Birds make great pets. They are companionable, and most have wonderful personalities. If you're considering a bird as your next best buddy, here are four fun facts about them you may not know.
They are smart
Oftentimes, people use the phrase "birdbrain" to describe someone who's not very bright. The phrase definitely doesn't apply to most species of birds, however. They are some of the most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom. The National Audubon Society asserts that birds can "think" much like humans when it comes to solving problems. Those with a speech capacity can also demonstrate their intelligence beyond the range of most other pet species.
They communicate with body language and speech
Even though most species don't talk, birds of all kinds can communicate quite clearly with their human friends, especially those who understand their particular style of "body language".
Many birds can control their irises (the colored part of the eye) by rapidly enlarging and shrinking them, a behavior called "pinning." If your bird is pinning at you, then he or she is excited about something.
Wing movements can be signs of distress, pain, or just an attempt to get your attention.
Some birds "talk" with the crest of feathers on top of their head by raising and fluffing them when they're excited or afraid.
Birds with long tail feathers may also wag their tails like a dog when they're happy to see you.
They can live a long time
Many birds have long life spans. Parrots, for example, are some of the world's longest living animals with an average lifespan of 50 years. One of the oldest living parrots, a Green Winged Macaw named Poncho, turned 92 in 2017. A retired movie star, she shared the big screen with the likes of Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey.
Smaller birds usually have shorter life spans. Cockatiels may live 30 years, while canaries might live as long as 15 years. Finches are beloved for their companionable ways, but they only live up to five years.
They make great apartment pets
Unlike furry friends that shed hair or fur and make messes, birds are remarkably clean animals, and many apartment buildings don't charge a pet fee for having a bird on the premises. Birds that don't have language skills won't make much noise to bother the neighbors either.
Additionally, there are many different sizes of bird pets, so you can choose the one that fits best in your apartment space. The hyacinth macaw, for example, is one of the biggest parrots, weighing up to 10 pounds and sometimes standing more than 3 feet tall. Parakeets, "Parrotlets" (small parrots), and lovebirds are tiny feathered friends standing just a few inches tall. Smaller birds often do best when homed within a small flock of five or fewer.
Most birds are often content to wait quietly in their cage while you are out, and can be fun and funny companions for you and your family when you are home. A good number of birds greatly enjoy interacting with their human hosts and playing with toys. Many people find relaxation and enjoyment spending time playing with their feathered friends.