13 BEAUTIFUL TYPES OF PARROTS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU
There are over 350 types of parrots worldwide, but only less than 20 types have been domesticated and can be kept as pets due to their varying sizes. Parrots are intelligent creatures that enjoy interacting with humans, and some can be affectionate and friendly once they trust their owners. They come in a range of sizes, from very small (3-5 inches) to large (16-32 inches).
Continue reading to learn more about parrots and discover which type would be a good fit for you and your home. Petlandloves have also included some care tips for first-time parrot owners!
Amazon Parrot
Amazon parrots are known for being lively, fun-loving, sociable, and famous for their ability to mimic speech. They can adjust well to new environments, but require plenty of mental stimulation each day. Neglect or inadequate care may lead to behavioral problems.
They excel at communicating through gestures and are skilled at talking; they enjoy music and singing, but may become loud if they feel ignored. With proper introduction, Amazon parrots can live harmoniously with other pets.
| Size | Medium 10 – 20 inches |
| Weight | 1 – 2 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 15 – 20 years |
| Personality traits | Curious, athletic, affectionate |
| Physical characteristics |
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Caique Parrot
Caique parrots develop close relationships with their owners, showing affection and having fun playing or relaxing together. They are lively, inquisitive birds who prefer walking on the ground over flying.
While they may not be as skilled at talking as Amazon parrots, Caiques are known for singing, whistling, and imitating sounds from their surroundings.
| Size | Small 9 – 10 inches |
| Weight | 5 – 6 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 25 – 40 years |
| Personality traits | Mischievous, quick learners, energetic |
| Physical characteristics |
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Cockatiel
Cockatiels are smaller than most parrots and enjoy being petted and staying close to their owners. They are intelligent, enjoy learning new tricks, and appreciate being rewarded for good behavior.
While not all cockatiels will learn to talk, they excel at mimicking other birds. To prevent your cockatiel from becoming lonely or depressed, it is advisable to consider getting them a companion.
| Size | Small 12 – 13 inches |
| Weight | 2 – 4 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 15 – 20 years |
| Personality traits | Gentle, affectionate, cheerful |
| Physical characteristics |
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Cockatoo
Cockatoos are lively birds often referred to as velcro birds because they enjoy being near their owners constantly and interacting with them. They are playful creatures who benefit from having a range of toys to keep them entertained. Cockatoos are also known for being the most vocal among parrots, so they may not be suitable for individuals residing in small living spaces.
| Size | Medium to large 12 – 24 inches |
| Weight | 10.5 – 40 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 30 – 70 years |
| Color |
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| Personality traits | Excitable, cuddly, lively |
| Physical characteristics | Splotches of yellow, pink or red on crests and tails |
Conure Parrot
Conures are recognized for their attractive appearance, cleverness, and ability to engage with people. These sociable birds are also great as a pet for families and can be trained to do tricks!
Conures might not be the best choice for living in apartments due to their tendency to make loud, piercing noises when they are bored or seeking attention. To ensure their happiness, it is important to provide them with a stimulating environment for play and safe chew toys.
| Size | Small to medium 10 – 12 inches |
| Weight | 2.3 – 7 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 15 – 30 years |
| Color |
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| Personality traits | Playful, sociable, comical |
| Physical characteristics | Long tail |
Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus parrots, similar to other parrots, are loving and thrive when they receive focused attention. They enjoy being involved in the household’s daily routines.
They are chatty and can be taught to mimic a wide range of words. Luckily, they are not as loud as Cockatoos.
| Size | Medium 17 – 20 inches |
| Weight | 13 – 18 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 30 – 50 years |
| Color |
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| Personality traits | Caring, tranquil, gentle |
| Physical characteristics | Fur-like feathers |
Lovebird
Lovebirds are known for their lively personalities. They are energetic and require safe areas outside of their cages to play every day. They can be trained to do tricks like spinning, waving, and ringing bells.
Lovebirds thrive on attention, and if ignored, they may become unwilling to interact with you. If you enjoy the sound of birds singing and chirping constantly, this type of parrot could be the perfect pet for you.
| Size | Small 5 – 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 – 2 ounces |
| Life expectancy | Up to 20 years |
| Color |
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| Personality traits | Bold, inquisitive, feisty |
| Physical characteristics | Short tail, rounded beak |
Macaw
Macaws are large, stunning birds with vibrant colors and are considered the gentle giants of the parrot family. They are among the most intelligent types of parrots, capable of solving complex puzzles effortlessly. Macaws require socialization with other birds or humans to prevent destructive behavior in the home.
While macaws can be wonderful pets, they demand a lot of attention and are susceptible to feelings of boredom and isolation. They are known for their loud calls, which can be piercing and last for around 10 minutes each day.
| Size | Large 20 – 42 inches |
| Weight | 32 – 64 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 50 – 75 years |
| Color |
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| Personality traits | Sweet, intelligent, hardy |
| Physical characteristics | Rings of skin around their eyes, long tail |
Parakeet
Parakeets, also called budgies, are among the tiniest parrots that people keep as pets. They are known for their ability to mimic sounds and human speech better than larger parrots like macaws and cockatoos. They have a talent for creating unique melodies by picking up sounds from their surroundings.
