How Many Types of Parrots Are There? Answered

Prepare to be amazed, fellow bird enthusiasts and curious minds! When you think of a parrot, what comes to mind? Is it a majestic macaw with vibrant plumage, a playful cockatoo with an impressive crest, or perhaps a tiny, affectionate lovebird? The truth is, the world of parrots is far more diverse and breathtaking than most people imagine. These intelligent, colorful, and often vocal birds capture our hearts and imaginations, inhabiting nearly every tropical and subtropical region across the globe.

The question of "how many types of parrots are there?" is more complex than a simple number. It delves into the fascinating world of biological classification, evolutionary history, and ongoing scientific discovery. From the dense rainforests of South America to the sun-drenched savannas of Africa and the lush islands of Oceania, different types of parrots have evolved unique adaptations, appearances, and behaviors that allow them to thrive in varied environments. Understanding their diversity not only satisfies our curiosity but also highlights the incredible biodiversity of our planet and the critical need for conservation.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll embark on a feathered journey to uncover the exact number of recognized parrot species, explore their major families, introduce you to some of the most iconic and lesser-known members of this incredible order, and even touch upon the challenges scientists face in categorizing them. So, let’s spread our wings and dive deep into the vibrant world of Psittaciformes!

The Grand Total: How Many Types of Parrots Are There?

To directly answer the burning question: scientists currently recognize approximately 400 different types of parrots. This number encompasses all recognized species within the order Psittaciformes. It's a dynamic figure, subject to change as new genetic research refines our understanding of species relationships and as new discoveries are made (though new parrot species discoveries are rare today). This grand total includes everything from the smallest Pygmy Parrots to the largest Macaws and Cockatoos, each contributing to the rich tapestry of parrot diversity.

The order Psittaciformes is broadly divided into three superfamilies:

• Psittacoidea (True Parrots): This is the largest superfamily, containing the vast majority of parrot species. It includes well-known groups like Macaws, Amazon Parrots, Conures, African Greys, Budgerigars, and Lovebirds.
• Cacatuoidea (Cockatoos): Distinguished by their prominent crests, the Cacatuoidea superfamily comprises 21 species, including various types of cockatoos like Sulfur-crested, Galah, and Cockatiels.
• Strigopoidea (New Zealand Parrots): This is the smallest and most ancient superfamily, endemic to New Zealand. It includes the critically endangered Kakapo, Kea, and Kākā.

This scientific classification helps us organize and understand the incredible evolutionary journey that has led to such a stunning array of parrot species across the globe.

Exploring the Major Parrot Families: A World of Diversity

While the superfamilies provide a high-level view, delving into the main families and genera helps us appreciate the more granular differences among types of parrots. Most of the different types of parrots you might encounter in the wild or as pets fall into these broader categories.

Psittacidae (True Parrots)

This family, often referred to as "true parrots," is by far the most diverse, housing hundreds of species. They are characterized by their strong, curved beaks, zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward, two backward), and often brightly colored plumage. Their distribution is vast, spanning Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. This family includes many of the popular pet parrots:

• Macaws: Famous for their large size, long tails, and spectacular colors (e.g., Blue-and-Gold Macaw, Scarlet Macaw).
• Amazon Parrots: Medium-sized, often green-bodied with vibrant splashes of color on their heads (e.g., Yellow-naped Amazon, Blue-fronted Amazon).
• African Greys: Renowned for their intelligence and mimicry abilities, typically grey with a red tail (e.g., Congo African Grey, Timneh African Grey).
• Conures: A diverse group of small to medium-sized parrots, often highly energetic and vocal (e.g., Sun Conure, Green-cheeked Conure).
• Lorikeets and Lories: Specialized nectar and pollen feeders with brush-tipped tongues, known for their stunning iridescent colors (e.g., Rainbow Lorikeet, Red Lory).
• Lovebirds: Small, social parrots, famous for their strong pair bonds (e.g., Peach-faced Lovebird, Fischer's Lovebird).
• Budgerigars (Parakeets): Often referred to simply as "parakeets," these small, social birds are one of the most popular pet parrots worldwide.
• Pionus Parrots: Medium-sized parrots, generally quieter than Amazons, with a more subdued but beautiful palette of colors.

Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)

The cockatoo family stands out with its distinctive erectile crests, strong beaks, and a general lack of the vibrant blues and greens seen in many true parrots. Most species are predominantly white, grey, or black, often with subtle colored patches. They are native to Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. There are 21 types of cockatoos, including:

• Sulfur-crested Cockatoo: Large, white cockatoos with a prominent yellow crest.
• Galah Cockatoo: Striking pink and grey plumage.
• Moluccan Cockatoo: Known for their large size and affectionate nature.
• Cockatiel: The smallest of the cockatoos, highly popular as pets.
• Black Cockatoos: Several species, including the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, often larger and more imposing.

