How to Choose a Pionus Parrot

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: January 18, 2022

Pionus parrots are a group of 7 species of parrots that are similar in build and size but all have different coloring. They tend to be quieter than other parrots, so they make great pets for people who dislike the noise and screaming that’s typical of many parrot species. Choose the species that's right for you and then visit a breeder or a rescue to meet a Pionus parrot to adopt.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Species

The different species of Pionus parrots can range in price from $200 to $900 depending on their rarity. Decide ahead of time how much you want to spend, and stick to it. It’s easy to overspend on an animal once you see one you like and develop an attachment to it.
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Choose a White-Capped Pionus if funds are limited. White-Capped Pionus parrots are readily available in the pet market and tend to be less expensive. They’re slightly smaller than other Pionus parrots and cost about $200 to $400.^{[1]
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- On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Bronze-Wing Pionus is more rare and can cost up to $900.
Not all Pionus parrots can be taught to speak, but the Blue-Headed and Maximillian parrots are the exception. It may take years to teach your Pionus to talk to you, but these two species can eventually learn over a dozen words and phrases.^{[2]
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The Maximillian is the quietest of all the Pionus parrots in terms of screeching or squawking. If you live in an apartment and are concerned about disturbing your neighbors, this bird is the least likely to cause trouble.
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Opt for a Blue-Headed parrot if you like bright colors. The Blue-Headed is the most popular species of Pionus right now because of the bold blue feathers on its head, which give it that classic parrot look. They also have bright pink or red feathers under their tail.
- Juvenile birds will have less color than adult birds, so don’t be surprised if your young Blue-Headed parrot actually has more of a green head for the first year.^{[3]
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All Pionus parrots can be a little shy at first and tend to be somewhat independent. But the Maximillian is the Pionus that’s most tolerant of interaction with both humans and other birds. They’re often happy to share a home with other Pionus parrots.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing Breeders and Rescues

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Research reputable Pionus parrot breeders in your area. Do research online to find breeders near you, and then type the breeder’s name into a search engine to see what reviews are out there. Look for any complaints about mistreatment, sick birds, or unresponsiveness.^{[5]
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- Reputable breeders should encourage you to visit their facility, they shouldn't sell you unweaned birds, and they should keep records of all medical treatments and vaccinations the parrot has received.
- Avoid pet stores. You don’t know where or how the birds were bred, or whether they’ve been properly socialized.
- Make sure the bird you're getting was captive bred and not caught from the wild. Birds trapped from the wild are more likely to develop certain diseases and sicknesses.
Some breeders will have a variety of Pionus parrots, while others will specialize in one or two of the species. If you want a rarer species, like the Bronze-Wing Pionus, search online for someone who focuses on Bronze-Wing breeding.
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Locate bird rescues in your area. If you’re uncomfortable using a breeder, search for animal rescues near you that take in birds and exotic pets. Call to ask if they have any Pionus parrots, and if so, which species. If you’re struggling to find Pionus parrots near you to rescue, expand your search to nearby cities.
- One pro of using a rescue is that you get to give a loving home to a parrot in need, but a con is that you don't know whether your bird has been properly socialized. Take this into consideration when deciding between the two.
If you would prefer a younger bird that you can raise, train, and bond with from an early age, you’ll need to choose a breeder or rescue that has young birds. You won’t be able to take them home until they’re weaned (meaning they can eat without help), but you can still pick one out and begin the adoption process.
If a bird isn’t weaned yet, you can’t take it home, but you can still visit it and interact with it about once a week. This will help you bond with the bird and make sure it’s a good fit for you. Select a breeder that’s close enough for you to make this drive every week until the bird is weaned.

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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Meeting Pionus Parrots

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Make an appointment to visit the parrots. Most breeders won’t want you just showing up to look at their parrots, so call ahead and set up an appointment. Try not to visit several breeders or rescues in one day, since you could potentially transmit diseases between birds if you don’t wash yourself thoroughly between visits.
- Try to schedule only one visit per day, but if you want to squeeze in two on the same day, be sure to go home in between to shower and change your clothes.
Spend several minutes interacting with a few different birds. Scratch their heads gently, play with any bird toys the breeder has laying around, and start to get a sense for their personalities.
3
Look for a bird that puffs up with interest. A parrot may puff out its chest and neck feathers when it’s interested in you. Since Pionus parrots tend to be shy at first, you may need to spend more time meeting with them before seeing signs of interest.
- Other signs include stretching out their wings, bobbing their head up and down, or wagging their tail side to side.
When you reach toward a parrot to pet it, it may turn its head away to indicate it’s not interested in being touched. Respect the parrot’s wishes and back off. You can try again later, and if it still doesn’t want to be touched, this may not be the parrot for you.
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Ask questions about the parrots as you play. The breeder or rescue should take the time to answer every question you have about the birds. If it seems like they’re trying to make a quick sale, then they are likely not going to be responsive if you have problems with your parrot later on.
- Ask questions like how many birds they care for, what type of diet they feed them, and whether they offer a health guarantee.
- Expect the breeder or rescue to interview you too. They should care enough about their birds to ensure they’re going to a good home.^{[6]
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Look for common signs of ailment. Pionus parrots tend to be healthy birds, but they are susceptible to respiratory fungal infections, so look for any nasal discharge, abnormal droppings, a flaky beak, or labored breathing, Also, be sure your bird doesn't have lots of frayed feathers, as this can be a sign of a neurological disorder.^{[7]
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- Pionus parrots are known for wheezing when excited or stressed, so labored breathing alone is not indicative of any ailment.
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There are three species of pionus parrots that are very rare and generally aren’t available in the pet trade. They are the Coral-Billed Parrot, the Plum-Crowned Parrot, and the White-Headed Parrot (not to be confused with the White-Crowned Parrot).

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