選擇你的鳥：初學者最好的鳥

金絲雀和雀

照片由 Claudia Hunka 提供，您的基本鳥（加利福尼亞州伯克利）

金絲雀實際上是雀類，所以我們在這裡將它們組合在一起。金絲雀——世界上最古老、最受歡迎、種類最多的寵物鳥之一——以其聲音天賦和鮮豔的色彩而聞名。金絲雀最初來自加那利群島，該群島不是以其最著名的居民命名，而是以羅馬人在那裡發現的狗命名。（Canis 是拉丁語中“狗”的意思。）

野生金絲雀是綠色和黃色的，但當人們今天想到它們時，他們最常想到的是一隻色彩鮮豔的黃色鳥，這主要歸功於西爾維斯特聰明的卡通人物特威蒂鳥。

事實上，由於幾個世紀的選擇性繁殖，金絲雀有多種顏色和品種。金絲雀的體型可以光滑或豐滿，羽毛光滑或蓬鬆，顏色從黃色到亮橙色到綠色和棕色。但是，如果您想要歌手，請確保您的新鳥是雄性；雌性金絲雀不會唱歌。

儘管金絲雀仍然是世界上最受歡迎的鳥類之一，但人們對它的寵物潛力的討論並不像過去那樣多。這是一種恥辱，因為這種鳥非常適合初學者，他們不確定自己是否想要像其他物種一樣多的互動。金絲雀很高興在籠子裡閒逛，用美麗和歌聲招待你。事實上，他寧願不被處理。

因為它們不需要或不想要處理，金絲雀可以成為孩子們的好寵物，提供歌聲和美麗，讓年輕人近距離觀察鳥類的奇蹟。

雀，體現活潑這個詞的小魔術師，也大多是不干涉的鳥類。雀是華麗的，快速移動的，有趣的觀看，活潑，持續的嘰嘰喳喳，大大低於鸚鵡能夠達到的分貝水平。有幾種雀類可用作寵物，但對於初學者來說，最容易獲得的是斑胸草雀和群居雀類。

Gouldian 雀（如圖所示），也被稱為 Lady Gouldians 或彩虹雀，因其鮮豔的羽毛而備受推崇。

斑馬（因條紋而得名，特別是在尾巴和臉上）是澳大利亞本地人，有許多不同顏色的獨特品種 - 比任何其他雀科物種都多。當談到常見的灰色斑馬時，任何人都可以區分女孩和男孩：男孩有亮橙色的臉頰和深橙色的側翼，而女孩則沒有。

社會雀是人類創造的——為數不多的從未在野外存在過的寵物鳥之一。也被稱為孟加拉雀，社會有多種顏色和圖案，是一個容易飼養的人，在人類環境中感到舒適，正如您對完全馴化的物種所期望的那樣。

雀類在社交場合表現更好，因此計劃購買兩個或更多，並給它們一個有足夠空間鍛煉翅膀的籠子。這些鳥通過飛行來四處走動，與鸚鵡不同，它們不會為了鍛煉而爬上來。

因為它們完全滿足於無需處理就可以生活，所以雀是一種優秀的鳥舍。他們總是很高興觀察。出於這個原因，雀科也適合放在大孩子房間裡的籠中鳥。

因為雀類很小，所以有些人認為它們不需要太多籠子的大小——這是錯誤的。雀類需要飛行的空間，當與同類同住時，它們需要足夠的空間來擁有一塊屬於自己的領土。他們的生活區需要足夠的空間和子空間，以便能夠選擇是否被人看到。當它們太擁擠時，籠中伙伴之間的領土爭奪是很常見的。

虎皮鸚鵡（長尾小鸚鵡）

攝影：Brian L. Speer，DVM

終於，一隻鳥在手！由於價格低廉且易於獲得，虎皮鸚鵡（在美國通常稱為長尾小鸚鵡）通常被視為一次性鳥類——易於購買、易於處理、易於更換。這種可悲的態度使人們無法評價這些鳥類的深情個性。一些鸚鵡甚至會成為非常健談的人，儘管聲音很小。

鸚鵡這個名字來自澳大利亞的土著人，土著人。四個音節是一口，這可能就是為什麼有些人開始稱這些顏色鮮豔的鳥為“長尾小鸚鵡”的原因。雖然名字沒有錯，但它是不准確的。所有的鸚鵡都是鸚鵡，但並非所有的鸚鵡都是鸚鵡。存在許多種類的長尾小鸚鵡，其中許多可作為寵物飼養，包括貴格鸚鵡、灰頰鸚鵡、環頸鸚鵡和金絲雀翅等等。

