African grey | Amazon | Budgerigar | Caique | Cockatiel | Cockatoo | Conure | Eclectus | Hawk-headed parrot | Jardine's parrot | Lory | Lovebird | Macaw | Meyer's | Parrotlet | Pionus | Quaker (monk) parakeet | Ringneck | Senegal

No bird brain, the handsome African grey exudes cool intellectualism.     (Photo of Clyde, a Timneh African grey, courtesy of Marc Johnson of Foster Parrots.)

THE AFRICAN GREY is the dapper intellectual of the parrot world. Dressed conservatively in light-to-dark-grey feathers, greys are far from being the most colorful parrot. However, many people believe their gift for gab makes them the smartest. Greys are capable of clearly enunciating dozens of human words and phrases--and in context, according to their proud owners. The best known example is Alex, an African grey trained to identify common household objects by MIT professor Dr. Irene Pepperberg. The two species of African greys are the Congo (Psittacus e. erithacus) and the Timneh (Psittacus e. timneh). Congos sport bright red tail coverts and a black beak. Timnehs are darker grey with lighter-colored abdomens, a horn-colored upper mandible and a maroon tail. Both species have dark-grey feet, bare facial areas and pale-yellow irises.

Countries of origin: Congos occur in western Kenya, northern Angola, southeast Ivory Coast, southern Congo and northwest Tanzania, and on the nearby islands of Fernando Poo and Principé. The rarer Timneh can be found in southern Guinea, Liberia, western Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone.

Size: Medium, 12 to 13 inches long and from 275 grams up to 650 grams (1.4 pounds). Congos are slightly larger and heavier than Timnehs.

Personality: Affectionate, but can be shy. Tends to bond strongly with one person. Relatively quiet voice, although capable of loud calls. The Congo may be more liable to feather pluck.

Talking ability: Excellent in general, although some individuals may not speak.

Listen:
Congo African grey mimicking owner's voice. (Thanks to Rosie's Page.)

Average lifespan: 50-60 years.

Additional reading:

• The Grey Play Round Table. Print magazine for the African grey "pet human."
• The Alex Foundation. MIT professor Dr. Irene Pepperberg's research into the cognitive abilities of African greys.
• It's a Grey's World. Information site sponsored by Grey Feather Toy Creations.

What owners say:

BUSTER, MY TIMNEH, is smart and a big clown. He does not like my husband (his favorite thing to say is, "Daddy stinks, shooooo!") and he doesn't mind telling my four other birds they are stupid (my children's favorite word, of course). Every morning he is the first one to tell me good morning, not my husband or the kids, who are too grumpy. He loves to sing and dance and I think he is in love with one of my youngest daughter's Bratz dolls, whom he tells, "You're gorgeous." I used to think that bird people were a little overboard, but now that I have five parrots I can see what the big deal is all about. There is nothing like it. --Michelle

MY HUSBAND'S Congo African grey hated me, screaming whenever I came into the house and biting me when I got near her. I honestly couldn't comprehend the joys of avian friendship. When she died he was devastated since she had been his friend for 27 years. To cheer him up, I suggested we look at some babies. Well, guessing what happened next isn't too difficult. We found a breeder with only one breeding pair and two birds. When it came time to leave, one started eating and the other came over to me. Tica became my bird, happily spending hours on my shoulder or cuddling and I became besotted. He now is bonded with both of us. How did I ever live without this character in my life? He's two years old now and very smart. He has an amazing vocabulary, picking up at least one new phrase or sentence every week. I think he speaks so much because I talk to him all the time. Now we can carry on a conversation. He will answer appropriately and tell on his "sister," a 4-year-old Meyer's we adopted a year ago, when she starts getting into trouble. He is learning colors now. I gave him some yellow squash yesterday, and he took it and said "yellow." I'm amazed at the dimension of joy and love he has added to our already rich lives. A grey is a real commitment, and takes patience, but it is something we do without feeling of duty or resentment. It is just pure love. --Carol Milton, Santa Monica, Calif.

I ALWAYS LIKED spunk in a parrot and thought I never wanted a grey, but after owning our Cleo for seven years now I wouldn't sell her for anything in this world. She's the most loving bird I have met to date - such a big heart, so funny and entertaining. Her talking ability is awesome. She knows the right words for most occasions. She can call the dog, repeat all the grandchildren's names when they walk into the house, and when we're eating supper she yells "Grandpa! Cleo wants to eat, too." And says thank you when Grandpa runs to her cage to spoil her a titch more. --Mary VanPuymbrouck

I HAD CALLIE since she was six weeks old.  A precious Congo, she learned to talk, and wolf whistle, call the dog, answer the phone, and mimic so many household sounds you felt that your every move was being watched.  Our front door squeaked, so when we went near the front door she squeaked, even once it was fixed.  When the phone rang, she said "hello, ok, ok, ok, bye bye...." She could make the sound of the smoke alarm, the phone, a siren, and the tea kettle, and much much more. She loved to eat noodles and peanuts. I had her for two and a half years and she was my heart. No matter how much I gave her though, it never seemed to be enough. And my husband didn't like her and my daughter was afraid of her. One day I brought her to school (I am an elementary teacher) and met another teacher who loved birds.  A few weeks later I asked her to keep her for the weekend.  Callie loved it over there.  She actually fell in love with one of the dogs. I didn't want to lose Callie, but I knew my family was not happy with her. So I did the most unselfish thing I could do for Callie and gave her to my friend, who now owns her.  I miss her terribly and my heart hurts, but I can still see her, and when I do, it confirms my choice. So remember this before you ever purchase a grey, they need lots of time and are a one-person bird. --Ginger Kleypas, Texas

DALLAS, MY 18-month-old Congo African grey, provides endless hours of laughter!  She started with a wolf whistle and has graduated to "shoo wee" when she has to potty and "peekaboo" when she wants to play.  One day I heard her scream "Let go!" and when I went to check on her she had her foot caught in a toy and was telling the toy to let go.  She does coyote, rooster, chicken and duck sounds on command. She rings like a telephone and then answers herself.  One night when I told her it was time to go to bed, she looked me in the eye and said "No!"  She's so much fun and I'm so glad she's a member of my little family! --Amanda Smith, Camden, Tenn.

CAPTAIN FLINT, our 9-year-old African grey, has been a member of our family for almost nine years. He has a varied vocabulary and has taught us that we are very polite people. He says, "Excuse me," and "Pardon me," and never swears, though I'm certain he has probably heard a few invectives particularly when he has partaken a meal of human finger. We have an active and social farm lifestyle so he is exposed to a variety of guests whom he delights in entertaining. He will not speak if anyone is in the room with him, but has developed very effective begging techniques that garner him substantial amounts of cheese and crackers without voicing a word. His voice kicks into gear the moment we leave his kitchen. He laughs with glee in all of our voices. Calls the dogs to eat and to insult. "Bad dog Ryker!" or "Oh, Tasha you're so pretty." He used to call our old lab mix with, "Pearl! Pearl! Come here you fat dog." Interestingly, he never called her again after the day she died. It seemed as if he knew. He likes men's voices better than women's and can imitate both my husband and son with such clarity that I have been duped into providing a beer for my husband when he never said a word. I suspect that trick was carefully negotiated, but I have no proof yet! When in a panic or wanting attention, Captain will call out in my voice, but most of the time he will not say anything I try to teach him. We adore Captain and thoroughly enjoy his contributions to our happiness. --Robin Stanback, Triple Try Farm, Versailles, Ky.

CIRILO, our 4-month-old Congo African grey, is very curious about our dogs and his surroundings. He's picky about veggies and he won't let my husband touch him. He makes sounds as if he is being killed. Cirilo and I have bonded and he even tries to feed me. I tell him, "Thank you but I have just eaten," and distract him. Patience is something grey owners need a lot of. Despite this, Cirilo is a joy. --Beth Irigoyen, beth_irigoyen@hp.com

AS A VERY PROUD owner of an 8-year-old hand-reared African grey, I'm still absolutely astounded at the fun and pleasure these fantastic birds can bring - and also the jealousy they can possess. I can do no wrong - he constantly tries to feed me and preen my hair, but it's "bye bye husband's fingers." He can whistle three-minute rock songs, but no nice love songs that I like. He speaks so clearly that visitors are astounded. He will chew anything; there hasn't been a toy made that he could not break. --Lynda Cartmer

WE HAVE HAD COCO for 32 years. He is a phenomonal talker, whistler, maniacal laugher, etc. He speaks using either my wife's voice or mine. I have received some very severe bites from him, but mostly he is very gentle. Coco has had a horrible plumage problem most of his life due to plucking. In fact, in the first years a vet recommended we euthanize him but we resisted. Another vet several years ago said he was in fine health and the problem was certainly not due to anything we were doing wrong. He has always received a variety of food, human and bird. Since we are senior citizens we will probably have to make a provision in our will for Coco - I think he's good for another 30-plus years. --Jgausch@aol.com

