The Pionus Parrot Family
The Pionus Parrot family includes eight different species. All eight have a similar shape and build. They have a shape similar to the Amazon family, stocky with a short square tail. The various species have different coloring except that all have a red color beneath the tail. Every type of Pionus Parrot has a dazzling color array.
All in the Family
Five of the eight species of Pionus are available for sale as pets: the Blue-headed Parrot, Maximilian's Parrot, White-capped Parrot, Dusky Parrot and Bronze-winged Parrot. Unlike some other parrot families, the Pionus Parrot does not reveal its gender by coloring. The Pionus Parrot does not speak well although they enjoy imitating sounds like whistles and beeps.
They are not as needy as some other parrots either. While they like some time with their owners, they are able to tolerate time on their own. The Pionus Parrot shows stress in several ways. If something frightening enters the room or the parrot is startled, they may thrash around the cage until they calm down.
A stressed Pionus Parrot may sit perfectly still or wheeze in a way that is similar to a person having an asthma attack. They are the only parrots that show stress by wheezing. All of the stress actions will stop when the parrot calms.
Unless exposed to loud noises, the Pionus Parrot will be quiet and gentle. Unlike other types of parrots it will not screech unless it is imitating something that is screeching. In spite of its prominent beak, it is not likely to nip. The beak of the Pionus Parrot is not as strong as those of other types of parrots. This means that it cannot crack nuts or use hard woods for chewing.
The Pionus Parrot is happy to be obedient if trained. It is unlikely to battle for control. The training should be low-key because the Pionus Parrot is shy and sensitive. When your Pionus is first brought home, you have to take the time to allow it to be able to become familiar with its new surroundings and learn to trust its owners. After it is comfortable, it will be happy to learn the rules and will obey them gladly.
Like all birds, the Pionus will appreciate having a cage as large as possible. At the least, it should be able to spread its wings and stretch. Ideally, it should be able to fly. Otherwise, some time outside of the cage is necessary. Barring illness or accident, the Pionus Parrot will live and average of 25 years giving gentle, quiet affection to its owners.
