The perfect parrot
doesn’t exist.

Constant contact chatter; sometimes quite loud. [S1] In Nicol & Pope (1993), budgerigars kept alone actually vocalised more. [S27]

Swiss law (for comparison; does not apply in Belgium): 0.24 m² floor for a pair of small birds [S21]; Flemish guideline for a small parakeet species per pair 100 × 80 × 50 cm (l × w × h) [S35].

Can reach 15–20 years; colour varieties often live shorter. [S1]

LICG, section ‘Benodigde ervaring’ (experience needed): “No special experience is needed to keep this pet responsibly.” (translated from Dutch) [S1] (checked 20/9/2026)

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

Not listed in the CITES/EU annexes. No CITES document required [S39]. Still keep proof of purchase; according to Flanders, a seamless closed leg ring is a good indication of legal origin [S35]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Some learn words. [S1]

Offered on adopteereendier.be (aviary birds) [S71].

Species profile

Relatively calm behaviour, but a shrill call. [S2] The only measured set of parameters in the file: distress call 502 ± 61 ms, fundamental frequency 2135 ± 114 Hz — not loudness. [S31]

Sources disagree: Swiss law (for comparison; does not apply in Belgium) 0.5 m² for a pair [S21]; Flemish parakeet page, small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm [S35]; the Flemish cockatoo page names cockatiels as an example of a small species with an aviary of at least 300 × 200 × 150 cm [S8]. Under the class rule (largest size mentioned) it is rated ‘large’.

About 15–20 years, sometimes older. [S2]

LICG, section ‘Benodigde ervaring’ (experience needed): “No special experience is needed to keep cockatiels responsibly.” (translated from Dutch) [S2] (already read on 6/9 but not recorded; literal sentence added on 20/9/2026)

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

Not listed in the CITES/EU annexes. No CITES document required [S39]. Still keep proof of purchase; according to Flanders, a seamless closed leg ring is a good indication of legal origin [S35]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Mainly whistling; limited word imitation. [S2, S9]

Offered on adopteereendier.be [S71].

Species profile

Lots of its own sounds; can make quite a racket [S3]; Flanders: ‘can chirp and screech very loudly’ (group; translated from Dutch) [S36].

Swiss law (for comparison; does not apply in Belgium) 0.24 m² per pair [S21]; Flanders at least 60 × 70 × 100 cm per pair [S36].

Group indication 10–20 years [S3]; Flanders: 15 years on average [S36].

Flanders advises against hand-reared birds; no explicit verdict for beginners. Flemish Huisdierwijzer page on lovebirds (S36) rechecked on 20/9/2026: still no explicit statement about beginners found.

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

Not listed in the CITES/EU annexes. No CITES document required [S39]. Still keep proof of purchase; according to Flanders, a seamless closed leg ring is a good indication of legal origin [S35]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Usually not a talker of human words. [S3, S10]

Lovebirds at Nally's and on adopteereendier.be [S70, S71]; which species was not checked.

Agapornis group knowledge

Generally less noisy; excitement can lead to screaming [S4]; ‘the quietest of the conures’ (secondary) [S17].

No species minimum (S18). Flemish parakeet guideline for a larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm per pair [S35], applied here conservatively: the page does not name the species.

With good care 25–30 years is possible; the average in captivity is closer to 10 years [S17].

LICG, on inexperienced keepers who are willing to study behaviour and needs thoroughly beforehand: “then P. frontalis and P. molinae are the most suitable.” The green-cheeked conure is P. molinae. This is conditional advice (only with thorough preparation), not a general recommendation for beginners. That is why ‘suitable for beginners’ is marked unknown here. [S4]

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Sometimes a few words; usually not a strong talker. [S4]

‘Pyrrhura Pineapple’ (a colour mutation of P. molinae) on adopteereendier.be [S71].

Pyrrhura group knowledge

Whistling and screaming; can be noisy at sunrise/sunset. [S5]

Flanders: a pair at least 200 × 200 × 200 cm; one bird at least 120 × 80 × 100 cm plus hours of free flight every day [S37]. Swiss law (for comparison; does not apply in Belgium) 0.7 m² per pair [S21].

Can reach about 60 years; many birds don’t. [S5, S37]

Flanders: ‘not a bird for beginners’ (translated from Dutch) [S37].

