different types of parrots

21 Different Types of Parrots: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our captivating guide exploring the mesmerizing realm of different types of parrots. With their vibrant plumage, intelligent nature, and enchanting personalities, parrots have captured the hearts of bird enthusiasts worldwide. 

 

 

From the majestic beauty of the Macaw to the charismatic African Grey, we delve into the fascinating world of these remarkable creatures and their other avian friends, uncovering what makes them such an amazing gift to our world. 

 

 

Whether you’re an aspiring parrot owner or simply intrigued by these avian wonders, join us as we embark on a delightful journey through the diverse and enchanting world of parrots.

1. African Grey Parrot

African grey parrot on a white background

The African Grey Parrot is widely admired for its remarkable intellect and remarkable talent in mimicking human speech with astonishing precision. These parrots originate from the lush rainforests of West and Central Africa, and their captivating abilities make them highly coveted as avian companions. 

 

 

Their exceptional intelligence allows them to engage in complex problem-solving tasks and exhibit a deep understanding of their environment. Additionally, their sociable nature and adaptability contribute to their popularity as pets, as they can form strong bonds with their human caretakers. 

2. Macaws

two blue and gold macaw on a perch

Macaws, characterized by their vibrant plumage and robust beaks, are magnificent and sizable parrots. They encompass a diverse range of species, such as the Scarlet Macaw, Blue and Gold Macaw, Green-winged Macaw, and Hyacinth Macaw

 

 

These captivating birds thrive in social environments and necessitate abundant space and mental stimulation to flourish. Their striking colors and impressive vocalizations make them popular among bird enthusiasts. Macaws exhibit remarkable intelligence and can form strong bonds with their human caretakers. 

3. Cockatoo's

cockatoo on a white background

Cockatoos, with their unique crests and spirited personalities, are beloved avian companions. 

 

These charismatic birds originate from Australia and Southeast Asia, and they encompass a variety of captivating species, including the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rose-breasted Cockatoo, and Umbrella Cockatoo. 

 

 

Known for their sociability, cockatoos thrive in environments that provide ample mental and physical stimulation. Their playful nature and ability to mimic sounds make them popular pets. 

4. Amazon Parrots

mexican red headed amazon parrot

Amazon Parrots, characterized by their colorful feathers and expressive personalities, are medium-sized parrots that hail from Central and South America. Among the notable species are the 

Yellow-headed AmazonBlue-fronted Amazon, and Orange-winged Amazon. 

 

Renowned for their intelligence, Amazon Parrots possess the ability to acquire an extensive vocabulary, making them highly talkative and engaging companions. Native to lush rainforests, these parrots thrive in environments that offer mental stimulation and physical exercise. 

 

Their striking appearance and conversational skills have made them popular pets among bird enthusiasts. Amazon Parrots continue to charm and captivate with their beauty, intelligence, and ability to communicate.

5. Conures

Green Cheek Conures

Conures, small to medium-sized parrots hailing from the Americas, are adored for their lively and spirited personalities. These energetic birds are renowned for their playful nature and boundless energy. 

 

Among the popular Conure species are the Sun ConureGreen-cheeked Conure, and Nanday Conure. Highly sociable creatures, Conures thrive on social interaction and make wonderful companions. 

 

Their vibrant colors and animated behaviors bring joy to bird enthusiasts. Conures are known for their ability to form strong bonds with their human caretakers, adding a delightful and lively presence to any household. With their playful demeanor and sociability, Conures continue to be cherished and loved as pets.

6. Budgerigars (Budgies)

Budgie on a white background

Budgerigars, also known as Budgies, are diminutive parrots that originate from Australia. These charming birds have gained immense popularity as pets due to their compact size, low maintenance requirements, and impressive ability to mimic sounds and speech. 

 

Budgies are available in a delightful array of colors, including blue, yellow, green, and white, adding to their visual appeal. Despite their small stature, Budgies possess a vibrant personality and can form strong bonds with their human companions. 

 

Their playful nature and knack for learning make them highly engaging pets. Budgies continue to captivate both novice and experienced bird enthusiasts worldwide.

7. Lovebirds

peach faced love bird

Lovebirds, endearing small parrots, are beloved for their affectionate nature and strong pair bonding. Originating from Africa, these delightful birds encompass a variety of species, including the Peach-faced Lovebird, Fischer’s Lovebird, and Masked Lovebird.

 

 Lovebirds are known for their lively disposition and their reliance on social interaction for their well-being. Their vibrant plumage and charming personalities make them popular pets among bird enthusiasts. 

 

Lovebirds form deep attachments with their chosen mates or human companions, exhibiting a remarkable display of devotion. With their playful antics and loving demeanor, lovebirds continue to capture the hearts of bird enthusiasts worldwide.

8. Eclectus Parrots

eclectus parrot

Eclectus Parrots, fascinating avian species, exhibit striking sexual dimorphism, with males and females displaying distinct appearances. 