Budgies（如圖所示）常見於兩種主要品種，按體型區分：狹窄的美國和哈士奇的英國。現在的顏色遠遠超出了幾十年前的綠色或藍色。因為這些鳥的售價非常便宜（尤其是美國人），人工飼養並不划算，所以很少有飼養員投入時間或麻煩。Budgies 可以通過溫和、耐心的處理來馴服，並且可以與它們的人類夥伴緊密結合。其他人更適合作為籠鳥生活，不願被處理。

手工飼養的虎皮鸚鵡因其出色的寵物潛力而值得尋找。

對於一個大到能夠理解需要溫柔、尊重地對待的孩子來說，虎皮鸚鵡是理想的寵物。但是，不要讓它們作為好孩子的寵物的聲譽阻止您將其視為成人的伴侶。這些活躍、充滿愛心、有趣的鳥類很容易飼養並且相對安靜。

購買任何寵物鳥時，與良好的來源打交道很重要，但對於鸚鵡來說，找到可靠的賣家更為重要。大規模生產的鳥類更難馴服，因為它們沒有被社會化，而且它們可能更容易出現危及生命的健康問題。

雞

照片由伊麗莎白·安德森·洛佩茲提供

過去 20 年的一大驚喜是雞作為寵物越來越受歡迎。人們不再僅僅因為它們能夠產卵而保留它們；很多人都發現了擁抱一隻雞或教一個技巧的樂趣。雞（如圖所示）充滿個性，購買價格低廉，並且易於飼養在任何環境中，包括小城市空間。可愛的雞尿布也讓它們成為家養寵物。在戶外，它們吃你院子裡的蟲子，並用它們的糞便給它施肥。獎勵：美味的新鮮雞蛋！

雞有各種大小、顏色和圖案。您可以根據個性、羽毛類型或所產雞蛋的顏色來選擇雞：藍色、綠色、棕色、橄欖色、斑點或經典白色。我們推薦的一些優秀的初學者鳥類包括甜美蓬鬆的 Buff Orpingtons、友好的 Barred Rocks（曾經被描述為雞中的拉布拉多犬）、羅德島紅鳥的耐寒性和 Ameraucanas 及其漂亮的綠色蛋。

雞產蛋的顏色是由遺傳決定的。不同種類的雞產下不同顏色的蛋。例如，Barred Rocks 和 Rhode Island Reds 產棕色蛋；Ameraucanas 產綠色蛋；復活節彩蛋會下藍色、綠色和粉紅色的蛋；和來航產白蛋。所有的雞蛋一開始都是白色的；色素，如果它會在那裡，會隨著卵子的發育而沉積。帶有白色耳垂的雞通常會產白色的雞蛋。

雞

照片由伊麗莎白·安德森·洛佩茲提供

過去 20 年的一大驚喜是雞作為寵物越來越受歡迎。人們不再僅僅因為它們能夠產卵而保留它們；很多人都發現了擁抱一隻雞或教一個技巧的樂趣。雞（如圖所示）充滿個性，購買價格低廉，並且易於飼養在任何環境中，包括小城市空間。可愛的雞尿布也讓它們成為家養寵物。在戶外，它們吃你院子裡的蟲子，並用它們的糞便給它施肥。獎勵：美味的新鮮雞蛋！

Chickens come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns. You can choose chickens based on personality, type of plumage, or the color of the eggs they produce: blue, green, brown, olive, speckled, or classic white. Some that we recommend as great beginner birds include sweet and fluffy Buff Orpingtons, friendly Barred Rocks (once described as the Labradors of chickens), Rhode Island Reds for their hardiness, and Ameraucanas, with their pretty green eggs.

The color of the eggs a chicken produces is determined by genetics. Different types of chickens lay eggs of different colors. For instance, Barred Rocks and Rhode Island Reds lay brown eggs; Ameraucanas lay green eggs; Easter Eggers lay blue, green, and pink eggs; and Leghorns lay white eggs. All eggs start out white; pigment, if it’s going to be there, is deposited as the egg develops. Chickens with white earlobes usually produce white eggs.

Cockatiels

Photograph by Kim Campbell Thornton

Cockatiels (shown) are exceptionally popular, and justifiably so. These small parrots are flat-out loving, and they live to snuggle and be petted. If you only recognize the gray bird with orange patches, you may be surprised at how many colors are available these days, thanks to the work of some highly energetic aviculturists.