SCOOBY HAS BEEN part of our family since she was a hatchling. We lived in Ohio for nine of her first 12 years, but upon my husband's retirement we all flew down to "nest" in Florida. I always felt bad for Scooby during the winter months in Ohio. It could get pretty cold, and it wasn't unusual for Scooby to say, "Scooby want a fire," which was the signal for the fireplace to be lighted. Now we live in Miami, and she goes out to the cabana every day. She delights in all of the pool activity and the children who come to visit her. We purchased a wonderful backpack called a Birdie-Tote-Mobile, which is fitted with a perch and two bowls. Without a doubt this has been the best thing we've ever bought for her. We're able to take trail walks without worries about flight or predators. She has become quite a talker while in her backpack, watching the seagulls and kitty cats along our ocean walk. The backpack folds down flat and will fit into a suitcase for travel. A dark screening shades the interior nicely. --J. Smith, Miami, jsmith@the-beach.net

OTIS CAME TO US a very scared bird. We made 19 calls to try to place him and several people were brave enough to come see the "nasty" bird, but he was still in need of a home. I couldn't live with myself if I left Otis behind. His cage was broken. He had no toys or perches. We put him in a carrier screaming, bought him a new cage, and it was off to his foster home until he could be vet checked. He lived in my bedroom for another 30 days of quarantine and screamed and growled at anything that moved. The noises were unbelievable and deafening. Through a lot of determination, time and effort, I found that Otis was all growl and no bite. It is still a day-to-day effort to work with him, but well worth the effort. Otis has become very affectionate with me. He will tolerate just about anything I do to him, even cradling him like a baby. --Lisa Bocchiaro, New Jersey

WE ARE LUCKY enough to have two wonderful greys. Casper is a Congo; Frankie is a Timneh. Casper was born in October, and loves to say, "I'm Casper the Ghost! Happy Halloween!" Frankie is the baby of the family and was named after my dad. Casper has an amazing vocabulary. He loves to sing Jingle Bells and tell people that "Mommy's garden is good." His "brother" mimicks him in a deep voice, but doesn't pick up anything my husband or I say. They call the dogs, they answer the phones, they know when to say "good morning" or "good night.. are you tired? Are you ready to go to sleep?" Needless to say, they add an amazing amount of joy to our lives and we could not imagine a household without them! They, along with with Tango, our Quaker parrot, and our three dogs make for a very "talkative" house! --Christine Tichy, ctichy@labnetics.com

I PICKED my baby Congo from a choice of just three. He seemed to follow my moves and take great interest in me. I brought him home at the age of just 8 weeks. I had been taught to handfeed him and I'm glad that I did. The bond I like to believe came from that early interaction is irreplaceable. I looked into many African names and their meanings before settling on Rafiki, which means "friend" in Swahili. What more could I ask for? Rafiki is comical and affectionate with me but doesn't accept my boyfriend. Outside trips on the dreaded harnass and leash have become tolerated. Oh, how he loves to go to "grandma's" house!! Rafiki and my 3-year-old cat have an understanding. Neither really bothers the other though Rafiki sometimes like to chase and instigate a stand-off. Fortunately, my cat retreats graciously. Currently 13 months old, Rafiki has yet to grasp a real vocabulary, fooling with the word "hello" and the sounds of my voice. Getting him to try new foods can get messy (my poor walls). I think I still have much to learn as Rafiki grows with me; but he has many years in a home that loves him like none other could. --Pamela Naab, panaab@kksl.net

What's life like with your African grey? Share the perks and pitfalls of this breed with other ParrotChronicles.com readers by sending us your brief owner's comments for posting. Please include your name, city and state.

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The Amazon's talking ability rivals that of the African grey's.    (Photo of Sunny, a blue-front Amazon, courtesy of Marc Johnson of Foster Parrots.)

THE POPULAR Amazon, or "green parrot," is what many people picture when they think of parrots. As the nickname suggests, most Amazons are largely green, with red, yellow, blue or white feathers on the head, wings or tail to differentiate the 27 species. The most unusual Amazon may be the rare Imperial Amazon (Amazona imperialis), a cockatoo-size bird with purple breast feathers found only on the small Caribbean island of Dominica. Most Amazons, including the dozen or so species kept as pets, come from South and Central America. These include the double yellow-headed (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix), blue-fronted (Amazona aestiva), yellow-nape (Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata) and mealy (Amazona farinosa) Amazons.

Countries of origin: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Grand Cayman Island, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Size: Medium to large, with stocky build, relatively short wings and square tail. Less than 10 inches long and 200 grams (white-fronted, Amazona albifrons) to almost 18 inches and 800 grams, or almost two pounds (Imperial Amazon).

Personality: Energetic, curious, affectionate. Can be stubborn and occasionally aggressive. Mealies are considered the most even tempered. Voice ranges from soft "growls" to ear-splitting shrieks.

Talking ability: Considered second only to the African grey. Best bets: double yellow-headed, yellow-nape or blue-fronted.

Listen:
Double yellow-headed Amazon saying "Pretty girl." (Thanks to Rudy.)


Red-necked Amazon.
(Thanks to the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.)

Average lifespan: 50-60 years, up to 100.

Additional reading:

• The Amazona Society. International club.
• The Amazon Parrot Page. Informative owner's site.
• The Oratrix Project. Harvard biologist Mike Schindlinger's study of wild Amazons.
• Amazon FAQ. Up At Six article by Joanie Doss.

What owners say:

I WATCH THE NEWS while getting ready for work and while brushing my teeth one morning I heard, "Next up, the operator of a local bird rescue group will tell us what to do, and what not to do, for our feathered friends."  Cut to commercial.  I'd been looking for a bird for about a year, reading about different breeds, visiting breeders when I could, before I settled on just the right bird.  But I also volunteer for a dog rescue group and I wanted to adopt a rescue bird.  I just didn't know there were any rescue groups in my area.  I watched, I got the Web address and that afternoon, I visited.  The two birds I'd come to see, an African grey and a cockatoo who both sounded perfect from their description on the Web site, had already been adopted.  Oh well, I was already there, I might as well take a look around. I walked by Amazon Alley, where all the cages contained different kinds of Amazon parrots, and was headed instead for a really beautiful yellow-crested when I heard, "Hello! Hello!" A bird that looked like a cross between a yellow nape and a blue front was hanging upside down on the front of her cage and staring at me intently.  "Hi," I said. "Hey!  Pick me up!" she demanded. I spent two hours with Boo that day, and four and a half hours the following Saturday, and then four hours the Saturday after that, and...the bird rescue place had a waiting period, and I couldn't stand going more than a few days without seeing Boo.  The first time she got on my shoulder she leaned close to my ear and said, "I love you".  Every morning and night, when I feed her a fruit and vegetable mash I sit by her cage and listen while she tells herself, "Oh, that's good.  Mmmmm.  Good stuff." When she's done she wipes her beak all over her perch, her cage bars, and her toys.  Saturday is our day to shower together.  She sits on the bar above the shower door until I'm done, then I lift her down into the shower with me and she screeches and sings with her wings fanned out to catch the water.  Later we go into the back yard while she dries herself in the sun and preens until each feather is just so. I hadn't been looking for an Amazon; from what I'd read one wouldn't be a good fit.  But I can't imagine not sharing my house with Boo. --Scott Carpenter

AT THE PET STORE where I first saw her, Lola, a blue-front Amazon, had no tail feathers and constantly circled the top of the cage. The shop keeper recommended her sister to me, but Lola had me at hello. She was 10 months old and they sold her to me for half price because of her age and condition. They told me not to play with her for at least a week and then only play on the floor, since she had no tail feathers for balance. Immediately I took out the big fat perch that came in her cage and replaced it with a Comfy Perch and played with her on the floor until she knew she was safe. She grew back all of her feathers, regained her confidence and has been the best thing in my life since (other than my husband).   My pet sitter, who boards in her home, says that Lola knows everyone's names in the room that she stays in and says good night to each bird every night by name. Lola tells me "Okay, Mommy, be a good girl, bye" on my way out the door in the mornings. She loves to shower with me every morning. She amazes me everyday with something new. This morning she sneezed just like me and asked, "Are you okay?"   --Tammy Miner/Masch, Oakland, Calif.