Strigopoidea (New Zealand Parrots)

This ancient lineage includes some of the most unique and endangered types of parrots. Endemic to New Zealand, they represent a distinct evolutionary branch.

• Kakapo: The world's only flightless, nocturnal parrot, critically endangered.
• Kea: A highly intelligent and mischievous alpine parrot, known for its curiosity.
• Kākā: A large forest parrot, also endemic to New Zealand.

Meet the Icons: Popular Pet Parrot Types and Their Wild Counterparts

When people ask "how many types of parrots are there?", they're often thinking about the diverse range of species available as companions. The pet trade has introduced many to the wonders of parrots, but it's important to remember that all these beloved birds have wild origins and distinct natural histories.

African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus and Psittacus timneh)

• Characteristics: Renowned for their exceptional intelligence and ability to mimic human speech. Congo African Greys are typically light grey with a bright red tail, while Timneh African Greys are darker grey with a maroon tail.
• Natural Habitat: Central and West Africa, thriving in rainforests and savanna woodlands.
• Fun Fact: Believed to possess the cognitive ability of a 3-5 year old human child.

Macaws (Genera Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Orthopsittaca, Primolius, Diopsittaca)

• Characteristics: The giants of the parrot world, known for their vivid, often iridescent plumage, powerful beaks, and long tails.
• Natural Habitat: Central and South American rainforests, woodlands, and savannas.
• Popular Species:
  • Blue-and-Gold Macaw: Striking blue and yellow.
  • Scarlet Macaw: Predominantly red, yellow, and blue.
  • Green-winged Macaw: Similar to Scarlet but with green wing bands.
  • Hyacinth Macaw: The largest parrot, deep cobalt blue.
• Fun Fact: Macaws often mate for life and can live for 60-80 years.

Amazon Parrots (Genus Amazona)

• Characteristics: Medium to large-sized parrots, predominantly green, with splashes of bright color on their heads and wings. Known for their bold personalities and vocal abilities.
• Natural Habitat: Diverse habitats across Central and South America and the Caribbean, including forests and urban areas.
• Popular Species:
  • Yellow-naped Amazon: Distinctive yellow patch on the nape.
  • Blue-fronted Amazon: Blue forehead, sometimes yellow on the crown.
  • Double Yellow-headed Amazon: Extensive yellow on head and nape.
• Fun Fact: Many Amazon parrots are excellent talkers and singers.

Cockatoos (Family Cacatuidae)

• Characteristics: Characterized by their unique erectile crests and often affectionate, albeit demanding, personalities. Colors range from white to grey and black.
• Natural Habitat: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, found in forests, woodlands, and open country.
• Popular Species:
  • Moluccan Cockatoo: Large, salmon-pink underwing and crest.
  • Galah Cockatoo: Pink chest and grey back.
  • Cockatiel: Smallest cockatoo, popular for its gentle nature and whistle.
• Fun Fact: Cockatoos are highly intelligent and bond strongly with their caretakers, often requiring significant attention.

Conures (Various Genera like Aratinga, Pyrrhura, Cyanoliseus)

• Characteristics: A very broad group of small to medium-sized parrots, known for being energetic, playful, and often loud. They come in a spectacular array of colors.
• Natural Habitat: Central and South America, inhabiting diverse environments from tropical forests to arid scrublands.
• Popular Species:
  • Sun Conure: Dazzling orange and yellow with green and blue highlights.
  • Green-cheeked Conure: Primarily green with a grey chest and maroon belly.
  • Jenday Conure: Bright orange and yellow with green wings.
• Fun Fact: Conures are highly social and thrive on interaction, making them engaging companions.

Lovebirds (Genus Agapornis)

• Characteristics: Small, stocky parrots known for their strong pair bonds (hence the name). They come in various vibrant colors, often with distinct head markings.
• Natural Habitat: Africa, with one species native to Madagascar. Found in dry forests, savannas, and shrublands.
• Popular Species:
  • Peach-faced Lovebird: Green body with a peach-colored face.
  • Fischer's Lovebird: Green body, orange head, red beak.
  • Masked Lovebird: Green body with a black head and yellow collar.
• Fun Fact: Despite their name, lovebirds don't necessarily "die of loneliness" if kept alone, but they do require significant human interaction if not paired.

Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

• Characteristics: Small, sleek parrots, commonly known as parakeets. Wild budgies are green and yellow with black markings, but captive breeding has produced a kaleidoscope of color mutations.
• Natural Habitat: Inland Australia, typically in open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands.
• Fun Fact: Budgerigars are one of the most popular pet birds globally, known for their cheerful chatter and ability to learn words.

