How Long Do Parrots Live And Why

logo by Editorial Staff | Posted on July 13th, 2022

Exact answer: up to and including 80 years.


Parrots are highly intelligent and social animals which makes them a great pet. They can be very loud and loud, but they also have a sophisticated vocabulary and can easily learn human words.

yellow blue and green parrot

But how long do parrots live? Well, the answer to that entirely depends on their species.

Parrots are a category of birds that includes 279 different species. They range in size from tiny birds that fit in the palm of your hand to large birds the size of a cat, and their lifespans vary depending on the species.

Parrots are special among pet birds since various kinds can live with you for the rest of your life. They also frequently outlive their owners. Because they are less likely to face predators and illness when living in a home, parrots live longer in captivity than in the wild. However, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to illness or have shorter lifespans.

In general, the larger the bird, the longer its expected lifespan. It is mainly reliant on a healthy bird kept in ideal conditions. Pet birds can live for a wide range of ages; some will live for much longer or shorter periods than others.

How Long Do Pet Parrots Live? (Lifespan Average)

There are over 350 species of parrots known today, so it’s difficult to say how long each one has lived unless you want to do a lot of studies. However, the average lifespan of a parrot is 50 years, although they can live for considerably less or much longer.

Some parakeets have outlived their owners, which is incredible that little birds like themselves may outlive us, humans! But, as a general rule, the larger the bird, the longer it will live, and the smaller the bird, the shorter it will live.

Anyway, to help you understand, we’ve put together a brief chart showing some of the most common parrot species and their typical lifespan:

So, what is the life expectancy of a wild parrot?

Unfortunately, there is not as much data on the life expectancy of parrots in the wild as there is on birds in captivity (especially zoos around the world do a great job in keeping track of the ages of their inhabitants).

On the other hand, most medium-sized and small parrot species have much shorter lifespans in captivity. One reason for this is their susceptibility to certain health problems that primarily occur in captivity, such as aspergillosis (an airway infection caused by a type of fungus); reproductive issues (such as egg binding, in which the female cannot lay her egg because of a lack of dietary calcium); or the many diseases associated with obesity and lack of exercise.

There are several exceptions to this rule: large parrot species in captivity frequently outlive their wild relatives. The typical lifetime of wild African greys has been estimated to be as short as 27 years (compared to 45 years in zoos).

Researchers believe this is because of the exceptional adaptability of these very intelligent giant parrot species[13], although it’s difficult to say for sure.

It should be noted that this is a list of hypothetical lifespans. As indicated below, numerous factors influence how long the parrot lives. However, with a little care and a bit of luck, they might be able to live to the age mentioned below.

Agapornis roseicollis (Peach-faced lovebird)Up to 30
Amazona auropalliata (Yellow-naped Amazon parrot)Up to 60
Ara ararauna (Blue and yellow macaw)Up to 60
Aratinga solstitialis (Sun conure)Up to 30
Bolborhynchus lineola (Lineolated parakeet)Up to 15
Cacatua moluccensis (Moluccan cockatoo)Up to 70
Eclectus roratus (Eclectus parrot)Up to 50
Forpus coelestis (Pacific parrotlet)Up to 30
Melopsittacus undulatus (Budgie)Up to 20
Myiopsitta monachus (Quaker parrot)Up to 30
Nymphicus hollandicus (Cockatiel)Up to 30
Platycercus eximius (Eastern rosella)Up to 25
Poicephalus senegalus (Senegal parrot)Up to 40
Psittacula krameri (Indian ringnecked parakeet)Up to 40
Psittacus erithacus (African grey parrot)Up to 60
Pyrrhura molinae (Green-cheeked conure)Up to 30
Trichoglossus moluccanus (Rainbow lorikeet)Up to 25

Why might parrots live for so long?

Many things are required for a parrot to live that long, with the most prevalent affecting a parrot’s life being nutrition, veterinary treatment, and mental health.

The bird will grow in a safe and clean environment with plenty of room to climb and spread its wings. They must also be exposed to enough direct sunlight or full-spectrum lighting rather than relying solely on artificial lighting. It will allow them to have a healthy nutritional process and build a good day and night cycle for their mental well-being.

