Photo Credit Joyce Cameron

A bird is a bird is a bird-or is it? Birds vary in more ways than just the color of their feathers. The many different varieties of birds each feature a unique temperament, require various amounts of space as well as your time and attention, and even have various levels of potential for singing, talking, mimicking, and learning tricks. Although pet birds are often purchased on impulse and based on the bird's immediate appeal along with what's popular at the time, this approach leaves many new bird owners wondering why they are so disappointed. To help you with this all-important decision, try answering the following questions. Along the way, you will find valuable tips to help you determine which type of bird is best for you.

• Do you have children?
• Would you like your new bird to talk well, sing, or learn new tricks?

Tip: If you have children-or if you are a child at heart who loves to be entertained-consider inviting a cockatiel to join your family. Cockatiels make excellent pets for families with children because they are so gentle, quiet, nondestructive, playful, and easy to care for! If you think your children would love to teach tricks to their pet bird and then watch the bird entertain them with the new tricks, a lovebird could be the perfect addition to your family. A word of caution: Cockatiels and lovebirds need to come from a recommended bird store or breeder because many are bred for color and are not healthy, long-lived birds.

• How much time and attention will you be able to give your new bird?
• How much noise can you tolerate?

Tip: Finches and canaries are great choices for owners who have a low noise-tolerance level as well as those with limited time. Easy to maintain and relatively quiet, finches and canaries require less attention than parrot-type birds. Plus, finches, and especially canaries, are known for their pleasant, melodious song.

• What qualities would you most like in your new bird (i.e., playful, affectionate, social, independent, intelligent, quiet, calm, entertaining, etc.)?

Tip: If you are looking for an intelligent bird that is talented in mimicry, African Grey Parrots could be the right bird for you. Considered one of the top five companion birds for potential mimicking, African Grey Parrots are extremely alert and intelligent. However, be prepared to offer plenty of attention to your African Grey Parrot because this species can also be high-strung and easily bored.

Other questions for you to contemplate:

• Do you want to form a bond with your new bird?
• How much space can you dedicate for your new bird's living quarters?
• Would you prefer to have only one pet bird, or will you want more than one?
• Do you have any other pets?

What are you looking for in a pet bird? Once you figure that out, you are on your way to forming a relationship with your new feathered friend, one that will fit right in with your family and bring you many years of enjoyment. I know that you will want to avoid the unpleasant surprises that many uninformed bird owners discover after they make an impulse purchase at the pet store: "I had no idea that my new pet bird would make so much noise, behave so aggressively toward my children, and demand so much time, attention, and space!" That is why I recommend the informed approach.

In order to ensure long-term happiness-rather than initial appeal and short-lived enthusiasm-it is important to buy the type of bird that is right for you and your family. Sometimes new bird owners overlook what's best in favor of what's most popular. Many of the species that have immediate appeal sometimes become a burden on the family because they require too much room or attention or are especially noisy. You may have more success choosing one of the following lesser-known species.

Miniature macaws have calmer characteristics that are less intimidating than large macaws. However, miniature macaws can still be quite vocal with shrieks and squawks, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, and their ability to mimic words is limited. Miniature macaws are smart, fast learners that usually don't develop bad habits, such feather picking. Great pets for families, miniature macaws should be socialized right away to avoid becoming a one-person bird. If this type of bird sounds right for your family, keep an eye out for such species as the Severe, Illiger's, Yellow-collared, Hahns and Noble miniature macaws.

Smaller conure species, including the Maroon-bellied, Dusky, and the Green-cheeked, are quieter than their larger counterparts, such as the more familiar Jenday, Sun, Mitred, or White-eyed conures. Green-cheeked conures, for example, are about the size of a cockatiel (which is typically about 12.5 inches and 75 to 100 grams). The smaller conures, especially when they are hand-raised, are easy to train, tame, affectionate, and playful. Relatively resistant to common diseases, smaller conures are longer-lived than most other small pet birds. However, since conures typically have a cavalier attitude about investigating anything new in their surroundings, they often suffer from injuries. Conures are usually poor talkers, with the exception of early mornings and late afternoons when they can become more vocal.

Due to their quiet, nondestructive temperament, members of the Poicephalis genus (including Senegals, Meyer's, Jardine's, and Red-bellied Parrots) are also becoming more popular. Native to Africa, this type of bird will provide you with lots of entertainment and enjoyment-even more so if it is hand-raised.

These overlooked pet bird gems have been some of the best kept secrets in the pet bird world. However, the real secret is that by considering your expectations and limitations, as well as the needs of your bird, you are on your way to finding a perfect fit for your family. By consulting with your avian veterinarian, and taking the extra time to make the right selection, you will discover the type of pet bird that is best for you! And what could be better than welcoming a new feathered friend into your home, while being comforted by the knowledge that you will quickly feel right at home with each other!

Several pet stores were rightfully offended to be left off the recommended list. As I stated in my previous column, those were stores I have had no personal contact with. I cannot personally recommend new stores, but if a qualified avian veterinarian will use the check list from my previous column and send me a letter endorsing a shop, I will include those shops in future columns. I am glad to see you read our material.

-Dr. Greg J. Harrison is board-certified in avian practice in the United States and Europe. His associate veterinarian is Dr. Gwen Flinchum. The Bird Hospital is in Lake Worth, Fla., and can be reached at 561-964-2121.