Some cockatiels learn to talk, but many, particularly the males, are better at whistling. This bird is another who can be a good choice for children, as long as the kids understand the need for careful handling.

Cockatiels can become whatever you make them. When you give one plenty of love and interaction, you can expect to come up with a real winner.

Quaker parakeets

Photograph by Brian L. Speer, DVM

The Quaker (shown) didn’t acquire its name from any religious leanings. The bird is thought to have earned the descriptive title through one of the common noises it makes or the quivering of its youngsters when they beg for food.

Green with a silvery front, Quakers are active and upbeat, and they like to vocalize. Some learn to talk, while others love to whistle. All can be loving if socialized when young and given consistent, respectful handling.

We have to admit to little hands-on experience with Quaker parakeets, but the lack of acquaintance isn’t because we don’t like them. They’re illegal in California, where we live, because they’re considered a threat to native species and agribusiness because of their ability to adapt to a wild lifestyle. Although we can’t really say we agree with the policy, we can say the Quaker is well worth considering if you live in places where they’re legal.

Other states in the United States that ban them include Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wyoming. A few other states regulate them in one way or another. For information on the latest restrictions where you live, check with your state’s Department of Agriculture or fish and game authorities.

Poicephalus parrots

Photograph by Brian L. Speer, DVM

The small African parrots known collectively as Poicephalus are an easygoing bunch. Of the species available as pets, Senegals (like the one shown) are probably the most common; they’re handsome little birds with a gray head, green back and wings, and yellow-orange underside. Other species in the group include the Meyer’s, Jardine, cape, red-belly, and brown-head — all known for their small size (a little bigger than a cockatiel) and affectionate personalities. They aren’t the best talkers, but some manage verbalization quite well. Their noise level isn’t too bad.

Poicephalus can be devoted to their owners, and after they decide you’re trustworthy, they’re especially fond of having their heads and necks scratched — in fact, they beg for it, tipping their heads and leaning over to expose their necks for a good scratch.

Poicephalus parrots

Photograph by Brian L. Speer, DVM

The small African parrots known collectively as Poicephalus are an easygoing bunch. Of the species available as pets, Senegals (like the one shown) are probably the most common; they’re handsome little birds with a gray head, green back and wings, and yellow-orange underside. Other species in the group include the Meyer’s, Jardine, cape, red-belly, and brown-head — all known for their small size (a little bigger than a cockatiel) and affectionate personalities. They aren’t the best talkers, but some manage verbalization quite well. Their noise level isn’t too bad.

Poicephalus can be devoted to their owners, and after they decide you’re trustworthy, they’re especially fond of having their heads and necks scratched — in fact, they beg for it, tipping their heads and leaning over to expose their necks for a good scratch.

Parrotlets

Photograph by Brian L. Speer, DVM

An even smaller parrot to consider: the parrotlet (shown). Don’t let their small size fool you; these 5-inch dynamos are all parrot — active, inquisitive, loving, and demanding. Two varieties are commonly available as pets — the Pacific and the green-rumped — but more species are becoming increasingly available. Apple-green or blue in hue, parrotlets are quieter than some of their larger relatives, but some develop the gift of gab.

Another one to consider is a newer, less aggressive little bird on the block: the lineolated parakeet. Quiet and calm, they enjoy walking as much as flying and enjoy playing in water. Approximately the same size as a budgie or lovebird, these friendly and funny parakeets can learn to talk and whistle.

Some species are better talkers than others, picking up words, phrases, and household sounds with little or no effort on the part of their owners. Other species are able to mimic a few sounds if their owners work with them patiently.

Pionus parrots

Photograph by Brian L. Speer, DVM

Pionus parrots are sometimes overlooked because they’re just not as flashy as other parrots — their beauty is more subtle. But what they lack in bright colors they make up for with winning personalities.

Several species of Pionus (shown) are available as pets, including Maximilian, blueheads, dusky, bronze-winged, and white-capped. Pionus are slightly larger than the Poicephalus, but they’re still small enough to be easy to keep and handle. Their personalities are considered among the more sedate, and they’re not excessively loud. (Nor are they considered fantastic talkers, although they’re certainly capable of learning a few phrases.) The word most connected with the Pionus is sweet, and it fits — socialized, well-handled birds are unparalleled as loving companions.

And when you’re in love with one, you can appreciate the subtle beauty of these birds — the plumage of a healthy Pionus has an almost iridescent quality about it.

