Which Pet Birds Live the Longest?

With lifespans that may reach several decades, birds tend to live much longer than most other types of pets. However, average lifespan can vary greatly among different species of birds; smaller species, such as parakeets, finches, and lovebirds, often live only 5-20 years, while larger birds, such as macaws or cockatoos, could potentially reach 100. If you are considering adding an avian companion to your household, it’s crucial to understand that caring for them is a long-term commitment, and having an idea of the expected lifespans of different birds can help you plan accordingly. Read on to learn about some of the longest-living pet birds.

Macaws

With an average lifespan ranging between 50 and 100 years, macaws are among the longest-living parrot species. Known for their vibrant colors and playful, loyal personalities, macaws require a substantial commitment in terms of time and care. However, with proper nutrition, social interaction, and mental stimulation, these magnificent birds can bring joy to your family for several decades.

Cockatoos

While most cockatoos live between 40 and 70 years, some may reach a century or even older with proper care. Known for their distinctive crests and affectionate nature, cockatoos are social birds that thrive on interaction. They require ample attention and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, so ensure that your cockatoo has plenty of toys and opportunities for socialization in order to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

African Grey Parrots

With a lifespan that averages 40-60 years, African Grey parrots are renowned for their intelligence and exceptional ability to mimic human speech. These birds form strong bonds with their owners and require a stimulating environment to keep their intelligent minds engaged, so be sure to provide a variety of toys, puzzles, and interactive activities.

Amazon Parrots

Similar to African Greys, Amazon parrots may be expected to live approximately 40-60 years. They also require a great deal of social interaction and mental stimulation in order to thrive, and are known for their playful, outgoing personalities and impressive vocal abilities—particularly their ability to sing. Amazons tend to enjoy human companionship and can be quite affectionate.

Eclectus Parrots

These visually stunning birds generally live between 30 and 50 years. Known for their calm demeanor and striking coloration, Eclectus parrots make smart and affectionate pets. Due to their long digestive tracts, they require a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to maintain optimum health.

Conures

While not as long-lived as some of the larger parrots, conures can still be long-time companions, living approximately 20-30 years. These playful and inquisitive birds, which are small to medium in size, are known for their bright coloring and lively personalities.

When choosing a pet bird, understanding the potential lifespans of different species is crucial in order to help you prepare to care for them properly. To learn more, visit our previous article in which avian experts Dr. Kemba Marshall, DVM, DABVP (Avian) and Barry Wisebram discuss the life expectancy of some popular types of pet birds, or review our bird fact sheets to learn more about the species described above and many others!