Birds
Parrots, canaries, finches and other companion birds.
Species in this group
10Budgerigar
How old is your Budgerigar in human years?
Canary
How old is your Canary in human years?
Cockatiel
How old is your Cockatiel in human years?
Conure
How old is your Conure in human years?
Finch
How old is your Finch in human years?
Lovebird
How old is your Lovebird in human years?
Macaw
How old is your Macaw in human years?
Large Parrot (Macaw / Cockatoo / African Grey)
How old is your Large Parrot (Macaw / Cockatoo / African Grey) in human years?
Medium Parrot (Conure / Quaker / Senegal)
How old is your Medium Parrot (Conure / Quaker / Senegal) in human years?
Small Parrot (Budgie / Cockatiel)
How old is your Small Parrot (Budgie / Cockatiel) in human years?
About companion birds
Companion birds โ parrots, canaries, finches, and other species โ span an extraordinary lifespan range. A small parakeet may live 7-15 years, while a large macaw or African grey can live 50-80 years and outlive their owners. Bird aging differs from mammals: birds age slowly relative to their size, and many species don't show outward signs of illness until disease is advanced. Tracking age in human-equivalent years helps you adjust diet, social interaction, and vet care for each life stage.
Lifespan range in this group
Aggregated from individual species in this group. Indoor, well-cared-for animals typically reach the upper end.
Common care tips for companion birds
- Feed a varied diet of pellets, fresh vegetables, and limited fruit โ avoid avocado, chocolate, and seed-only diets which cause obesity and liver disease.
- Provide daily out-of-cage time, mental enrichment, and social interaction โ parrots are flock animals and need engagement.
- Find an avian-certified vet (AAV) for annual exams; bloodwork and beak/nail trims are essential for senior birds.
- Watch for fluffed feathers, decreased vocalization, weight loss, or changes in droppings โ birds hide illness until it is severe.
- Avoid Teflon cookware fumes, scented candles, and aerosols โ birds have ultra-sensitive respiratory systems.
FAQ
How long do pet birds live?
Lifespans range hugely: budgies and canaries 7-15 years, cockatiels 15-25 years, African greys and amazons 40-60 years, large macaws and cockatoos 50-80+ years.
Why do larger parrots live so long?
Larger parrot species evolved with low predation and slow reproduction, which selects for long lifespans. African greys and macaws can outlive their owners โ plan for their long-term care.
When is a bird considered a senior?
Roughly past 50% of expected lifespan: budgies at 5-7 years, cockatiels at 10-12 years, African greys at 25-30 years, macaws at 30-40 years.
How do I estimate the age of a rescued bird?
Look at leg band date, eye color (some species), feather condition, and behavior. An avian vet can give a closer estimate. Calculate human-equivalent age once you have a rough number.
Do birds need annual vet visits?
Yes โ annual avian exams catch hidden illness early. Senior birds (past mid-life) benefit from biannual visits with full bloodwork.