 

The males boast a vibrant green plumage, while the females showcase a predominantly red and purple coloration. 

 

These remarkable parrots originate from the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and neighboring regions. Eclectus Parrots are revered for their gentle and docile nature, making them sought-after companions. 

9. Quaker Parrots

Quaker Parrot - different types of parrots

Quaker Parrots, small parrots originating from South America, are renowned for their sociability and gregarious behavior. These delightful birds are known to form large communal nests, exhibiting their social nature. 

 

Quaker Parrots possess a charming and playful personality, captivating bird enthusiasts worldwide. While their mimicry abilities may not match those of larger parrot species, they are still capable of mimicking sounds and speech to some extent, adding to their allure as pets. 

 

Their green plumage and endearing antics make them a popular choice among bird lovers. Quaker Parrots continue to bring joy and entertainment with their social nature and occasional vocal mimicry.

10. Pionus Parrots

Pionus parrot sitting on a womans hand

Pionus Parrots, medium-sized parrots native to Central and South America, possess a distinctive stocky build. This group encompasses several captivating species, such as the Blue-headed Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, and Dusky Pionus. 

 

Pionus Parrots are celebrated for their calm temperament and gentle disposition, making them popular pets. Unlike some louder parrot species, Pionus Parrots have soft, low-pitched voices, which can be soothing to the ears. 

 

Their rich plumage and charming personalities add to their appeal. Pionus Parrots continue to captivate bird enthusiasts with their unique combination of size, temperament, and vocal characteristics, making them cherished companions in many households.

11. Caiques

black-headed caique perched on a stick

Caiques, small to medium-sized parrots originating from South America, are adored for their playful and mischievous personalities

 

These lively birds exhibit a high level of energy and thrive on engaging in activities that provide both mental and physical stimulation. Popular Caique species include the 

Black-headed Caique and White-bellied Caique

 

With their vibrant colors and animated behaviors, Caiques bring a joyful and dynamic presence to any environment.

12. Senegal Parrots

Senegal Parrot

Senegal Parrots, medium-sized parrots hailing from West Africa, possess a tranquil disposition and impressive mimicry abilities. 

 

These charming birds are recognized for their calm demeanor, making them sought-after pets. Sporting a visually captivating appearance, Senegal Parrots showcase a striking green body, complemented by a gray head and a vibrant yellow belly. 

 

While their mimicking skills may not rival larger parrot species, they are known to imitate sounds  and speech to a certain extent

13. Indian Ringneck Parakeets

Indian ringneck parrot on a perch

Indian Ringneck Parakeets, medium-sized parrots originating from the Indian subcontinent, captivate with their vibrant colors and diverse mutations. These intelligent birds possess the ability to learn speech and perform tricks, making them highly trainable and entertaining companions. 

 

Their striking plumage ranges from vibrant greens to blues, yellows, and even mutations with different color variations. Indian Ringneck Parakeets exhibit a curious and inquisitive nature, constantly exploring their surroundings. 

 

With their intelligence and playful demeanor, they provide endless amusement and companionship.

14. Alexandrine Parakeets

Alexandrine Parrot

Alexandrine Parakeets, notable for their large size, are native to the Indian subcontinent and certain regions of Southeast Asia. These parakeets possess a striking appearance, characterized by their vibrant green plumage, red beak, and long tail. 


Known for their intelligence, Alexandrine Parakeets are highly trainable and can be taught to perform various behaviors and tricks. Their ability to mimic sounds and speech adds to their appeal as pets. 


With their engaging personality and stunning physical features, Alexandrine Parakeets continue to captivate bird enthusiasts, offering both visual delight and the opportunity for interactive and stimulating companionship.

15. Rosella's

Eastern Rosella

Rosella Parrots, medium-sized parrots native to Australia and neighboring islands, are admired for their vibrant and captivating plumage. With various species showcasing a wide array of colors, Rosellas are a visual feast for bird enthusiasts.

 

 Among the popular Rosella species are the Eastern RosellaCrimson Rosella, and Western Rosella. Their striking combinations of red, blue, green, and yellow feathers add a burst of color to their surroundings. 

 

Rosellas possess a lively and energetic nature, making them delightful pets. Their beauty, coupled with their active personalities, continues to enchant admirers, establishing Rosella Parrots as beloved additions to avian enthusiasts’ collections.

16. Lorikeets

Lorikeet on a white background looking at the camera

Lorikeets, small to medium-sized parrots, are native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. These charismatic birds are recognized for their unique brush-tipped tongues and specialized diet, primarily consisting of nectar and pollen. 

 

 

Lorikeets have vibrant and colorful plumage, with hues of green, blue, red, and yellow adorning their feathers. Highly active and energetic, they are often seen in playful flight and agile movements. 

 

 

Their specialized feeding habits make them distinct from other parrot species, as they possess adaptations for extracting nectar from flowers.

