When you think about pets, birds might not be the first that come to mind — but some of these feathered friends can surprise you with just how long they stick around. Unlike many animals with shorter lifespans, certain birds can live for more than 50 years, sometimes even outliving several generations of their human companions!
What’s truly amazing is how little we sometimes know about the exact ages of these long-living birds. Scientists track them through tiny bands on their legs, but since spotting them again isn’t always easy, their true ages can often be a bit of a mystery.
Still, thanks to dedicated researchers and bird lovers alike, we’ve uncovered fascinating clues about why some birds live so long—like their unique way of handling oxygen and their slow, steady metabolism that seems to keep them going strong.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about the secrets behind these long life spans and what makes certain birds such extraordinary survivors, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a look at some of the bird species with an average lifespan of more than 50 years.
Birds That Can Live for Over 50 Years
1. Scarlet Macaw
Scarlet Macaws aren’t just a splash of brilliant colors in the bird world—they’re also one of the longest-living birds you can invite into your life.
These lively parrots can sometimes even hit the 75-year mark if they’re well cared for. So, if you’re thinking of a pet that’s practically a lifetime commitment, this feathered firecracker fits the bill perfectly.
Known for their playful personality and booming squawks, Scarlet Macaws are smart and social. They need plenty of attention and mental stimulation—because bored macaws can get into some hilarious trouble!
These birds thrive on a mix of fresh fruits, nuts, and plenty of love. Their strong, colorful beaks aren’t just for show—they’re built to crack open tough shells and show off some serious birdie skills.
Why Scarlet Macaws Stand Out
Can live over 50 years, with some reaching 70+ in captivity
Highly social and intelligent, needing lots of interaction
Strong beak perfect for cracking nuts and toys—watch your fingers!
2. Pink Cockatoo
The Pink Cockatoo, or the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, is a true superstar in the world of long‑living birds. Many of these beauties live around 50–60 years, which already blows most pets out of the water.
According to the Guinness World Records, one famous bird named Cookie even lived to be 83 years old, making him one of the oldest-living parrots ever documented!
These birds are playful and full of personality. Their soft pink and white feathers and flashy crest make them look like they walked straight out of a pastel dream. They also form strong pair bonds and social connections – kind of like feathered besties for life.
While they’re not the easiest pets due to their size and long lifespan, Pink Cockatoos are unforgettable companions. Their long lives mean you’re signing up for decades of shared laughs, chats, and maybe a bit of mischief too (they do love a good toy).
Quick Facts About Pink Cockatoos
Can live 50–60 years on average, with record holders reaching 80+ years
Known for strong pair bonds and social behavior
Striking pink and white plumage and a dramatic crest make them stand out
3. African Grey Parrot
African Grey Parrots are famous for their incredible intelligence and long lives. These clever birds often live well over several decades, with some lucky ones reaching 70 or even 80!
So, when you welcome an African Grey into your home, you’re signing up for a smart and loyal companion who could be around for decades.
They’re chatty little geniuses—known to mimic human speech with impressive clarity. But don’t let their smarts fool you; they also need lots of mental stimulation and love, or they might get bored and cranky, as mentioned by SeaWorld. These birds form deep bonds and can be quite the emotional support sidekicks.
Their grey feathers might look understated, but their personalities shine bright. With their long lifespan and sharp minds, African Greys truly stand out as lifelong friends who keep life interesting every day.
Why African Grey Parrots Are Special
Can live 50–80 years, making them one of the longest-living parrots
Extremely intelligent and expert mimics of human speech
Need constant mental engagement to stay happy and healthy
4. Amazon Parrot
Amazon Parrots are known for their vibrant personalities and impressive lifespans. These lively birds can sometimes hit the 70-year mark when given the right care. So, if you want a talkative companion who’ll be around for decades, an Amazon Parrot is a solid bet.
