If you’re a bird enthusiast and are looking for easy-to-care-for pet birds that are well-suited for Vietnam’s climate, then this article is for you! We’ve compiled a list of 12 popular bird species that are commonly kept as pets in Vietnam, each with their own unique characteristics and charms.
1. The Mynah Bird
The Mynah bird, or Common Myna, is one of the easiest pet birds to care for in Vietnam. Known for their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, these birds are quite common throughout the country. However, they can be quite aggressive, so successful taming requires patience and a true passion for birds. With time and proper care, some owners even allow their Mynah birds to roam freely, much like keeping pet chickens or ducks.
Mynah birds are not picky eaters and have a fairly simple diet. They primarily feed on insects such as crickets and termites, as well as fruits. If you’re short on time, you can also provide them with birdseed mixes, which they will happily eat. With a Mynah bird, you won’t have to worry about creating complex menus for them. A good-quality Mynah bird typically costs between 200,000 and 4,000,000 VND.
2. The White-Rumped Shama
While the White-Rumped Shama may not have the most striking appearance, it makes up for it with its adorable small size and easy care. Before considering this bird, it’s important to note that it has a unique voice and tends to sing during the day, especially in the afternoon and evening. If you value your peace and quiet, it’s best to keep their cage at a distance from your personal space. The White-Rumped Shama has a similar diet to the Mynah bird, feeding on easily accessible insects.
The price of a White-Rumped Shama can vary depending on its singing ability, posture, and appearance, typically ranging from 400,000 to 2,000,000 VND.
3. The Japanese White-Eye
The Japanese White-Eye, also known as the Oriental White-Eye, is a small bird with a big voice. Their song is clear and pleasant, often compared to the high notes of a skilled singer. Not all Japanese White-Eyes sing beautifully, though; some have lower, hoarser voices that are less desirable.
The ideal Japanese White-Eye has bright, clear vocals and can mimic a variety of sounds. Their plumage varies from yellow to chestnut, depending on the region they’re from. A distinctive feature of this bird is the small white ring around its eyes. Young Japanese White-Eyes typically cost between 150,000 and 250,000 VND, while mature females can cost up to 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 VND. Some exceptionally beautiful females can even reach prices of 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 VND.
4. Parrots
Parrots are attention-grabbers, known for their colorful plumage, cute demeanor, and impressive ability to mimic human speech. They are often kept as pets for companionship and entertainment. However, they can be challenging to care for due to their wild instincts, messy habits, and reluctance to follow their owner’s instructions. Parrots have a simple diet, typically consisting of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, though some species also eat meat and carrion.
Parrots have long lifespans, with smaller species living up to 20-30 years and larger ones reaching 60-80 years when properly cared for. When keeping a parrot as a pet, it’s recommended to choose a rectangular or square cage rather than a round one, as this makes them feel more secure. The cost of a parrot can vary, ranging from 150,000 to 3,000,000 VND.
5. The Oriental Magpie-Robin
The Oriental Magpie-Robin, or Magpie Robin, is a popular choice among bird enthusiasts in Vietnam due to its colorful plumage and pleasant song. Its body is small, with a relatively large head, broad forehead, and slightly slanted eyes that feature a distinctive white eye-ring. Its feathers are a beautiful yellow-green color.
The Magpie Robin can be challenging to care for, but its clear and melodious song makes it a favorite among bird enthusiasts. Their diet consists mainly of insects, nectar, and small fruits. In Vietnam, the two most common subspecies are the Yellow-breasted Magpie-Robin and the Green-breasted Magpie-Robin, with the former being more popular due to its superior singing abilities. Magpie Robins with rare color mutations can command very high prices. Typically, these birds cost anywhere from 200,000 VND to over a million VND, depending on their singing ability, appearance, and lineage.
6. The Red-Whiskered Bulbul
The Red-Whiskered Bulbul is a colorful bird with a pointed, sharp-looking beak and large, round eyes. Its plumage is a mix of many colors, including brown, black, and red. These birds are typically kept in pairs, so it’s important to provide them with a spacious cage.