17. Meyer's Parrots

Meyer's Parrot sitting on a white pole looking at the camera

Meyer’s Parrots, small parrots native to Central and East Africa, are characterized by their charming appearance and engaging personality. With a green body, brown head, and a distinctive yellow patch on their belly, Meyer’s Parrots exhibit a unique and attractive color combination.

 

 

 Renowned for their friendly and inquisitive nature, they readily interact with their human companions and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Meyer’s Parrots possess a curious disposition and are known for their playful antics. 

 

 

Their small size makes them well-suited for households and they are popular pets among bird enthusiasts. Meyer’s Parrots continue to enchant with their delightful presence and sociable temperament.

18. Cockatiels

Cockatiel on a white background looking at the camera

Cockatiels, small parrots originating from Australia, have earned popularity as pets for their friendly demeanor, low-maintenance requirements, and remarkable ability to mimic sounds. 

 

 

These charming birds are known for their sociable and affectionate personalities, often forming strong bonds with their human caretakers. Cockatiels display a diverse range of color mutations, including the classic gray, lutino (yellow), and pied, among others, adding to their visual appeal.

 

 

Their playful nature and intelligence make them engaging companions. Cockatiels continue to captivate bird enthusiasts with their delightful interactions, making them cherished pets in many households.

19. Hawk-headed Parrots

Hawk-headed Parrot perched on a white pole

Hawk-headed Parrots, medium-sized parrots native to the Amazon rainforest and adjacent regions, are recognized for their striking appearance reminiscent of hawks. These parrots boast a unique crest atop their head, adding to their distinctive charm. 

 

 

Hawk-headed Parrots are revered for their intelligence and curious nature, constantly exploring their surroundings with inquisitive minds. Their ability to problem-solve and learn new tasks make them highly trainable. 

 

 

With their captivating looks and engaging personalities, Hawk-headed Parrots captivate bird enthusiasts who appreciate their intelligence and curious demeanor. 

20. Kakariki Parakeets

Kakariki Parrot

Kakariki Parakeets, small parrots indigenous to New Zealand and its surrounding islands, are known for their energetic and playful nature. These delightful birds exhibit vibrant color variations, including shades of green, yellow, and red, among others. 

 

Kakariki Parakeets are highly active, often seen hopping, climbing, and engaging in acrobatic displays. With their playful personalities, they enjoy interactive toys and activities that stimulate their curious minds. 

 

Kakariki Parakeets make charming and entertaining pets, captivating bird enthusiasts with their vibrant plumage and lively behaviors. Their exuberant presence adds a joyful touch to any avian lover’s home.

21. Blue-crowned Conure

Blue-crowned Conure perched on a branch

The Blue-crowned Conure, also referred to as the Sharp-tailed Conure, is a medium-sized parrot originating from South America. With its vibrant green plumage, highlighted by a distinctive blue crown and a long tail, this conure is a visually captivating bird

 

 

Known for their outgoing and social nature, Blue-crowned Conures thrive on interaction and companionship. They are highly sociable and enjoy being part of a flock or bonding closely with their human caregivers. 

 

 

These intelligent parrots possess a playful and energetic temperament, often engaging in acrobatic displays and entertaining antics. Blue-crowned Conures continue to charm bird enthusiasts with their striking appearance and gregarious personalities.

Conclusion

The world of parrots is a captivating tapestry of diversity, with over 393 different types of parrots belonging to the Psittacidae family. From the majestic Macaws to the intelligent African Greys and the playful Conures to the affectionate Cockatoos, each species has its own unique traits and charm. By appreciating and conserving the remarkable variety of parrots, we can ensure their continued existence for future generations to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best kind of Parrot?

The best kind of parrot to own depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Some popular choices include African Greys for their intelligence and talking abilities, and conures for their playful nature and vibrant colors.

What is the friendliest Parrot in the World?

While individual personalities can vary, some parrot species known for their friendly nature include the conures, cockatiels, and budgies. These birds tend to bond well with their human caregivers.

What is the most common type of Parrot?

The budgerigar, also known as the Budgie, is one of the most common types of parrots kept as pets worldwide. These small and colorful parrots are known for their sociable nature and ease of care.

What is the cutest Parrot ever?

Beauty is subjective, and different people may have different opinions on which parrot is the cutest. However, some parrot species often described as adorable include the lovebird, cockatiel, and parrotlet.

 

Remember, when choosing a parrot as a pet, it is essential to research their specific needs, including diet, socialization, and mental stimulation, to provide them with a healthy and happy life.

Alan Winters

Alan Winters

Alan is a dedicated bird enthusiast and experienced writer who has been sharing insights on bird care and behavior for several years. With a passion for parrots in particular, Alan has a deep understanding of their unique needs and behavior patterns.

As a trusted authority in the field of bird care, Alan takes pride in sharing accurate and up-to-date information with his readers. Through his writing, he aims to educate and inspire bird owners of all experience levels to provide the best possible care for their feathered friends.

When not writing about birds, Alan can be found volunteering at local bird sanctuaries and rescues, where he enjoys putting his knowledge and experience to use helping birds in need.

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