Parrots have a brain network similar to humans making them very smart and social birds. Turns out that they can live for a very long time. If you are wondering how long parrots live and whether they would be a great addition to your household, then keep on reading.
Here is a summary on the average lifespan of a Parrot;
- On average Parrots can live for 5 to 60 years
- The African Grey Parrot can live for 50 years in captivity and 80 years in the wild
- Depending on parrot species, some have a longer lifespan in the wild while some live longer when domesticated
Did you know, scientists believe that parrots possess the intelligence of a 3 – 4 year old human? We also know from our favorite pirate movies that they can mimic human beings. Turns out they can also perform mathematical functions including addition and subtraction.
In this next section, we will look at the average lifespan of parrots and then narrow it down to specific species.
The Average Lifespan of a Parrot
On average, parrots can live for 5 to 60 years.
Such a wide range, you wonder?
The reason for this wide range is explained by the fact that there are different species of parrots with varying lifespans. Generally, larger birds tend to have a longer lifespan.
The longest living Parrot known was a cockatoo named Cookie who lived for 83 years.
The Parrot Longevity has something to do with their genetic makeup as revealed in one study. [1]
Related Articles: How long do Parakeets Live?
Now, let’s look at the lifespan of different parrot species;
1. How Long Do Quaker Parrots Live?
Despite being medium-sized birds, the Quaker Parrots have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. This can increase with quality care.
Quaker parrots are commonly referred to as monk parrots or monk parakeets; and fondly as clowns due to their comical personalities and energetic nature.
Social in nature, the Quaker parrot thrives when given quality attention by its owners. They are also great talkers with the ability to speak clearly and learn a wide range of words.
2. How Long Do African Grey Parrots Live?
The African Grey Parrot has an average lifespan of 50 years in captivity and 80 years in the wild.
One of the main reasons for this wide range is an improper diet which causes vitamin deficiency. Other reasons that explain the range include poor housing conditions and lack of sufficient light that leads to a condition known as hypocalcemia.
3. How Long Do Amazon Parrots Live?
Amazon parrots are medium to large-sized parrots originating from the Amazon.
Like other big-sized birds, they have a long lifespan of up to 50 years or longer with good care.
There are more than 30 species of these birds, 10 of which have been domesticated as pets.
Amazon parrots are mostly green in appearance spotting distinct colored feather colorings on their head.
4. How Long Do Macaw Parrots Live?
Known for their attractive and bright-colored appearance, Macaws are the largest parrot species. Because of their size, they have a relatively long lifespan averaging 50 years.
Macaws come in different sizes and different varieties commonly differentiated by their color.
In the wild, they have a shorter lifespan than in captivity mainly attributed to the presence of predators, effects of deforestation, and captivity.
The longest living Macaw is believed to have lived for 120 years, pet to well-known British Statesman, Winston Churchill.
Want to see some beautiful Macaws? Here is a video!
5. How Long Do Eclectus Parrots Live?
On average, Eclectus parrots have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
The Eclectus parrot gets its name from how varied the male and female species are in appearance. Typically, the male has an emerald green color while the female has a bright red color.
They are known to be gentle, calm and social birds which makes them great choices for a pet.
6. How Long Do Senegal Parrots Live?
Native to the woodlands of Central and Western Africa, the Senegal parrot spots a gray head with a green chest and wings.
The Senegal Parrots can live for 20 to 30 years.
Often known as Sennies, these Parrots are relatively quieter and have the ability to say a couple of words.
Even though they are quiet, they also have a charming and trainable personality, and often become a great entertainment source for their owners.
Do Parrots Make Good Pets?
Now that you know how long Parrots live, perhaps the other question would be whether or not to get one. We have made a list of pros and cons that will hopefully help you narrow down your decision.
Pros of Pet Parrots
- Generally, most parrots live for long. You can be sure you will have a companion for most of your life.
- Parrots are extremely intelligent. This makes them very impressive and entertaining.
- Most landlords don’t consider parrots as pets. As a result, you won’t miss out on a great apartment or face increased charges due to owning a pet.
- Parrots are naturally hygienic birds and as such clean and groom themselves. This, therefore, reduces the cost and time taken to keep them clean.
- They can be extremely loving and affectionate. You can be sure you will have a trusted buddy around to watch TV with you and even sing along as you shower!
Cons of having Pet Parrots
1. Messy Feeders
Parrots can be messy feeders. In their natural habitat, parrots are accustomed to half eating since food exists in abundance.
When domesticated, this habit continues and can lead to half-eaten food all over the house. Parrot owners need to be accustomed to spending a lot of time cleaning their homes.
2. They need a mate
Parrots need companionship. As social animals, they prefer a mate to keep them company. However, parrots can be picky and prefer to choose their mates themselves. Getting a mate for your parrot will also mean extra care and responsibility in taking care of the mate.
3. Parrots need plenty of space
Parrots need a lot of space. In the wild, parrots are accustomed to flying over long distances. It is preferable to get a large cage for your bird. However, even that does not compare to the wild where they naturally live.
4. Difficult to find an Avian Vet
Avian vets are hard to come by since the study of birds can be very time consuming. In addition to expensive machinery used to diagnose the birds, healthcare for birds could end up being very expensive.
Final word;
Parrots go through cruel treatment when being captured. The process of capturing a bird in the wild for purposes of domesticating them can be emotionally and physically traumatizing. Parrots can also end up dying when being captured in the wild as a result of inhumane capturing methods.
The choice ultimately boils down to the owner and the adjustments they are willing or able to make. What we know for sure is if you make that choice, you’ll have found a funny, entertaining, and loving buddy for a considerably long time.
