Parrotlet vs. Parakeet Bird: Key Differences (With Pictures)

Both parrotlets and parakeets are part of the same species, so they look alike and have similar temperaments. However, there are several differences between the two that are worth exploring, including their size and lifespan. Whether you are looking to buy one of these birds as a pet for your household or you just want to satisfy your curiosity, you will find everything that you need to know about the differences between parrotlets and parakeets here!

Visual Differences

One of the biggest differences between these birds is their size, with the parakeet being a bit larger than the parrotlet and having much longer tail feathers. Parrotlets are almost always green in color, with males showing blue spots on their backs, but parakeets come in a variety of solid colors and can be multicolored. Read on to learn about other ways that the parrotlet and the parakeet differ.

At a Glance

Parrotlet Bird Breed Overview

Parrotlets have small, delicate feathers that are typically green in color. Males have bright blue spots by their eyes and on their backs. They have curved beaks that are slightly longer than those of parakeets. These birds are naturally territorial and are thought to be more aggressive than parakeets. Parrotlets are also more likely to nip people who get too close. They should be handled daily from a young age to ensure their friendliness toward people.

They love to play with toys, and they need a big cage to live in that will satisfy their curious and active personality. If these birdies do not have other bird mates to live with, they will rely on the interaction of humans to stay happy and healthy. Sometimes referred to as pocket parakeets, parrotlets love to sit in people’s pockets and stick their heads out for attention.

Training

Parrotlets are smart and can be trained to do a variety of tricks, but training should start while they are still babies when possible. They are motivated by treats and do best when participating in short, succinct sessions. One of the first things that many people do is teach their parrotlets to talk.

Training should be an ongoing activity for parrotlets throughout their life, as they enjoy the brain stimulation and exercise.

Health & Care

Parrotlets are generally healthy birds and are not prone to any serious health problems like cancer. However, it is common for parrot species to develop respiratory infections. They should visit a veterinarian regularly, just like any other household pet. They also need the opportunity to get out of their cage and stretch their wings every day. Their diet consists of seeds, grasses, and fruits. They can eat a commercial or homemade diet that is approved by a veterinarian.

Many parrotlet and parrot owners choose to clip their bird’s wings so they do not have free flight. This makes them easier to care for and helps ensure that they cannot fly away and get lost in the neighborhood. However, the idea of clipping a bird’s wings is controversial, and some consider it cruel.

Whether a bird’s wings are clipped or not, they cannot flee and fly away if they are properly enclosed in a habitat or allowed to fly around the house with no windows or doors open. These birds can use a nail clipping every couple of weeks to minimize the risk of scratching humans. They also need access to a water dish where they can clean themselves regularly. But otherwise, they do not require any other type of grooming for health.

Suitability

Parrotlets are versatile and outgoing, making them the perfect pet option for busy households and those that include children. However, they can be nippy, so only those who are not afraid of a little pinch occasionally should consider caring for one of these cute birds.

Parakeet Bird Breed Overview

Parakeets are larger than parrotlets and may grow anywhere from 7 to 18 inches in length. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, gray, red, green, and multicolored. Most love to whistle and many enjoy talking. They prefer to be looked at rather than handled, especially by strangers, which makes them a relatively hands-off pet. They are highly social, though, and they expect to get attention from their human companions regularly throughout the day.

These parakeets can get along well with other parakeets living in the same habitat and will gladly accept newcomers aboard. They may screech in excitement when their owners come home after a day of work or adventure. Parakeets are easily startled and would prefer a calm rather than rowdy space to spend most of their time in. Kids should always be supervised when handling parakeets to ensure gentleness and calm actions.

Personality / Character

Some parakeets are calmer than others and some are more talkative than others. Young parakeets tend to be unsure of themselves and like to get reassurance by sitting with their handlers. However, they typically become more independent and demanding as they get older. Parakeets can be messy eaters, which makes cleaning their habitats multiple times a week essential.

Parakeets are intelligent and can teach themselves to talk by listening to television and the conversations of their human companions. They are considered quite picky and may or may not enjoy the fruits, veggies, seeds, and commercial food put in front of them. Mealtime can turn into trial and error before a satisfactory meal plan is achieved.

Exercise

All parakeets need to get daily exercise if they are expected to thrive. Exercise helps them keep at a healthy weight and fight off disease as they become elderly. It also helps keep their minds busy so they do not become bored during their day.

Anything that gets a parakeet active is a suitable activity for exercise. Even singing and perching can be considered a light form of exercise.

Suitability

Parakeets are suitable for apartment and house living, but they prefer a calmer atmosphere to spend their time in, so households with young exuberant kids may not be the best fit. Their habitat should be kept in a warm, quiet space indoors, and they should never live outside unless in a tropical area where they are used to living in nature.

Related Reads: 

• How Do Parakeets Mate & Reproduce?
• Best Toys for Parakeets

Which Bird Is Right for You?

There are many similarities between parrotlets and parakeets, yet there are also major differences to keep in mind when deciding which would be the best pet choice for your family, household, and lifestyle. Both types are fun to watch and interact with, and they can both impress with their vocal skills and highly intelligent nature. Which of the two are you most impressed by, and why?

• Also See:  Budgie vs. Parakeet

Featured image: Top – klickblick, Pixabay | Bottom – Chaithanya Krishnan, Shutterstock