Pet birds kept in the UK range from small companion birds like budgies and cockatiels to large, long-lived parrots and working birds of prey. Birds have very different care needs, social requirements and health risks depending on species, and specialist pet insurance is available for all categories listed here. This index links to individual species guides covering diet, housing, common health themes and the insurance points most relevant to each bird type.
One of the most intelligent pet birds in the world, African Greys are sensitive, long-lived parrots with complex social and dietary needs.
View African Grey guideA large, striking parakeet with a strong personality, alexandrines need space, mental stimulation and patient, consistent handling.
View Alexandrine Parakeet guideBold, vocal and highly sociable, Amazon parrots are characterful companions who need daily interaction and a carefully managed diet.
View Amazon Parrot guideIconic and legally protected in the wild, captive-bred barn owls kept as falconry birds require specialist housing, diet and significant training commitment.
View Barn Owl guideA broad category covering the hawks, owls, falcons and eagles kept under UK falconry and aviculture regulations, each with distinct care and legal requirements.
View Bird of Prey guideThe UK's most popular pet bird, budgies are sociable, curious and vocal companions who do best in pairs and need daily out-of-cage time.
View Budgerigar guideGentle, affectionate and relatively easy to care for, cockatiels are popular companion birds who bond closely with their owners and enjoy regular interaction.
View Cockatiel guideDeeply affectionate and highly demanding, cockatoos form intense bonds with their owners and need more social interaction than most other parrots.
View Cockatoo guideAmong the largest and most powerful birds of prey, eagles require very large weathering areas, specialist diet management and experienced, licensed handlers.
View Eagle guideFast, agile and highly trainable, falcons are popular falconry birds that require precise diet management, regular flying and experienced handling throughout their lives.
View Falcon guidePlayful, energetic and naturally sociable, galahs are Australian cockatoos who thrive on interaction and need plenty of enrichment to stay happy.
View Galah guideThe most widely kept falconry bird in the UK, Harris Hawks are sociable, trainable and well suited to beginners working with an experienced falconer.
View Harris Hawk guideAmong the largest and most visually striking parrots, macaws require very large enclosures, specialist diets and significant long-term commitment.
View Macaw guideA varied group of small to medium parrots ranging from the ring-necked parakeet to smaller companion species, each with specific housing and social needs.
View Parakeet guideA broad category covering the many parrot species kept as pets in the UK, each with distinct care needs, health risks and insurance considerations.
View Parrot guideA general category covering the range of smaller pet bird species kept in UK homes, each with their own care requirements and health considerations.
View Small Bird guideCommon questions about pet birds and insurance-aware species research.
Yes. Specialist pet insurance is available for parrots, small birds and birds of prey in the UK. Cover levels, vet fee limits and policy terms vary considerably between species and providers, so reading each policy carefully before buying is important.
Common health themes in pet birds include respiratory infections, feather and skin conditions, nutritional deficiencies, psittacosis, proventricular dilatation disease and age-related conditions. Specialist avian vet access can affect both the quality of care and the cost of treatment.
Policy wording may include vet fee limits and whether specialist avian consultations are covered, exclusions around husbandry-related illness, death and theft cover relevant to the value of the bird, and how the policy handles ongoing or chronic conditions.
No. These guides provide general information and education. They do not recommend an insurer, policy or level of cover.