Pet birds, such as parrots, display a range of colors, often combining only two or three hues. For those seeking to adopt a new feathered friend that is extraordinarily multi-colored, there are a few striking species to select from. Here is a look at the eight most multi-colored and impressive looking pet bird species to help you compare their plumage.
Guide to Pet Bird Species
Sun Conure
![a pair of sun conures on a perch]
Sun Conures are medium-sized parrots, renowned for their vibrant, multicolored plumage and deep violet tail markings, creating an impressive visual display. They are even more stunning in person than in photographs.
Species Overview Length: 12 inchesWeight: 4 to 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Bright orange and yellow with highlights of green and blue; black beak and feet; white circles around eyes
Species Overview
Length: 12 inchesWeight: 4 to 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Bright orange and yellow with highlights of green and blue; black beak and feet; white circles around eyes
Jenday Conure
![jenday conure holding up its foot]
Closely resembling Sun Conures, Jenday Conures are vibrant South American parrots. Often mistaken for juvenile Sun Conures, Jenday Conures are adults that display a fiery blend of colors.
Species Overview Length: 12 inchesWeight: 4 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Red-orange plumage on the body; green wings and back; blue on tail and trimming wings; yellow head with orange patches; black beak; gray legs
Species Overview
Length: 12 inchesWeight: 4 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Red-orange plumage on the body; green wings and back; blue on tail and trimming wings; yellow head with orange patches; black beak; gray legs
Rainbow Lorikeet
![two lorikeets perched on a branch]
Rainbow Lorikeets are strikingly beautiful birds native to Australia. Equipped with brush-tipped tongues for drinking nectar, their vibrant plumage and charming personalities make them delightful pets for suitable caretakers.
Species Overview Length: 10 to 12 inchesWeight: 3 to 6 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Blue plumage on face and belly; green on wings, back, and head with red breast; yellow and orange highlights on sides; red beak, gray feet
Species Overview
Length: 10 to 12 inchesWeight: 3 to 6 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Blue plumage on face and belly; green on wings, back, and head with red breast; yellow and orange highlights on sides; red beak, gray feet
Scarlet-Chested Parakeet
![scarlet-chested parakeet on a branch]
Scarlet-Chested Parakeets, or "Splendid Parakeets," belong to the grass parakeet family and are among the most vibrantly colored small bird species available as pets. Use caution if you are interested in adopting one of these birds, though, as they have a reputation for being harder to tame than some other types of hookbill birds.
Species Overview Length: 8 inchesWeight: 2 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: A rainbow of dark blue, sky blue, red, green, and yellow; dimorphic red chests (males), green chests (females)
Species Overview
Length: 8 inchesWeight: 2 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: A rainbow of dark blue, sky blue, red, green, and yellow; dimorphic red chests (males), green chests (females)
Eclectus Parrot
![female eclectus parrot]
Eclectus Parrots are large, striking birds known more for their vivid color brilliance than color variety. These dimorphic parrots, hailing from Australia, allow gender distinction through feather color and are treasured by bird enthusiasts globally.
Species Overview Length: 17 to 20 inchesWeight: 13 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)
Species Overview
Length: 17 to 20 inchesWeight: 13 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)
Scarlet Macaw
![scarlet macaw flying]
Scarlet Macaws are renowned for their vivid colors, bold personalities, and advanced mimicry skills. These large parrots can learn short phrases and occasionally even sing parts of songs, making them captivating companions.
Species Overview Length: 31 to 38 inchesWeight: 32 to 39 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Vivid red with yellow and blue on wings and tail; white circles around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill; black feet
Species Overview
Length: 31 to 38 inchesWeight: 32 to 39 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Vivid red with yellow and blue on wings and tail; white circles around eyes; tan upper bill and black lower bill; black feet
Rosella
![Crimson rosella (juvenile), Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria, Australia, Pacific]
Crimson Rosellas are Australian parrots, less inclined toward cuddling compared to other parrots. While they may perch on a shoulder, they often dislike petting. If sufficiently tame, Rosellas make fine companions for cautious individuals or children, although biting is possible.
Species Overview Length: 10 to 14 inchesWeight: 6 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Dimorphic species: vivid red with patches of bright blue on their faces and wings; black feathers highlight the feathers on their backs; long blue tail feathers(males); dark greenish patch above the middle of their tail feathers (females)
Species Overview
Length: 10 to 14 inchesWeight: 6 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Dimorphic species: vivid red with patches of bright blue on their faces and wings; black feathers highlight the feathers on their backs; long blue tail feathers(males); dark greenish patch above the middle of their tail feathers (females)
Canary
![Canary bird]
A small finch, the wild Canary originates from the Macaronesian Islands, including the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands. Wild Canaries are typically greenish-yellow with yellow underparts. Domesticated canaries, however, have been bred in various bright colors, such as orange, white, red, and yellow.
Species Overview Length: 5 to 8 inchesWeight: 0.5 to 1 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Feathers of bright yellow (most common), red, orange, or white; some varieties have head crests or frilly feathers
Species Overview
Length: 5 to 8 inchesWeight: 0.5 to 1 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Feathers of bright yellow (most common), red, orange, or white; some varieties have head crests or frilly feathers