How long do parrots live? Depending on the species, a parrot may live anywhere from around 10 years to more than 60 years, with some large parrots potentially living even longer. Size, species, genetics, diet, veterinary care, exercise, and living conditions can all influence a parrot’s lifespan.
This wide range is one reason lifespan is so important to consider before bringing a parrot home. Some parrots can be companions for decades and may even require plans for their care later in life. In this guide, we’ll compare the typical lifespans of more than 20 parrot species and look at some of the factors that may help parrots live longer, healthier lives.
Parrot Lifespan at a Glance
Parrot lifespans vary enormously by species. Smaller parrots generally have shorter lifespans, while many larger parrots can live for several decades. The ranges below are general estimates for companion birds, not guarantees. Individual lifespan can vary considerably depending on genetics, nutrition, veterinary care, exercise, environment, and other factors. For additional information, see the Merck Veterinary Manual’s guide to choosing and caring for pet birds.
| Parrot species | Typical/Estimated Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Budgie (Budgerigar) | 5–10 years |
| Cockatiel | 10–20 years |
| Lovebird | 10–20 years |
| Parrotlet | Up to 20 years |
| Indian Ringneck | Up to 20 years |
| Brotogeris Parakeet | 15–20 years |
| Lorikeet | Around 15 years |
| Rosella | 10–15 years |
| Green-Cheek Conure | Up to 25 years |
| Sun Conure | Up to 30 years |
| Caique | 20–30 years |
| Quaker Parrot | 20–30 years |
| Senegal/Poicephalus Parrots | Up to about 25 years |
| Pionus Parrot | 25–30 years |
| African Grey Parrot | 30–50 years |
| Amazon Parrot | 40–50 years |
| Eclectus Parrot | 20–50 years |
| Cockatoo | 25–50 years |
| Macaw | 30–60 years |
Why Do Some Parrots Live So Long?
Parrots are unusual among companion birds because many species can live for decades. Larger parrots generally mature more slowly and tend to have longer lifespans than smaller species, although size alone does not determine how long an individual bird will live.
Genetics play a role, but a parrot’s environment and care can also make a major difference. Good nutrition, regular veterinary care, opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, adequate sleep, and protection from household hazards all contribute to long-term health.
For owners, this longevity can mean making a very long commitment. Bringing home an African Grey, Amazon, cockatoo, or macaw may mean caring for that bird for several decades.
Lifespan of Small Parrots
Small parrots may not live as long as the largest parrot species, but many can still be companions for well over a decade. Their smaller size should not be mistaken for a short-term commitment.
Budgies
Budgies, also known as budgerigars or parakeets, commonly live around 5–10 years, although individual birds may live longer with excellent care. Their lifespan can be influenced by genetics, nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels generally live around 10–20 years. Because they can remain part of a family for many years, prospective owners should consider their long-term housing, nutrition, social interaction, and veterinary needs.
Lovebirds
Lovebirds typically have an estimated lifespan of approximately 10–20 years. Despite their small size, they require plenty of interaction, enrichment, exercise, and appropriate nutrition throughout their lives.
Parrotlets
Tiny parrotlets can have surprisingly long lives, with some living up to about 20 years. Their energetic personalities and potential longevity make them a much longer commitment than their small size might suggest.
Lifespan of Medium-Sized Parrots
Medium-sized parrots include a wide variety of species, and their lifespans can range from around 15 years to several decades. Individual longevity depends on the species as well as genetics, nutrition, environment, and veterinary care.
Quaker Parrots
Quaker parrots, also known as monk parakeets, typically have an estimated lifespan of around 20–30 years. Their intelligence and social nature mean owners should be prepared for many years of interaction, enrichment, and care.
Indian Ringneck Parrots
Indian Ringneck parrots can live up to around 20 years, although lifespan varies among individual birds. A nutritious diet, adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and appropriate veterinary care can contribute to their long-term health.
Green-Cheek Conures
Green-cheek conures can live up to about 25 years. These active, social parrots require daily interaction and enrichment in addition to proper nutrition and routine care.
