General Overview

The lineolated parakeet or barred parakeet, named for its fine lines or barred markings, is one of the calmest and quietest members of the parrot family, making them ideal pets. Sometimes mistaken for budgies, lineolated parakeets or “linnies” are a bit stockier. And, unlike budgies, these birds enjoy walking about as much as they do flying. Linnies like to walk and perch with their bodies almost parallel or horizontal to the ground, while budgies sit or stand upright. These birds also love to play in the water.

Origin/History

Lineolated parakeets of various subspecies live in the wilds of Mexico, Central America, and South America. These birds reside in higher-elevation cloud forests and dense rain forests in mountainous areas like the Peruvian Andes. They forage at lower elevations during the winter. In the wild, they live in flocks of up to 20 birds.

Unique Facts/Notes

• When properly cared for and hand-fed as babies, lineolated parakeets develop charming and even-tempered personalities. They are incredibly social birds by nature, and they love to spend time with (and sitting on) their owners.
• These playful birds are quieter than most parakeets—they tend to chatter rather than screech and can be very able talkers, enunciating clearly, though with a more limited vocabulary than other parrots.
• Known to make comical little pets, the highly social lineolated parakeet makes a very entertaining family member, always eager to spend time playing with its human flockmates.