KNOW THIS ABOUT blue-front Amazons: They are stand up comics for sure! The world is their stage and all should observe. My blue-front, Leopold, is a natural ham and great entertainer. Always eager for a laugh out of his humans, this one. He leads us through this life always laughing, and I shall always love him for that. Heaven lent me a feathered comedian and I am grateful. --Beth Yale, Georgia

I GREW UP with a double-yellow head that had at one time belonged to my grandmother. Polly lived to be 70 years old and broke my heart when she died and I was a teenager. That beautiful bird was my best friend and my joy. She was the source of all my art work, the welcome guest at every meal and I truly loved her. A year later my mother bought a new bird for me, another double-yellow head Amazon, named Clark. I had her for 27 years and she recently died of what the vet thought might have been cancer. I am still mourning her loss. I have had an Amazon for most of my 46 years on this earth and they are the greatest, most independent - and equally loving - birds I'll ever have the pleasure to know. I miss Clark more than most people that have passed away in my life. I know that sounds wrong but it is true. She was my baby. If anyone knows someone with an Amazon that needs a home they can contact me. --Maureen Gonzalez, crlgonzo@aol.com

I'VE HAD my female 17-year-old Amazon for two years and we have done very well together, which I've been told is amazing considering I am her third (and last I might add) owner. For the first year I had to really watch her with new people. She would lunge and sometimes even bite. She is much better now. Weather permitting I now take her with me everywhere. She loves going for car rides and hamming it up for people. --Wendy Bosma, Penticton, B.C., Canada

I GOT my 10-year-old blue-front Amazon, Jeoje, about 8 months ago from someone who no longer wanted him. He had been living in a small cage; we have since purchased him a large King's cage, which he loves. I have had much success in trick training him - he can now play basketball, swing down a zip line, pull a wagon, lift an applause sign, and even say "hi," and "hello," and laugh, all on cue. Sometimes I think he is a cockatoo in an Amazon suit, as he loves to be cuddled anywhere on his body and will let anyone hold him. I've taken him to nursing homes and schools, where he performs with endless energy. I can't imagine life without him. --Nick, New York

I ADOPTED 8-year-old Freud from his second home. He is the most amazing bird I've ever seen. He talks up a storm; a lot of it is not clear. He doesn't like to be touched but does request occasional chin and head rubs by putting his head down. He never bites but does bluff occasionally when on top of my macaw's cage or if you attempt to give unsolicited head rubs! He is also potty trained which he seems to have done himself. He is extremely social and has always been flighted. If someone new comes into the house he flies over and introduces himself and talks their leg off! We have a two-story house and my son had someone over playing video games. Freud could hear the stranger talking and promptly flew up and introduced himself! I am so glad that I adopted him. --Jeri Fontenot, Dallas

BIGBIRD, my double-yellow-head Amazon, is a chewer. She doesn't pull her feathers but she chews them up. A funny story: BigBird knows how to answer a knock on the door. Couple of months ago my daughter had come over and we were in the kitchen talking, BigBird kept talking and singing, she just got louder and louder and kept saying, "Grandma, Grandma, help." When I walked out into the dining room there stood this huge man, well over six feet. He looked at me and I looked at him and I think we both wanted to run. I said, "Uh, did you knock?" He said, "Yes, twice. And twice you said, "Come in." Finally the lightbulb came on and I looked at Bigbird as her cage is right near the door and the poor man said, "No, oh no, don't tell me the bird said come in!" Anyhow, he was looking for my husband. He said he will never knock on my door again, poor guy, he was so embarrassed. .--Jean Garcia, Triangle, Va.

I COULDN'T IMAGINE life without Goofy, my blue-front Amazon. He was wild caught and it took lots of love to undo this damage, but we did it. He barks and talks to our dogs. When we cry he cries. When we laugh he laughs. I've had him for 15 years; he has seen my children grow up. I feel a bond so deep with this bird and wouldn't take all the money in the world for him.--Sharon Crockett, Hammond, La.

I INHERITED MY "SLUG," a yellow-nape Amazon, when he was 5 years old. He was a woman's bird and it took a lot of work to break him from biting me. However, we got past that. Now he interacts with most anyone verbally and will accept food from most people. He imitates 15 different cat sounds, which confuses the cats to no end. He has a voracious appetite for veggies and potatoes but prefers prime rib and lasagna. He will lie on his back and let me toss him up and he flips to flutter back into my hand. In the shower, he loves to dive under a full stream of water and sing his heart out. He is a fantastic companion, needing only a good diet and friendship from me. One word to newer owners: the bigger the bird, the bigger the mess. I also recommend a younger bird, as you can grow and learn together; with a lifespan of 50 to 75 years, you'll be together a long time. Feel free to contact me for info. --BillKist@aics.net

WE GOT ROCKY on 10/15/85, the day Rock Hudson died. The movie Rocky was a big favorite of my brother's, and this white-fronted Amazon was the one with the most personality (read "feisty") being offered. He let me know that he was the one and he was coming home with me. I sent out baby announcements. I learned to feed him his gruel mash. I got used to birdie poop. I baked chicken liver souffle for the cat, Tami, and cornbread treats for Rocky. An odd couple, a cat and a bird, but they kept each other company and Rocky learned how to purr. His vocabulary grew in leaps and bounds. My brother taught Rocky, "Let's go Mets!" It was the year they won the series and Rocky and I sat on the couch together chanting, "Let's go Mets!" I decided Rocky needed a friend, company when I was at work. We got Zeus, a sweet baby Senegal and another chapter of Rocky's life began. He and his buddy are inseparable. --Doris Cote, Fair Lawn, N.J., dvcote@optonline.net

What's life like with your Amazon? Share the perks and pitfalls of this breed with other ParrotChronicles.com readers by sending us your brief owner's comments for posting. Please include your name, city and state.

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The beloved budgie may be the most popular pet bird of all time.   (Photo courtesy of Foster Parrots.)

Country of origin: Australia.

Size: Small, bullet-shaped bird, 7 inches long and 30-40 grams (less than two ounces).

Personality: Gentle, gregarious, playful. Chatters and scolds but voice is not loud compared with larger parrots.

Talking ability: Can develop large vocabulary but high raspy voice may not enunciate well.

Listen:
Budgie saying, "Victor is this budgie. Talk to Victor. World's smallest, smartest budgie."
(Thanks to Ryan Reynolds.)
Budgies singing.

Average lifespan: 10-15 years.

Additional reading:

• The American Budgerigar Society. National club.
• The Budgerigar. Breeder's site.
• The Budgerigar Page. Petnet species profile.
• Budgie Madness. Owner's clever site.

What owners say:

PIERRE WAS a pale blue-green budgie. I bought him at a department store when I was 11. I had read a great deal, and was convinced (against everyone else's advice) that he would be a loving, smart, and talkative pet. For the next six years he did nothing but prove me right, beyond my wildest imaginings. With a little love and attention he began to pick up word after word, using them in appropriate contexts. He'd sneeze and say, "God bless you Pierre". My sister would bring him some apple and he'd say, "how about this Pierre?" We would spritz him with a plant mister and he'd ruffle up and start jabbering on and on about "mister....mister...." He'd sing in a tiny operatic voice, interspersed with a musical, "doo doo doo". When my grandmother (who lived way across the country road) would call her cat he would immediately start doing a warbled whistle that she taught him. He taught himself to go through the rungs of a toy ladder whenever we asked him to. He would convincingly imitate sparrows, jays, chickadees, and other wild birds. I've had many birds since, including some very talented Amazons and a Congo grey. But I'd stack my little budgie up against any of them! --Greg Meissner, San Jose, Calif.

BUZZSAW IS A seven-month-old variegated blue budgie. He quickly made friends with my cockatiels and to this day, he's seen stealing seeds from their feed bowl. Although he doesn't know how to talk, he does know how to chatter like a 'tiel and confuses me regularly when he chimes in with my five cockatiels. He's a very good mimicker! Budgies are little clowns. They're always on the go, chattering and playing, or rummaging through the food bowl. They're pretty quiet in terms of volume, but they make noise all the time! But it's a playful and pleasant noise and nothing like a cockatoo's screeching. They're also carefree compared to cockatiels, who tend to be more reserved and stately. Budgies would rather be out and doing something, anything, besides sitting and staring at walls. They're also bossy when compared to cockatiels. Buzzsaw often pesters my 'tiels into doing stuff they don't want to do. I would recomend budgies for a beginner bird owner. They're small, easy to care for and they're not as prone to the problems the larger parrots have. I'd own another budgie in half a heart beat if I had the room! --"Northlight" Hermary, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

What's life like with your budgie? Share the perks and pitfalls of this breed with other ParrotChronicles.com readers by sending us your brief owner's comments for posting. Please include your name, city and state.

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The cute caique talks and hops like a wind-up toy.     (Photo of Ruckus, a white-bellied caique, courtesy of Bryan Wilson.)

Countries of origin: The black-headed caique occurs north of the Amazon River and westward to parts of Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru. The white-bellied caique lives south of the Amazon in northern Brazil and parts of Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.

Size: Small but relatively heavy, the black-headed caique measures 9 inches long and weighs up to 170 grams (about six ounces). The slightly smaller white-bellied caique measures 8 inches long and weighs up to 165 grams.

Personality: Acrobatic and clownish, known both for the alarming habit of resting with feet in the air and the delightful behavior of hopping about, like a wind-up toy. Enjoys large cages, lots of toys and plenty of attention. Will fearlessly attack larger birds. Whistles shrilly but is not as noisy as larger parrots.

Talking ability: Moderate, with high-pitched voice similar to the budgie's.

Listen:
White-belly caiques.
(Thanks to the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.)

Average lifespan: 30 years.

