How Many Kinds of Parrots Are There? Guide

Step into a world bursting with vibrant colors, intelligent calls, and captivating personalities. When you think of a parrot, what comes to mind? Is it a majestic macaw soaring through a rainforest canopy, a chatty Amazon parrot mimicking human speech, or perhaps a playful cockatoo with its distinctive crest? While these iconic birds are certainly part of the parrot family, they represent just a tiny fraction of the incredible diversity that exists within the avian order Psittaciformes.

For centuries, these feathered marvels have fascinated humans, not just for their stunning appearance but also for their remarkable intelligence and complex social behaviors. But have you ever stopped to wonder, how many kinds of parrots are there, really? The answer is far more astonishing and diverse than many people realize, encompassing a dazzling array of species that have adapted to nearly every imaginable tropical and subtropical environment around the globe. Join us as we embark on a comprehensive journey to explore the vast and wonderful world of parrot diversity, uncovering the numbers, classifications, and unique characteristics that make each species a true marvel of nature.

Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the intricate classifications, spotlight some of the most famous (and rarest) members, and discover the fascinating adaptations that allow these birds to thrive. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only have a clear answer to “how many kinds of parrots are there?” but also a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of life these incredible creatures contribute to our planet.

The Astounding Diversity of the Parrot Order (Psittaciformes)

To truly understand how many kinds of parrots are there, we must first look at their scientific classification. All parrots belong to the order Psittaciformes, a group of birds characterized by their strong, curved beaks, zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward, two backward), and typically vibrant plumage. This order is a testament to millions of years of evolution, resulting in an astonishing array of forms, sizes, and behaviors.

Globally, the scientific community recognizes approximately 398 to 400 extant species of parrots. This number can fluctuate slightly due to ongoing research, reclassification of species, or, sadly, the extinction of others. Each of these parrot species boasts its own unique set of characteristics, adaptations, and ecological roles. From the tiny, fast-flying parrotlets to the enormous, powerful hyacinth macaws, their diversity is truly breathtaking.

Understanding Parrot Classification: Superfamilies and Families

Modern ornithology categorizes the Psittaciformes into three main superfamilies, each representing a distinct evolutionary lineage:

• Psittacoidea (True Parrots): This is by far the largest and most diverse superfamily, comprising roughly 350 of the known parrot species. True parrots are found across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Southern Hemisphere, including Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. They are renowned for their typically bright coloration, strong flying abilities, and often remarkable mimicry skills.
• Cacatuoidea (Cockatoos): Representing approximately 21 distinct kinds of parrots, the cockatoos are easily identifiable by their prominent, often elaborate erectile crests. They are primarily found in Australasia, including Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. While some exhibit vibrant colors, many cockatoo species are characterized by less intense plumage, often in shades of white, black, grey, or pink, with splashes of color on their crests or undertail feathers.
• Strigopoidea (New Zealand Parrots): This superfamily is the smallest and most ancient lineage, containing just three living kinds of parrots, all endemic to New Zealand. These birds are remarkable for their unique adaptations, including one of the world’s only flightless parrots. Their distinct evolutionary path sets them apart from other parrot groups, highlighting the incredible breadth of the parrot family.

A Deep Dive into the True Parrots (Psittacoidea)

The Psittacoidea, or true parrots, are the quintessential parrots in many people’s minds. This diverse superfamily includes the vast majority of parrot species, offering an incredible spectrum of sizes, colors, and behaviors. Found across a broad geographical range, these birds showcase remarkable adaptability to various environments, from dense rainforests to open woodlands and even semi-arid zones. When considering how many kinds of parrots are there, the true parrots contribute the overwhelming majority.

Iconic Examples: Macaws, Amazons, and Conures

Within the Psittacoidea, there are numerous genera and species, each with its own charm:

