Parrots are one of the most popular pet birds due to their unique personality, vibrant colors, and intelligence. They are known for their ability to mimic human speech, which makes them one of the most interactive and engaging pets.
With so many different types of pet parrots available, it can be difficult to choose the right pet bird for you. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most common types of parrots that are kept as pets and what makes each of them special for parrot lovers.
Parrots make wonderful pets, regardless of the type or breed you choose. These engaging and intelligent creatures can form strong bonds with their owners and provide a lifetime of joy with the right level of care and love.
Researching the different types of parrots and understanding their individual needs is key to being a great parrot parent – so pick your pet wisely!
African Grey Parrots
African Grey Parrots
Discover the Amazing Intelligence of an African Grey Parrot
African Grey parrots are highly intelligent, making them a great companion that can learn to talk and play with you.
- They have long lifespans of up to 60 years when cared for properly.
- African Greys require plenty of mental stimulation, so make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained.
- frican Greys bond strongly with their owners and will often mimic human movements as they become more comfortable in their environment.
African Grey parrots have beautiful gray and white plumage that makes them instantly recognizable if not the most colorful parrots. They have a unique croaking sound and can often be heard calling out in the daylight hours.
African Gray parrots are considered to be among the most intelligent birds, with an ability to learn or mimic human speech as well as other animals and sounds. These birds are highly social, forming strong bonds with their owners and preferring interaction over isolation.
African Greys also show great affection to their owners and enjoy spending time cuddling together. Not only do they live up to 50 years, but African Grey parrots also require significant care and dedication from their owners including regular exercise, healthy diets, proper training and focused interaction and are best suited to experienced parrot owners
Owners who provide these things can look forward to many years of companionship from these amazing feathered friends.
Amazon Parrots
Amazon Parrots
Unsurpassed Personality of Amazon Parrots
- They are social, interactive birds with personalities that can match their owners.
- Amazon parrots form deep bonds with humans and love to play and receive attention.
- They are extremely intelligent, so they can learn tricks, words, and phrases quickly.
Amazon parrots are beautiful and highly intelligent birds, with a range of bright colors and various shades of green, yellow and blue. Like many other parrot speciesthey are highly social birds that enjoy interacting with their owners and can often be heard chattering away when they’re in an energetic mood. These birds love to play with toys, ranging from simple items like swinging bells to complex puzzles that keep them entertained for hours.
Amazon parrots require regular exercise, a healthy diet and proper training in order to make the most of their long lifespan of up to 30 years. With the right care and dedication, Amazon parrots can form strong bonds with their owners and will happily spend time playing together or snuggling up for a cuddle session.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels
Sweet and Playful Cockatiels
- Cockatiels are incredibly social birds that make excellent companions for any home.
- They love to cuddle, making them a great pet for any age.
- Their intelligence and playfulness offer endless hours of fun and entertainment.
Cockatiels are small parrot species that have a range of colors from grey and white to yellow and orange. They are highly affectionate birds with gentle personalities that make them ideal pets for those who don’t have much experience with birds. Cockatiels have a lifespan of up to 20 years and enjoy interacting with their owners, often calling out to be heard.
Cockatiels require regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper training and focused interaction in order to reach their full potential as pets. With the right care and dedication, they can form strong bonds with their owners and happily spend time playing together or snuggling up for a cuddle session.
Conures
Conures
Cheerful and Vibrant Conures
- They are incredibly energetic birds that bring a vibrant energy to any home.
- Conures are highly social, so they need lots of interaction with their owners.
- Their intelligence allows them to quickly learn tricks, songs, and words.
Conures are small to medium-sized parrot species that are known for their playful and energetic personalities. They are highly intelligent birds that enjoy playing with toys and exploring their environment. Conures have a lifespan of up to 25 years and are very social birds that enjoy spending time with their owners.
Conures require regular exercise, a healthy diet and proper training in order to make the most of their long lifespan. With the right care and dedication, Conures can form strong bonds with their owners and will happily spend time playing together or snuggling up for a cuddle session.
Parrotlets
Parrotlets
Brave and Charming Parrotlets
- Parrotlets are tiny birds with big personalities.
- They are brave little birds that love to explore their environment.
- These playful birds can learn to speak a few words and enjoy interacting with their owners..