Additional reading:

• Caiques. Birds of a Feather Avicultural Society article by Karen M. Crassi

What owners say:

PIG, MY WHITE-BELLY caique, is my best friend, and I absolutely adore her. She's rough and tumble, rolls over when you scratch her head, surfs in my hair when I get out of the shower, and sits on my shoulder to rub furiously if she happens to get wet. She's also fearless, flinging herself at the dogs and other birds in a huge display of possessiveness. Although she gets along with the other family members, she much prefers me - and I like to think that's because I've handfed her. They really are wonderful pets, and I'm sure happy I broke down and bought this bratty little bird! --Janell, San Diego

I HAVE TWO, because two is twice the fun! Pajaro, the male, and Squeaky, the female, are the first to wake up and let you know that it is time to come out. They have a very loud, shrill call. They play very hard, rolling around and foot wrestling or chasing each other around on the playstand, or often hanging upside down like bats, beak wrestling. They often squabble like siblings but make up quickly with mutual preening fests. They love toys with bells, leather knots to undo and yet both have extremely different preferences. Squeaky loves to sleep in her happy hut, while Pajaro prefers sleeping on his boing. Pajaro's favorite pastime is for you to hold onto a rubber toy while he rubs himself all over it and chews on it. He absolutely adores this activity. He also hair surfs; Squeaky prefers surfing in a damp towel. Both are fearless and not above taking on the "floor critters (dogs and cats)" if they want to go across the room. They must be supervised while out to keep them out of mischief! I can't imagine not having these two little clowns in my life! --Jerry Fontenot, Dallas

What's life like with your caique? Share the perks and pitfalls of this breed with other ParrotChronicles.com readers by sending us your brief owner's comments for posting. Please include your name, city and state.

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The cockatiel's mild personality makes it a great parrot for children.     (Photo of Allie, a male normal grey cockatiel, by Ken Mathews.)

Country of origin: Australia.

Size: Small and slender with long tail. Almost twice the size of a budgie at 12.5 inches long but only 90 grams (a little over three ounces).

Personality: Even-tempered, affectionate, inquisitive but not an acrobatic parrot like some. Crest stands erect when alarmed or interested. Unlike many parrots, which become nippy or difficult to handle as they get older, tamed cockatiels remain mellow, making them an excellent choice for children. The Britney Spears of parrots, cockatiels possess cheerful, musical voices; however, they can scream shrilly for attention. Must be protected from larger or more aggressive parrots.

Talking ability: Poor to moderate.

Listen:
Cockatiel singing.
(Thanks to Angelique Wittenaar and Peter Bosboom.)

Average lifespan: 30 years.

Average lifespan: 15-20, up to 30 years.

Additional reading:

• Boo-boo's world of wonder. Enthusiast's site.
• The American Cockatiel Society
• National Cockatiel Society
• North American Cockatiel Society

What owners say:

HERE'S MY DAY WITH 10 COCKATIELS: Jazzy, Alayla, Spencer, Meeka, Zonee, Kasiaha, Alijha, Benny, Ceephee, and Wizzey. Jazzy flies over to my pillow at 6 a.m., whistling at me. When he sees I'm awake, he flies back to his cage and waits by his food and water bowl. Everyone else follows Jazzy's example. I serve breakfast, and at 9 a.m. they all go to their outside aviary and play in the sun. It's 20 feet by 17 feet and has a pool, waterfall, a banana tree and lots of vegetable growth plus seeds scattered on the floor. At noon they come when called to their carrier and we all go back inside. Around 3, the hottest part of the day, we all take a shower with the heads set to mist. I blow dry them until they're only damp and they go back outside to dry and nap. Back inside at 4 for a pineapple treat then at 7, their evening meal of bell peppers, soy beans, dried soy bean nuts, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, pellets, millet spray and some love and affection from me! Before bed I quickly inspect everyone for any cuts or other health problems, then I cover half the cage with a blanket to keep out the drafts, change their water, and leave on a night light. Then off to sleep I go, ready to start all over again the next day. Birds are hard work, but it's worth it! --Katteetrixy@aol.com

MY NEWEST BIRD to date came in a box from a birding friend who said this bird was a nasty one that bites. I am a falconer who works with several raptors daily and when my husband looked at this bird he said it was hand fed and wondered why it got a bad record. I took this bird out and it hopped to the finger, did a long flight around the room and perched back on my finger. I have to say it's the best bird to train so far! This bird has not bitten anyone in the family and is happy to interact with us all (a family of seven). I now am trying to learn more about cockatiels. Happy with a Tweety! -- Carol Newby, Alabama

HOW CAN I tell you how much I love my pearl female Sooshee?  She chose me the first day she was at the pet shop (I had been waiting for the babies to be available for sale) by leaping onto my shirt when the cage was opened.  That was it.  Love at first sight.  We spend hours cuddling on the couch and I am so well trained!  Loves her head scratched and can't get enough of it.  She's an only pet and is spoiled rotten!--Barbara from Burbank

MY BIRD RAIDER isn't such a nice bird unless you have his mirror or his food. He loves women. He is grey and white and loves to look at himself. He is the best singing cockatiel that I have personally heard. He is about 4 years old and he looks like he is really buff. He can also be extremely loud at times. But all in all, I love him to death and would not trade him for the world. --DCrider916@aol.com

CHIPPER (named after Chipper Jones of the Atlanta Braves) is two years old and very affectionate, with his own little personality. He loves to be rubbed on his head and scratched around his neck, but touching his wings and tail is a definite no-no. He says about eight or ten things and can whistle "Windchester Cathedral" when he wants to and does a great wolf whistle. But he loves to watch Teletubbies and Sesame Street - I think he's in love with Po! --Marilyn Harnage, mlhtn@earthlink.net

BINKY, my lutino cockatiel still under one year, loves to be scratched on the head and under the wings - but NOT on the tail (serious crime)!!! He loves shredding paper so keeping important work away is a must. He flies loose around my room all day with my other cockatiel and is obssessed with my conure who definitely isn't obssessed with him - he finds him annoying. He only goes to the loo in his cage (he trained himself). He is such a sweet and gorgeous bird and I think cockatiels make better and easier pets than the larger parrots - but still with loads of personality. He does adore attention but also knows how to entertain himself. His favourite thing is be sprayed at bathtime, when he opens his wings full and leans forward making the weirdest noises! Then he loves to be dried with a hairdryer. He can mimic any noise he hears and likes to quietly chatter away to my other birds all day. --Robert Lloyd, lloyds@greenacre777.freeserve.co.uk

SHE NEEDS a lot of attention and is eating any paper she can find. Although she is very cute she will not go on my hand any more; all she wants me to do nowadays is scratch her head and if you are scratching it wrong she will peck you. But she can be very funny at times and cute. I love her! --Josh Melfi, jmelfi@execulink.com

SUNNI THE LUTINO cockatiel lives with us in Cherry Hill, N.J. Her name gives you a window to her personality. She is only 5 months old but very bright. She was the youngest 'tiel at the bird shop so we waited and visited her almost daily until she was fully weaned and could come home. She adapted very quickly to being the only feathered member of the house. She greets us every morning with her chirps and settles down every night with a few good night nuzzles. She is still learning to play with toys and try new foods--she prefers to eat while we hold her food in our fingers and has discovered a bath is not such a bad thing if "mom" is also in the shower. Sunni is loving and will always be loved. --Deena Weise, njhuskies@prodigy.net

WHEN RESEARCHING good birds for beginners like me, all the sources talked about how "docile," and "even-tempered" cockatiels are. At first I thought those were nice ways of saying "boring"--but I was so wrong! My 'tiel Dil is certainly docile and easy to be with, but also playful, curious, lively, and incredibly responsive to people and his environment. Don't let anyone tell you that the only "real" parrots are birds like cockatoos, macaws, greys, and Amazons. Dil is plenty full of personality and charm, without some of the worries that you can have with the larger birds. And yes, on rare occasions he'll drive me crazy--which I think is proof that he's a "real" parrot! --Jane and Dil Mitchell, Maywood, NJ

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Snowy-white plumage and a large crest sets the cockatoo apart.    (Photo of Big Bugger, a medium sulphur crested cockatoo, courtesy of Foster Parrots.)

Countries of origin: Mostly Australia and Indonesia.

Size: Ranges widely, from the pint-size Goffin's to the Moluccan, one of the largest parrots. A midget among cockatoos, the Goffin's measures only 12.5 inches long and weighs less than 380 grams. Also on the small side: the galah (Eolophus r. roseicapillus), the lesser sulphur-crested (Cacatua sulphurea) and gang-gang (Callocephalon fimbriatum) cockatoos. The umbrella crested and greater sulphur-crested are large, at 18 inches and about 600 grams. But the imposing palm and moluccan are the true giants of the cockatoo world, at 27 and 20 inches, respectively, and over 1000 grams, or two pounds.

Personality: Personable, affectionate, entertaining and highly intelligent. Largest species have especially powerful beaks and require plenty of hard chewing material. May be clingy and demanding of owners' attention; prone to feather plucking. Among the loudest of parrots, capable of high-decible screaming several times a day.