Parakeets thrive on the companionship of humans and other birds. If left alone for long periods, they can become sad and may even begin plucking out their own feathers.
Note: If you observe your pet parakeet shedding feathers, refer to this guide on budgie moulting for more information.
| Size | Small to medium 7 – 14 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 – 1.4 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 7 – 15 years |
| Color |
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| Personality traits | Docile, active, social |
| Physical characteristics | Long, tapered tail feathers |
Parrotlet
Parrotlets are the tiniest members of the parrot species and can be wonderful pets when socialized and cared for correctly. They are sociable birds that are not loud, making them a good choice for apartment living.
These birds are energetic and need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. It is recommended to provide toys for them, especially if you are away from home frequently.
| Size | Small 5 – 5.5 inches |
| Weight | 1 ounce |
| Life expectancy | Up to 30 years |
| Color |
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| Personality traits | Sassy, active, feisty |
| Physical characteristics | Short, tapered tail |
Pionus Parrot
Pionus parrots enjoy spending time with their human family and can also keep themselves entertained with toys. Like other parrots, they require daily exercise outside of their cage to maintain good health. Despite being generally quiet birds, they may become loud if exposed to noisy surroundings.
| Size | Medium 10 -12 inches |
| Weight | 8 – 9 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 25 – 40 years |
| Color |
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| Personality traits | Easy-going, gentle, independent |
| Physical characteristics | Short, square-shaped tail |
Quaker Parakeet
Quakers are called by that name because they exhibit physical shaking when they are happy or upset. They are parrots known for their impressive talent in mimicking human speech, having extensive vocabularies, and being able to articulate words clearly.
These birds are sociable creatures that enjoy being around people or other quakers. Unlike lovebirds, even if you have a pair of quakers, maintaining close interaction with them will not diminish the bond you share. If you are searching for a medium-sized talking parrot, quakers might meet all your criteria!
| Size | Medium 11 – 12 inches |
| Weight | 3 – 5 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 20 – 30 years |
| Personality traits | Confident, social, outgoing |
| Physical characteristics | Lime green, blue tinge on wings, gray face, neck and chest |
Senegal Parrot
Senegal parrots enjoy being close to their human companions and often enjoy perching on their shoulders for extended periods. They do not necessarily need the presence of another bird for company as long as they receive enough attention from their owners.
While they may not be as talkative as some other parrot species, Senegals can be taught to mimic speech. Fortunately, they are not known for loud screaming and tend to prefer whistling instead. Senegal parrots are a good choice for individuals who appreciate a loving pet bird that is unlikely to cause disturbances to neighbors.
| Size | Small 10 inches |
| Weight | 4 – 6 ounces |
| Life expectancy | 20 – 30 years |
| Personality traits | Outgoing, playful, comical |
| Physical characteristics | Dark green and brownish-gray body, green throat, orange thighs, yellow chest |
Tips for types of parrots
In order for parrots to stay healthy and happy, they need attention, plenty of playtime, and enough space in their cages. In this article, we provide advice on how to create a nurturing environment for your parrot, what foods are suitable for them, and how to care for them if they become sick.
Building the habitat
There are 3 key factors to consider when creating a suitable living space for parrots.
- Cage size It is important to provide a spacious cage for your parrot, allowing them to fully stretch their wings without obstruction. The spacing between bars should also be appropriate to prevent any potential injuries.
- Perching options Offering a variety of perching surfaces is recommended to promote foot health and provide resting spots. Including three different perches of various materials and sizes, such as branch, rope, and cement perches, can be beneficial.
- Outside the cage environment Setting up supervised play areas outside the cage allows for interaction with the family. Play gyms with bird toys and t-perches can be included to enhance the environment. Additionally, incorporating toys inside the cage can help keep your parrot entertained based on their preferences.
What to feed parrots
It’s not recommended to feed your parrots a seed-only diet as this leads to low calcium and high fat levels, causing obesity and liver diseases.
Here is a list of food that is recommended for them:
- Fruits such as apples, bananas, papayas
- Raw or steamed vegetables
- Cooked whole grains such as rice, oats, barley, quinoa
It’s advised for your pet’s diet to comprise 40% fresh foods.
How to care for a sick parrot
If you suspect that your parrot is unwell, it’s advisable to seek the help of a vet.
In case your parrot has already been examined by a vet, here are some suggestions to help speed up its recovery:
- Keep your parrot warm and ensure it is eating enough
Place a heat lamp in the vicinity so your parrot can move away if it gets too hot. Check the temperature by feeling the warmth near the bird with your hand.
- Hand-feed your parrot
Continue feeding your parrot until it regains its strength and appetite. Be cautious not to spill water on its beak as it could lead to water entering its lungs and causing drowning.
