13 Beautiful Types of Parrots That Will Wow You With Their Characteristics

With more than 350 species in the world and the variants in sizes, there are still only less than 20 types of parrots that can be kept as pets. This is because not every type of parrot has been domesticated.

Parrots are intelligent and like to interact with people and many are affectionate and cuddly with people they trust. They come in many different sizes, varying from very small to large — in this article, we defined the sizes as the following:

  • Very small: 3 – 5 inches
  • Small: 5 – 9 inches
  • Medium: 9 – 16 inches 
  • Large: 16 – 32 inches

Read on to understand parrots and find out which parrot will suit you and your household better. We’ve also prepared some care tips to guide first time parrot owners!

Infographic of types of parrots that can be pets

1. Amazon Parrot

Vocal expressiveness
Loudness
Ability to speak human language
Ability to learn tricks

Amazon parrots are boisterous, playful, outgoing and renowned for talking. They adapt easily to their surroundings, but will need a lot of daily mental stimulation. Without proper care and attention, they may form behavioral issues.

They are great at expressing themselves using body language. They are good talkers and like music and singing, though they can be noisy when they don’t get the attention they need. Amazons can also coexist with other pets as long as they are introduced carefully!

SizeMedium
10 - 20 inches
Weight1 - 2 pounds
Life expectancy15 - 20 years
Personality traitsCurious, athletic, affectionate
Physical characteristics
  • Green body marked with bright head feather colors such as red, lilac, yellow, purple and blue
  • Short tails and round wings


  • Fun fact!
    Amazons like to chew, so you can provide them with toys to keep them happy!

    2. Caique Parrot

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Caique parrots form strong bonds with their humans — they’re affectionate and enjoy playing or just lounging with them. They’re playful, curious, and love walking on the floor more than flying. 

    They don’t talk as well as Amazons, but they sing, whistle and can even mimic environmental sounds!

    SizeSmall
    9 - 10 inches
    Weight5 - 6 ounces
    Life expectancy25 - 40 years
    Personality traitsMischievous, quick learners, energetic
    Physical characteristics
  • Black-headed, white-bellied, green tail feathers and yellow thigh feathers
  • Hinged upper beak


  • Fun fact!
    Caiques are called dancing parrots as they like to hop forward and backwards while bobbing their heads!

    3. Cockatiel

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Cockatiels are smaller in size as compared to other parrots. They like to be petted and are satisfied as long as they are near you. They are smart, enjoy learning new tricks and like to be rewarded for good behavior. 

    Not every cockatiel will learn to talk, but they are best at imitating other birds. Also, to prevent your cockatiel from feeling depressed, it’s best to get them a companion.

    SizeSmall
    12 - 13 inches
    Weight2 - 4 ounces
    Life expectancy15 - 20 years
    Personality traitsGentle, affectionate, cheerful
    Physical characteristics
  • Medium-gray body, white edges on the wings and face, yellow/white crest
  • Small dark eyes and long tail


  • Fun fact!
    A cockatiel’s head crest will expose its mood. A happy cockatiel’s head crest will resemble a badminton shuttlecock, and flatten when they’re angry.

    4. Cockatoo

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Cockatoos are spirited birds that are known as velcro birds. They love to be close to their owners at all times and find it fun to chat with them. 

    Cockatoos are playful, and having a variety of toys for them to play with will keep them engaged. They are also known to be the loudest of all parrots, thus are not recommended for people living in confined spaces.

    SizeMedium to large
    12 - 24 inches
    Weight10.5 - 40 ounces
    Life expectancy30 - 70 years
    Color
  • White
  • Black
  • Gray
  • Personality traitsExcitable, cuddly, lively
    Physical characteristicsSplotches of yellow, pink or red on crests and tails


    Fun fact!
    Cockatoos’ beaks are 2 times stronger than the average strength of a human bite! They can clamp down on snacks and wooden toys easily.

    5. Conure Parrot

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Conures are known for their good looks, intelligence and interaction with humans. These outgoing birds also make a good family pet and can be taught to perform tricks! 

    Conures may not be suitable for apartments as they can emit ear-piercing screams when they are bored or need attention. To keep them happy, you can create an environment for ample play and items that are safe to chew.

    SizeSmall to medium
    10 - 12 inches
    Weight2.3 - 7 ounces
    Life expectancy15 - 30 years
    Color
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Orange
  • Yellow
  • Personality traitsPlayful, sociable, comical
    Physical characteristicsLong tail


    Fun fact!
    Conures can mimic sounds such as doorbells, telephone chimes and beeping of an alarm clock.

    6. Eclectus Parrot

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Eclectus parrots, like other parrots, are affectionate, and are the happiest when they are given undivided attention. This breed can learn routines of the household and are happy to be part of it. 