Talking ability: Moderate to good.

Listen:
Medium sulphur-crested cockatoo.
(Thanks to Tim Maher.)

Two Moluccan cockatoos.
(Thanks to Jerry Waters.)

Average lifespan: Up to 70 years or longer.

Additional reading:

• The Cockatoo Gallery. Enthusiast's site.
• Cockatoos Rescue and Online Reference Library.
• Friends of the Little Corella.

What owners say:

I WALKED INTO A PET SHOP to buy a hamster for a grandson and walked out with a bundle of white fluff. The day I brought him home he earned his name - he bit me so hard with that little grey beak of his that the grandson said, "Grandma, let's name him Chomper." Mischievous, funny, very very loving. He squawks and yells when someone drives up our driveway, the best watchdog anyone could ask for. But letting this little stinker be alone without someone watching him can spell $$$$$$. A cockatoo can dismantle anything! I wonder how many people have been awakened soaked to their necks in a waterbed from their loving parrot that got out of his cage to come find them? But we're still smiling, still taking pictures of the birds with the grandkids who are almost grown up now and our bundles of fluff are still our precious babies. --Mary VanPuymbrouck, Wisconsin

AFTER LOTS of research and reading I decided that the larger 'toos were out. At the breeder's I fell in love with the bundle of pink and grey fluff that was my galah cockatoo, Clouseau! He talks quite a bit, especially at night when he thinks no one is around. He says hello, Ruby (our dog's name), hello Jessie, woodgy woodgy (he always whispers this) and he can guffaw, which is quite amusing. Otherwise, he’s pretty quiet, apart from meal times where, if he doesn't get table food, he will flap and shriek. He’s chewy but never draws blood, being very sensitive to his human’s feelings. He also has a shower everyday, and then a hairdryer, which he loves. He is very demanding, and really wants your attention 24/7, so anyone considering buying a cockatoo, please research carefully and make sure a 'too is right for you! --Jessica  Hunt

A MOLUCCAN'S SCREAMING and demand for attention can be very trying, but the love I have for mine keeps me going and helps me be patient. Mia is the youngest and loudest of my five parrots. I guess I spoiled her when she was young, since I hand fed her for two years and gave her double the attention. Yeah, I know - two stupid mistakes! When Mia gets rowdy and gets on my nerves, I simply have to cuddle her and talk to her. She tucks her beak under my chin, tilts her head to look at me, and falls asleep while I scratch her. When I feel down all I have to do is open her cage. Her eyes to me are like a child's on Christmas day, so full of happiness and excitement. She knows when I am happy and flaps her wings to share in the joy. And she knows when I am sad and seems to look at me as if to say, "It's okay, Daddy, things will be okay." While Moluccans can try your patience, Mia has kept me in good spirits even when times get bad. She is my little baby girl; lways will be to me. --Michael Schmuldt, Plainfield, Ill.

I GET A BIT angered when I see people write, "If I knew what it was going to be like getting a cockatoo I never would have gotten him, but we love him."  Yeah, right.  They haven't spent enough time with the bird to bond. I bought "Ziggy", our fiesty Moluccan cockatoo, about two years ago and he has really been the joy of the family. Ziggy has free run of the house and follows you from room to room or he'll just perch on your shoulder while you clean house and talk up a storm.  He understands when you have to leave for work and has never once plucked his feathers. True, they scream but only if you allow them to be, without proper loving, training and discipline.  If the bird knows this is unacceptable behavior and you have worked with him enough he will not be a screamer. Instead of screaming for attention he can be trained to whistle, call your name, say hello or any other vocal training you want to give him. Moluccans are the most loving and sincere birds. Ziggy has a fantastic vocabulary and comprehends conversations.  He is extremely affectionate and loves to cuddle.  Biting is not a problem if you involve yourself in "beak play."  I've never once been truly bitten by Ziggy. Handling and playing with your bird is a must for him to bond with you.  At first it may be in small steps as he is in unfamiliar territory, but he will warm up to you very soon.  If you are afraid of the bird from the beginning and jump back and lock him in his cage every time he squawks or lunges then he will remain an aggressive bird.  They are just as curious about you as you are about them and will become another part of your family if you interact with them. --Alan Gray

I AM THE LOVING COMPANION of Eden, an 8-year-old Triton cockatoo. She is the first and only bird I've owned and I have to admit I started out with a toughie. Cockatoos require much time, energy and money. I can't tell you how many times I've watched Eden reduce a $50 toy to toothpicks in a matter of a few hours. I think the most important thing a cockatoo owner must have is a sense of humor. Not everyone has the time and dedication to own a 'too. I'm not trying to discourage people from adopting 'toos but I believe it is an absolute must that a person realize what is involved in loving and caring for these beautiful creatures. Caring for a 'too is equivalent to adopting a human toddler; only this toddler will remain a toddler for the rest of its life. These birds can live to be 70 years old. If you are willing to spend the time, energy and bucks, a relationship with a 'too is a wonderful experience, one of the most fulfilling I've had. --Claudia Smith, Dallas, Texas

MY BIRDS TAKE all my time but today, living alone, they make my life interesting. Lalla, a 10-year-old goffin's male, sold himself to me in a pet shop. Charmed me as he today charms everyone visiting my home. I regard him as a very clever bird. He can bully some times, but mostly I can handle him. (I can't put a finger into his cage, but out in the room I can do almost anything with him.) He got himself some company in August - a rosebreasted young lady bought from a breeder. Rozette does answer when I call on her, but not in words as Lalla does (he says hello and goodbye but no new words since I got him). It will be interesting to watch Rozette grow older - will she learn to say anything or will she stick to her bird sounds? Finally, I have my caiques, an 11-year-old male and 7-year-old female; they have had eggs several times but the female comes off them too early. But caiques are very entertaining and clever birds. --Karin Folkertsen, gypsy@post3.tele.dk

AS A PROUD OWNER of a Triton, I disagree with so many of the bad things that are said about them. Sun Bear came into my life just before the death of my lesser sulpher crested, Romeo. Bear came from the Native American symbol of a healer and I wanted to have Sun Bear heal my heart. What I didn't know then, was that he would come to heal and ease so many hearts, including terminally ill children. Sun Bear loves people and does a lot of volunteer work in the community, he goes to anyone that accepts his advances. His community work has included nursing homes, schools, adult daycare centers, schools and doing kid care events with The Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. Sun Bear has an extensive vocabulary that is over 70 words including Greek and Spanish. Sun Bear speaks in full sentences and what is amazing is his body language when he is speaking. Sun Bear can identify objects ie airplanes babies, cats, dogs police cars and can identify these objects even from a photo. He was recently heard on a local radio station ordering my coffee, bagel and his baby food at the drive-up window at a Dunkin Donuts. --Mary, manotarangelo01@snet.net

I AM THE PROUD owner of a rose-breasted (also known as galah) cockatoo. I went to a breeder's, to "just talk". Yeah, right. I saw this beautiful pink-and-grey bird and fell in love. And he with me. I was apprehensive, as I had heard how loud cockatoos can be. The breeder assured me that "rosies" are quiet compared with their white cousins. Sure enough, Rudy is a very sweet, quiet bird. He might scream a few times a week, usually while hanging off the top of his cage or attacking a toy. He talks: "I'm Rudy," "I love you," "whatcha doing," and "step up" are just a few of his phrases. He is "bitey," but that is a rosie trait. He has never broken skin or drawn any blood, but he does love to put his beak around fingers and apply a lot of pressure. --Marie Dalzell, Belmont, N.H.

WHILE I LOVE my 3-year-old male umbrella cockatoo with all my heart, he is messy and demanding and a difficult bird to keep happy and stimulated. Cockatoos are the parrot most likely to be passed from home to home. They are prone to feather picking and self-mutilation. Cockatoos have about the worst bite of the large parrots because the upper mandible punctures and tears and the lower mandible slices the underside. I've needed stitches. Cockatoos are also extremely loud. I read somewhere they have the fourth loudest voice known to man. I am profoundly deaf and can hear my bird clearly. My nearest neighbors live a good distance away and they can hear him yell. It always bothers me when I read sites that claim that cockatoos are quiet except twice a day. Mine will scream for a good half hour at a shot. Cockatoos yell when they want something they don't have (like anything you own that is out of their reach) and they yell and squawk when they are happy. If he is bored he will yell, if he is hungry he will yell. If he is afraid of a speck of dust floating near the cage he will yell. In my 'too's case he yells "peekaboo!" He thinks that whenever he can't see me, all he has to say is peekaboo and I will appear. Usually I just answer him back with a "I am right here" and that seems to be ok. However, many times that's not good enough. The problem is that many people bring home this cute little parrot and he is new and sweet and a baby and they love him and spend every second holding him and cuddling him - and then the novelty wears off. They have things to do, they have to go back to work, or school. While my cockatoo has a home forever, I can honestly say that if I knew then what I know now, I would not have come home with a cockatoo. What is it that the Crocodile Hunter said? Something like he would rather tackle a crock anyday over a cockatoo. That tells you something. --Stephanie Green

I CANNOT IMAGINE LIFE without Snicker, my 6-year-old male Goffin's. Luckily, he is able to entertain himself and really enjoys his toys. Goffin's are more independent than many of the other cockatoos, a quality I find most desirable. Snicker is very attached to me as his mate, and is a one-person bird. We snuggle twice daily, he calls when I leave the room (naturally I answer), and he courts me during breeding seasons. He is a rather aggressive mate, and while I've been bitten many times, it's been due to my misreading him. His screams are challenging but his vocalizations are always welcome. He knows that "I love you" always gets a response, and he uses language appropriately. As an apartment dweller, I can't sleep in because once he's awake he wants me near, and won't quit until I'm up. He cannot be left unattended because his beak will get him in trouble; he's an enormous chewer of paper, leather, wood, stuffed animals, and, his all-time favorite, clothing labels. He has chewed a lead weight and the couch. Goffin's are a lot of bird in a small package. I highly recommend them. --Susan, Parsippany, N.J.

