5 Best Large Parrots to Keep as Pets

Hey y’all, if you’re hunting down the 5 best large parrots to keep as pets, pull up a chair. I’m Joshua Van, the guy behind Diggity Dog as founder and senior editor sure, dogs are our jam, but birds? They’ve got my heart too. These oversized featherballs can crank up the fun at home with their chatter and antics, but picking the right one means syncing up with your daily grind for killer pet care and one heck of a healthy pet.

I’ve swapped stories with bird nuts, grilled some vets, and even pitched in on a rescue or two, so this lineup’s straight from the trenches as of early 2026. Dreaming of a wise-cracking sidekick or a burst of feathers? Hang tight—we’re gonna unpack what sets these large parrots apart.

Key Takeaways

• Large parrots got brains and attitude, but toss some brain-teasers daily or watch wilt.
• Buckle up for the ride plenty hit 30-70 years if you nail the pet care.
• Nail those healthy pet vibes: fresh grub, wide-open cages, doc visits no skipping.
• Parrots as pets? Pick wisely based on your noise vibes and square footage.
• Hunt rescues or vetted breeders keeps it real for the birds out there.

1. African Grey Parrot: The Wise Guy

That first African Grey I crossed paths with? Straight-up mimicked my laugh like a pro comedian. These large parrots from Africa’s wilds nail the smarts game, hoarding words and sometimes dropping  with perfect timing. Red-tail Congos or the compact Timnehs with their maroon flair either way, 2026 bird gurus call kid-level clever.

Why Greys Rule

• Brainiac levels with spot-on impressions creepy good at voices.
• They latch on hard, dishing out love if you’re all in.
• Not screamers like some large parrots, though they gab plenty.

The Rough Spots

• Super picky about people might ghost the family for you alone.
• Boredom blues hit with feather yanking; mix it up.
• Time suckers carve out chunks every day.

Grey Care Hacks

Pellets as the base (75-ish percent), mix in mango bits or broccoli half cup pellets, quarter fresh. Cage big: 2x2x3 feet min, plus fly time. Push 40-60 years, 13 inches or so, light as a feather under a pound. Vibe? Gentle but finicky fits low-drama zones.

2. Blue-and-Gold Macaw: The Show-Off

Spot a Blue-and-Gold Macaw and bam it’s like a flying sunset with blues and golds popping. South American crowd-pleasers, and with 2026’s breeding upgrades, snagging one guilt-free’s a breeze. Buddies in rescues rave about their spark.

Macaw Magic

• Looks that kill and clown moves they flip for tricks and chill sessions.
• Chatterboxes with forever loyalty.
• Buzzing with life, spot-on for go-getter homes.

Bumps in the Road

• Volume cranked shouts that carry blocks; apartment no-go.
• Chew monsters; toy stockpile or kiss your decor bye.
• Rookie trap demands space and sweat.

Macaw Must-Dos

Stretch to 29-33 inches, two pounds heavy, so supersize that cage: 4x4x6 feet. Pellets, nuts, salad bar they spill like pros! 50-60 year club. Personality? Zippy with edge toys and tussles keep peace.

3. Double Yellow-Headed Amazon: The Tune Master

Amazon switch-up: Double Yellow-Headed struts green with a lemon head that screams fun. Word from bird circles in 2026? These Central American gems are hot thanks to savvy breeders. Belt out songs like nobody’s business.

Amazon Awesomeness

• Voice wizards talk, sing, the works; home concerts incoming.
• Buddy material, thriving in the mix.
• Flex better than some large parrots with solid upbringing.

The Hang-Ups

• Hormone grumps, dudes especially.
• Holler fests earmuffs optional.
• Fave-picker; could spark sibling rivalry vibes.

Amazon Upkeep

15-17 inches, 17 ounces-ish, 25-60 years going strong. 3x3x4 foot cage, 4-6 hour hangs. Pellets lead, greens follow, seeds rare to skip chub. Feels? Zesty and headstrong early lessons pay off.

4. Eclectus Parrot: The Chill Beauty

Eclectus? Total stunners dudes emerald, ladies ruby and sapphire. New Guinea natives climbing charts in bird chats as parrots as pets. Laid-back crew that dials down the drama.

Eclectus Edges

• Color pops and chat skills minus constant din.
• Mellow hearts for easy living.
• Sharp and steady, low bite risk.

Watch Outs

• Space hogs aviary or bust for happy birds.
• Chaos dodgers; barky dogs or wild kids? Nah.
• Hangout fans over lap loungers.

Eclectus Essentials

17-20 inches, 13-18 ounces, 30-50 year span. Fruit-veggie heavy (80%), fat light. 11×3 foot aviary with gadgets. Aura? Zen with zing males easy, females feisty.

5. Umbrella Cockatoo: The Cuddle Bug

Umbrella Cockatoo closes it out snowy plumes with a pop-up crest like a surprise party. Indonesian darlings hooked on hugs, and 2026 rescue wins show bouncing back in good hands. Laughs and love galore.

Umbrella Ups

• Glue-like snugglers; all about the affection.
• Word pick-ups and goofy gigs.
• Ride-or-die pals.

Tricky Parts

• Lonely yells attention pleasers.
• Chew champs and dust storms (sniffle warning).
• 3-5 hour daily dose or mood swings.

Umbrella Tips

12-24 inch range, 30-70 years. 24x48x48 inch cage, chews plus showers. 75% pellets, fresh the rest. Style? Mischief with charm busy up.

Bird Breakdown

FAQs on Bringing Home Large Parrots

Why go for large parrots as sidekicks?

Wit, play, family feels but grind that pet care for a beaming healthy pet.

Bucks for the best large parrots?

500 to 4k hunt smart sellers.

Kiddo compatible?

Hit or miss Eclectus chill, but peep for pecks.

Newbie pitfalls?

Lowballing the effort. Daily talks keep golden.

Pooches and parrots?

Doable, but creep slow. Diggity Dog wisdom: Ease  in!

References

Snagged fresh takes from go-tos:

• Spruce Pets parrot scoops.
• Hepper on hefty birds.
• Deep dives via Spruce on specifics.