Petco is a popular pet store chain that sells a variety of birds. Some of the most common types of birds sold at Petco include parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, finches, canaries, and parrotlets. Knowing the specific names and characteristics of these birds can help customers make informed decisions when purchasing a bird from Petco.
Parakeets
Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or budgies, are a type of small, long-tailed parrot. They are one of the most popular pet birds in the world and are commonly sold at Petco. Some specific types of parakeets sold at Petco include:
- English Budgies – These parakeets have a larger body size and fluffier head feathers than wild-type budgies. They come in many color mutations.
- American Parakeets – These smaller parakeets are the same species as English budgies but have been bred to have a slimmer body type and less head feathers. They also come in a variety of color mutations.
- Australian Parakeets – These are the wild-type green and yellow budgies with black stripes and markings. They are closer in appearance to parakeets found in the wild in Australia.
Parakeets are active, social birds that can learn to talk and mimic sounds. They make great starter pets for first-time bird owners since they are relatively affordable, easy to care for, and available in many different color variations.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are in the cockatoo family but are much smaller in size than the large cockatoos people are familiar with. They have distinctive crested head feathers and long, pointed tail feathers. Common cockatiel color variations found at Petco include:
- Gray – The wild-type cockatiel coloration with gray feathers, orange cheek patches, and yellow head crests.
- Whiteface – Pure white or pale-yellow face and head feathers.
- Pied – Random splotches of yellow or white feathers interspersed on the body and wings.
- Pearled – Small, colored dots speckling the feathers.
- Cinnamon – Light brown coloration instead of gray.
- Lutino – All-yellow coloration with orange cheek patches.
Cockatiels are slightly larger than parakeets and require a bit more room and stimulation. They are affectionate birds that bond strongly with their owners. Their ability to mimic speech and sounds makes them entertaining companions.
Lovebirds
Lovebirds are short, stocky little parrots with big personalities. Some of the lovebird species and color variants available at Petco include:
- Peach-faced Lovebird – Most common lovebird species with green bodies and peach/orange faces.
- Fischer’s Lovebird – Pale green body with a bright red beak and white eye rings.
- Black-masked Lovebird – Yellowish-green body with a black mask over the face.
- White-faced Lovebird – Blue-green body with a white face and beak.
Lovebirds are feisty, energetic little birds that bond very strongly to each other when kept in pairs. Their small size makes them suitable for apartments and smaller living spaces. Lovebirds require lots of toys and interaction to keep them entertained.
Finches
Finches encompass several small bird species commonly kept as pets. Some specific finches sold at Petco include:
- Zebra Finch – Tiny finch with black and white barred plumage and an orange beak. Native to Australia.
- Society Finch – Small brown bird with black and white markings. Originally from Asia.
- Gouldian Finch – Colorful finch native to Australia with purple, red, yellow, and green color variations.
Finches are very active, high-energy birds that should be kept in pairs or groups. Their busy, chirping personalities make them fun to watch. However, most finch species are not suitable for handling and do not mimic speech like parrots.
Canaries
There are several types of canaries sold at Petco:
- American Singer – Yellow canary bred specifically for their melodic singing voice.
- English Melba – Small yellow canary known for a loud, flute-like song.
- Fife Fancy – Mottled yellow, orange, and brown canary originally from Scotland.
- Gloster – Round, fluffy yellow canary with a crest on the back of its head.
Male canaries are prized for their unique and complex singing voices, although females can also sing. Canaries have sweet, gentle personalities but are more hands-off pets best suited for listening to their song.
Parrotlets
Parrotlets are tiny relatives of large, colorful parrots like macaws and Amazons. The most common parrotlet species sold at Petco is:
- Pacific Parrotlet – Small green bird with flashes of bright blue, yellow, and orange on its wings and tail. Native to western South America.
Parrotlets have huge personalities for their tiny size. They are intelligent, playful birds capable of learning words and tricks. However, their delicate size means they are better pets for experienced bird owners.
Conclusion
Petco offers a diverse selection of popular pet bird species and color variations. Some of the most common types available are parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, finches, canaries, and parrotlets. Each bird has unique traits, so carefully research their respective care requirements, personality, and suitability for your lifestyle before bringing one home. With the right research and preparation, you can find a wonderful feathered friend at Petco.