Because they are flock species, some birds should be confined alongside others. No matter how hard they try, humans can never replace another bird. If someone wants to buy a pet bird, they should do it from a reputable breeder. They should be able to provide the owner with information on their health related to the bird’s ancestors, as genetics is also a part of their longevity.

The owner should provide the parrot with a nutritious diet that will keep it healthy and disease-free. Grains, seeds, pellets, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables are all part of a well-balanced diet. In addition, a balanced diet of vitamins, protein, lipids, and minerals such as calcium from sources such as cooked eggshells is essential for a bird’s health and lifespan.

Giving the bird sustenance that consists solely of sunflower seeds, a bird’s favorite is one of the worst things any owner can do. These are high in fat but low in nutritional value.

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of a Parrot?

Size

Larger parrots often live longer than smaller parrots. Though the typical lifespan of a Cockatoo or a Macaw is between 30 and 60 years, rare birds have been known to live for up to 80 years. The Budgie, one of the tiniest parrots, has 5 to 8 years.

Species

The lifetime of a parrot varies according to species. As a result, there are hundreds of distinct kinds and subspecies of parrots, some with shorter lifespans and some with virtually human-like lifespans.

Diet

Proper food and nutrition are critical variables in influencing the longevity of a parrot. In confinement, it is the responsibility of the bird’s human caregivers to ensure that they are provided a proper foundation meal as well as a variety of fresh items. Dietary requirements differ per species, so it’s always a good idea to visit a veterinarian to be sure your bird is getting what it needs.

Mental Well-Being

Parrots are very clever and emotionally complex animals. In the wild, they spend their days flying and hunting around the woodlands in large groups. Unfortunately, captivity deprives them of their natural activities, and parrot owners must commit to meeting their bird’s social and mental stimulation demands.

Mentally ill birds may scream, bite, pull their feathers, self-mutilate, lose their appetite, and die prematurely. Therefore, potential parrot owners should study their species to learn how to care for their birds.

Veterinary Services

Pet parrots require regular veterinarian care to stay healthy. Pet parrots will require annual check-ups with an expert avian veterinarian to guarantee their overall health and well-being and any unexpected visits if any issues arise.

Husbandry

Proper husbandry is another significant component of a parrot’s lifetime. Owners of parrots must provide a suitably sized cage with plenty of toys, perches, and ladders for exercise and entertainment. In addition, parrots will require frequent grooming and cage cleaning.

It’s a good idea to bird-proof the house so that the parrot doesn’t get into contact with any objects or harmful materials that might damage him.

The Size and Lifespan Relationship

The term “parrot” refers to 279 different bird species. The size and longevity of parrots vary under the umbrella term.

There are various sizes of parrots, ranging from extremely small birds to quite huge specimens that can grow to a length of 100 cm or 3.3 ft.

As a general rule, the larger the parrot, the longer its longevity.

Some parrots can outlast their owners, and parrots in captivity frequently live to their full potential age since they have all the circumstances to grow and stay healthy to reach their maximum parrot lifespan.

Why do parrots live so much longer than other birds?

Because of their great life expectancy, parrots make excellent life partners. Some parrots may live in the wild for up to 50 years and much longer in captivity. In addition, some bigger parrot species can outlast their owners.

The parrots’ genes have developed so that they are predisposed to have a long life. Smaller, less intellectual birds developed to breed quickly instead, a feature that wears on their bodies and leads them to age faster. As a result, parrots have the biological components needed to deal with the impacts of aging.

The typical lifespan of a parrot varies according to species. The living environment, stress levels, nutrition, and lifestyle of the parrot all impact how long they live.

Conclusion

Captive parrots live significantly longer than their wild counterparts because they are less vulnerable to predators and diseases. The parrot will thrive best in a safe cage with enough space to climb and expand its wings. It is essential to keep the cage area clean and to provide the bird with a nutritious feed that will help it stay healthy and fight diseases that may decrease its lifespan.

Genetics also influences the bird’s longevity; therefore, buy from a reputable breeder who can provide necessary information about the bird’s history and requirements.

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Editorial Staff

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