Birds

Because they can take wing and fly, birds capture the human imagination unlike any other group of animals. According to current estimates, there are around 10,000 bird species, with many more subspecies, hundreds of which have been kept as pets or as aviary specimens. There are over 370 species of parrots alone, almost all of which have appeared in captivity at one time or another and many of which are respected for their ability to talk or to perform tricks. There are also hundreds, if not thousands, of domesticated birds varieties to pick from, especially among the canaries and the pigeons. The choices can be truly bewildering.

Because they can take wing and fly, birds capture the human imagination unlike any other group of animals. According to current estimates, there are around 10,000 bird species, with many more subspecies, hundreds of which have been kept as pets or as aviary specimens. There are over 370 species of parrots alone, almost all of which have appeared in captivity at one time or another and many of which are respected for their ability to talk or to perform tricks. There are also hundreds, if not thousands, of domesticated birds varieties to pick from, especially among the canaries and the pigeons. The choices can be truly bewildering.

There's a bird for almost any interest or situation. Live in a small apartment where cats and dogs are not allowed? A singing canary might bring life to your home. Too busy to spend time training a pet that needs guidance and interaction? Then a pair of courting finches set up in a planted flight cage might be just the right touch. You've always dreamed of a talking bird? The right parrot or a young mynah could be what you're looking for. Got a competitive streak? Maybe you'd enjoy racing pigeons or showing canaries. The list goes on and on.

Because the family of birds is so enormous and so diverse, you have to make a special effort to learn about the special care needs of your prospective pet before you bring it home. A finch is no more closely related to a parrot than a dog is to a hamster. For that matter, some species of parrots have wildly different needs. A lory wouldn't last long on a hyacinth macaw's diet, and a cockatiel is much easier to feed than either of them. Some birds make great easy-care companions for people who have never had a pet before, while others offer large challenges even to the advanced expert. To help you find the perfect bird that suits your lifestyle, dreams, and personality, RightPet has gathered detailed descriptions of the most popular species.