Birds with a blue hue stand out from the crowd. Maybe it's their azure color that just pops, their acrobatic flight skills, or their silly antics. Whatever it is, these standout birds with blue plumage make for exceptional pets. They're energetic and curious, and they love to be around humans. If you're looking for an avian companion that's less common than a parakeet or cockatiel, consider adopting one of these six blue pet birds.
1. Hyacinth Macaw
Hyacinth Macaws are legendary for their plumage. They're truly one of the most beautiful parrot species. Their large, colorful beaks, yellow-ringed eyes and long tails compliment their incredibly bright, cobalt blue feathers. Although they are very attractive, keep in mind that they are also very long-lived. These birds are pets for life.
They are also very intelligent birds. Hyacinth macaws can learn to talk, whistle, or mimic sounds like a person. They need a lot of attention, enrichment, room to move around, and love, but they make good pets, provided you have the time and space to care for them properly. Hyacinth Macaws are highly social birds that prefer living with other macaws or cockatoos. They also enjoy having human companionship, so if you're up to the challenge, consider a Hyacinth.
- Size: Very large, up to 3 feet long
- Lifespan: 50 to 60 years
- Personality: Very intelligent, playful, curious, but not gentle
2. Lady Gouldian Finch
Lady Gouldian finches are not only a beautiful addition to your home, but are social yet calm birds that do not require direct handling. Most finches do not take well to handling, and Lady Gouldians are no exception. If you have other pets in your house, including cats or dogs, it is important that you keep them away from your finch as much as possible so that they do not become aggressive towards each other.
These finches will not do well on their own, so plan on keeping at least two finches together. A small flock is even better - but this requires more space.
- Size: Small, 5 to 6 inches long
- Lifespan: 4 to 6 years
- Personality: Social, but dislikes being handled, watch-only
3. Budgerigar
The budgerigar - also known as the common parakeet in the United States - is a small, colorful parrot that makes a wonderful pet. Budgies are friendly and affectionate, making them good companions for children and adults alike. They're also hardy birds that bond closely with their owners.
Budgies are easy to keep as long as you provide them with plenty of space, an appropriate diet, and regular veterinary care. They're excellent birds for beginners because they don't require large aviaries or elaborate toys; just some food, water, and love!
- Size: Small to medium, 5 to 10 inches long
- Lifespan: 8 to 15 years
- Personality: Gentle, outgoing, engaging
4. Blue-and-Gold Macaw
The blue-and-gold macaw is an iconic large species of parrot with a long tail, predominantly bright blue upper wing feathers, an orange-yellow breast, and dark maroon underparts. Their head is green, and their face is white with a dark eye patch.
The blue-and-gold macaw can live for a very long time in captivity if properly cared for. This bird is highly recognizable and equally intelligent, but they aren't for beginners. These parrots are very social creatures that often bond strongly with their families and human companions. They do require a lot of attention from their owners in order to remain happy and healthy throughout their lives.
- Size: Very large, up to 3 feet in length
- Lifespan: 30 to 60 years
- Personality: Inquisitive, very intelligent, bold
5. Quaker Parrot
The blue Quaker parrot - a variant of the quaker parrot, or monk parakeet - is a member of the monk parakeet family and is native to South America. Blue Quakers are a small, colorful variation of the normally green quaker parrot, and they make good companion birds. They can be taught to speak and are known for their friendly personalities.
Blue Quakers are active birds and need plenty of stimulation to keep them happy in captivity. They enjoy climbing, playing and learning new tricks, so they make ideal pets for bird-lovers with busy lifestyles who want a pet that will not get bored if left alone for long periods of time.
- Size: Medium, 10 to 12 inches long
- Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
- Personality: Charming, outgoing, highly social
6. Black-Masked Lovebird
The black-masked lovebird is a small, round parrot with a short tail and long, pointed wings. The female is smaller than the male. The blue lovebird mutations are very popular because of their beautiful colors, and the black-masked variety is a very popular example of a blue lovebird.
They are also extremely intelligent birds that can learn tricks easily, but they can't talk. Black-masked lovebirds are very active birds, so they need plenty of exercise outside their cage each day. They should be given plenty of toys to keep them busy during the day while you're at work.
- Size: Small, 5 to 6 inches long
- Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
- Personality: Relatively quiet, highly social, active
Which Blue Bird is Best for You?
Before you choose a blue pet bird based on their appearance, make sure you understand their care needs. Some birds require more attention than others. Consider how much you will be able to interact with the bird you're interested in. Find out if the species requires a lot of attention, because if you're at work all day, that bird may not the best choice unless you have someone else available to bird-sit for you. Sit down, take some notes about the species you like, and jot down the pros and cons. Then, go from there. Bird color is just a starting point on your journey to avian husbandry.