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Pyrrhura conures

Photograph by Brian L. Speer, DVM

The conures (shown) are one of the larger groups of parrots, with more than 100 species and subspecies. As pets, conures are well-represented, too, with about a dozen available, including such well-known birds as the jenday, dusky, and sun. These three belong to the Aratinga genus, but our best-for-beginners picks belong to another category, the Pyrrhura genus. (Does it seem like we always choose the ones that are hard to spell and pronounce?)

If you find it easier, call them either green-cheeked or maroon-bellied, because these are the most commonly available species in the category. Whatever you call them, though, you can look forward to a lovely pet. Both species are much, much quieter than the sun conure (but then, so are some rock bands). Enthusiasts say the Pyrrhura is affectionate and playful. Colors aren’t as dramatic as the red-and-gold sun, but the greens of the lesser-known conures still make for an attractive companion. Some may even grace you with a few acquired phrases.

Although Aratinga conures such as the sun may not be the best choice for beginners, their colorful appearance and clownish personalities have won them plenty of fans — and a starring role in the movie Paulie. (Paulie was a blue-crowned conure.)

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錐蟲

攝影：Brian L. Speer，DVM

Conures（如圖所示）是較大的鸚鵡群體之一，有 100 多個物種和亞種。作為寵物，conures 也很受歡迎，大約有十幾種，包括 jenday、dusky 和 ​​sun 等著名的鳥類。這三個屬於Aratinga屬，但我們最適合初學者的選擇屬於另一個類別，Pyrrhura屬。（似乎我們總是選擇難以拼寫和發音的那些？）

如果您覺得更容易，可以稱它們為綠頰或栗色腹，因為它們是該類別中最常見的物種。不管你怎麼稱呼它們，你都可以期待一隻可愛的寵物。這兩個物種都比太陽錐更安靜（但是，一些搖滾樂隊也是如此）。愛好者說Pyrrhura是深情和俏皮的。顏色不像紅色和金色的太陽那麼引人注目，但鮮為人知的錐果的綠色仍然是一個有吸引力的伴侶。有些人甚至可能會用一些習得的短語為您增光添彩。

雖然像太陽這樣的Aratinga conures 可能不是初學者的最佳選擇，但它們豐富多彩的外表和小丑的個性為它們贏得了大量的粉絲——並在電影保利中成為主角。（保利是一隻藍冠錐尾鸚鵡。）

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亞馬遜鸚鵡

攝影：Brian L. Speer，DVM

亞馬遜（如圖所示）比我們在本文中描述的許多鳥類更大，更貴，但它們太吸引人了，無法排除在列表之外。亞馬遜是周圍最好的談話者之一，尤其是黃枕物種。亞馬遜人也美麗而聰明，他們喜歡到處小丑。當布賴恩聽到一隻鳥在他醫院的候診室裡招待自己和她周圍的每個人時，他不用看就知道這是一隻亞馬遜。他們喜歡成為眾人矚目的焦點，他們似乎以自己吸引的注意力為食。

亞馬遜是中型鸚鵡。它們是非常活躍的鳥類，真正享受與所愛之人共度時光。亞馬遜也很欣賞他的玩具，並且是更容易訓練以執行某些行為的鳥類之一。

一些亞馬遜物種比其他物種更容易相處。對於初學者，我們喜歡推薦淡紫色冠、藍額、紅額和白額。這些較小的物種不太可能推動，通常更安靜，並且易於處理。

初學者的一個潛在問題：亞馬遜人可能太聰明了。與任何鸚鵡一樣，您需要確保給您的鳥進行了大量結構化的社交活動、公平的玩具份額和大量的鍛煉。

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桃臉愛情鳥

保羅·阿特金森/蓋蒂圖片社攝

桃臉愛情鳥美麗、活躍、頑皮。說話是可能的，但這並不是這些小鸚鵡的名聲。如果你不讓他一個人呆在籠子裡，一個社交良好的桃臉可能是你多年來最好的朋友。當用手撫養並與人類交往時，這些小傢伙喜歡被撫摸，放在襯衫口袋里或衣領上的頭髮下。他們非常親切，不會太大聲，並且能夠聽懂幾句話。

通常可用作寵物的愛情鳥種類包括菲舍爾、黑蒙面和桃臉，最後一種更受歡迎。桃臉愛情鳥也有許多有趣的顏色突變，包括黃褐色、橄欖色和花斑。