Parrotlets are a small parrot species that are perfect for those who do not have much space in their home. They have colorful plumes, a vibrant personality and require plenty of attention from their owners.
Parrotlets need regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper training and focused interaction in order to foster strong bonds between themselves and their owners. If left alone, Parrotlet’s may become less friendly and bond with each other instead of you. With the right care and dedication, they can make great companions that will happily spend time playing together or snuggling up for a cuddle session.
Meyer’s Parrot
Meyer’s Parrot
Adorable and Chirpy Meyer’s Parrot
- Meyer’s Parrots are small, friendly birds that make great companions.
- They are known for their sweet personalities and adorable chirps.
- These smart little parrots can learn to recognize their names and even mimic phrases from their owners.
Meyer’s parrots are a small, boisterous species of African parrot native to Tanzania and Mozambique. They measure up to nine inches in length and have an impressive lifespan of up to 35 years with proper care.
This playful bird is a vivid green color with bright blue highlights on its chest, wings and tail feathers. Meyer’s parrots are known for their outgoing personalities and curious nature, making them great companions for those willing to provide them with ample interactive playtime and plenty of mental stimulation.
When it comes to caring for Meyer’s parrots, they require regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of out-of-cage time spent interacting with their owners, and lots of opportunity for playtime. With proper training and lots of love, these talkative creatures can form strong bonds with their family members.
Macaws
Macaws
Colorful and Majestic Macaws
- Macaws are large, majestic birds that are as beautiful as they are intelligent.
- They have vibrant colored feathers with brilliant blues, reds and yellows.
- These charismatic parrots can learn to speak a few words and will bond deeply with their owners.
Macaws are large and colorful birds that span from 20 to 50 inches in height and live for 30 to 50 years. With this commitment of space and time, comes great responsibility as Macaws require a lot of care and attention.
Macaws need regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper training and focused interaction in order to make the most of their long lifespan. They also have the potential to be very noisy, so they are best suited for those who do not have neighbors sharing a wall. With the right care and dedication, Macaws can form strong bonds with their owners and will happily spend time playing together or snuggling up for a cuddle session.
Senegal Parrot
Senegal Parrot
Sweet and Gentle Senegal Parrot
- Senegal Parrots are beloved for their gentle, sweet nature.
- These parrots form strong bonds with their owners and are highly social birds that love attention.
- They have striking colors and distinctive heads, making them a popular choice among parrot enthusiasts.
The Senegal parrot is the perfect pet for those in an apartment or small space. At around nine inches long, they don’t need much space and their calm disposition makes them much quieter than other parrots.
Senegal Parrots require regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper training and focused interaction to thrive. With the right care and dedication, they can form strong bonds with their owners and become devoted companions that will happily spend time playing together or snuggling up for a cuddle session.
Parakeets
Parakeets
The Popular Parakeet
- Parakeets are one of the most popular pet birds in the world.
- These energetic little parrots are known for their playful antics and ability to mimic human speech.
- While they make great pets, they require a lot of attention and care to thrive.
Parakeets, (or Budgerigars), are small parrots that measure around seven inches long on average. These birds are vibrant and active, with curious natures that make them perfect for first-time parrot owners.
Parakeets are social birds who thrive in the company of others, so they should be kept in pairs or larger groups to keep them happy and healthy. They need regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper training and focused interaction to flourish.
With the right care and attention, Parakeets can form strong bonds with their people and become loving companions that will enjoy playing together or snuggling up for a cuddle session.
Eclectus parrots
Eclectus parrots
The Unique and Colorful Eclectus Parrot
- Eclectus parrots are some of the most unique-looking birds in the world.
- Their feathers are brilliantly colored, and they have an unusual head shape that makes them stand out from other parrots.
- These fascinating birds are native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and make great pets for bird enthusiasts.
Eclectus parrots are medium sized parrots with a lifespan of up to 30 years, making them great companions. One of the most fascinating features of this breed is the color difference between males and females. Males are an almost neon green with accents of red and blue, while females are a vibrant red with blue accents and black beaks.
These birds require regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper training and focused interaction to thrive. With the right care and dedication, Eclectus parrots can form strong bonds with their people as devoted companions who will happily spend time playing together or snuggling up for cuddles.
Pionus Parrots
Pionus Parrots
The Pionus Parrot – A Majestic and Playful Bird
- The Pionus Parrot is a beautiful bird that originates from the tropical forests of Central and South America.
