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Pionus parrot Information

    These sweet and gentle parrots are from South America. The Pionus parrots are known for being calm and very interactive. They are also quieter than most species its size. It can easily learn to talk with repetitive training, its voice sounds strangely like a computer or robot (which adds to the cuteness!) Many younger Pionus Parrots bear a red or orange band on their forehead which disappears in the first molt. Males and females look mostly alike but both are equally good companions.

 Pionus parrots usually get along with other birds and even cats and dogs, under supervision of course. Instead of attacking things or people a pionus doesn’t like it tends to ignore them. If a Pionus is mad at you it will more than likely turn its back to you and keep doing what it was doing. Pionus love to bath so a birdbath would be greatly appreciated by your feathered friend.

Pros: Gentle by nature.  

Cons: Some pionus are high strung and do not handle stress well.

     Due to the fact they are calmer than other birds in the Poicephalus family they appeal greatly to the elderly. Pionus parrots are also great apartment companions because they are usually pretty quiet, though at times they have shrill calls. When excited or frightened, Pionus Parrots emit a characteristic wheezing or snorting sound that is sometimes mistaken for a sign of distress, or a symptom of disease. Don't worry, it will pass after the bird calms down.

Housing a Pionus

Pionus Parrots love to climb and play so a spacey cage is necessary. Pionus also love to play with toys so it is best to have at least two in the cage at all times. Be sure to rotate toys in and out so the Pionus doesn't get bored of the same toys. Bored and stressed Pionus are prone to feather picking.  See Housing your bird for more cage info.

Nutritional Needs

Like all birds Pionus need a well balanced diet. Feeding your birds simply seeds isn't the healthiest option. They need a variety of food such as cereal, pellets, fruits and vegetables. Vegetables such as lettuce and broccoli are not only healthy for your Pionus but can be a fun toy! Pionus parrots hull their seeds so they must not be fed grit. Everyday food and water containers should be emptied and cleaned to prevent bacteria growth.

Types of Pionus Species

White Crowned Pionus

White Crowned Pionus is a smaller Pionus only growing to about  9". White Crowned Pionus are known for being the most active of the Pionus family. They are known for having very large personalities.  They are also known for being the most territorial.

Maximilian’s or Scaly-Headed Pionus

Don’t worry those aren’t scales on that parrot! There feathers resembles scales from a distance. The Maximilian Pionus is known for being the most docile Pionus. They are very calm and can be handled by children without much fear of being bitten. ( ALWAYS SUPERVISE PLAYTIME WHEN A CHILD IS IN THE AREA.)

Bronze Winged Pionus

Bronze winged Pionus is a larger Pionus that will peak in size at about 12". They are well known for being calm and easy going parrot. Like most Pionus they are beautiful colored and reach full coloration after about two years.

Blue-Headed Pionus

Blue-Headed Pionus are one of the larger Pionus. Growing to about 13" these pionus parrots have a very beautiful coloration. The colors tend to become more vibrant as they age reaching full coloration at about two years of age. They are sweet affectionate parrots who tend to bond with one person.

Created by Brandon Hamilton

This information is distributed in order to help you care for your bird, we are not responsible for any misuse of this information resulting in unforeseen consequences.

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