How Big Do Parrots Get? Average Size & Growth Chart (Vet-Approved)

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Karyn Kanowski

BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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If you decide to get a parrot as a pet, one of the most important things you need to know is how big your bird will get. This allows you to purchase the right cage, perches, and other essentials. However, the problem with figuring out the size of a parrot is that there are over 200 species; we might as well ask how big do dogs get!

So to narrow things down, we’re going to tell you about the different life stages of parrots, and show you a cross-section of sizes from some popular parrot species.

Parrots Overview

There are a total of 279 parrot species in the world, including macaws, lovebirds, and parakeets.¹ Their sizes range from the Hyacinth macaw (40 inches long) to Pygmy parrots (less than 3 inches long.) All parrots have strong, curved beaks and feet, with two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward.

Parrots are often brightly colored in dazzling shades of green, yellow, blue, and red. With others sporting more simple looks, such as the well-known African gray parrot, or white cockatoo. Parrots are social birds who generally live in flocks, and feed mainly on fruit, nuts, seeds, nectar, and insects.

Most species live in warm climates like South America, Africa, and the South Pacific. Up to one-quarter of the world’s parrot species are endangered, and the illegal pet trade is one reason. Potential pet parrot owners should be aware of this and look for captive-bred birds only.

As pets, parrots are interactive, entertaining, and intelligent birds. They need frequent attention and socialization with humans as they grow to help prevent behavior issues and aggression. Many parrots can learn to mimic human speech, which only adds to their appeal.

African gray parrots are generally considered the best “talkers” and can learn as many as 700 words.

Another hugely important consideration of parrot care is providing them with an appropriately sized home, which is one where they can open their wings in all directions, and preferably, take flight. For larger species, this may involve having a large aviary or open air area.

Parrot Size and Growth Chart

As we mentioned earlier, parrots range in size from 3-40 inches long, which means their growth rate will also vary considerably. The following chart reflects the growth rate of a scarlet macaw, one of the largest pet parrots. Regardless of species, all parrots go through the same phases of development:

The length of these stages will vary by the size and species of the parrot in question. The scarlet macaw, for example, is one of the largest and slowest growing parrots, reaching full adult size at around 3-4 years.

Here are the average adult sizes for some other popular pet parrots:

When Does a Parrot Stop Growing?

Large parrots grow more slowly than small birds, and keep gaining weight even after they reach their full length. For example, an African gray parrot may take at least three years to reach their adult weight but stop gaining length at 8 months, while the rosy-faced lovebird is ready to reproduce at only two months old!

Factors Affecting the Size of Parrots

The parrot’s species will be the most important factor that determines their size. Diet is another factor that impacts the size of a parrot. Captive-raised, hand-fed birds may grow bigger and more quickly than wild parrots, often because of the quality and consistency of their diet. Young birds must eat frequently and be offered high-quality foods to maintain an appropriate growth rate. They also need the space to exercise and build their muscles and wings correctly. Parrots need enrichment and socialization to ensure they don’t stop eating or develop behavior issues.

Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

To maintain a healthy weight, most of a parrot’s diet should be a pellet food formulated specifically for their species. These foods are nutritionally balanced and generally the easiest way to ensure your parrot gets the nutrition they need. It is essential that you select the right diet for the parrot species you have, as some will eat primarily seeds and grains, others need more fruit and vegetables, and nectarivores mostly eat plant nectar.

Depending on your parrots requirements, you will also be able to include a range of fresh vegetables and fruits, plus small amounts of seeds, nuts, and lean proteins. Your veterinarian can help you determine the specifics of your parrot’s diet based on their age, size, and species.

How to Measure Your Parrot

To accurately weigh your parrot, especially while they’re still growing, you’ll need a gram scale. Your exotic animal vet will have the equipment, but you can also purchase your own.  Teach your young parrot to step up on a perch to make this task easier as they get older.

Measure your parrot’s wingspan from wingtip to wingtip when they are fully extended. Length is measured from the top of the bird’s head down to their tail tip. These measurements are especially crucial if you’re purchasing a cage or aviary for your pet, particularly when you consider the scarlet macaw’s whopping wingspan of over 3 feet!.

Conclusion

As you can see, knowing which type of parrot you’re considering is essential to predict how big they will get. This information allows you to set your pet budget more accurately because large birds need more space, food, and bigger (more expensive) enclosures.

While their size may differ, pet parrots are social, frequently vocal birds who need daily attention and interaction. If you’re looking for a low maintenance pet that you can leave alone all day, a parrot is not the bird for you.

Featured Image Credit: huyphoto, Shutterstock