They’re natural performers who love to sing, dance, and mimic sounds — basically, the life of any bird party! But don’t let their playful nature fool you; they also need plenty of attention and social time to keep their spirits high. Boredom? Not on their watch!
With their bright feathers and long lives, Amazon Parrots bring energy and joy to any home. They’re the kind of pet who’ll stick with you through thick and thin, making every day a little more colorful.
What Makes Amazon Parrots Unique
Lifespan often exceeds 50 years, with some reaching 70+
Talented mimics and natural entertainers
Thrive on social interaction and mental stimulation
5. Laysan Albatross
The Laysan Albatross isn’t your typical pet bird, but it’s definitely one of the longest-living birds out there. These majestic ocean wanderers can live well over many years, with some individuals like the famous Wisdom reaching an astonishing age of 74, and still going strong! Talk about aging like fine wine.
They spend most of their lives soaring over vast oceans, returning to the same nesting sites year after year. Their ability to live so long is tied to their slow, steady lifestyle and strong survival skills. Plus, they’re masters of endurance, gliding thousands of miles without breaking a sweat.
If you’re fascinated by birds with epic lifespans and a life full of adventure, the Laysan Albatross is a perfect example. They remind us just how incredible nature can be when it comes to longevity and resilience.
Why the Laysan Albatross Stands Out
Lives well over 50 years, with records of individuals surpassing 70 years
Expert long-distance flyers and ocean explorers
Returns to the same nesting spots, showing amazing loyalty
6. Andean Condor
The Andean Condor is a true heavyweight when it comes to bird lifespans. These giants can live for over 50 years, often reaching 70 or more in the wild and captivity. They’re the kind of bird that carries a bit of ancient wisdom every time they take flight.
With their massive wingspan and slow, graceful soaring, Andean Condors look like the kings of the skies. Their long life is partly due to their relaxed lifestyle and low-stress environment, making them real pros at pacing themselves through the years.
National Geographic says that the Andean Condors play a vital role in their ecosystems by cleaning up carcasses and keeping nature balanced. Watching one glide effortlessly is like seeing a living legend in action.
What Makes Andean Condors Special
Can live 50–70+ years, among the longest-lived birds
Massive wingspan helps with energy-efficient soaring
A slow-paced lifestyle supports their impressive longevity
7. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Sulphur-crested cockatoos are loud, lively, and can stick around for a very long time—often over 50 years, with some known to live into their 70s.
These cockatoos love to be the center of attention, showing off their flashy yellow crest and booming calls. Their long lifespan means they’re not just a short visit—they’re a lifelong companion with endless energy and charm.
They’re incredibly social and thrive on interaction, so they’ll definitely keep you on your toes with their playful antics. But their affectionate nature means you’ll always have a loyal feathered friend by your side.
With proper care and plenty of love, a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo will bring decades of fun, mischief, and unforgettable memories to your home.
Why Sulphur Crested Cockatoos Shine
Lifespan often exceeds 50 years, with some living into their 70s
Known for their loud calls and expressive yellow crest
Highly social birds that thrive on interaction and play
Conclusion
Long-lived birds truly amaze us with their advanced age and resilience. Larger birds, in particular, tend to live longer, often because they produce only one egg at a time and invest a lot of care into their offspring.
The oldest bird on record, recognized by Guinness World Records, shows us just how remarkable longevity in the wild can be. However, determining the precise age of these birds is often a challenge, especially when the last surviving member of a species is observed in public display or in their natural habitat.
Many long-living birds face serious threats like habitat loss and predators, making world conservation efforts vital for their survival. These efforts focus on protecting food sources and creating stimulating environments to help surviving members thrive.
Strong bonds between birds and their environment, as well as between pairs, play a big role in their ability to live longer. Whether spotted near a garden center or deep in the wild, these incredible creatures remind us of nature’s delicate balance and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
There are some other wild bird species as well that can live for several decades. These include the Greater Flamingo, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, and Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo.