• Macaws: These are the giants of the parrot world, known for their enormous size, powerful beaks, and incredibly vibrant plumage. Native to Central and South American rainforests, species like the Hyacinth Macaw (the largest flying parrot), Scarlet Macaw, and Blue-and-Gold Macaw are iconic symbols of tropical biodiversity. Their long tails and often bare facial patches are distinctive features.
• Amazon Parrots: Highly intelligent and known for their impressive ability to mimic human speech, Amazon parrots are predominantly green-bodied birds native to the Americas. Species such as the Yellow-headed Amazon, Blue-fronted Amazon, and Green-cheeked Amazon are popular in aviculture and prized for their personality.
• Conures: A highly diverse group of small to medium-sized parrots from the Americas, conures are known for their playful and energetic personalities. They typically have long, tapering tails. Examples include the vibrant Sun Conure, the affectionate Green-cheeked Conure, and the vocal Nanday Conure.
• Lovebirds: Small, social parrots native to Africa, lovebirds are famous for their strong pair bonds, often seen perching together. There are nine kinds of parrots within the genus Agapornis, including the Peach-faced Lovebird and Fischer’s Lovebird, prized for their beauty and affectionate nature.
• Lories and Lorikeets: These stunning birds, found in Australasia, are specialized nectar and pollen feeders. They possess unique brush-tipped tongues perfectly adapted for gathering liquid sustenance from flowers. The Rainbow Lorikeet, with its spectacular multi-colored plumage, is a prime example of this group’s beauty.
• Parakeets: This term is often used broadly for small, long-tailed parrots. The most famous parakeet is arguably the Budgerigar (or Budgie), native to Australia. These tiny, intelligent birds are one of the most popular pet birds worldwide. Other parakeet species exist globally, demonstrating the wide variety of types of parrots.
• African Grey Parrots: Renowned for their exceptional cognitive abilities and vocal mimicry, these medium-sized parrots from Africa are considered among the most intelligent birds on the planet. The Congo African Grey and Timneh African Grey are the two recognized subspecies, both highly sought after in the pet trade, unfortunately leading to conservation concerns.
• Poicephalus Parrots: A genus of small to medium-sized parrots from Africa, including species like the Senegal Parrot and Meyers Parrot. They are known for their compact build, relatively quiet nature, and often striking color patterns.

The Unique Charm of Cockatoos (Cacatuoidea)

Moving to the second superfamily, the Cacatuoidea, we encounter the magnificent cockatoos. While fewer in number compared to the true parrots, their distinct characteristics make them instantly recognizable and equally captivating. When people ask how many kinds of parrots are there, they often specifically envision the charismatic cockatoo with its signature crest. There are roughly 21 recognized cockatoo species, primarily native to Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands.

What sets cockatoos apart? Their most defining feature is undoubtedly their prominent, often elaborate crest, which can be raised or lowered to communicate emotion. Unlike many true parrots, cockatoos tend to have less vibrant and more monochromatic plumage, typically ranging from white, black, or grey, though many display striking flashes of yellow, pink, or red on their crests, underwings, or tails. They are also known for their “powder down” feathers, which produce a fine, talc-like powder that helps waterproof their plumage, but can also be an allergen for some humans.

Diversity within Cockatoos

The cockatoo family showcases a fascinating variety:

• White Cockatoos: This group includes some of the most famous and beloved cockatoo species. The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, with its large size and bright yellow crest, is an iconic sight across eastern and northern Australia. The Umbrella Cockatoo (found in Indonesia) is known for its pure white plumage and large, fan-like crest. Other notable white cockatoos include the Goffin’s Cockatoo and the Bare-eyed Cockatoo.
• Black Cockatoos: These majestic and often larger cockatoos are predominantly black or dark grey, frequently with vibrant colored panels on their tails or cheeks. The Palm Cockatoo, a striking bird with a massive beak and a dramatic crest, is native to New Guinea and parts of Australia. The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo are also impressive members of this group, often found in eucalyptus forests.
• Galahs and Corellas: Smaller than many other cockatoo species, the Galah (or Rose-breasted Cockatoo) is famous for its stunning pink and grey plumage and widespread presence across Australia. Corellas, such as the Little Corella and Long-billed Corella, are also smaller white cockatoos, often seen in large, noisy flocks in open woodlands and grasslands.
• Cockatiels: While often kept as pets and sometimes mistakenly called parakeets, cockatiels are actually the smallest members of the cockatoo family. Native to Australia, they possess a distinctive crest and long tail, sharing the characteristic powder down of their larger relatives.

The Ancient Lineage: New Zealand Parrots (Strigopoidea)

Our journey through the parrot family brings us to the most ancient and geographically restricted superfamily: the Strigopoidea, or New Zealand parrots. This small but incredibly significant group represents a lineage that diverged from other parrots millions of years ago. When we consider how many kinds of parrots are there, these three species offer a unique window into avian evolution, showcasing extraordinary adaptations to their isolated island home.

