Kinds of Parrots: A Complete List

Stepping into the vibrant world of parrots is like unlocking a treasure chest of colors, sounds, and fascinating personalities. From the tiniest parrotlet perched delicately on a finger to the magnificent macaw soaring through rainforest canopies, these intelligent birds captivate hearts worldwide. But did you know just how diverse this avian family truly is? There are hundreds of distinct kinds of parrots, each with its own unique charm, characteristics, and care requirements.

Often recognized for their stunning plumage, remarkable talking abilities, and long lifespans, parrots are more than just pretty faces. They are complex creatures with varying social needs, dietary preferences, and energy levels. Whether you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast, considering bringing a feathered friend into your home, or simply curious about the incredible biodiversity of our planet, understanding the different types of parrots is a journey worth taking. This comprehensive guide will explore the major families and popular species, shedding light on what makes each one special.

Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating realm of psittaciformes, revealing the incredible array of parrot species that grace our world. Get ready to discover the vibrant personalities, unique traits, and surprising facts about these extraordinary birds!

Understanding Parrots: What Makes Them Unique?

Before we delve into specific kinds of parrots, let’s establish what generally defines a parrot. Parrots belong to the order Psittaciformes, a group of about 400 species found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. They are characterized by several key features:

• Strong, Curved Beak: Their powerful, hooked beaks are perfect for cracking nuts, seeds, and climbing. The upper mandible is hinged to the skull, allowing for a wide range of movement.
• Zygodactyl Feet: Parrots have two toes pointing forward and two toes pointing backward. This unique arrangement provides excellent grip for climbing, perching, and manipulating objects (often using their feet like hands).
• Vibrant Plumage: While not all parrots are brightly colored, many species are renowned for their stunning, often iridescent, feathers in shades of green, blue, yellow, and red.
• High Intelligence: Parrots are among the most intelligent birds, capable of problem-solving, tool use, and even understanding complex concepts.
• Mimicry and Vocalization: Many kinds of parrots are known for their ability to mimic human speech and a wide range of sounds, though not all species possess this trait equally. They also have a rich repertoire of natural calls and vocalizations for communication.
• Social Nature: Parrots are highly social birds, living in flocks in the wild. This social need translates to strong bonding with their human companions in captivity.
• Long Lifespan: Depending on the species, parrots can live anywhere from 10 to over 80 years, making them a significant long-term commitment as pets.

These shared characteristics bind the diverse world of parrots together, even as their individual appearances and behaviors vary wildly among different parrot breeds.

The Majestic Macaws & Cockatoos: Iconic Large Parrots

When most people imagine a large, colorful parrot, they’re often thinking of a macaw or a cockatoo. These magnificent birds are among the most recognizable and are certainly some of the most impressive kinds of parrots.

Macaws: The Giants of the Rainforest

Macaws are the undisputed “giants” of the parrot world, known for their enormous size, powerful beaks, and incredibly long tail feathers. Native to Central and South American rainforests, these birds are a spectacle of vibrant colors and boisterous personalities. They require immense space, mental stimulation, and a dedicated owner due to their intelligence and potential for loudness.

• Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna): Perhaps the most iconic, these birds boast brilliant blue backs and golden-yellow undersides, with a distinctive green forehead. They are intelligent, playful, and can be excellent talkers.
• Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao): A truly breathtaking bird with bright red, yellow, and blue plumage. Scarlets are known for their striking beauty and lively, somewhat demanding personalities.
• Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus): Often confused with the Scarlet, the Green-winged Macaw is larger and deeper red, distinguished by green feathers on its wings. They are generally considered gentler than Scarlets.
• Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus): The largest flying parrot species, famous for its deep cobalt blue plumage and bright yellow rings around its eyes and beak. Hyacinths are gentle giants, but their size, strength, and specialized diet make them very challenging pets.

Cockatoos: The Crested Charms

Cockatoos are easily identified by their prominent, erectile crests and often monochromatic (white, black, or grey) plumage, sometimes accented with yellow, pink, or orange. Hailing primarily from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, these birds are renowned for their affectionate, cuddly nature but also their demanding need for attention. They can be incredibly loud and prone to screaming if not properly stimulated.

• Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis): Also known as the Salmon-crested Cockatoo, this species has beautiful soft pinkish-salmon feathers and a large, impressive crest. They are incredibly affectionate and bond strongly, often described as “velcro birds” due to their desire for constant physical contact.
• Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba): Named for its large, pure white crest that resembles an umbrella when raised, this species is also pure white overall. Like the Moluccan, they are highly affectionate but require immense attention.
• Goffin’s Cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana): A smaller white cockatoo, Goffin’s are highly intelligent and known for their problem-solving abilities and playful mischief. They are less prone to plucking than larger cockatoos but still require significant mental enrichment.
• Sulfur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita): A large white cockatoo with a striking yellow crest. These birds are known for their bold personalities, intelligence, and impressive vocalizations (which can be very loud!).

African & Amazon Parrots: The Talkers and Entertainers

These two groups represent some of the most popular kinds of parrots kept as companions, largely due to their exceptional intelligence, charming personalities, and often remarkable ability to mimic human speech.

African Grey Parrots: The Einsteins of the Avian World

Originating from the dense forests of Central and West Africa, African Greys are widely considered the most intelligent of all parrots, renowned for their incredible mimicry and cognitive abilities. They are not just mimics but often seem to understand the context of the words they use.

• Congo African Grey (Psittacus erithacus): The most common and larger of the two recognized subspecies, with light grey plumage, a bright red tail, and a black beak. Congos are excellent talkers and bond deeply with their owners.
• Timneh African Grey (Psittacus timneh): Smaller and darker grey than the Congo, with a maroon-brown tail and a horn-colored upper beak. Timnehs often start talking earlier than Congos and are known for being slightly less prone to neurotic behaviors.

African Greys require significant mental stimulation to thrive, including puzzles, training, and extensive interaction, to prevent boredom and behavioral issues like feather plucking. They are a serious long-term commitment, often living 50-70 years.

Amazon Parrots: The Boisterous and Beautiful Bards

Hailing from the Americas, Amazon parrots are stocky, medium-sized parrots characterized by their predominantly green plumage, often adorned with splashes of vibrant color on their heads and wings. They are known for their outgoing personalities, excellent talking abilities, and strong singing voices. Amazon parrots are enthusiastic, playful, and can be quite the entertainers, but also require consistent training and socialization to manage potential hormonal aggression.

• Double Yellow-headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix): Famous for its extensive yellow head and nape, increasing with age. These are legendary talkers and singers, often developing extensive vocabularies.
• Yellow-naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata): Distinguished by a bright yellow patch on its nape, which also tends to grow larger with age. Similar to the Double Yellow-headed, they are highly intelligent and vocal.
• Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva): Features a distinctive blue patch on its forehead, sometimes extending over the crown, and yellow on the face. They are playful, affectionate, and can become excellent talkers.
• Green-cheeked Amazon (Amazona viridigenalis): Despite the name, this is a distinct species from the small conure. These Amazons have green cheeks, a red crown, and are lively, social birds.

Conures, Caiques & Lories: The Vibrant and Playful Parrots

This diverse group includes some of the most colorful, energetic, and engaging kinds of parrots, perfect for those seeking a lively companion in a smaller or medium-sized package. They are generally known for their playful antics and robust personalities.

Conures: Little Birds, Big Personalities

Conures are a broad category of small to medium-sized parrots, predominantly found in Central and South America. They are known for their vibrant colors, mischievous personalities, and often loud vocalizations. Many conure species are highly social and affectionate, thriving on interaction.

• Green-cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae): One of the most popular pet conures, known for its relatively quiet nature (for a conure), playful antics, and affectionate disposition. They come in various mutations like pineapple, turquoise, and cinnamon.
• Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis): True to its name, the Sun Conure is a riot of brilliant yellow, orange, and red, with green wingtips. They are incredibly energetic, outgoing, and very loud, making them a handful but also incredibly rewarding for the right owner.
• Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya): Similar in appearance and temperament to the Sun Conure, with more green on its back and wings. They are equally vibrant and boisterous.
• Nanday Conure (Aratinga nenday): A striking conure with a black head, green body, and blue flight feathers. They are known for their intelligence, talking ability, and often feisty attitude.

Caiques: The Clowns of the Parrot World

Caiques (pronounced “kai-eeks”) are small, stocky parrots from South America, famous for their clown-like antics, bold personalities, and bouncy gait. They are incredibly playful, energetic, and intelligent, often engaging in “wrestling” with toys or rolling on their backs. They are not known for talking but are highly entertaining visually.

• Black-headed Caique (Pionites melanocephala): Features a black cap, green back, white belly, and orange thighs. They are bundles of energy and require lots of toys and supervised playtime.
• White-bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster): Similar to the Black-headed but with a more yellowish-orange head and a white belly. Both species are equally playful and demanding of attention.