I "INHERITED" MY GALAH from my youngest daughter, who received Jaqui as an 18th birthday present but has not had the time to spend with her. Jaqui raises the alarm if anyone comes into our property (as would a barking dog), and also calls when anyone goes out of the front door. However, her cries last only half a minute so are not a problem. For the most part she is quiet and plays happily, just chatting to me from time to time. I find her little squeaks, squeals and cries fun and cute. In all honesty, had I known just how much close attention is needed I might not have bought her, but I feel it was a "good" mistake as I love her dearly. I also have had to learn to avoid the situations that might result in her biting. Living in Australia we frequently have flocks of galahs around and constantly compare our darling with them. Of course, they don't even compare to Jaqui's talking ability, which astonishes everyone. --Summer Luke, Melbourne, Australia

I OWN THREE cockatoos and each one is so different. My first one was the rose-breasted (aka galah), whom I named Belle. I walked into the pet store, took one look at her and knew I had to have her. I went home, did a little research, read that they were quiet and friendly and went back for her. My second one is a Goffins, appropriately named Goofy. He is the sweetest and funniest bird I have ever seen! Now don't get me wrong, he is a challenge, as he can escape from any cage and will open the door to Belle's cage so they can 'play' together. Goofy is very, very quiet, except late at nite, he will yell when he knows I am nearby and wants to come out to cuddle. Goofy is a messy bird, he throws his food everywhere and loves to shred paper. He has also done a fair amount of damage to the woodwork. But I wouldn't trade him for the world when he snuggles under my chin and 'cries' for me to preen him. JoJo, a 6-year-old Moluccan, has a history of abuse and neglect. He came to live with us during his first breeding season, so he screamed and bit a lot! He has settled down some now, but every so often he will rip open one of my fingers. JoJo is bonded to my partner, but he does cherish the frequent head rubs that I give him. In summary, I love all of my birds, although Goofy has the special place in my heart. If you are considering getting a cockatoo, please read everything you can before you obtain one, as they do have the traits described. --Marby, candylandtalker@aol.com

What's life like with your cockatoo? Share the perks and pitfalls of this breed with other ParrotChronicles.com readers by sending us your brief owner's comments for posting. Please include your name, city and state.

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Conures offer loads of personality but have a shrill voice.    (Photo of Spaz and Kiwi, dusky-headed conures, courtesy of Foster Parrots.)

Countries of origin: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatamala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Size: Small to medium with long pointed tail, ranging from the 8-inch Brazilian white-eared conure to Chile's 18-inch, 400-gram (almost one-pound) greater Patagonian, a large grey-breasted bird with a startling red stripe up its yellow abdomen. The average conure is 12 to 14 inches long.

Personality: Highly active, affectionate. Needs plenty of toys and time with owner. Blue-crowned conures are considered among the most laid back of a rowdy bunch prone to screeching.

Talking ability: Poor to moderate, with a high-pitched voice.

Listen:
White-eyed conure.
(Thanks to Johnandsharon.com.)

Blue-crown conure clucking like a chicken.
(Thanks to James and Tina Williams.)

Average lifespan:15-20 years, up to 30.

Additional reading:

• International Conure Association.
• The blue-crowned conure. PetStation species profile by R. R. Holster.

What owners say:

WHEN I HEAR the word conure all I think of is laughter, entertainment and smiles. We have had our mitred conure for nearly 10 years now - a surprise Christmas present from my husband. His name, Bozo (like the clown) fits him to a T. Bozo can say many words very clearly and loudly, he will dance and sing to music, he says hello when the telephone rings and when he sees someone he doesn't like he says very loudly "say goodbye" and fluffs his feathers. If that doesn't work he will fly to their shoulder and bite their ear and repeat, "Good bye-eeee". Talk about a stitch - his humor can't be beat. He will cuddle up on my shoulder, put his head next to mine and say "I love you" - then bite my ear! He's not especially happy with other birds we have but will repeat a few things the cockatoo says. --Mary VanPuymbrouck, Wisconsin

I ADOPTED one-year-old Tookie a year ago from a family who, because of a new baby, wanted to find him a new home.  I've always loved parrots but never had one before and did a lot of research before deciding to get a green-cheek conure. I'm very happy with him!  Tookie is very smart - always watching and learning.  He knows the meaning of lots of words (juice, apple, grape, popcorn, bath, go to bed, come here) but has only said his name and "joos".  He's extremely well-adjusted and open to most things. He is very engaged in all the daily goings on when I'm home and amuses himself very well while I'm gone.  He loves baskets, tissue paper, cat toys, taking baths and bells.  He got really nippy for a while; what worked was reading Sally Blanchard's Beak Book; the effect was instantaneous and permanent.  Tookie natters a little in the morning until I come get him out, will scream when I'm outside and he's left inside, and he has a special warning squawk for ravens and hawks.  He's very spoiled and very happy and I wouldn't trade him for a million dollars.  --Elizabeth, San Francisco

WE WERE JUST checking out bird types when we met a shy 5-month-old green-cheeked conure in a pet store. They assured me he was sweet, but ran scared from all the people trying to pick him up. I held him close, and he just snuggled right in, all the way home.  The first time I went to his cage to get him, he jumped right out onto my hand! I've had Boris less than three months, and every morning when I open his cage and get him out, I hold him over the garbage can and he poops. He sleeps in a bird buddy, and rarely soils his cage. Of course, he's out of it all day - playing, hanging out with our parakeets or cockatiel, or riding around my shoulder. He'll sit on my chest and wait to be rubbed and scratched. He gives me a noise and I know to put him on paper where he'll poop. When I come home from an errand, he'll squawk then start his "dance," swaying back and forth, lifting one leg up with every sway. That's my cue to pick him up! Sometimes he'll fly down to the floor and walk over to wherever I am if I don't get him fast enough! Everyone in our family adores Boris! I love birds, and wouldn't mind adopting another type, too! --Kathy, Melbourne Beach

WE HAVE THE great pleasure of sharing our home with two of these birds. Fred and Barnie have been part of our family for almost four years; in this time they have come to trust us and know that we love and respect them. We are not sure how old they are or if we have a male and female or what, but it really doesn't matter; they are the clowns of the house. They have relaxed into some very friendly birds who like nothing more than to come out of their cage and play. Sometimes it does get rough but nothing like at first. --Bryan, Lockport, N.Y.

ANANDA (more often called "chicken" because of his buk-baaak contact call) had been with me about three years when I got married last year. I was a bit concerned about the infamous parrot love triangle, but there have been no problems. His favorite thing is to get in the middle of a smooch fest, and he adores my husband without liking me any less. His vocabulary is limited but slowly expanding; his favorites are the Bronx cheer (he even puts out his tongue) and a very prolonged and musical "hi" in four syllables. The hilarity of his frequent hysterical laughing fits and dancing moods are such a joy. He has been gradually improving in the shrill scream department, replacing the high decible shrieks with a more mellow whistle to which we will respond better, and he is learning to fly to his cage to poop. He's as cuddly as a cockatoo, but without the demanding and clinging "me first" tantrums. Ananda especially likes to do yoga on my shoulder with me in the mornings, sometimes mimicking postures or hanging from my hair in forward bends. He is also a budding amateur dentist, utterly fascinated by the "beaks" we keep hidden behind our lips. We are thinking of putting him into dental school to help pay for his macaroni-and-cheese habit. The longer this loving and beautiful nanday conure is a part of our family, the fonder of each other we grow. I hope he has a nice, long life, though his growing interest in Coca-Cola might become a problem. --Jeanette Joost, Bitterroot Valley, Montana

