Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or budgies, are small parrots that make popular pet birds due to their intelligence, sociability, and relatively low cost compared to other parrot species. While parakeets themselves come in different size varieties, most pet parakeets are approximately 7-8 inches long from beak to tail feather tips. So what other birds are slightly larger than the common parakeet? There are a few possibilities to consider.
Cockatiels
One bird that is slightly larger than a standard parakeet is the cockatiel. Cockatiels are in the cockatoo family of parrots, though they are on the small side compared to their larger cockatoo cousins. An average cockatiel is about 12-13 inches long from head to tail, making them about 5 inches longer on average than a typical parakeet.
Cockatiels and parakeets actually share some physical similarities as well. Both birds are slender with long tail feathers, and both come in color mutations with grey, yellow, white and sometimes orange in their plumage. Cockatiels do differ from parakeets in that they have a bold orange patch on each cheek, a yellow head crest that can raise and lower, and barred wing and tail feathers. Their behaviors also differ, with cockatiels generally being a bit louder, though equally affectionate.
So for those looking for a small parrot slightly larger than a parakeet, a cockatiel could be an excellent option. Their increased size also makes them a bit sturdier and less fragile for households with small children compared to the more delicate parakeet.
Bourke’s Parakeets
Another parakeet variety that is slightly larger than the common pet parakeet is the Bourke’s parakeet. Also known as the Bourke’s parrot, this bird averages 9-11 inches long, making them about 2 inches longer than a standard parakeet.
Bourke’s parakeets are native to Australia and come in color variations of pink and blue-grey. They differ from regular parakeets in having a more rounded head shape and a stubbier beak. Their feathers are also fluffier compared to the sleeker plumage of a budgie.
Personality-wise, Bourke’s parakeets are gentle, quiet birds that may be less inclined to mimic speech than other parakeets. Their calm demeanor and affectionate nature combined with their slightly larger size makes them another good parakeet alternative for some owners. They are not as common in the pet trade as budgies and cockatiels, so may be harder to find. But for those interested in a larger parakeet, Bourke’s are worth considering.
Lineolated Parakeets
The lineolated parakeet, also known as the barred parakeet or Catherine’s parakeet, is another species averaging slightly larger than a standard pet parakeet. Native to South America, these slender green parakeets measure approximately 11-12 inches in length from head to tail.
Compared to budgies, lineolated parakeets have green plumage with distinct black barring on the back and wings. Their tail feathers are also quite long. While their bodies are about the same size as a Bourke’s parakeet, the lineolated’s extremely long tail accounts for their greater overall length compared to other small parakeet species.
In personality, the lineolated parakeet is energetic, playful and very vocal. Their high activity level and need for frequent interaction may make them better suited to experienced bird owners. But for those who enjoy an active and chatty parrot pal, the lineolated parakeet could be an interesting alternative to consider over a standard budgie.
Australian King Parrots
The Australian king parrot is one of the larger parrot species that still falls into the range of being slightly bigger than a parakeet. Australian kings average 13-15 inches in length from beak to tail. With their vibrant, contrasting plumage of red, green and blue, they are a distinctly beautiful bird.
Australian king parrots differ from parakeets in being stockier with a large head and beak. Wild Australian kings live in mated pairs, and they form very strong bonds with their owners when kept as pets. They have outgoing, playful personalities and enjoy being the center of attention. Their intelligence also allows them to learn tricks and words easily.
The one downside of Australian kings is that they are prone to quite noisy vocalizations, especially first thing in the morning. So they may not be ideal for apartment living. But for those able to accommodate their noise levels who want a stunning parrot a notch above parakeet size, Australian kings could perfectly fit the bill.
Turquoise Parrots
At 13-15 inches long, the elegant turquoise parrot of Australia is another choice slightly exceeding parakeet proportions. Their plumage is a striking seafoam green with tinges of sky blue on the cheeks, wings and tail. These colorful parrots are active and friendly, though can be reserved with strangers compared to other parrot species.