- These parrots are known for their striking plumage and their playful personalities.
- Pionus parrots make great pets for bird lovers of all ages.
Pionus parrots are medium-sized birds native to Central and South America. These parrots typically measure between 8 to 11 inches in length, boasting an impressive lifespan of 30 years or more.
Pionus parrots are known for their laidback temperaments, making them excellent companion birds who will thrive in the company of people they know and trust. They come in a range of attractive color combinations, with shades of green, blue and even purples showing up on their bodies.
However, unlike other breeds of parrot, Pionus parrots tend to be less vocal and less demanding when it comes to attention — although they still require regular exercise, a balanced diet and plenty of focused interaction to keep them healthy and happy.
Caique Parrot
Caique Parrots
The Caique Parrot – An Energetic and Playful Pet
- The Caique Parrot is a small, spirited bird that originates from the Amazon basin of South America.
- These parrots are known for their vibrant colors and their energetic personalities.
- Caiques make great family pets due to their playful nature and their intelligence.
Caique parrots are a small, energetic species of parrot native to South America. These friendly birds measure between 8 and 10 inches in length and have an impressive lifespan of up to 40 years with proper care.
Caiques come in two color varieties — the white-bellied (or pied) and the black-headed — each boasting its own unique pattern of bright colors like yellow, green and red. They are highly playful and active birds who love to explore their environment and socialize with their people.
When it comes to caring for caiques, they require regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of out-of-cage time spent interacting with their owners, and ample opportunity for playtime. With proper training and lots of love, these outgoing companions can form strong bonds with their family members.
Burrowing Parrot
Burrowing Parrots
The Burrowing Parrot – A Colorful and Sociable Bird
- The Burrowing Parrot is a unique species of parrot native to the deserts of South America.
- These birds are known for their striking colors, ranging from bright green to vivid oranges and blues.
- They have very social natures, so they love to be around people and other birds. With proper care, burrowing parrots can become loyal companions for many years.
Burrowing parrots, sometimes referred to as burrowing conures or Patagonian conures, are a small species of parrot native to South America. These birds measure between 10 and 11 inches in length and have an impressive lifespan of up to 25 years.
Burrowing parrots are known for their outgoing personalities, making them ideal companions for those who seek an active parrot with lots of energy. They come in a variety of hues — from vibrant reds, oranges and greens — and can be taught to talk.
Burrowing parrots require regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of out-of-cage time spent interacting with their people in order to stay healthy and happy. With proper training and care, they can make loyal companions who will form strong bonds with their family.
Rainbow Lorikeet
Rainbow Lorikeets
The Rainbow Lorikeet – A Colorful and Talkative Pet
- The Rainbow Lorikeet is a unique species of parrot native to Australia and New Guinea.
- These birds are known for their beautiful, vibrant colors and their cheerful personalities.
- They also have a knack for mimicry, so they will often learn to talk and sing. Rainbow Lorikeets make great family pets due to their gregarious nature and intelligence.
A Rainbow Lorikeet is an Australian parrot native to the east coast of Australia, ranging from Queensland to South Australia. These colorful birds measure up to 12 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 20 years with proper care.
Their name comes from their beautiful array of colors, which span blues, greens, yellows and reds. They are highly social creatures who love being around other lorikeets and people alike.
Rainbow Lorikeets require regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of out-of-cage time spent interacting with their owners, and lots of playtime. With proper training and plenty of affection, these vibrant parrots can form strong bonds with their family members.
Rose Breasted Cockatoo
Rose Breasted Cockatoos
The Rose-Breasted Cockatoo – A Playful and Social Pet
- The Rose-Breasted Cockatoo is a species of parrot native to Australia.
- These birds are known for their beautiful coloration, with bright pink and yellow body feathers and strong black beaks.
- The Rose-Breasted Cockatoo is very playful and social, making it an ideal pet for active families who have the time to spend interacting with their pet bird.
The Rose Breasted Cockatoo, also known as the Galah, is a medium-sized Australian parrot native to the east coast. These cheeky birds measure up to 15 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 60 years with proper care.
These outgoing birds sport bright pink chests and rosy cheeks, with contrasting white feathers on their heads and wings. They are known for their lively personalities and intelligence, making them great companions for those willing to provide them with ample interactive playtime and plenty of mental stimulation.