GREAT TO TELL you about my little rascal, Bobby, a nanday conure who came to live with me four months ago. He is about 4 years old, and since I have had him he has already learnt more words and phrases, despite arriving with quite a vast vocabulary, which he recites daily. He adores daily baths in his square dish. He washes his tail first, then belly flops in and wings flap, water goes everywhere, so my kitchen is thoroughly soaked, too. He is also a little thief - if I leave any snippets of food out he steals. He adores opening my yoghurts, having his fill then knocking the pot over the edge, what a great mess, and he gets highly excited by this. He loves to be in amongst my cockatoos, and he now lives in a large cage with my cockatiel, Gizmo, and they share toys and food. He really is an amusing little fella, can be quite noisy first thing, but so are the 'toos, and perhaps he wants to be part of the clan! His previous owner does visit him and he truly enjoys seeing her, totally ignoring me. He cuddles her so much more affectionately, but given time perhaps he will do so to me. Bobby amazes me with his intelligence, for when he is naughty, he says so himself, and he also has learnt all the other birds names, and clearly tells them off when they are bad, he has even told me to "shut up". --Carol, Berkshire, England

MY HUSBAND used to volunteer for a wildlife refuge. One of the park rangers knew of a nanday conure who was looking for a home and asked if we'd take her. Chirpy had gone through seven foster homes. How could something so joyful and loving not find a place to call home? As soon as Chirpy came into my home I knew she was going to stay, and change our world. The first time I saw her, she was dancing, as if to make us laugh, or say, "Ah, I'm finally home". She still dances, it's a whole body movement. Lots of up and down with her chest and feet; even her little beak opens up. She gives kisses, she laughs (truly). She lets me rub under her wing, her head. She's even starting to purr. After a few months I adopted a Quaker to keep her company. That's Polly. He's a whole other story. Thank you for letting me take this opportunity to share a story of a conure who had a rough start, and a "mom" who was so looking for the joy and happiness she brought her. --Liz Grindrod, Ft. Myers, Fla.

MY HUSBAND AND I walked into a pet store two years ago to buy dog food. We walked out with a sun conure who I immediately named Tiki Bird. His beautiful rainbow effects are what originally drew me to him, but it was his personality that hooked me. He crawled up under the hood of my jacket and fell asleep. He's loud and he runs my household, but I wouldn't have it any other way. He loves to travel with us. My Tiki Bird's favorite activity is to watch tv perched under my neck where he normally falls asleep. Nothing makes life worthwhile than seeing him puff up when I tell him how pretty he is or pet him. Many people put their pride and joy (their kids) on their Christmas cards - ours have Tiki on them, perched on his little sleigh and ready to deliver presents. --Amanda Helmick, Paducah, Ky.

MY GREENCHEEK "Buddy" is a real sweetheart! He loves to cuddle on the back of my neck when I'm watching t.v. and say, "Buddy Buddy," "Buddy Booboo." He loves to help me eat my dinner and falls asleep in my husband's hand after some head scratching. He is very curious about everything and can get into all kinds of mischief if you don't keep an eye on him when he's out of the cage. He tolerates our cockatiel, "Baby," but he is the boss. He has many toys and rope climbs and ladders to play on. Loves water and if you're not careful will be more than happy to jump into a sink full of dishwater. He has the "life of Riley" so to speak and is quite lucky to have us as his pets. He is very quiet, rarely calling out loudly, except when the bluejays outside start making their noise, usually when a cat is around. I can't imagine life without Buddy. He is truly my buddy! --Cathy Wheeler, St. Petersburg, Fla., Stpcat@AOl.com

TWO YEARS AGO I adopted Meko, a 5-year-old nanday conure from a bird rescue. Her owner had spent a lot of time with her when she was young, so she is very well socialized. When the previous owner had a child, she couldn't spend as much time with her, so Meko became a screamer and there were complaints from the neighbors. In the bird rescue she was timid and spoke a few words. Soon after I brought her home, her speaking ability began to blossom. She said things she must have heard months to years previously. She usually only says one to three syllables, but occasionally gets to five. We now have a 150-word list of things she has said. Highlights are "Merry Christmas", "No problem", "Thank you" and "You're welcome" (often said appropriately) and the names of her favorite foods. She'll say "water" when I turn on the tap or when she is thirsty, and she'll say "Meko wet" if she wants to take a shower or a bath in the sink. She knows the colors purple, red, white and black. One of the most delightful things about this bird is her love of music. I leave the radio on for her most of the day, and we really don't have much trouble with screaming. If there is music with a really good beat, she bobs her head, taps her feet, and sometimes even dances to the music. Her sense of rhythm is really right on! Her favorites include Whitney Houston, bluegrass, and Vivaldi. Recently a group of friends were visiting and sang The Hokey Pokey to her. The results were hilarious. She squeaked and danced and turned herself around. Meko likes to keep me company while I clean the house and wash the dishes. She loves computer sessions and watching movies with me. If I cry, she squashes her little body against my cheek. On the down side, if I fall asleep while watching a video, she is likely to eat holes in my clothes and in the sofa. When she's ready to go to bed, she will pinch my cheek to wake me up. She's a bit of a rascal, but I adore her. --Ronnie Schenkein, Coudersport, Pa.

JONAH THE PATAGONIAN conure was given to us by a friend who'd rescued him from a vacant house - he'd been left behind when his owners were evicted. Jonah has taken a while to settle in; at first all he wanted to do was eat and sleep. A warm shower bath washed away all the grime and revealed a very handsome bird. Jonah is amazingly sweet-tempered, doesn't bite, screams much less than my two kids, and is very good company for me. I give him fresh, washed twigs from the birch tree in my yard, he enjoys reducing them to splinters. He gets playtime outside his cage each day. He likes eating fruit, air-popped popcorn, crackers & bits of my baby's teething biscuits. I'd like to convert him and my other birds to a pellet diet. Not long ago I wrapped Jonah in a towel and trimmed his wings and toenails. He gave me much less of a fuss than my 'tiel or my budgie! I feel very fortunate to have him. --Desiree Valenzuela, Springfield, Ore.

WHEN TRYING TO DECIDE on what species of parrot to get, I had originally eliminated conures because of their reputation for being noisy. Then I found out about the conures in the Pyrrhura genus. The Pyrrhura conures (greencheeks, maroon bellies, painted, etc.) are mostly very quiet birds. My little greencheek is wonderful. The species has a reputation for enjoying playing while on their backs and being very cuddly. My greencheek isn't as cuddly or as playful as the average greencheek, but he is very sweet and absolutely adorable. He loves to shred anything except for his toys and branches and is always getting into mischief, but that's why he's so fun to have. --Karen Zachariasen, ZachariasenK@Mail.Ripon.edu

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The bright-green eclectus male is easy to tell apart from the red female.     (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Swicegood of Land of Vos.)

Countries of origin: Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia's Cape York Peninsula.

Size: Medium, 13-16 inches long and up to 550 grams, or a little over one pound (Australian eclectus, Eclectus r. macgillivrayi).

Personality: May behave calmly even when frightened, which has led to a reputation for lethargy. Once acclimated, enjoys toys and bonds strongly with owner. Relatively quiet, but has harsh screech.

Talking ability: Moderate to excellent, some say equal to the African grey's.

Listen:
Male eclectus saying, "Go potty. Hurry up!", followed by loud screech.
(Thanks to Simon's Home Page. )

Average lifespan: 30-50 years.

Additional reading:

• Land of Vos. Owner's comprehensive site.

What owners say:

I KNOW YOU WON'T publish this, but I would not recommend an eclectus unless you want to take the very real and very likely chance that you will end up living 30 years with a bird that plucks. See www.rubyaquila.com. --Lori and Todd, Culver City, Calif.

MY 7-MONTH-OLD red-sided eclectus, Finnigan, is a joy!  He is also my very first bird. He was weaned at 3 1/2 months and flew in a carrier aboard a plane all the way from California to Birmingham, Ala.  His flight was 14 hours long and when I picked him up from the airport he looked just great.  He has been such a sweet, sweet boy.  He loves to play, has just started talking; saying hello mostly, just finished his first molt and eats everything!  I feed him seed mix during the day as I am at work.  At night he gets his evening meal which can consist of just about everything.  He eats all types of greens, carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, apples, oranges, grapes, rice, split peas and fresh sprouts.  It's a lot of work, but it really doesn't seem like it at all.  It's well worth it!  He loves to cuddle, takes showers and puts himself to bed every night at 7:30 p.m.  If he can't enter his cage by himself he will come find me to help him in.  --Angie Chamblee, arieskp@yahoo.com

BALTHAZAR, about three years old, loves his wise-man name and lives up to it. His "family" consists of us, my blue-and-gold macaw, an African grey, a Meyer's and a dog and cat, too! They love spending time together in their outdoor aviary and get along well. He imitates the others in his cute little voice and he loves to be shocking sometimes by screaming just for fun. Mostly, though, he's rather quiet, doe-eyed, loving, and gentle. He loves to cuddle. His little feet go out from under him when I hold him close and he burrows in close. He loves to be petted and "scritched," though I had read that usually they don't like it. He even falls asleep there sometimes (with the grey on the other side) at night when I'm in bed watching TV. So sweet. I adore them all, but I agree that there's something special about an eclectus. --KarinaK@aol.com

OLIVER WILL be two this April. He talks well and appropriately a great deal of the time. My husband and I both work, so he is in his cage during work hours. He is out and about as soon as we get home. He is the only bird so he has a lot of one-on-one attention. He loves showers. He likes company and is crazy about children. The only down-side so far is that he loves to chase our cocker spaniel, trying to bite his hind leg. He likes squeaky toys and loves to eat. He likes to be close but doesn't like to cuddle. He will sit on your hand and doze off at times. He says quite a few words or phrases. He is a joy to live with. --Carolyn Neikirk, Newport, Tenn.

