The Average Lifespan of Parrots

Parrots are special birds to keep as pets, as their lifespan is considerably longer than most house pets. Some of the larger parrots can outlive humans if kept in good health. The smallest parrots still live for more than five years. Taking in a parrot is a big commitment, as you can be together for most of the rest of your lives.

  1. 50 Years and Longer

    • Amazon parrots are quite large and may become aggressive in adulthood, so dominance training is a good idea. They are talkative and independent birds. Eclectus parrots vary dramatically in color between the sexes and can learn entire songs. Senegal parrots are relatively quiet birds that can get spooked easily. These are all known to live for more than 50 years. These are medium-to-large breeds and require time out of a cage each day for proper care. Their wings should be clipped to prevent them from flying away. Without proper nutrition, these large breeds of parrot may develop specific medical conditions that shorten their lifespan. Most parrots kept in captivity will not live their potential years.

    30 to 50 Years

    • Macaws are a larger parrot that can live quite long. Cockatoos vary widely in appearance and are prone to fatty tumors, so they require a diet low in fatty foods. African Grays are perhaps the most talkative breed of parrot and mimic sounds with incredible accuracy. But because of their intelligence, they need a stimulating environment. Caique parrots all have been known to live in captivity for between 30 and 50 years. They often live less than this due to medical conditions, breeding complications and poor nutrition.

    15 to 30 Years

    • Conures, pionus, lories, lorikeets and parakeets are some of the most popular species of parrot due to their simple needs and pleasant demeanor. They are smaller birds that have the potential to live between 15 and 30 years of age, but the medical issues that often arise in captivity often shorten their lives.

    Less Than 15 Years

    • Lovebirds encompass many species that can be violent toward each other and require toys and games to be entertained. Canaries are bred for their song and the colors of their feathers. Finches are kept quite small and are bred for size and color. Easy to care for, you can watch an entire family grow and they are therefore often kept for that purpose. Cockatiels are small, whistling, Australian birds that are quite gentle and can be kept around children with ease. All of these birds have lifespans of less than 15 years and are less of a commitment than the larger breeds of parrots.

    Factors

    • Parrots are kept as pets for many reasons including their vocal ability, their colorfulness and their intelligence. Even within a specific species, the lifespans vary according to diet, according to the Biology Department at the University of Maryland. Even within the same species, a parrot may live to its potential but another may not. Most parrots in captivity do not make it to their potential age.