Most pet birds belong to the groups known as finches and parrots; however, there are a number of other species that do well in captivity. These include mynahs, doves, toucans and crows.
Mynahs
Mynahs (sometimes spelled myna) belong to the starling family. None are native to the Americas, but at least three species have escaped from captivity in the United States: the Crested Mynah, Common Mynah, and Hill Mynah. The Hill Mynah is the most popular cage bird of the three. Mynahs:
- can be kept as single cage birds, but most require human interaction.
- have dark, rather plain plumage. The Hill Mynah has bright yellow wattles behind and below the eye.
- can be moderately to very noisy.
- are not generally destructive, but are very messy eaters.
- can learn to talk; Hill Mynahs are the best talkers.
- are independent but enjoy human interaction. Some don’t enjoy being handled.
- live eight to ten years.
- eat insects, fruit, vegetables, and commercial pellets.
Doves (Pigeons)
Domestic doves come in many varieties but most of them, as well as the familiar city pigeon, are descended from the Rock Dove, native to Europe, northern Africa, and southern Asia. These birds have been bred for various purposes: pets, show, racing, homing, and even eating. Doves kept as single pet cage birds are often smaller species—Ring-necked Doves or Diamond Doves. Pet Doves:
- do well as single cage birds or with others in an aviary.
- are often pure white, a variety bred for the pet trade and often used as a peace symbol.
- are quiet and make a gentle cooing noise.
- never bite.
- don’t talk.
- are independent birds that don’t usually interact very much with people.
Toucans
Toucans, native to Central and South America, are best known for their surprisingly large bills. They are not suitable for small indoor cages because they require lots of exercise. Toucans:
- need a large outdoor aviary.
- are fairly noisy.
- may bite.
- have some ability to talk.
- usually don’t readily interact or become affectionate with people.
- live 15 to 20 years.
- eat fruit, commercial pellets, and live food.
Crows
In North America, almost everyone knows the familiar American Crow. Most reports of keeping crows as pets come from people who have either rescued a baby crow or stolen one from the nest. These people generally grow very attached to their intelligent and interactive pets; however, it’s important to note that keeping an American Crow in captivity, for any reason, is illegal in the United States. Other crow species are occasionally available from pet stores. Pet crows:
- can be kept in cages but need a lot of time out of the cage.
- tend to be loud, messy and destructive.
- can learn to talk.
- are clever and mischievous, and love to interact with people.
- Probably have a potential life span of about 25 years.
Before Buying a Pet Bird
Before choosing a pet bird, research the possibilities: can you provide the kind of diet, housing, companionship, and veterinary care that your pet will need? Be sure as well that your bird comes from a reputable dealer: illegal smuggling of birds from the wild not only threatens wild populations but can potentially spread bird diseases such as Newcastle disease.
Sources:
Birds Off the Perch. Lachman, Larry, Diane Grindol, and Frank Kocher. New York: Fireside; 2003.
Birds Of North America. Kaufman, Kenn. New York: Houghton Mifflin; 2000
The Complete Pet Bird Owner’s Handbook. Gallerstein, Gary A. Minneapolis: Avian Publications; 2003.
Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds. Perrins, Christopher ed. Buffalo: Firefly Books, 2003
The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Small Pets and Pet Care. Alderton, David. London: Southwater; 2005.
Rosemary Drisdelle - Rosemary Drisdelle has been published many times as a nonfiction writer and several times as a poet. Her first book, Parasites: Tales of ...
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