What Is the Typical Life Span of a Parrot?

The life span of all living creatures is measured differently. Some may live only a few days while others may live longer than a century. While the parrot's life span is measured in years, its life expectancy can vary greatly, depending on any number of contributing factors. Parrots are radiant, intelligent creatures, but their life span should be one of your main concerns when considering the bird for a pet.

  1. Different Types

    • More than 350 different types of parrots exist throughout the world. All parrots belong to the scientific order Psittaciformes. Within that order, parrots are then divided into three families: Cacatuidae, or cockatoos; Strigopidae, or New Zealand parrots; and Psittacidae, or true parrots. The color of parrots varies from species to species, from brown to rainbow-colored. Their size varies as well, from the palm-sized parakeet to the regal macaw.

    Life Spans

    • The typical life span of a parrot can vary greatly between differing species. The general rule is that the larger the parrot, the longer it will live. The macaw can live for 50 to more than 100 years. Cockatoos generally survive for 40 to more than 60 years. Amazon parrots live between 50 and 70 years. Eclectus parrots can live to the age of 65 or 85. African Grays live between 50 and 60 years and Senegals up to 50 years. Lorikeets and lories live only to about 25 and caiques to 30. Conures live between 12 and 30 years, cockatiels between 12 and 20 years and parakeets between seven and 18 years.

    Contributing Factors

    • While the aforementioned numbers represent the average life span of particular types of parrots, these numbers are not set in stone. Parrots can live to be much older -- or die younger. The typical life span of a parrot can be affected by any number of factors. Typically, parrots in captivity live much longer than parrots surviving in the wild. This is true because wild parrots face many more dangers than domesticated parrots. Good nutrition and proper veterinary care will prolong the life of your pet.

    Lifetime Commitment

    • If you or your family is considering a parrot for a pet, the life span is one of the most important factors to take into consideration. Depending on the type of parrot you plan to purchase, the care of the animal can be a lifetime commitment. In fact, it's highly probable that the bird may even outlive you!