    They are vocal and easy to train to speak a variety of words. Fortunately, they are not as noisy as the Cockatoos.

    SizeMedium
    17 - 20 inches
    Weight13 - 18 ounces
    Life expectancy30 - 50 years
    Color
  • Green (male)
  • Red (female)
  • Personality traitsCaring, tranquil, gentle
    Physical characteristicsFur-like feathers


    Fun fact!
    Male eclectus parrots are bright green in color and have orange beaks, whereas female eclectus parrots are bright red in color!

    7. Lovebird

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Lovebirds have big personalities. They are active and will need to be provided with bird-safe places to play outside of their cages daily. They can be taught tricks such as spinning, waving and ringing bells! 

    Lovebirds adore attention and when neglected, they may even refuse to let you handle them. If you like to hear birds singing and whistling all day, this breed might just be the parrot you’re looking for.

    SizeSmall
    5 - 6.5 inches
    Weight1.5 - 2 ounces
    Life expectancyUp to 20 years
    Color
  • Peached-faced
  • Combination of green, yellow, and orange
  • Black-faced
  • Violet
  • Red and dark orange
  • Personality traitsBold, inquisitive, feisty
    Physical characteristicsShort tail, rounded beak


    Fun fact!
    Lovebirds feed their partners when they meet after a long separation to show affection!

    8. Macaw

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Macaws are huge, beautiful and brightly colored and are known as gentle giants in the parrot world. They are one of the most intelligent parrot species, and can solve difficult puzzles easily. They need social interaction with birds or humans and may cause destruction around the house without it.

    Macaws make great pets though they are high-maintenance and are prone to boredom and loneliness. They can be loud and are known to make ear-piercing noises for at least 10 minutes every day!

    SizeLarge
    20 - 42 inches
    Weight32 - 64 ounces
    Life expectancy50 - 75 years
    Color
  • Scarlet
  • Green
  • Blue and gold
  • Hyacinth
  • Personality traitsSweet, intelligent, hardy
    Physical characteristicsRings of skin around their eyes, long tail


    Fun fact!
    Macaws’ beaks are strong enough to crack a coconut shell!

    9. Parakeet

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Parakeets, also known as budgies, are one of the smallest parrots kept as pets. They are known to be able to speak better than macaws and cockatoos. They can pick up sounds and human speech from their environment and create creative melodies. 

    Parakeets enjoy the companionship of humans and other birds. When left alone, they can become depressed and might even start plucking their own feathers.

    Note: If you notice that your pet is shedding their feathers, check out this budgie moulting guide to learn more.

    SizeSmall to medium
    7 - 14 inches
    Weight1.1 - 1.4 ounces
    Life expectancy7 - 15 years
    Color
  • White-based: sky blue, cobalt, mauve, gray, violet, white
  • Yellow-based: light-green, dark-green, gray-green, olive, yellow
  • Personality traitsDocile, active, social
    Physical characteristicsLong, tapered tail feathers


    Fun fact!
    Parakeets love to play in water; you can prepare birdbaths for them to keep them elated.

    10. Parrotlet

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Parrotlets are the smallest birds of the parrot family and make excellent pets if they are tamed and raised properly. They enjoy company and are not noisy birds — suitable for families living in apartments.

    Parrotlets are active birds and will require enrichment to keep them physically and mentally active. It’s advised to provide toys especially if you’re not around often

    SizeSmall
    5 - 5.5 inches
    Weight1 ounce
    Life expectancyUp to 30 years
    Color
  • Gray
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Personality traitsSassy, active, feisty
    Physical characteristicsShort, tapered tail

    11. Pionus Parrot

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Pionus parrots love interacting with their human family members, and are also independent enough to entertain themselves with bird toys.

    Just like most of the parrots, they need to engage in daily activities out of their cage to stay healthy. Even though they’re known to be quieter parrots, they can learn to be loud if they live in noisy environments

    SizeMedium
    10 -12 inches
    Weight8 - 9 ounces
    Life expectancy25 - 40 years
    Color
  • Blue-headed
  • White-capped
  • Bronze-winged
  • Dark brownish green
  • Dark colored
  • Personality traitsEasy-going, gentle, independent
    Physical characteristicsShort, square-shaped tail

    12. Quaker Parakeet

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Quakers got their name because they shake their bodies when they are excited or irritated. They are parrots with exceptional ability to learn human speech, many vocabularies, and are able to speak with clarity.

    They are social and enjoy the company of their humans or other quakers. Unlike lovebirds, even if your quakers come in pairs, with close interactions, your bond with them will not be lost. If you’re looking for a talking parrot that is of medium size, quakers may fit all your requirements!