Turquoise parrots are athletic fliers and intelligent, making them responsive trainees for tricks or other behaviors. Their slightly larger size and more relaxed demeanor differentiates them from the typical busybody personality of a parakeet. For an owner interested in a laidback, genteel small parrot, a turquoise parrot could make an excellent companion.
Quaker Parrots
The quaker parrot is another small parrot species that reaches lengths of 11-13 inches, surpassing average parakeet sizes. Native to South America, quakers have bright green bodies with a grey chest and blue flight feathers on their wings and tails. Their distinctive look is completed by the quaker-like feathers on their forehead that give these parrots their name.
Quaker parrots are known for being exceptionally intelligent, playful and social. They love to be the center of attention and thrive when given plenty of toys and interaction. Quakers are excellent talkers and often learn to mimic household noises in addition to speech. Their loud vocalizations mean they are better suited to houses than apartments. But for an active and amusing pet, quakers make a good slightly larger parakeet alternative for the right owners.
Mealy Amazon Parrots
On the larger end of “slightly bigger than a parakeet” is the mealy Amazon parrot. Ranging from 10-12 inches in length, the mealy Amazon is stockier in build than a slender parakeet and has more striking coloration of vibrant greens, blues, yellows and oranges.
Mealy Amazons are extremely smart and social, though they can be one-person birds who bond very strongly to a favored human. They love to play and climb and will need multiple hours per day of interaction and enrichment. Mealy Amazons are also quite loud, with an extensive vocal repertoire. So those without close neighbors would be best suited to meet the needs of this larger parakeet cousin.
Green-Cheeked Conures
Conures are a group of small to mid-sized parrots that includes some species only slightly exceeding parakeet proportions. The green-cheeked conure reaches 10-12 inches in length, with bright green plumage accented by rich red or orange patches. Like other conures, green-cheeks are energetic, mischievous and very loud. They demand constant interaction and loads of toys and activities to satisfy their rambunctious personalities.
Green-cheeked conures are incredibly affectionate though, and will readily perform tricks for their favorite people. They can be excellent talkers, with clear and extensive vocabularies. For bird lovers wanting a pint-sized yet feisty parrot, green-cheeked conures could perfectly fit the bill as a slightly scaled up parakeet.
Black-Capped Conures
Very similar in size and temperament to the green-cheek is the black-capped conure. Ranging 10-12 inches long, black-capped conures have primarily green plumage with vivid orange patches around their eyes and breast. As their name indicates, they have a distinctive black cap of feathers on their head.
Like green-cheeks, black-capped conures are energetic, persistent vocalizers that demand constant play and bonding time. They are super smart and can learn tricks and words readily, though their shrieks and squawks may rule out apartment living. For an attentive owner able to give them proper care, black-capped conures can make a delightful upgrade from a standard parakeet’s size and personality.
Comparison of Sizes
| Bird | Average Length |
|---|---|
| Parakeet | 7-8 inches |
| Cockatiel | 12-13 inches |
| Bourke’s Parakeet | 9-11 inches |
| Lineolated Parakeet | 11-12 inches |
| Australian King Parrot | 13-15 inches |
| Turquoise Parrot | 13-15 inches |
| Quaker Parrot | 11-13 inches |
| Mealy Amazon | 10-12 inches |
| Green-cheeked Conure | 10-12 inches |
| Black-capped Conure | 10-12 inches |
Conclusion
In the family of small parrot species, a number of different birds have total lengths exceeding that of a standard parakeet. Varieties ranging from 2-8 inches bigger include cockatiels, Bourke’s parakeets, lineolated parakeets, Australian king parrots, turquoise parrots, quaker parrots, mealy Amazons, and small conures like green-cheeks and black-caps.
Each breed offers unique qualities beyond just their slightly larger size. Factors like appearance, personality, noise level, activity requirements and bond-forming behavior allows prospective owners to select their ideal fit from this diverse group of petite parrots. With proper care and commitment, all of these parakeet cousins can make outstanding and interactive avian companions.