So you’re interested in colorful pet birds, but aren’t sure of the difference between parakeets and lorikeets? You’re not alone. These birds often get confused for one another because they share some similarities, like a predominantly green and yellow plumage, a slender body, and an affectionate personality. However, there are several key differences that set parakeets and lorikeets apart. Once you know what to look for, you’ll easily be able to distinguish these vibrant birds.
What are Parakeets
Parakeets are small parrots with slender bodies and long, tapered tails. Native to Australia, these social and intelligent birds make popular pets.
There are numerous types of parakeets, yet the most widely recognized one kept as a sidekick is the budgerigar. This parakeet is known for its capacity to learn words and simple stunts. Some parakeets can even learn to talk and do math!
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These colorful birds require a varied and stimulating environment. You’ll want to provide your parakeet with:
- A large cage so it has room to move around, climb, and flap its wings. Include multiple perches at different levels.
- Toys to keep it entertained, such as swings, ropes, ladders, and puzzle toys make it work for a treat.
- A healthy diet of pelleted food is the main part of its diet, along with vegetables, fruits and some seeds. Fresh, clean water every day is a must.
- Daily interaction and training. Spend lots of time with your parakeet each day through talking, training, and handling.
- Regular veterinary check ups to monitor health and trim nails if needed.
While parakeets can sometimes be noisy, especially during breeding season, their vibrant personalities and ability to bond closely with their owners make them delightful lifelong companions.
What is Lorikeets
Lorikeets are colorful parrots found in Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Unlike parakeets, lorikeets have specialized brush-tipped tongues that allow them to feed on pollen and nectar. Their diet consists primarily of flowers, fruits and insects.
Lorikeets are slightly larger than parakeets, ranging from 6 to 17 inches in length. They are brightly coloured birds with blue, green and red plumage. Some species have distinctive head coloring, like the rainbow lorikeet which has a bright red beak and blue head.
These social birds live in large flocks and are very noisy. They are fast fliers and can often be seen zipping from tree to tree or chasing each other playfully. Lorikeets require specialized nectar feeders and pollen supplements in addition to fruits, seeds and pelleted food.
Lorikeets need very large cages since they are active birds. Multiple perches at different levels, swings and toys will keep them stimulated. Lorikeets can live 15-20 years, so they are a long-term commitment. However, their beauty, personality and antics make them a joy to keep as pets.
Parakeets vs Lorikeets
Parakeets
- Parakeets have a short, rounded beak designed for hulling and cracking nuts and seeds.
- A parakeet’s diet consists primarily of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
- Parakeets are mostly green with accents of yellow, blue or red on their heads, cheeks or shoulders.
- Parakeets originate from Australia, Africa, and Asia where they inhabit open woodlands, grasslands, and scrub.
- Parakeets and lorikeets are highly intelligent, social birds.
Lorikeets
- Lorikeets have a specialized brush-tipped tongue and beak adapted for feeding on pollen and nectar.
- Lorikeets feed almost exclusively on nectar, pollen, and soft fruits.
- Lorikeets have a much more vibrant and varied colouration owing to the pigments obtained.
- Lorikeets are native to Australia, Indonesia, and the Pacific, residing primarily in forest canopies and woodlands.
- Lorikeets are generally considered slightly more intelligent and can even learn to talk with proper training and socialization.
If you’re looking for an energetic, colorful companion, the Lorikeet could be a perfect choice. But be prepared to feed them a specialized diet and give them lots of attention and mental stimulation. With the proper care and environment, lorikeets can make endearing lifelong friends. If you’re looking for an interactive pet bird, parakeets might be the perfect choice!