    SizeMedium
    11 - 12 inches
    Weight3 - 5 ounces
    Life expectancy20 - 30 years
    Personality traitsConfident, social, outgoing
    Physical characteristicsLime green, blue tinge on wings, gray face, neck and chest


    Fun fact!
    Most parrots don’t build nests; they find nests in tree cavities, caves, cliff sides, and banks. Quakers are the only parrots that build them with sticks and twigs!

    13. Senegal Parrot

    Vocal expressiveness
    Loudness
    Ability to speak human language
    Ability to learn tricks

    Senegal parrots are attached to their humans and would love to sit on their shoulders all day. They don’t require the companionship of another bird as long as they receive sufficient attention from their owners. 

    They are not as chatty as other species though they can be trained to speak. Luckily, they don’t scream and prefer to whistle. Senegals are great for anyone who loves an affectionate parrot that doesn’t annoy their neighbors

    SizeSmall
    10 inches
    Weight4 - 6 ounces
    Life expectancy20 - 30 years
    Personality traitsOutgoing, playful, comical
    Physical characteristicsDark green and brownish-gray body, green throat, orange thighs, yellow chest

    Caring Tips For Parrots

    To be healthy and happy, parrots require attention, adequate playtime and also sufficient space in their cages. sbobet indonesia

    Here, we share tips on how you can create a wholesome environment for your parrot and what your parrot should eat! We also share how you can take care of your parrot when they fall ill.

    Building the habitat

    Pet parrot playing with toy in cage

    There are 3 important variables to take note of to build a good habitat for parrots

    1. Cage size
    For any parrot, the bigger the cage, the better. Your parrot should be able to completely extend their wings without touching anything inside the cage. You should also ensure that the bar spacing is appropriate to the size of your parrot to avoid any injuries.

    2. Perching surfaces 
    It’s recommended to provide a variety of perching surfaces for your parrots to rest and to keep their feet healthy. Having 3 different perches of varying materials and sizes is recommended. For example, you could install a branch perch, a rope perch and a cement perch.

    3. Environment outside the cage 

    It’s advised to create supervised safe areas outside the cage so that your parrot can interact with the family. You may install play gyms, where you can place bird toys, and t-perches. 

    Depending on your parrot’s preference, you may enrich the habitat with toys that can keep your parrot entertained.

    What to feed parrots

    Lady feeding strawberry to pet parrot

    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 think your parrot is sick, it’s best to take it to a veterinarian

    However, if your parrot has already seen one, here are some tips that can aid in expediting the recovery of your sick parrot. 

    1. Provide warmth and to ensure that your parrot is fed sufficiently

    Position a heating lamp so that your parrot may shift its position if it feels uncomfortably warm. To gauge if the temperature is too warm, place your hand near the bird, it should feel comfortable.

    2. Hand feed your parrot

    Feed your parrot until it regains their strength and appetite. Be careful not to drip water onto its beak as water can get into their lungs and cause them to drown.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Parrots

    Parrots make excellent companions, and it’s a big responsibility to own parrots as they are complex creatures with emotional maturity. They are not solitary animals and require mental stimulation. They need a lot of toys, puzzles, family time and undivided attention. 

    They require a lot of space and attention to be happy. Otherwise they can become destructive, and even develop serious mental illnesses. If you’re unable to give them at least 2 hours of attention, you can consider getting your pet a companion. 

    Otherwise, it'll be best to consider other pets as parrots can develop serious mental illnesses without companionship

    You can find parrots at avian-specialty stores, bird breeders and avian rescue organizations. If you are adopting a parrot, it’s important to ask why it was given up for adoption. This will help you to understand the parrot’s behavioral or medical issues and provide better care for them.

    It’s not difficult to care for parrots, but it’ll require hard work to build a good habitat for them. Most parrots require your attention or a companion if you are unable to interact with them every day. They also need adequate exercise to stay healthy. 

    If you do not have time for your pet, it’s best not to adopt or purchase one.

    Parrots talk, sing and even scream during all hours of day and night. If you do not live alone, or if your home is right next to your neighbor’s, you may have to rethink about getting a parrot.

    Adoption can range between $20 to $1000, while purchasing one can cost $20 to $3000. Expenses for food, veterinary care and pet insurance can total up to $2500 per year.

    Authors

    • Sandy Lew

      The colours of nature and dogs are things that fascinate Sandy. During her free time, you can find her either on a nature trail or at a café sipping coffee.

    • Bernice Quek

      Intrigued by celebrity and influencer gossips, Bernice is passionate about finding the latest scandals and good deals to get a bang for her buck! Her closest friends know her as someone who has an irrational love for Disney's Stitch and an unwavering loyalty to KOI.

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