Endemic to New Zealand, these parrots face severe conservation challenges, a consequence of their long evolutionary history in an environment free of mammalian predators, making them vulnerable to introduced species. Their unique biology and ecological roles are crucial to New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Kakapo, Kea, and Kaka: A Trio of Marvels

The Strigopoidea superfamily includes three truly remarkable kinds of parrots:

• Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus): Perhaps the most unique parrot in the world, the Kakapo is the only flightless parrot. It is also nocturnal, the heaviest parrot species, and potentially the longest-living bird. With a mossy green and brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage in its forest habitat, the Kakapo emits a distinct booming call during mating season. Critically endangered, intense conservation efforts have been instrumental in pulling this species back from the brink of extinction, though its population remains very small.
• Kea (Nestor notabilis): The Kea is renowned as the world’s only alpine parrot. Found in the South Island of New Zealand, these highly intelligent and curious birds are famous for their playful, sometimes destructive, nature. Their olive-green plumage with flashes of orange under their wings allows them to blend into the rugged mountain landscapes. Keas are known problem-solvers, often investigating human possessions with their strong, curved beaks, a testament to their remarkable adaptability and intelligence.
• Kaka (Nestor meridionalis): A forest-dwelling parrot also native to New Zealand, the Kaka is closely related to the Kea but occupies a different ecological niche. These medium-sized parrots are known for their loud, raucous calls and their important role as pollinators and seed dispersers in native forests. They have a brown and olive plumage with splashes of orange and red, and are particularly fond of nectar, fruits, and insects.

Global Distribution and Habitat Diversity

Beyond simply answering how many kinds of parrots are there, it’s fascinating to explore *where* these incredible birds live and *how* they’ve adapted to such a wide range of environments. Parrots are not just found in one type of lush, tropical forest; their global distribution is surprisingly varied, although predominantly concentrated in the Southern Hemisphere’s tropical and subtropical zones.

The vast majority of parrot species inhabit Central and South America, Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Africa and Asia. These regions provide the warm climates and abundant food sources necessary for their survival. While rainforests are often associated with parrots, these adaptable birds have successfully colonized an impressive array of habitats, showcasing their evolutionary resilience.

From Rainforests to Arid Deserts: Parrots Adapt

Parrots demonstrate incredible flexibility in their habitat preferences:

• Tropical Rainforests: Home to a staggering number of species, including most macaws, Amazon parrots, and lories. The dense canopy provides shelter, nesting sites, and a continuous supply of fruits, nuts, and nectar.
• Open Woodlands and Savannas: Many cockatoo species, Galahs, and various parakeets thrive in more open environments with scattered trees. They often forage on the ground for seeds and roots and nest in tree hollows.
• Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: Surprisingly, some parrot species have adapted to harsh desert-like conditions. For example, the Budgerigar in Australia can survive in very dry inland areas, relying on temporary water sources and drought-resistant seeds.
• Mountainous and Alpine Zones: As seen with the Kea in New Zealand, some parrots have evolved to withstand cold, high-altitude environments, feeding on a diverse diet that includes insects, roots, and even carrion.
• Coastal Mangroves and Islands: Many smaller parrot species and island endemics are found in coastal habitats, often with specialized diets or nesting habits.

This wide distribution and habitat diversity are key to understanding the sheer number of types of parrots that exist. Each environment presents unique evolutionary pressures, leading to the development of distinct species with specialized traits.

Table: Overview of Parrot Superfamilies and Key Characteristics

To provide a clearer picture of the primary divisions among parrots, here’s a summary table:

Superfamily	Approx. Species Count	Key Features	Primary Geographic Range
Psittacoidea (True Parrots)	~350	Diverse, vibrant plumage, strong flight, excellent mimicry, hooked beak, zygodactyl feet.	Americas, Africa, Asia, Oceania
Cacatuoidea (Cockatoos)	~21	Erectile crest, powder down feathers, less vibrant (often white/black/grey) plumage, strong beaks.	Australasia (Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, Solomon Islands)
Strigopoidea (New Zealand Parrots)	3	Ancient lineage, unique adaptations (e.g., flightless Kakapo, alpine Kea), endemic to New Zealand.	New Zealand

Conservation Status and Protecting Parrot Diversity

Having explored how many kinds of parrots are there and their incredible diversity, it’s crucial to address a sobering reality: many of these magnificent birds are under severe threat. The very factors that contribute to their diversity—specialized habitats, unique diets, and often limited ranges—also make them vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities. When discussing types of parrots, it’s impossible to ignore the urgent need for their protection.

The Red List and Endangered Species

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, a significant percentage of parrot species are currently listed as threatened. Habitat loss, primarily due to deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urbanization, is the single greatest threat. Parrots often rely on old-growth trees for nesting cavities and specific plant species for food, making them particularly sensitive to habitat destruction.

Other major threats include:

• Illegal Pet Trade: The demand for exotic pets drives the illegal capture of wild parrots, decimating populations and often resulting in high mortality rates during transit. Species with striking colors or exceptional talking abilities, like the African Grey Parrot, are particularly targeted.
• Climate Change: Shifting weather patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and changes in food availability disrupt parrot breeding cycles and food sources.
• Introduced Species: Non-native predators (like rats, stoats, and cats) in places like New Zealand have had a devastating impact on ground-nesting or flightless species such as the Kakapo.
• Poaching and Hunting: In some regions, parrots are hunted for food, feathers, or to prevent crop damage.
• Disease: The spread of avian diseases, often exacerbated by close contact in the pet trade or declining genetic diversity in small populations.