Beyond the Familiar: Unique and Endangered Parrot Species

While many types of parrots are well-known, there are numerous other fascinating species, some of which are critically endangered and represent unique evolutionary paths.

• Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus): Hailing from New Zealand, this is the world's only flightless, nocturnal parrot. It's also the heaviest parrot and critically endangered, with intensive conservation efforts underway.
• Kea (Nestor notabilis): Another New Zealand endemic, the Kea is an alpine parrot renowned for its intelligence, curiosity, and mischievous nature. It's the only parrot species known to inhabit alpine environments.
• Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus): Native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea, and northeastern Australia, Eclectus parrots are famous for their extreme sexual dimorphism. Males are vibrant green, while females are bright red and blue, a rarity in the parrot world.
• Caiques (Genus Pionites): Small, energetic parrots from the Amazon basin, known for their clown-like antics and distinct walking/hopping gait. Species include the Black-headed Caique and White-bellied Caique.
• Pygmy Parrots (Genus Micropsitta): The smallest parrots in the world, found in New Guinea and surrounding islands. They are expert climbers, using their stiff tail feathers for support.

The existence of these specialized and often vulnerable parrot species underscores the immense biodiversity within the Psittaciformes order and the importance of conservation efforts.

The Dynamic World of Parrot Classification: Why the Numbers Change

Understanding how many types of parrots are there isn't a static calculation. The exact number of recognized parrot species can fluctuate due to ongoing scientific research. Here’s why:

• Genetic Analysis: Modern DNA sequencing allows scientists to re-evaluate the relationships between different parrot populations. What was once considered a single species with subspecies might be reclassified as multiple distinct species, and vice-versa.
• Morphological Studies: Detailed analysis of physical characteristics (plumage, beak shape, size) can reveal subtle differences indicating separate species.
• Vocalizations and Behavior: Differences in calls, mating rituals, and other behaviors can also be indicators of distinct species, especially when combined with genetic data.
• Discoveries and Rediscoveries: While rare for large parrots, new small species are occasionally discovered, or species thought extinct are rediscovered.
• Subspecies vs. Species: The distinction between a subspecies (a geographically distinct population of a species) and a full species is often debated and can lead to changes in overall counts.

This dynamic process means that ornithologists and taxonomists are continuously refining our understanding of parrot diversity, making the study of different types of parrots an ever-evolving field.

Summary of Major Parrot Groups

Here's a quick overview of some prominent parrot groups and their characteristics:

Caring for Our Feathered Future: Conservation of Parrot Diversity

With roughly 400 different types of parrots gracing our planet, it’s sobering to consider that a significant number of these beautiful species are facing severe threats. Habitat loss, deforestation, illegal pet trade, climate change, and invasive species are pushing many parrot species towards extinction. For instance, the Kakapo, the Hyacinth Macaw, and many Amazon parrots are listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

Understanding the vast array of parrot species is the first step towards protecting them. Conservation efforts often target specific species or habitats, relying on scientific knowledge of their unique ecological needs. Initiatives include:

• Habitat Protection: Establishing national parks and protected areas to safeguard critical parrot habitats.
• Anti-Poaching and Anti-Trafficking: Combating the illegal wildlife trade through law enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
• Captive Breeding Programs: Releasing birds bred in captivity back into the wild to boost dwindling populations, as has been successful for the Spix's Macaw.
• Community Engagement: Working with local communities to promote sustainable practices and foster appreciation for native parrot populations.
• Research and Monitoring: Continuously studying parrot populations to understand their health, distribution, and genetic diversity.

Every effort to conserve these magnificent birds contributes to preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of their diverse habitats. Knowing how many types of parrots are there is not just a trivia fact, but a call to action to protect this incredible biodiversity for future generations.

Conclusion: The Enduring Wonder of Parrot Diversity

From the arid plains of Australia to the dense Amazon rainforests, the answer to "how many types of parrots are there?" is a testament to nature's incredible creativity. With around 400 distinct parrot species, each with its own unique charm, intelligence, and survival story, the order Psittaciformes represents a monumental branch of avian life. We've journeyed through their scientific classifications, explored the iconic personalities of beloved pet parrots, and shed light on the lesser-known, yet equally vital, species that complete this vibrant picture.

The sheer number and variety of different types of parrots remind us of the precious biodiversity that surrounds us. These intelligent, long-lived, and often social birds hold a special place in human culture and our ecosystems. While the numbers can shift with new scientific discoveries, the wonder and importance of these feathered marvels remain constant. By appreciating their diversity, supporting conservation efforts, and making responsible choices, we can all play a part in ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at every single one of the magnificent parrot species our world has to offer.