don’t over feed it as they may keep eating them, which could lead to obesity and health issues.
Top tips for Canarys
- The less time they’re back in the cage the better. Close all the windows just to make sure they don’t go on an adventure. Whilst they can be kept in a cage only, ideally they should be able to fly freely outside of their cage as much as possible throughout the day. However, they will chew everything, so make sure you’ve ‘bird proofed’ the room first.
- They can be kept alone but they prefer to be in pairs to sing a song together.
- Clever creatures that can easily become bored, a great way to prevent this is to offer toys, changing them regularly will keep them more entertaining.
- They love to sing to you, but please be gentle when you handle them.
ORIGIN: All over the place – Africa, Asia and Australia; very much the traveller.
About them: The word Finch is a loose term that covers almost a thousand different types of small passerine birds. They are related to Weaver birds.
The most common of these in captivity tends to be the Zebra Finch or the Gouldian Finch.
Of course their British relations are birds like the Goldfinch, Chaffinch or Bullfinch. In Victorian times these birds used to be trapped and kept as pets.
They are famous for their large variety of colourful plumage.
Bird SnapshotThe quietest type of little bird, with a gentle "meep meep" sound, but they’ll stand out with their messy behaviour. Often found sitting next to one another due to their sociable nature, some would say too sociable as they’re quite the breeders, so be sure to check the gender of a pair.Diet
- They have stout conical bills perfectly adapted for eating seeds.
- For a balanced, varied diet, freshly chopped fruit and vegetables should be fed alongside so they get all the essential nutrients they need.
- Millet spray is a great treat for birds, but don’t over feed it as they may keep eating them, which could lead to obesity and health issues.
Top tips for Finches
- Finches tend to be happiest kept in a large aviary, they are not easy birds to allow to fly freely around the house. They prefer to be housed with other Finches and should never be housed with a Psittacine, as the Psittacine will likely attack the Finch.
- A sociable species, they should never be kept alone. They prefer to be kept in groups, so they have company all the time.
- Whilst you can’t be there, toys are a great way to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.
- Enjoy singing with their fellow Finch friends.
ORIGIN: Originally from Australia and a member of the cockatoo family, you’ll find us anywhere over there, apart from in Tasmania and on the coastal regions. They are also known as the Quarrion and the Weiro
About them: In the wild they come from the semi-arid regions of Australia where they live in either pairs or small flocks. That’s why they are such social birds.
They make great pets as they are intelligent and are also very good whistlers, especially the males.
The crest of feathers on the top of the head is used to express their emotional state. It is vertical when the cockatiel is startled or excited, oblique in a relaxed state and flattened close to the back of the head when angry or defensive.
Bird SnapshotFull of character and personality, strong bonds will be made as they’re affectionate species. Perfect as pet with their playful antics which will keep you entertained. They love noise and attention so fit right in with a full house.Diet
- Seed mixes are a preferred choice, but as they’re larger than other bird species, they enjoy bigger seeds too.
- For a balanced, varied diet, freshly chopped fruit and vegetables should be fed alongside so they get all the essential nutrients they need.
- Millet spray is a great treat for birds, but don’t over feed it as they may keep eating them, which could lead to obesity and health issues.
Top tips for Cockatiels
- The less time they’re back in the cage the better. Close all the windows just to make sure they don’t go on an adventure.
- They can be kept alone but like lots of attention and affection, so a great friendship will blossom with you. They can also be kept in pairs.
- As a bigger bird, make sure the bars on the cage are thick enough so your bird can’t bend them. Ensure your cage is made of stainless steel bars, not galvanised, otherwise they may suffer from Zinc poisoning if they chew the bars. For similar reasons, plastic coated bars should also not be used.
- They love to shower, sometimes with you!
ORIGIN: All over the place – Africa, Asia and Australia; very much the traveller.
About them: The word Finch is a loose term that covers almost a thousand different types of small passerine birds. They are related to Weaver birds.
The most common of these in captivity tends to be the Zebra Finch or the Gouldian Finch.
Of course their British relations are birds like the Goldfinch, Chaffinch or Bullfinch. In Victorian times these birds used to be trapped and kept as pets.
They are famous for their large variety of colourful plumage.
Bird SnapshotThe quietest type of little bird, with a gentle "meep meep" sound, but they’ll stand out with their messy behaviour. Often found sitting next to one another due to their sociable nature, some would say too sociable as they’re quite the breeders, so be sure to check the gender of a pair.Diet
They are ground feeders living mainly off seeds, vegetables and flowers. In captivity they often get addicted to one type of seed, leading to health issues such as obesity and vitamin deficiency, so giving them a varied diet is essential.
- They have stout conical bills perfectly adapted for eating seeds.
- For a balanced, varied diet, freshly chopped fruit and vegetables should be fed alongside so they get all the essential nutrients they need.
- Millet spray is a great treat for birds, but don’t over feed it as they may keep eating them, which could lead to obesity and health issues.
Top tips for Lovebirds
- With their inclination to bond, they can form long-term relationships with people even when they are kept in a pair. However beware as aggression is easily aroused in Lovebirds and they will bite unless a bond is established with gentle handling.
- The less time they’re back in the cage the better. Close all the windows just to make sure they don’t go on an adventure.
- Should always be kept in pairs as Lovebirds need a mate, otherwise can become quite lonely.
- As a bigger bird, make sure the bars on the cage are thick enough so your bird can’t bend them. Ensure your cage is made of stainless steel bars, not galvanised, otherwise they may suffer from Zinc poisoning if they chew the bars. For similar reasons, plastic coated bars should also not be used.
- They like to look their best for each other, so love to bathe.