Lories and Lorikeets: Nectar-Loving Beauties

Lories and lorikeets are a group of brilliantly colored parrots native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. Unlike most parrots, their diet primarily consists of nectar, pollen, fruits, and soft invertebrates, rather than seeds. They have specialized brush-tipped tongues for collecting nectar. They are incredibly energetic, intelligent, and can be quite messy due to their liquid diet.

• Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus): Arguably the most famous, these birds are a stunning patchwork of blue, green, orange, and yellow. They are highly active, playful, and vocal.
• Red-collared Lorikeet (Trichoglossus rubritorquis): Similar to the Rainbow but with a distinct red band around its neck.

Budgerigars, Cockatiels & Lovebirds: The Beloved Small Parrots

Not all amazing kinds of parrots are large! These smaller species are incredibly popular as pets, offering all the charm and intelligence of their larger cousins in a more manageable size and often with a shorter lifespan commitment. They are excellent choices for first-time bird owners.

Budgerigars (Budgies): The Enduringly Popular Petite Parrots

Originating from Australia, budgies are small, often green and yellow parrots (though selective breeding has produced a rainbow of colors) known for their chatty nature and surprising ability to learn to talk. They are highly social and thrive in pairs or small flocks.

• Pet Budgie (American Budgie): Smaller, with a smoother head contour. These are the most commonly available and come in a vast array of colors and patterns.
• Show Budgie (English Budgie): Larger, with a fluffier head and more prominent “cap” feathers that can obscure their eyes. Bred for exhibition.

Budgies are relatively low-maintenance compared to larger parrots but still require mental stimulation, a good diet, and social interaction. They are truly delightful companions.

Cockatiels: The Sweet-Natured Sentinels

Also native to Australia, cockatiels are instantly recognizable by their slender bodies, long tails, and the distinctive crest on their heads, along with bright orange cheek patches. They are known for their gentle disposition, whistling abilities, and affectionate nature.

• Normal Grey Cockatiel: The classic wild-type coloration, grey body, white wing patches, yellow face, and orange cheek patches.
• Lutino Cockatiel: A popular mutation, entirely yellow-white with bright orange cheek patches.
• Pearl Cockatiel: Features lacy, mottled feather patterns, often with dark edges on lighter centers.

Cockatiels make wonderful family pets. They are less prone to aggressive behaviors than some larger parrots and thrive on interaction, often enjoying head scratches and sitting on shoulders.

Lovebirds: The Pocket-Sized Powerhouses

These small, stocky parrots from Africa are famous for their strong pair bonds (though not all species mate for life, and they don’t necessarily need a mate to be happy pets). They are vibrant, active, and can be quite feisty for their size. Lovebirds are known for their energetic chirping and playful interactions.

• Peach-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis): The most common pet lovebird, with a green body and a bright peach-colored face. They are active, curious, and can be quite nippy if not handled regularly.
• Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri): Features a green body, orange head, and a red beak. They are similar in temperament to Peach-faced Lovebirds.
• Masked Lovebird (Agapornis personata): Distinguished by its black head, yellow collar, and green body, giving it a “masked” appearance.

Lovebirds require plenty of stimulation, toys to chew, and interaction. While they can be kept singly and bond strongly with humans, a pair can be just as rewarding, provided they are given enough space and attention.

Beyond the Common: Other Fascinating Parrot Species

The world of kinds of parrots extends far beyond the most popular pet species. Here are a few other remarkable parrots that showcase the incredible diversity of this avian order:

Eclectus Parrots: The Sexually Dimorphic Wonders

Native to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Australia, Eclectus parrots are unique among parrots for their pronounced sexual dimorphism: the males are brilliant green with orange beaks, while the females are striking red and blue/purple with black beaks. They are known for their calm demeanor, gentle nature, and relatively soft vocalizations. They also have a specialized diet requiring more fruits and vegetables than seeds.

Parrotlets: Pint-Sized Parrots with Big Attitudes

These tiny parrots from Central and South America are the smallest of the “true parrots.” Despite their size, they possess bold, feisty personalities and can be quite assertive. Often called “pocket parrots,” they are highly intelligent and can learn to mimic words. Popular species include the Pacific (Celeste) Parrotlet and the Green-rumped Parrotlet.

Pionus Parrots: The Underrated Gems

Pionus parrots are medium-sized birds from Central and South America, known for their generally quiet demeanor, sweet dispositions, and subtle beauty. Unlike the flashy Amazons or Macaws, Pionus have iridescent, dusky colors and a distinct musky scent. They are less prone to screaming and feather plucking, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate a calmer bird. Common species include the Blue-headed Pionus, Maximilian Pionus, and Bronze-winged Pionus.