Unlike other birds, the Red-Whiskered Bulbul enjoys eating green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach. They also love to bathe, so regular cleaning and bathing are essential to keep them healthy and happy. While they can learn to mimic human speech, it takes a significant amount of time and training. A pair of Red-Whiskered Bulbuls typically costs between 180,000 and 400,000 VND.
7. The Red-Vented Bulbul
The Red-Vented Bulbul, also known as the Crested Myna, is one of the most common pet birds in Vietnam. Its most distinctive feature is the triangular crest on its head, which is typically brown or reddish-brown. Its body is a light brown color, with the head and crest being the darkest parts.
In the wild, the Red-Vented Bulbul primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates. In captivity, they are often fed a mix of birdseed and other supplements to ensure they stay healthy and vibrant. This bird is very common in Vietnam, and anyone can care for it with relative ease. Simply provide them with a balanced diet and a clean, comfortable living space. The price of a Red-Vented Bulbul typically ranges from 100,000 to 800,000 VND.
8. The Yellow-Breasted Bunting
The Yellow-Breasted Bunting, also known as the Yellow-Breasted Sparrow, is a favorite among bird enthusiasts due to its beautiful song, which is similar to that of the Yellow-Breasted Chat but much clearer and more melodious. To distinguish between male and female buntings, look at the color of their plumage.
Male buntings have yellow and black plumage, while females have yellow-green feathers. These birds feed on insects and fruits, and it’s important to provide them with a nutritious diet to ensure they remain friendly and approachable. The Yellow-Breasted Bunting typically costs between 300,000 and 400,000 VND.
9. The Asian Koel
The Asian Koel, or Common Koel, is known for its distinctive song, which resembles the sound of a flute. It has white spots on its neck and wings, and its belly is a very light brown color. Its eyes and eyelids are a striking red color, giving it a bold appearance. The Asian Koel’s diet consists of grains, beans, and insects.
This bird is often kept as a pet due to its beautiful song, and it can be found in homes, gardens, and natural cafes. The price of an Asian Koel typically ranges from 600,000 to 3,000,000 VND.
10. The Hill Myna
The Hill Myna, or Ground Myna, is a bird that primarily inhabits mountainous regions. It has soft, fluffy plumage, a prominent crest, and dark eyes and crest that give it a mysterious appearance.
Due to their loud songs, they may not be suitable for city dwellers, as they can create quite a disturbance. However, they are becoming increasingly popular in suburban and rural areas with lower population densities. In Vietnam, the two most common subspecies are the Hill Myna and the Black-Hooded Hill Myna. It’s important to note that these birds should not be kept in metal cages, as their beaks can get damaged if they come into contact with the metal bars. The price of a Hill Myna typically ranges from 600,000 to 4,000,000 VND.
11. The White-Browed Fantail
The White-Browed Fantail may not be the most colorful bird, but it has a simple, understated beauty. Its plumage is a grayish-brown color, with a black head and tail and a white chest and belly.
This bird is easy to care for and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. It is also a talented singer, which has made it a favorite among bird enthusiasts. The White-Browed Fantail is commonly found in areas with abundant food and water sources, such as rice fields and populated areas. These birds typically lay 3-8 eggs per clutch during the breeding season, which is typically from April to August. The price of a White-Browed Fantail can range from 500,000 to 3,000,000 VND.
12. The White-Rumped Munia
The White-Rumped Munia, also known as the Scaly-Breasted Munia, is a tiny bird with a big voice. Its song is clear and high-pitched, and it can often be seen flying high in the sky, performing acrobatic maneuvers as it sings.
The White-Rumped Munia has multicolored plumage, with yellow on its head, brown and black on its body, and white on its belly. Its appearance can vary slightly depending on the region it’s from. These birds are quite easy to care for and primarily feed on insects. To accommodate their flying habits, it’s important to provide them with a tall cage. The price of a White-Rumped Munia can range from 200,000 to 4,000,000 VND.
There you have it! We hope this list helps you choose the perfect pet bird to suit your tastes and lifestyle.
