Parrots make wonderful pets for the right owners. While large parrots like macaws can live 50+ years, not everyone has the space, time, or budget for a big bird. Fortunately, there are many small parrot species and individuals to choose from. To find the smallest parrot possible, you need to understand key factors like typical size ranges, personality, noise levels, and care requirements.
What is Considered a Small Parrot?
There is no definitive weight or height that distinguishes “small” parrots from medium or large parrots. In general, small parrots range from 3-12 inches long and weigh 2-150 grams. Here are some examples of popular small pet parrot species:
- Budgerigars (Parakeets): 5-6 inches, .75-1.5 ounces
- Cockatiels: 12-13 inches, 3-4 ounces
- Lovebirds: 5-7 inches, 1.5-2.5 ounces
- Parrotlets: 4-5 inches, .8-1.25 ounces
- Pionus Parrots: 9-11 inches, 5-10 ounces
Lories and lorikeets are small-medium sized parrots that are 6-16 inches long but very slender. Their lightweight bodies range from 2-5 ounces. The smallest individuals across all parrot species may weigh under an ounce and fit in the palm of your hand!
The Smallest Parrot Species
Based on average size, these species are among the very smallest parrots you can own as pets:
| Species | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Parrotlets | 4-5 inches | .8-1.25 ounces |
| Bee Bee Parrots | 3.5-4 inches | .75-1 ounce |
| Green Rumped Parrotlets | 3.5-4 inches | .75-1 ounce |
Parrotlets are tiny, vibrantly colored parrots native to South America. The Pacific (Forpus coelestis), Spectacled (F. conspicillatus), and Green Rumped (F. passerinus) are the most common parrotlet species kept as pets. Bee Bee parrots are a diminutive species of miniature parakeet. At just 3.5-4 inches long, they tie for first as the world’s smallest parrot species.
Factors Beyond Size
When choosing the smallest pet parrot, you need to look beyond physical size and consider personality, noise level, lifespan, special needs, and your lifestyle. Important factors include:
- Personality: Small parrots exhibit big personalities! But temperament varies among individuals and species. Parrotlets can be feisty, while Budgies are gentle. Meet different birds if possible.
- Noise level: Smaller parrots are not necessarily quieter. Budgies and lovebirds can be quite noisy compared to placid cockatiels.
- Lifespan: Small parrots live 10-20 years typically. Make sure you can commit to a decade or more of responsible ownership.
- Special needs: Some small parrots like lories have specialized diets. Others may need more social time out of their cage.
- Your lifestyle: A busy household with young kids may not suit a shy, quiet bird. Give thought to your routines, schedule, and household dynamic.
Ideal Beginner Birds
For first-time owners, these small parrots make excellent starter birds because they are generally hand-tame, lively but not noisy, and easy to care for:
- Cockatiels
- Budgies
- Parrotlets
- Pionus parrots
- Lineolated parakeets
Cockatiels and budgies have sweet, affectionate personalities. Parrotlets are pint-sized firecrackers full of energy. The slightly larger Pionus parrots are known for their easygoing nature. Lineolated parakeets are playful and medium in both size and noise level.
Care Tips for Small Parrots
While smaller parrots have reduced space and dietary needs, they require just as much care and enrichment as large parrot species. Here are some key care guidelines:
- Proper diet – A balanced diet of quality seed mix, pellets, vegetables, fruits, and limited treats.
- Roomy cage – As large as possible, minimum 18x18x18 inches for small birds. Lots of perches and toys.
- Out of cage time – 4+ hours per day interacting, playing, and flying around the house.
- Vet checkups – Annual exam plus consultations if issues arise.
- Socialization – Gentle handling and positive reinforcement to build trust and train good behaviors.
- Enrichment – Rotate toys weekly. Provide foraging activities. Offer bathing opportunities.
A commitment to proper housing, nutrition, training, vet care, and socialization will ensure a small parrot thrives as a lifelong family companion.
Choosing Your Small Parrot
Selecting the individual bird with the right personality match is key for success. Reputable breeders and bird rescue/adoption groups can help you find your perfect small parrot. Describe your needs, meet various birds if possible, and don’t choose based on size alone. With responsible care and ownership, even the smallest pet parrot can have a huge personality and big impact on your daily life!
Conclusion
Parrotlets and Bee Bee Parrots are the world’s smallest parrot species at just 3.5-5 inches long. But factors like personality, noise level, special needs, and your lifestyle should drive your choice more than size alone. With appropriate research, you can find the ideal small parrot to join your family, from outgoing Budgies to mellow Pionus parrots. Following best practices for diet, housing, enrichment and preventive vet care will allow even a tiny parrot to live 10-20 years and bring you decades of joy and companionship.