Kakapo: The World’s Only Flightless Parrot

A truly unique entry, the Kakapo is a critically endangered, nocturnal, ground-dwelling parrot endemic to New Zealand. It’s the heaviest parrot species and the only one that cannot fly. Its moss-green plumage provides excellent camouflage, and it emits a distinctive “boom” call during mating season. The Kakapo’s survival is a testament to dedicated conservation efforts.

Comparing Popular Pet Parrot Species: A Quick Glance

Choosing the right parrot means understanding their unique needs. Here’s a comparative look at some of the popular kinds of parrots for companionship:

Parrot Type	Avg. Size (Length)	Avg. Lifespan	Talking Ability	Noise Level	Temperament
Budgerigar (Budgie)	7-10 inches	5-15 years	Moderate to High	Low to Moderate	Social, playful, gentle
Cockatiel	12-14 inches	15-20 years	Low (great whistlers)	Low to Moderate	Gentle, sweet, affectionate
Lovebird	5-7 inches	10-15 years	Low	Moderate to High	Feisty, energetic, curious
Green-cheeked Conure	10-11 inches	20-30 years	Low to Moderate	Moderate	Playful, affectionate, cuddly
African Grey Parrot	12-14 inches	50-70 years	Exceptional	Moderate	Highly intelligent, sensitive, can be reserved
Amazon Parrot	12-18 inches	30-50+ years	High	High	Outgoing, playful, prone to hormonal swings
Cockatoo (medium to large)	15-27 inches	40-80+ years	Moderate	Very High	Extremely affectionate, demanding, prone to screaming
Macaw (large)	30-40 inches	50-80+ years	Moderate to High	Very High	Intelligent, playful, can be assertive, strong bonders

Note: Lifespans are averages and can vary greatly with diet, care, and genetics. Talking ability and temperament are generalizations; individual birds vary.

Conclusion: The Endless Wonder of Parrots

From the tiniest budgie to the majestic hyacinth macaw, the sheer diversity among the different kinds of parrots is truly astonishing. Each species, and indeed each individual bird, offers a unique blend of beauty, intelligence, and personality. Understanding these differences is not only fascinating but also crucial for anyone considering welcoming one of these extraordinary creatures into their home. The commitment to a parrot is a significant one, often spanning decades, and requires dedicated research, patience, and a deep understanding of their specific needs.

We hope this comprehensive guide has illuminated the incredible world of parrot species, sparking a greater appreciation for their complex nature and vibrant charm. Whether they’re mimicking human speech, performing acrobatic feats, or simply offering companionship, parrots enrich our lives in countless ways. As you continue your journey into the avian world, remember that every parrot, no matter its size or color, deserves respect, proper care, and a loving environment. Explore, learn, and marvel at the endless wonder that these feathered friends bring to our planet!

“`

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly defines the “kinds of parrots” mentioned in this list?

Parrots belong to the order Psittaciformes, which includes over 400 species. These “kinds of parrots” are diverse, ranging from large macaws to tiny budgerigars, but all share key characteristics like hooked beaks and zygodactyl feet for climbing.

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

Globally, there are over 400 recognized species of parrots, classified into three main superfamilies: Psittacoidea (true parrots), Cacatuoidea (cockatoos), and Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots). This vast diversity means there’s a wide range of sizes, colors, and behaviors among the different kinds of parrots.

Which kinds of parrots are most commonly kept as pets?

Among the various kinds of parrots, some of the most popular pet species include Budgerigars (budgies), Cockatiels, African Grey Parrots, Cockatoos, and various types of Conures. Their popularity often stems from their intelligence, trainability, and engaging personalities.

What are the largest and smallest kinds of parrots?

The Hyacinth Macaw holds the title for the largest kind of parrot, known for its impressive length and vibrant blue plumage. On the other end of the spectrum, the Pygmy Parrots, native to New Guinea, are among the smallest kinds of parrots, barely larger than a human thumb.

Which kinds of parrots are best known for their talking ability?

African Grey Parrots are widely renowned as the most articulate kinds of parrots, capable of mimicking human speech with impressive clarity and understanding context. Other species like Amazon Parrots, Eclectus Parrots, and some Cockatoos also have significant talking capabilities.

Do different kinds of parrots have different lifespans?

Yes, the lifespan of different kinds of parrots varies significantly depending on the species. Smaller parrots like budgies might live 5-10 years, while larger species such as Macaws and African Grey Parrots can live 50-80 years or even longer with proper care.