What is the most underrated parrot?

[The Outlaw]

I was thinking about this today when I looked at my own flock. I have long felt that the most overlooked and under-rated parrot in my flock is my TAG. She's just a great bird, but isn't as flashy as the macaws and doesn't speak as clearly as my CAG, but ounce for ounce, she's just an affectionate, loveable and very devoted little parrot.

So, what do you think is the most under-rated parrot?

[Lori L]

NOt that I have one but a pionus has gotten a pretty bad rap as far as being boring, not affectionate, not pretty, etc. I saw a blue headed pionus the other day and it was far from boring, it was sweet, beautiful, playful etc.

[Joel]

My lil Grey Cheek Brotogeris "Skycap" if he would just SHUT his damn mouth!!!!!!

[greyburd]

You know I agree with you on this one!!! TAGs definitely get the short end of the stick. There aren't enough out there, and there aren't enough people that have them! I think that's going to change soon, though. When I was shopping around for mine, every breeder that I found (and it wasn't many) all of their baby TAGs were spoken for.

I do agree, they are loveable, affectionate birds. I love CAGs, but I think because TAGs don't have that flashy red tail and they are smaller and darker in color...... they don't get looked at as much. TAGs are just as smart. Some would say they are smarter than CAGs (this I wouldn't know). But I've read that TAGs tend to start talking and mimicing sounds earlier than CAGs do.

I am seeing TAGs popping up all over the place here at BB!! I'm happy to see that!

[Rue]

...definately the Pionus...I've noticed when people consider their bird options...they'll list representatives of every bird available EXCEPT the Pi's...

...and I don't quite understand it either...they're ideal pets...relatively quiet, capable of speaking (although not a 'talker' per se), affectionate, play with toys, not overly messy...there are 5 species available in different sizes and colours...

...and the colours are beautiful...it never ceases to amaze me...

The other bird I think is overlooked is the brown-headed parrot...not much less colourful than a Senegal, but with a much nicer temperament...

[Alika]

Are we talking just in our flock?

My most underrated bird would have to be my cockatiel. I know that they are popular birds, so it's hard to understand how they are underrated, but I think a lot of experienced keepers overlook them in lieu of something bigger and more exciting. Cockatiels are pretty darn smart, and have a lot of personality packed into that tiny body.

[The Outlaw]

No. Not just in your own flock. What parrot do you feel is under rated?

[kensbuns]

I think the quakers! They have such attitude. YOu kind of get a big bird in a little bird body.

[LMPego]

I have to agree with Rue about the Pionus and most of the Poi species.

[Monica]

In my own flock, I'd say bourkes because they are gorgeous, come in various colors (pinks, blues, yellows, greens....), and although they do not form as strong of bonds as per sei a cockatiel or conure would, they make excellent first pets as they are quiet, have a lovely chirp, can fly gorgeously, and normally are relatively easy to tame!

After that, well I really couldn't choose one... There are many parrots that are rare in captivity for one reason or another (maybe they were not appealing enough?) though could quite possibly make great companions if they were. Vasas, Port Lincolns, and some various conures (mainly in the smaller category I believe) aren't very popular. Vasas I know for a fact are lovely and antic birds that don't appear to be noisy.