When it comes to caring for Rose Breasted Cockatoos, they require regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of out-of-cage time spent interacting with their owners, and lots of opportunity for playtime. With proper training and lots of love, these friendly creatures can form strong bonds with their family members.
Quaker Parrots
Quaker Parrots
The Quaker Parrot – An Affectionate and Intelligent Pet
- The Quaker Parrot is native to South America and is known for its intelligence, affectionate demeanor and friendly personality.
- These birds are small in size and have bright green feathers with a grey breast. They have a knack for learning words and tricks, which makes them excellent pets if properly trained.
- Quaker Parrots are known to form strong bonds with their owners, so they make great companions but need lots of love and attention. With the proper care and training, these birds can provide years of joy as an affectionate family pet.
The Quaker Parrot, also known as the Monk Parakeet, is a small-medium sized parrot native to South America. These lively birds measure up to 11 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 30 years with proper care.
Quaker Parrots are known for their vibrant green feathers and greyish heads, legs and beaks. They are inquisitive and active birds that love to explore, play, and interact with their owners.
When it comes to caring for Quaker Parrots, they require regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of out-of-cage time spent interacting with their owners, and lots of opportunity for playtime. With proper training and lots of love, these social creatures can form strong bonds with their family members.
Ring-Necked Parakeet
Ring-Necked Parakeets
The Ring-Necked Parakeet – A Colorful and Vocal Pet
- The Ring-Necked Parakeet is a beautiful species of parakeet native to tropical climates.
- These birds have distinctive green feathers with yellow heads and necks, along with a bright red beak.
- They are known for their vibrant colors and loud vocalizations, which make them great pets for those looking for a lively companion.
- They love to interact and play, so they require plenty of attention in order to stay happy and healthy.
The Ring-necked Parakeet is a small to medium-sized parakeet native to Africa and southern Asia. These beautiful birds measure up to 18 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 20 years with proper care.
They get their name from the ring of feathers around their necks, which can come in a variety of colors including green, yellow, grey, and white. Ring-necked Parakeets are known for being intelligent and social birds, and they love spending time with their families.
When it comes to caring for Ring-necked Parakeets, they require regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of out-of-cage time spent interacting with their owners, and lots of opportunity for playtime. With proper training and lots of love, these beautiful birds can form strong bonds with their family members.
Scarlet macaws
Scarlet macaws
Scarlet Macaws – A Majestic and Social Pet
- The Scarlet Macaw is a large, vibrant species of parrot native to Central and South America.
- These birds have a beautiful scarlet plumage with pale yellow and blue accents on their wings and faces.
- hey are known for their majestic size and vocalizations, which make them excellent pets when properly trained.
- Scarlet Macaws require lots of attention and care in order to stay healthy and happy. I
The Scarlet Macaw is a large-sized parrot native to Central and South America. These intelligent birds measure up to 35 inches in length and have a lifespan of up to 75 years with proper care.
Scarlet Macaws are known for their stunning colors, including a mix of vibrant red, yellow and blue feathers. They are inquisitive and active birds that love to explore, play, and interact with their owners.
When it comes to caring for Scarlet Macaws, they require regular exercise, a balanced diet, plenty of out-of-cage time spent interacting with their owners, and lots of opportunity for playtime. With proper training and lots of love, these social creatures can form strong bonds with their family members.
FAQs on Parrets as Pets
Which type of parrot is best as a pet?
The best type of parrot to keep as a pet largely depends on the individual preferences and needs of its owner. Generally, smaller species such as Cockatiels and Budgies are easier to take care of than larger parrots like Macaws and Cockatoos.
Do parrots need special diets?
Yes, most parrots require specialized diets in order to stay healthy and strong. Depending on the species, this diet can range from seed-based to pellet-based. It’s important to research each individual species in depth before making any decisions.
How often should I handle my parrot?
It is recommended that you handle your parrot at least once or twice a day in order to help it become comfortable with you. However, too much handling can result in unwanted stress so it is important not to overdo it.
What kind of toys should I provide for my parrot?
Parrots need a variety of stimulating toys to keep them entertained and help them stay mentally active. These can range from simple bird ladders or swings to interactive play stations that can be filled with treats. Additionally, having different types of toys available will ensure your parrot doesn’t get bored with its environment.
