Parrotlet vs lovebirds  (Differences and Similarities)

Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by Ali Shahid

A trained eye can easily spot the differences between lovebirds and parrotlets, even though they look and behave the same.

These friendly birds love human contact and form close bonds with their owners. With their rich and entertaining personalities, these birds make excellent companions. Among the parrot family, these birds are also extremely small and easy to care for, making them popular pets. In addition to the personalities, there are key differences between these birds.

Experienced owners may see a difference and should consider these factors when choosing one to keep. In addition to size, sexual characteristics, and the ability to repeat your words and phrases, there are many differences. These two parrots differ and are similar in different ways. In this article, we’ll explore their differences and similarities.

Parrotlet vs lovebirds (Main Differences)

1. Color Differences

Despite their similar appearance and short tails, both birds possess different colors on their green bodies. It is the Pacific green parrotlet that is most commonly kept as a pet in the United States.

It has some blue spots on the males. In contrast, the female Mexican parrotlet has yellowish tail feathers, while its less popular counterpart has blue tail feathers. Female speckled parrotlets have another shade of green around their eyes, whereas males have blue rings around them.

Those with a yellow face are called yellow-faced parrotlets.

Lovebirds with peach-colored faces are called peach-faced lovebirds. Furthermore, lovebirds with black faces are called black-masked lovebirds. Fisher’s lovebirds might also be purchased at pet stores. They have red beaks and appear in different color mutations.

2. Gender Appearance

The male and female parrotlets differ greatly in appearance, indicating that they are sexually dimorphic. A male parrotlet’s head, tail, and wings are all blue. These markings are not present in female parrotlets, or they are difficult to discern.

The most common species in which lovebirds are kept as pets generally make it difficult to distinguish between males and females. There may be a slight difference in size between males and females, although it is barely noticeable.

3. Size

Parrotlets of the Pacific, green-rumped, and spectacled species are commonly kept as pets. Their size can range from 3 inches to 5 inches, as well as their weight, which can range from 18 grams to 28 grams.

The lovebirds that are commonly kept as lovebirds weigh from 35 to 55 grams and are between 5 and 6 inches long. Parrotlets are twice the size of lovebirds, but both are relatively small birds.

4. Speaking Abilities

A parrotlet or a lovebird is not a great choice if you want a talking bird. When considering a choice between a lovebird and a parrotlet, the parrotlet emerges as the preferable option. Unlike lovebirds, parrotlets produce a gentle chirp rather than a high-pitched shriek, contributing to a quieter environment.

Although generally reserved, parrotlet can be trained to talk, with the spectacled parrotlet being notably adept in this regard. In contrast, lovebirds seldom engage in mimicking sounds or learning to talk, making the parrotlet a more versatile and vocally expressive choice (Lafeber).

Aside from mimicking sounds and singing, male parrotlets can also learn several words. Although lovebirds copy human sounds, they rarely speak themselves. A lovebird tends to chatter, while a parrotlet makes chirping sounds and doesn’t cry.

5. Nesting Behavior

Peach-faced lovebirds shred everything that comes within their line of sight. As a result, she sticks the papers around her rump, as well as palm leaves.

6. Feeding & Bathing

The parrotlets should be fed more because they burn more calories being active. Lovebirds, however, require more bathing. Showers and shallow bowls of water are their favorites.

7. Housing

Pairings are important to lovebirds. Lovebirds need to be with a partner and become happier when they are together.

8. Life Span

There are longer life expectancies for parrotlets than for lovebirds. Lovebirds will likely live for 15-20 years, while parrotlets may live for 20-30 years.  

Main Similarities

1. Fierce personality

Lovebirds and parrotlets are both considered to have large personalities in small packages. Despite being aggressive, both are described as being affectionate pets if raised with attention. Keeping these types of birds tame requires daily handling.

When you acquire a lovebird or parrotlet companion, you’re committing. Although both species enjoy attention and affection, they won’t get along well with a companion bird.

Both parrotlets and lovebirds are incredibly smart as well as bold and aggressive. Both are capable of opening cage doors or feeding cup lids and letting themselves out.

2. Wonderful as Pets

As we have already discussed in previous articles, there are only 3 species of lovebirds that can be kept as pets.

These 3 species are peach-faced lovebirds, Fischer’s, and masked lovebirds. There are many different mutations available with peach-faced lovebirds, making them wonderful pets. These birds are very tame.

When masked lovebirds and Fischer’s lovebirds are babies, they can be tamed.

Pacific parrotlets exist in several mutation colors, and most pet owners keep them as pets.

Although they are aggressive and hard-headed, they are usually loving towards their owners. The spectacle parrotlet can talk and is bold. Despite its shyness, the green-rumped parrotlet makes a wonderful pet.

3. Activity

It is possible to observe active and curious behavior in both parrotlets and lovebirds. In addition, they are acrobats. Their toys are always in the air, and they love to hide inside things. Their usual home is under hair or in pockets, or they crawl over shoulders.

Due to their hardiness and strong beaks, they would need toys that are large enough to handle their bites. A swing is an ideal gift for lovebirds and parrotlets. Boxes and tents are not recommended for adult birds, despite their enjoyment of them. They might lead to territorial breeding.

People Also Ask

Is it possible for lovebirds and parrotlets to live together?

 Parrotlets can form strong bonds with other birds just as they do with humans. So parrotlets and lovebirds can live together.

What is better at talkering, parrotlets or lovebirds?

Parrotlets are better at talking than the lovebirds. During the breeding season, lovebirds give a high-pitched shriek as their natural call. The parrotlet, on the other hand, chirps quietly and is incapable of squawking. The spectacled parrotlet seems to be the best talker out of all parrotlets and lovebirds.

Can parrotlets and lovebirds crossbreed?

Not at all. Parrots are only compatible with other parrots of their kind, and most only mate within their genus.

Conclusion

So, that was a simple comparison between parroletts and lovebirds. After gaining an understanding of the characteristics of lovebirds and parrotlets, clarity should prevail in distinguishing them. Both species have unique traits and care requirements that need to be understood if you want to keep them healthy.

Regardless of your choice, each bird exhibits distinctive features, personalities, and dietary needs. Opting for either, or even both, ensures a fulfilling and well-informed decision in avian companionship. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you to decide which one is right for you based on your requirements. We hope you have found this article helpful.