Red Birds to Keep as Pets – Spiritual Vame

If you’re looking for a stunning, intelligent, and social feathered friend, red birds are among the most beautiful and charming pet choices. These birds don’t just catch the eye with their bright plumage, but many of them are also intelligent, talkative, and make excellent companions. In this guide, you’ll discover the best red birds to keep as pets and how to care for them properly. Whether you’re a first-time bird owner or a long-time bird lover, this article will help you understand which psittacine species are best suited for your home.

8 Top Red Birds to Keep as Pets

From large and loud to small and sweet, the top red birds include a wide variety of personalities and care levels. These birds come from places like South America, Central America, the Solomon Islands, and New Guinea. Each bird on this list brings its own kind of joy, color, and interaction to any home.

Choosing a red bird as a pet is not just about beauty. You must think about the bird’s vocalization, diet, how much attention it needs, and how big its environment should be. A macaw will need a lot more space and time than a canary, for example. Let’s take a look at each bird and understand what makes them special.

Species Overview

The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most iconic red birds in the world. Native to South America and parts of Central America, this bird is known for its bright red body, long tail, and patches of blue and yellow on its wings. A member of the parrot family, this species (known as Ara macao) is very intelligent, can mimic sounds and words, and loves to be around people. It’s not a quiet bird—expect lots of noise and energy.

This bird thrives with daily interaction and a large cage or aviary. The Scarlet Macaw needs toys to stay busy, a varied diet including fruits and nuts, and plenty of social interaction. It lives for decades, so it’s a lifelong companion. While they’re beautiful, they’re best for owners who have experience with large birds.

Red-and-Green Macaw

The Red-and-Green Macaw (Ara chloropterus) is another stunning red parrot known for its calm and friendly nature. While it looks a lot like the Scarlet Macaw, it has more green on its wings and is slightly larger. These birds are also native to South America and are commonly kept in captivity.

They are very social and do well in homes where they get lots of attention and mental stimulation. Their vocalization is strong, but they are less noisy than other macaws. If trained young, they can become very tame and affectionate. Because of their size, they need a lot of space to stretch their wings and move around.

Female Eclectus

Unlike most birds, the male and female Eclectus roratus look very different. The female is bright red with purple-blue feathers, while the male is mostly green. The female Eclectus is striking and known for her quiet and calm nature. These birds are native to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and northeastern Australia.

They are intelligent, easy to train, and enjoy routine. A female Eclectus does best in a quiet environment where she can get regular human contact. Her diet needs to include fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed seeds or pellets as they don’t provide the nutrients she needs. With the right care, she can live up to 30 years.

Crimson Rosella

The Crimson Rosella is a medium-sized bird from Australia, known for its vibrant red and blue feathers. Unlike macaws or conures, it’s not a big talker, but it can whistle and chirp sweetly. This bird is playful, a little shy at first, but becomes affectionate with time.

These birds need space to fly, so they’re best in large cages or aviaries. Crimson Rosellas love leafy branches to chew and lots of mental activities to stay happy. While they’re not as cuddly as a cockatoo, they still enjoy time with their owners and do well when handled gently from a young age.

Canary (Red Factor)

The Red-factor Canary is a result of selective breeding between canaries and red siskins. These birds are small, easy to care for, and perfect for apartments. Scientifically known as Serinus canaria domestica, they’re appreciated for their bright red coloring and sweet singing.

Unlike many red birds, this canary is not a parrot and doesn’t mimic speech. But it makes up for it with its beauty and low-maintenance care. These birds don’t need much space and are ideal for beginners. A good diet rich in red pigments will keep their plumage vibrant.

African Grey

Though mostly grey, the African Grey has a striking red tail, earning it a spot on this list. These birds are famous for their unmatched intelligence and can learn hundreds of words. Known for their deep bond with humans, they’re best suited for experienced owners who can spend time training and interacting.

They’re native to Central Africa and do well in environments that challenge them mentally. Their care involves lots of attention, a variety of toys, and a nutrient-rich diet. Though not as bright red as others, their red feathers and incredible mind make them a favorite in the USA.

Rose-Breasted Cockatoo

The Rose-Breasted Cockatoo, also known as the Galah, is loved for its beautiful pink and red feathers and fun personality. It comes from Australia and is one of the most affectionate birds you can own. These birds crave interaction and can become depressed if left alone too long.

They are very vocal, enjoy music, and love to play. Their diet should include fruits, seeds, and vegetables. While their pink feathers lean toward red, they’re still considered one of the best red birds to keep as pets because of their loving nature and beauty.

Cherry-Headed Conure

The Cherry-Headed Conure is a small, active parrot with a bold red head and green body. It’s a lively and playful pet that can be quite vocal. These birds are very social, love to be handled, and thrive on daily interaction.

They are ideal for people living in smaller homes or apartments but who still want an engaging bird. These conures need a mix of seeds, fruits, and vegetables. While they might not talk as clearly as a macaw, they can learn sounds and simple words.

Red Birds to Keep as Pets

This guide is perfect for people who are new to keeping birds. These nine red birds are known for being easier to care for, while still offering color, personality, and joy. Some, like the Red-factor Canary or Cardinal, are quieter and more independent, while others like the Red Lory or Rose-Breasted Cockatoo need more attention but reward their owners with affection.

1. Scarlet Macaw

Great for large homes and experienced owners, this colorful bird demands time and energy. They live for decades and form strong bonds with their human family.

2. Red-and-Green Macaw

Friendly, beautiful, and slightly calmer than the Scarlet Macaw, it’s another wonderful choice if you have the space and time.

3. Red-factor Canary

Small and simple to care for, this bird is ideal for those who want color without the noise or mess of larger species.

4. Female Eclectus

Perfect for quiet homes, these birds need a good diet and gentle care. Their color is one of the brightest among pet birds.

5. Red Lory

The Red Lory (Eos bornea) is energetic and loves to play. Their diet is liquid-based, which can be messy, but their sweet and active nature makes up for it.

6. Cardinal

Though often seen in the wild, owning a Cardinal in the USA may be restricted. Always check local laws before adopting one.

7. Cherry-Headed Conure

Loud but loving, this conure is perfect for active homes. They enjoy learning tricks and being part of the family.

8. Red-crowned Amazon Parrot

This green bird with a bright red head is a fantastic talker and very trainable. It’s playful and needs lots of attention.

9. Rose-Breasted Cockatoo

Cuddly and charming, this bird is a favorite among families. It’s best for people who can spend several hours a day interacting with their pet.

Conclusion

Red birds to keep as pets are not just pretty—they’re smart, fun, and full of life. From the playful Cherry-Headed Conure to the stunning Scarlet Macaw, each bird offers something special. These red birds to keep as pets bring color and joy to your home. They can sing, mimic, play, and become part of your family. With care and love, red birds to keep as pets can live many happy years with you. Always choose the right red birds to keep as pets for your lifestyle. Whether big or small, loud or quiet, there are red birds to keep as pets perfect for everyone.