From €300 per year per bird. Vlaanderen — Huisdierwijzer Grijze roodstaartpapegaai: €25–50 per month × 12 [S37]. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex A (CITES I). An original European CITES certificate (yellow A4) for each bird, with a matching ring number; check box 20 for restrictions [S39, S40]. Captive-born and captive-bred Annex A birds must also wear a closed, seamless leg ring with a unique mark, except species on the list of commonly bred species (that list was not checked here) [S77]. In exceptional cases (physical or behavioural traits of the bird) a microchip may replace the closed ring; if a vet removes a closed ring for medical reasons, the replacement chip number must be on the vet’s certificate [S77]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Great ability to mimic; speech is never guaranteed. [S5, S12]

Grey parrots at Nally's [S70]. The rescue requires an enclosure of at least 800,000 cm³ for this species [S69].

Species profile; Timneh treated separately

Amazons can be loud, especially in the morning and evening (group). [S6]

LICG (Amazon parrot, group source): minimum aviary size for a pair 3 × 2 × 2 m (l×w×h) = 6 m² of floor space, with an indoor shelter of at least 1×1 m. If the birds get on well, an indoor aviary of at least 150×100×120 cm is possible. The class rule (largest pair size mentioned, ≥4 m² = large) gives ‘large’. No species-specific size found for A. amazonica; genus source (Amazona) applied. [S6] (checked 20/9/2026)

The group source mentions an exceptional 70–80 years; the average is much lower. [S6]

LICG (Amazon parrot, group source): “An Amazon parrot is not a bird for beginners.” (translated from Dutch) Experience with parrots is considered necessary; LICG advises taking a course on parrot behaviour beforehand. [S6] (checked 20/9/2026; page read earlier but this verdict not recorded)

From €276 per year per bird. LICG Amazon parrot (group source): pellet food from €0.75/day ≈ €23/month × 12 [S6]. Covers pellets only, not vegetables, fruit or the vet — so a lower limit, not a full annual cost. Vet and toys are not included. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Can imitate; less talkative than some other Amazons. [S6, S11]

Other Amazon species were seen at the rescue (yellow-crowned, double yellow-headed, yellow-cheeked), not this one [S70, S71].

Species + Amazona group knowledge

Can scream very loudly; Flanders advises against a poorly soundproofed home [S7]; ‘amongst the most raucous’ (commercial) [S19].

Flanders: small macaw species at least 300 × 200 × 150 cm per pair, large macaws 400 × 300 × 200 cm, with a heated indoor shelter [S7]; Swiss law (for comparison; does not apply in Belgium) 10 m² / 30 m³ per pair [S21].

Macaws can live up to 80 years (group). [S7]

Flanders: only for experienced keepers; lots of fine dust [S7].

From €300 per year per bird. Vlaanderen — Huisdierwijzer Ara's: €25–50 per month × 12 [S7]. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Both mimics and non-mimics in an owner survey. [S12]

Blue-and-yellow macaw at Nally's [S70].

Species level for speech; macaw group for care

Flanders: ‘one of the loudest parrots’ (group; translated from Dutch) [S8].

Flanders: larger cockatoo species (e.g. white cockatoo) at least 500 × 200 × 240 cm [S8]; Swiss law (for comparison; does not apply in Belgium) 10 m² / 30 m³ per pair [S21].

Some cockatoo species over 80 years (group) [S8].

Flanders: for advanced keepers [S8].

From €300 per year per bird. Vlaanderen — Huisdierwijzer Kaketoes: about €25 per month × 12 [S8]. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Sometimes a few words. [S8]

Nally's lists ‘sulphur-crested’ cockatoos; which species was not checked [S70].

Cockatoo group knowledge

‘A noisy species with an unmistakable squawking call’ [S59].

Flemish parakeet guideline per pair: small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm, larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm [S35]; the page does not explicitly classify this species, so the larger class is used here to be safe. Length 37–43 cm [S59].

Not found at species level; Flemish parakeet group 10–30 years [S35].

No statement about beginners read. Wikipedia Rose-ringed parakeet (S59) rechecked on 20/9/2026: still no explicit statement about beginners; it does say ‘one of the best talking parrots’ and that hand-reared birds become tame, but gives no advice on experience.