Sun Conures
Sun conures may live up to around 30 years, making them a considerable long-term commitment despite their relatively modest size. Providing opportunities for exercise, social interaction, and mental stimulation is important throughout their lives.
Caiques
Caiques generally have an estimated lifespan of approximately 20–30 years. Known for being energetic and playful, they need plenty of opportunities for physical activity and enrichment.
Lifespan of Large Parrots
Large parrots are among the longest-lived companion birds. Some species can remain part of a family for several decades, making their potential lifespan an especially important consideration before bringing one home.
African Grey Parrots
African Grey parrots generally have an estimated lifespan of around 30–50 years. Their intelligence and long lifespan make them a significant commitment. Good nutrition, mental stimulation, social interaction, exercise, and appropriate veterinary care are important throughout their lives.
Amazon Parrots
Amazon parrots typically have an estimated lifespan of around 40–50 years. Because they can live for several decades, owners should be prepared for their long-term nutritional, social, housing, and veterinary needs.
Eclectus Parrots
Eclectus parrots have an estimated lifespan of approximately 20–50 years. The wide range reflects the variation found in lifespan estimates and individual birds. Appropriate nutrition is particularly important, and owners should discuss their bird’s dietary needs with an avian veterinarian.
Cockatoos
Depending on the species, cockatoos may live approximately 25–50 years, with longevity varying considerably among different types of cockatoos and individual birds. Their long lifespan and strong social needs can make them a decades-long commitment.
Macaws
Macaws are among the longest-lived parrots, with estimated lifespans of roughly 30–60 years, depending on the species and individual bird. Anyone considering a macaw should think carefully about long-term care because a healthy bird may remain a companion for many decades.
Lifespan of Other Popular Parrots
Several other parrot species fall somewhere between the smallest companion parrots and the large, long-lived species. Their potential lifespans still mean that bringing one home can be a commitment lasting many years.
Brotogeris Parakeets
Brotogeris parakeets have an estimated lifespan of around 15–20 years. These small, active birds benefit from good nutrition, regular exercise, social interaction, and appropriate veterinary care throughout their lives.
Lorikeets
Lorikeets may live around 15 years, although individual lifespans vary. They also have specialized dietary needs compared with many other parrots, so appropriate nutrition is particularly important.
Rosellas
Rosellas generally have an estimated lifespan of approximately 10–15 years. Genetics, diet, housing, exercise, and access to veterinary care can all influence an individual bird’s longevity.
Senegal and Other Poicephalus Parrots
Senegal and other Poicephalus parrots may live up to about 25 years. Despite their moderate size, their potential lifespan makes them a significant long-term responsibility.
Pionus Parrots
Pionus parrots generally have an estimated lifespan of around 25–30 years. Providing appropriate nutrition, exercise, enrichment, and veterinary care can help support their health throughout their lives.
What Affects a Parrot’s Lifespan?
Species and genetics play a major role in a parrot’s potential lifespan, but everyday care matters too. Appropriate nutrition, regular avian veterinary care, exercise, mental stimulation, adequate sleep, and a safe environment can all support long-term health.
Individual birds can still have very different lifespans, even when they receive excellent care. Previous health history, underlying conditions, genetics, and other factors can influence how long a parrot lives.
Which Parrots Live the Longest?
Large parrots generally have the longest potential lifespans. Macaws, Amazon parrots, African Greys, and some cockatoos may live for several decades, although lifespan varies considerably among species and individual birds.
This longevity is important for prospective owners to consider. A young, healthy large parrot may require care for decades, so long-term planning should be part of the decision to bring one home.
Understanding a Parrot’s Lifespan
So, how long do parrots live? The answer depends greatly on the species. Smaller parrots may live for a decade or two, while some larger parrots can remain companions for several decades.
Lifespan estimates are only guidelines, and no individual bird is guaranteed to reach a particular age. Understanding a species’ potential lifespan before bringing a parrot home can help owners prepare for the long-term commitment involved.