The conservation status ranges from “Least Concern” for common species like the Budgerigar to “Critically Endangered” for many, including the Spix’s Macaw (now extinct in the wild but with a breeding program) and the Kakapo. Protecting this diversity is not just about saving individual species; it’s about preserving entire ecosystems and the intricate balance of nature.

What Can We Do? Actionable Insights for Parrot Preservation

Understanding how many kinds of parrots are there and their conservation challenges empowers us to act. Here are actionable tips to help protect these amazing birds:

• Support Conservation Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to parrot conservation and habitat preservation. Groups like the World Parrot Trust, American Bird Conservancy, and local wildlife conservation efforts are vital.
• Responsible Pet Ownership: If considering a parrot as a pet, always choose birds from reputable breeders who can verify the bird’s origin. Never purchase wild-caught parrots, as this directly contributes to the illegal trade. Research the specific needs of the parrot species you are interested in, as they require significant commitment.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Support products and companies that practice sustainable forestry and agriculture, reducing the impact on parrot habitats.
• Raise Awareness: Educate others about the threats parrots face and the importance of their conservation. Share information about responsible pet ownership and the dangers of the illegal wildlife trade.
• Report Illegal Activities: If you encounter suspected illegal wildlife trade or poaching, report it to relevant authorities or conservation groups.
• Reduce Carbon Footprint: Contribute to efforts to combat climate change, which indirectly helps protect parrot habitats worldwide.

Conclusion

From the moment we first asked, “how many kinds of parrots are there?”, we’ve embarked on a fascinating journey through a world of astounding avian diversity. We’ve discovered that nearly 400 distinct parrot species grace our planet, categorized into three remarkable superfamilies: the vibrant true parrots (Psittacoidea), the charismatic cockatoos (Cacatuoidea), and the ancient New Zealand parrots (Strigopoidea).

Each type of parrot, from the smallest Budgerigar to the largest Hyacinth Macaw, the crest-waving Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and the unique, flightless Kakapo, embodies a unique chapter in evolution. Their varied forms, brilliant plumages, intelligent behaviors, and diverse adaptations to habitats spanning continents highlight the incredible beauty and complexity of the natural world. Understanding the sheer number and diversity of types of parrots deepens our appreciation for these intelligent and social birds.

However, this exploration also brought us face-to-face with the sobering reality of conservation challenges. Habitat destruction, illegal trade, and climate change cast long shadows over the future of many parrot species. It is a stark reminder that while the natural world provides such wonders, it is our responsibility to protect them.

Let this guide serve not just as an answer to your initial question, but as an invitation to look closer, learn more, and actively participate in the preservation of these irreplaceable feathered gems. The more we understand about how many kinds of parrots are there and what makes them unique, the better equipped we are to ensure their continued existence for generations to come. Let’s work together to keep the skies filled with their vibrant colors and intelligent calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many distinct kinds of parrots are there in the world?

There are over 350 recognized species of parrots, classified into various families and subfamilies. This incredible diversity encompasses a wide range of sizes, colors, and behaviors found across tropical and subtropical regions globally.

How are the different kinds of parrots classified?

Parrots are primarily classified into three main families: Psittacidae (true parrots), Cacatuidae (cockatoos), and Strigopidae (New Zealand parrots). Within these families, there are numerous genera and individual species, each with unique characteristics and evolutionary histories.

What makes for such a vast number of parrot kinds?

The wide variety among kinds of parrots is due to their long evolutionary history and adaptation to diverse environments. Factors like geographic isolation, varied diets, and different nesting habits have led to the development of unique species with distinct physical traits and behaviors.

Can you name some well-known kinds of parrots?

Certainly! Some popular kinds of parrots include colorful macaws, intelligent African Greys, playful cockatiels, and the small, vibrant lovebirds. There are also many lesser-known but equally fascinating species, such as the Kakapo from New Zealand and various lorikeets.

Do all kinds of parrots look similar, or is there a wide range in appearance?

There’s an astonishing range in appearance among different kinds of parrots. They vary dramatically in size, from tiny pygmy parrots just a few inches long to large macaws reaching over three feet, and come in nearly every color imaginable, often with vibrant plumage.

Where do the many kinds of parrots typically live?

Parrots are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions across the Southern Hemisphere. Their natural habitats span South America, Central America, Africa, Asia, and Australasia, with the greatest diversity often found in the Amazon rainforest and Australia.