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

Not listed in the CITES/EU annexes. No CITES document required [S39]. Still keep proof of purchase; according to Flanders, a seamless closed leg ring is a good indication of legal origin [S35]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39]. Brussels-Capital Region: invasive species on Annex IV of the Brussels Nature Ordinance (Natuurordonnantie). Under Article 77 it is prohibited there to sell this species, transfer it free of charge or for payment, exchange or acquire it, or release it into the wild. That article does not prohibit keeping a bird you already have; federal rules on keeping animals still apply. We found no similar rule in Flanders or Wallonia. Not legal advice. [S45, S83, S84]

Both sexes can mimic speech; ‘one of the best talking parrots’ (secondary source) [S59].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Species profile (secondary) + Flemish parakeet group

WPT: ‘wide array of shrill screeches, squawks and chatter’ in flight and while feeding [S67].

Flemish parakeet guideline per pair: small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm, larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm [S35]; the page does not explicitly classify this species, so the larger class is used here to be safe. VCA: cage at least 60 × 60 × 90 cm (one bird) [S49].

About 25 years in captivity [S67]; VCA 20–30 years [S49]; Wikipedia 10–20 years [S60]. The sources differ.

No statement about beginners read. VCA (S49) and World Parrot Trust (S67) checked on 20/9/2026: neither gives an explicit statement about beginners.

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

‘Known for their ability to talk’ [S49]; pet birds develop ‘vocabularies of scores of words’ [S60].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Veterinary information (VCA) + conservation organisation (WPT) + secondary source

SOURCES DISAGREE: VCA calls the voice ‘softer and quieter than other, larger parrots’ [S48]. WPT describes the species as ‘noisy with large variety of mainly harsh and high-pitched screeches, squawks and whistles’ [S66]. The filter uses the louder description.

VCA: cage for one bird at least 90 × 90 × 120 cm [S48]. WPT: walk-in aviary at least 2.1 m long [S66]. No floor area per pair, so the space class remains unknown.

VCA: 25–30 years, up to 50 years with good care [S48]. WPT: 20–25 years [S66].

Older or untamed birds can be ‘nippy’ [S48]. World Parrot Trust (S66) and VCA (S48) rechecked on 20/9/2026 for an explicit statement about beginners: none found.

No comparable source for annual costs found.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

‘Readily learn human speech’ and mimic household sounds [S48].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Veterinary information (VCA) + conservation organisation (WPT)

WPT: ‘notably vocal and gregarious’ [S64]. That is about how often they call, not how loud; loudness remains unknown.

WPT: aviary or suspended cage at least 2 m long [S64]; secondary source: cage at least 61 × 61 × 91 cm [S52]. No area per pair, so space class unknown.

25–40 years in captivity according to World Parrot Trust [S64]; Wikipedia gives no figure [S52].

Tends to bite; teach boundaries early [S52]. World Parrot Trust (S64) checked on 20/9/2026 for an explicit statement about beginners: none found.

No comparable source for annual costs found.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Rarely mimics speech well; mostly everyday sounds (alarm clock, smoke detector, microwave) [S52].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Conservation organisation (WPT) + secondary source

LafeberVet: ‘relatively quiet, or least less noisy than larger parrots’, but loud calls especially early in the morning, late in the afternoon and in the breeding season [S63].

LafeberVet: minimum housing 50 × 60 × 100 cm; they love bathing [S63]. The source doesn’t say whether that applies to one bird or a pair, so the space class remains unknown.

Up to 25–40 years at most [S63].

No statement about beginners read. LafeberVet (S63) checked on 20/9/2026: no explicit statement for P. menstruus; there is one for another species on the same information sheet (‘may be the most aggressive Pionus spp., requiring a more experienced owner’, white-crowned pionus) — not adopted, because it is a different species.

No comparable source for annual costs found.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

‘Not known for their talking ability’ [S53].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Veterinary information (LafeberVet, specialist vet) + secondary source

Exceptionally loud for its size, with high-pitched screams [S54]. The source mentions ‘120 decibels’ without saying how this was measured, so we do not use that figure as a measurement.

Flemish parakeet guideline per pair: small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm, larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm [S35]; the page does not explicitly classify this species, so the larger class is used here to be safe. Length about 30 cm [S54].

15–30 years in captivity [S54].

No statement about beginners read. Wikipedia Sun parakeet (S54) checked on 20/9/2026: no explicit statement about beginners; it does say ‘demands a great deal of attention’ and that constant mental stimulation is needed.