I RECENTLY purchased a Solomon Island eclectus and I must say I will never have another type of bird. (And I have owned lovebirds, cockatiels, Quakers and finches.) Solomon (I know, what an original name!) is very quiet compared to the Quakers and is a whole lot less messy (poop wise). He is very sweet and loves to cuddle, is already saying "Mama" and "hello" at 6 months old and loves his food! If you need to know anything else, just ask me! --Kimberly Mayo, kimberly.mayo@knology.net

MY TWO-YEAR-OLD Vos is the absolute joy of my life! She is fresh and loving, a personality that is awesome. I am so crazy about her. I'm in the process of purchasing another, a male this time, also a Vos. He is now eight weeks old and is a wonderful, happy, sociable little guy. I also am owned by an umbrella 'too, and while I love her with all my heart, the ekkies are the best. --Pat Alexander, pla0705@snet.net

I GOT TUKI, my beautiful female Vos, when she was a featherless little creature and handfed her until she grew into a breathtaking bundle of red and purple. She is now 12 years old, and at age 6 began pulling feathers and down. It started all at once, no sign or warning. I uncovered her one morning, and found the cage bottom covered with fluffy grey under feathers. We have tried everything...vitamins, toys, TV, paper, pinecones and other shreddables. She eats, talks, cuddles, loves us - and plucks. The vet says she is sexually frustrated; I worry more that she isn't happy being caged. We work, are in and out of the house several times a day, handle her, talk to her, keep her clean, bathed and loved. If we leave her large, airy cage open, she climbs down and follows us around the house. She gets fresh food, cooked food and pellets, no seed. HELP...does anyone have a solution? She is never completely bald except under her wings and in spots around the neck and chest. I want her to be happy and again beautiful! --Anne Sadovsky, sadovskysitzmanhm@hotmail.com

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The hawk-headed parrot erects its nape feathers when disturbed. (Photo of buff-crown hawk-headeds courtesy of Angie Pitiriciu of A&M Aviaries.)

Countries of origin: The buff-crowned ranges from northern Brazil to French Guiana, Surinam, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The southern species lives in Brazil south of the Amazon River and into Bolivia.

Size: Medium, at almost 14 inches long and about 250 grams, or half a pound.

Personality: Playful and intelligent, enjoys hanging upside down and wrestling with toys. Voice ranges from warning hisses and growls to more pleasant calls to loud shrieks. Younger hawk-headeds can be affectionate but sexually mature birds can turn aggressive and unpredictable, biting and feather plucking.

Talking ability: Poor to moderate.

Listen:
Hawk-headed parrots.
(Thanks to the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.)

Average lifespan: 30 years.

Average lifespan: 40 years.

Additional reading:

• Hawk-headed Parrot. Assessment by the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation

What owners say:

I AGREE WITH most of your description, except for the part about the birds turning aggressive when sexually mature. Amazons do this, and so do many other types of parrots, but hawkheads are not among them. They do have a "teenage" phase somewhere around the age of six to 18 months, where they are easily spooked. If this behavior is completely ignored, it stops after two or three months. This is nowhere near the age of maturity, which is around seven years. The older the hawkhead, the mellower they are. Of course, a breeding pair will be aggressive, as are all other bird species. Their ability to talk is definitely worth mentioning. All my baby hawks talk by the time they are weaned. However, a good number of them will completely stop talking for a while when moving to a new home. This silent phase can last up to a year and has been observed by many breeders. People who are interested in learning more can join the Yahoo group hawkheads@yahoogroups.com. There are many breeders and pet owners there who are happy to answer any question about these playful, clownish and cuddly birds. --Annette Hartman, hawkheadhaven@yahoo.com

MY 8-MONTH-OLD hawkhead parrot, which I have had for four months, is a gentle, affectionate bird to date. He had a rocky start and was spooked, but has turned into a loving family member. He adores my husband and loves to perch with him for two-plus hours every night. He hangs upside down, bobs his head to a strange tune he has made up, and mimics my laugh to a "T". He is not bird-aggressive, and has perched on a playgym with my vos eclectus. He is very coordinated, terrific with his feet, and can glide easily with his clip. We give him a variety of foods, but he grabs his fruits first. He is only noisy in the morning and evening like the rest of the flock, and he misses nothing going on around him. He startles easily, and we are careful to reassure him. He loves to give himself a bath, and will spend 20 minutes doing so. Our family adores him. --Debbey Newfield, Bakersfield, Calif., debbeyanne@yahoo.com

MY 14-MONTH-OLD hawk-headed parrot loves to play with us, cuddle, get scratched all over, knock her toys around, and call for us in the a.m. I just love her playful personality. From what I've heard, I was expecting her to chase our cats but each has a healthy respect for the others. I have had my bird less than a year and it just keeps getting better and better. The trust she exhibits toward me and my husband is so rewarding! --Diane Wingle, Golden, Colo., dianew0@yahoo.com

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The Jardine's is "an Amazon minus the attitude."   (Photo of SadieLady, a Lesser Jardine's, courtesy of Ginny's Jardine Pages.)

Country of origin: The Jardine's (black-wing) originates in southern Cameroon, northern Angola and northern Kenya. The greater Jardine's can be found in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, and the lesser Jardine's comes from Liberia and Cameroon.

Size: Small but stockily built with short square tail. The lesser Jardine's is the smallest at 10 inches long and up to 230 grams. The slightly larger black-wing Jardine's measures 11 inches and weighs up to 280 grams. The greater Jardine's also measures 11 inches long but weighs the most, up to 310 grams, or three-quarters of a pound.

Personality: Among the most playful and energetic, with a penchant for "playing dead" like the caique. Generally steady temperament--sometimes described as an Amazon without the mood swings--but can be nippy. Accepting of strangers. Pleasant voice makes it a good bird for apartment dwellers.

Talking ability: Moderate to good. May develop fairly large vocabulary but does not enunciate clearly.

Listen:
Jardine's parrot saying, "Give me a kiss."
(Thanks to Steve DeGroof.)

Average lifespan: 30-50 years.

Additional reading:

• Jardine's Parrot. FAQ and other information compiled by the African Parrot Society.

What owners say:

I AM VERY happily owned by an 8-year-old lesser Jardine’s named Noggin for the way he drops his head to the "scratch please" position the second he sees me. He was given to me because he was "aggressive and untouchable". He is now quite the cuddlebug. He has a small vocabulary, which he uses only around me. The only thing he says clearly is a very demanding "cracker" when he wants a treat. He mutters quietly while he does his "happy dance" for me, and wolf whistles at the sound of my voice! He is not demanding at all, although he will pout if I'm late for our snuggle time, but always forgives me with a kiss. My LJ is the highlight of every day, and an absolute joy to share my life with. He does have his share of "J'attitude", but never gives more than a nip. He has a very large ego, always showing off his pretty wings for any woman he sees, then modestly blushing as they shower him with compliments. He never screams, but beeps like a microwave when upset. He whistles wonderfully when happy. He is simply the best friend I never expected to find. --Kelly, Milwaukee

I MET ELMO at a bird fair and we instantly became friends. He climbed right onto me and began investigating my sunglasses. He came home with me that afternoon. Elmo is a very gregarious little guy, begging for a head rub from anyone who walks by. He's never met anyone he didn't like. He's also very exciteable, especially at feeding time. This bird lives for food and head rubs. He eats noticeably more food than my African grey, Huey. He'll climb right onto my dinner plate or sit on the edge of my cereal bowl and help himself! He's become very proficient at removing jewelry from my ears, and cost me a pretty penny when he removed a diamond from my wedding ring. We have trained him to give kisses, lie on his back in a hand, "plotz" on command, and come on command. Elmo never learned to talk, but makes "crabby" sounds as if he's trying to imitate speech. He has learned to laugh, however, and loves to give kisses. Elmo will follow me around the house if given the chance, but watch out for your feet! He plays (sometimes too rough!) and loves to chase feet and chew on socks. He is fearless, except when it comes to Huey. He is fascinated by Huey and likes to preen him, but Huey likes to chase Elmo around, calling, "Come here, come here, step up MoMo, come here." Elmo, while no avian Einstein, knows better than to let Huey catch him. Elmo is very quiet generally and does not scream unless frightened. He loves to sit with me and watch TV, and will eagerly climb into any "hidey hole" he can find. He is a sweet little bird and a good companion. --Carla Wiesend, Rockford, Ill.

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