Some parrot species are much smaller than others, making them popular pet birds for people living in apartments or small homes.
We are discussing here, top 6 Different Types Of Small Parrots.
The smallest pet parrot found on Earth is the Pacific Parrotlet, which is just 5 inches long and weighs 18 to 28 grams.
Other small parrot species that can make good pets are parakeets, lovebirds, budgies, and Bourke parrots. In addition, Senegal parrots and several conure species are good-natured small parrots.
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What Are The Smallest Parrots?
Buff-faced pygmy parrots are the world’s smallest parrots, measuring only 3 inches tall.
They are fed a special diet of fungi and lichens (found in bark). Attempts to domesticate brown-faced pygmy parrots have resulted in their early demise.
If you are looking for a small pet parrot, these are the best small birds:
| Parrot Species | Average Length (Inches) | Average Weight (In Grams) |
| Parrotlets | 5″ | 18 – 28 g |
| Lovebirds | 5 – 7″ | 40 – 60 g |
| Budgies | 7 – 8″ | 30 – 40 g |
| Bourke’s Parakeets | 7 – 8″ | 40 – 50 g |
| Meyer’s Parrots | 8 – 9″ | 120 g |
| Painted Conures | 8.5 – 9.5″ | 55 g |
| Half-Moon Conures | 9.5″ | 87 g |
| Senegal Parrots | 9 – 10″ | 113 – 170 g |
| Brown-throated Conures | 10″ | 100 g |
| Peach-Fronted Conures | 10″ | 105 g |
| White-Fronted Amazons | 10″ | 220 g |
| Blue-Headed Pionus Parrots | 10 – 12″ | 250 g |
| Crimson-Bellied Parakeets | 9.5″ | 79 – 94 g |
Top 6 Different Types Of Small Parrots
Budgerigars
There are two different types of buggies, one is English buggy and the other is Australian buggy.
The English type of budgie is large and peaceful.You can purchase yellow, blue, and green budgies for -30.
However, rare colour mutations like the anthracite budgerigar cost significantly more. Budgies can mimic human words and sounds and they often sing.
Budgies are very social birds and they always love to spend quality time with their owners.
Budgies are among the smallest pet birds, measuring only 7-8 inches tall and weighing 30-40 grams, with an average lifespan of 7-15 years.
Parrotlets
There are many types of Parrotlets, but Pacific Parrotlets and green-tailed Parrotlets are more commonly found.
However, one thing they all have in common is that they can make good pets with proper care.
Parrots require a lot of socialization and exercise, so it is important that people who keep them have a special time to spend with them.
Parrotlets are calm and quiet birds, about 5 inches long, so they are ideal for apartments and small homes with close neighbours.
Parrotlets living in captivity enjoy a lifespan of 20 to 30 years – that’s a long-term commitment for any pet owner who is considering adding one to their family.
Lovebirds
Lovebirds are parrots with gentle and curious personalities and they are known to form strong bonds with other lovebirds.
Despite that, they don’t need another lovebird to be happy. Lovebirds can be happy alone as long as you are available to spend time with them.
They get along particularly well with and even live with other birds of the same species.
Lovebirds show affection to you by chattering and whistling, but they also squeak and sing when happy.
Lovebirds are small parrots, most measuring only 5-7 inches in length, and weighing between 40 and 60 grams.They typically live for 12–15 years in captivity.
Bourke’s Parakeets
Bourke’s parakeets are sexually dimorphic, as the male is slightly larger and has a predominantly blue forehead. Bourke’s parakeets are small parrots with friendly personalities, so they tend to be calm.
However, they require comfortable homes as they tend to howl loudly when startled. Bourke’s parrots stand 7-8 inches tall and are similar in size and shape to budgies. Most have a lifespan of about 10-20 years.
Meyer’s Parrots
Meyer’s parrots are calm and peaceful birds that make soft chirps and sometimes high-pitched chirps.
They can learn a few words with proper training from a young age. Meyer’s parrots tend to be lost in their own world, but they require human interaction.
If you socialize with them when you meet them, they become lovable and affectionate birds.
Meyer’s parrots are closely related to the Senegal parrots. They are not as popular as the smaller parrots, growing to 8-9 inches tall.
Their body is relatively stocky and they weigh up to 120 grams, making them a heavy parrot in weight relative to their height.
Painted Conures
The painted conure’s plumage is mainly green with white and light brown tips on the chest.
They also have a color mix of blue, red, burgundy and brown feathers, which gives them their ‘painted’ name.
They are not commonly kept as pets like the pineapple green-cheeked conure, but they are sweet and affectionate companion birds.
They vocalize less frequently than other conures. However, sometimes they start screaming when overexcited or threatened.
Painted conures are 8.5 to 9.5 inches tall, making them the smallest conure species.
How Much Do Small Parrots Cost?
The average prices in USD are as follows:
| Parrot Species | Average Price (USD) |
| Parrotlets | $100 – $350 |
| Lovebirds | $50 – $200 |
| Budgies | $10 – $40 |
| Meyer’s Parrots | $400 – $800 |
| Bourke’s Parakeets | $100 – $300 |
| Painted Conures | $600 – $800 |
| Crimson-Bellied Parakeets | $400 – $2,500 |
| Half-Moon Conures | $300 – $400 |
| Senegal Parrots | $500 – $1,000 |
| Brown-throated Conures | $250 – $400 |
| Peach-Fronted Conures | $300 – $400 |
| White-Fronted Amazons | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Blue-Headed Pionus Parrots | $900 – $1,800 |
| Hahn’s Macaws | $800 – $2,000 |
| Cockatiel | $100 – $250 |
The price of small parrots varies depending on their species. there are many other factors including:
- Age, Gender, and genetics
- Average lifespan.
- The breeder’s reputation and experience.
- Hereditary diseases.
- Parrot’s talking or mimicking abilities.
- Rarity.
How Long Do Small Parrots Live?
Small parrots have a short lifespan, reaching about 10–30 years. The largest parrots can live 50+ years, which is a lifetime commitment for most people.
You should consider how long you are willing to keep a small parrot. Some have much longer lifespans than cats and dogs, which will please some owners.
Average lifespan of the most common small parrot species:
| Parrot Species | Average Lifespan (Years) |
| Parrotlets | 15 – 20 years |
| Lovebirds | 12 – 15 years |
| Budgies | 5 – 8 years |
| Bourke’s Parakeets | 5 – 8 years |
| Meyer’s Parrots | 20 – 30 years |
| Painted Conures | 15 – 20 years |
| Crimson-Bellied Parakeets | 20 years |
| Half-Moon Conures | 20 – 30 years |
| Senegal Parrots | 20 – 30 years |
| Brown-throated Conures | 10 – 25 years |
| Peach-Fronted Conures | 20 – 30 years |
| White-Fronted Amazons | 50+ years |
| Blue-Headed Pionus Parrots | 30 – 40 years |
| Hahn’s Macaws | 20 – 30 years |
| Cockatiels | 15 – 25 years |
FAQ
What is the average size of small parrots?
Parrots with a length of 4 to 16 inches (10 to 40 cm) are generally considered small parrots. Parrotlets being the smallest of the small parrots, while cockatiels are the largest of the small parrots.
What are some popular small parrot species?
Popular small parrot species include budgerigars, lovebirds, cockatiels, conures, and parrotlets.
Are small parrots noisy?
Small parrots, especially conures, can be noisy and call frequently. Budgies and cockatiels are generally quieter in comparison.
Conclusion
Most small parrot species can be good pets for beginners, they have personalities and temperaments that make them suitable for people living in houses or apartments with limited space.