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Moderate ability to mimic; not up to larger species [S54].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Secondary source + Flemish parakeet group

High, fast ‘tchit’ call; constant chatter in a group [S55].

WPT: walk-in aviary at least 2.1 m long or indoor aviary at least 1.8 m [S65]. No width is given, so the space class remains unknown. Length 12.5 cm [S65].

Up to 25 years in captivity according to WPT [S65]; 10.4 years on average in the wild [S55].

Described as ‘feisty’ despite its small size [S55]. World Parrot Trust (S65) checked on 20/9/2026 for an explicit statement about beginners: none found.

No comparable source for annual costs found.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Can learn a few words, with limited clarity [S55].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Conservation organisation (WPT) + secondary source

Call described as a ‘soft twitter’ [S56] — relative, not a measurement.

Flemish parakeet guideline per pair: small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm, larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm [S35]; the page does not explicitly classify this species, so the larger class is used here to be safe. Length about 19 cm [S56].

10–15 years in captivity, sometimes longer [S56].

‘Particularly popular among new bird owners’ (secondary source) [S56].

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

‘Rarely learn to talk’ [S56].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Secondary source + Flemish parakeet group

LafeberVet: ‘relatively quiet birds’ [S62]. This is relative, not a measurement.

LafeberVet: cage at least 61 × 91 × 122 cm (24 × 36 × 48 inches), ‘bigger is much better’ [S62]. It is not a size per pair, so the space class remains unknown.

30–40 years on average, 50–60 years at most [S62].

LafeberVet recommends experienced owners for females [S62]; the source doesn’t say this about males.

No comparable source for annual costs found.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Usually only talk clearly from about one year old [S51].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Veterinary information (LafeberVet, specialist vet) + secondary sources

Amazons can be loud, especially in the morning and evening (group source) [S6].

WWF: plenty of room to fly and move; no size given [S46].

‘Up to 70 years in captivity’ [S46].

WWF: ‘extremely difficult to meet for its lifetime’ (high welfare risk) [S46].

From €276 per year per bird. LICG Amazon parrot (group source): pellet food from €0.75/day ≈ €23/month × 12 [S6]. Covers pellets only, not vegetables, fruit or the vet — so a lower limit, not a full annual cost. Vet and toys are not included. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Amazons can imitate (group source) [S6].

Not seen; the Amazons at the rescue are other species [S70].

WWF assessment + Amazona group knowledge

Possibly unsuitable for an apartment, though ‘comparatively quieter than other cockatoo species’ [S57]; Flemish cockatoo group: ‘one of the loudest’ (translated from Dutch) [S8].

Flanders names the galah explicitly: a pair at least 300 × 200 × 150 cm [S8]; secondary source: aviary at least 7 m long [S57].

Up to 72 years recorded with strictly good nutrition [S57] (a record, not an expectation).

Flemish cockatoo group: for advanced keepers [S8].

From €300 per year per bird. Vlaanderen — Huisdierwijzer Kaketoes: about €25 per month × 12 [S8]. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Can learn to talk and mimic sounds [S57].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Secondary source + Flemish cockatoo group

Quieter than large cockatoos, but with a sharp scream [S58].

All classes on the Flemish cockatoo page start at 300 × 200 × 150 cm per pair [S8]; Goffin’s cockatoo is not named there.

Up to 30 years in captivity [S58].

Flemish cockatoo group: for advanced keepers [S8]; secondary source: unsuitable for casual keeping [S58].

From €300 per year per bird. Vlaanderen — Huisdierwijzer Kaketoes: about €25 per month × 12 [S8]. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

EU Annex A (CITES I). An original European CITES certificate (yellow A4) for each bird, with a matching ring number; check box 20 for restrictions [S39, S40]. Captive-born and captive-bred Annex A birds must also wear a closed, seamless leg ring with a unique mark, except species on the list of commonly bred species (that list was not checked here) [S77]. In exceptional cases (physical or behavioural traits of the bird) a microchip may replace the closed ring; if a vet removes a closed ring for medical reasons, the replacement chip number must be on the vet’s certificate [S77]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 19 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Hand-reared birds can imitate speech but are usually poor talkers [S58].

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

Secondary source + Flemish cockatoo group