
Types of Parrots: 15 Popular Parrot Species
Parrots are some of the most captivating and intelligent birds on the planet. With their vibrant plumage, curious personalities, and remarkable ability to mimic human speech, it’s no surprise they’re popular as pets and admired in the wild. But not all parrots are the same—there are over 350 species worldwide, ranging in size, behavior, and care needs.
This guide explores the most well-known types of parrots, offering insight into their unique characteristics and what makes each one special.

1. Macaws:
Macaws have bare facial skin patches—like fingerprints, no two are alike! Their strong beaks evolved for cracking Brazil nuts and palm seeds that few other animals can access.
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Size: Large (30–40 inches)
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Known for: Stunning feathers, loud vocalizations, strong bonding
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Noise Level: Very loud
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Social Needs: Extremely high
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Diet Needs: High in fruits, veggies, and nuts; not seed-based
Macaws are bold, affectionate, and incredibly intelligent. They require mental stimulation, toys, flight space, and daily interaction. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Because of their strong beaks, they must be taught to play gently. Not suitable for apartments or quiet homes.
According to them: "You're my flockmate, jungle gym, snack dispenser, and personal entertainer. But if you wear different socks today, I might scream about it."
2. African Grey Parrots

Considered one of the most intelligent birds on the planet. Studies have shown they understand abstract concepts like “same” and “different,” and one famous African Grey, Alex, could count, identify colors, and invent words.
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Size: Medium (12–14 inches)
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Known for: High intelligence, vocabulary building, emotional sensitivity
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Noise Level: Moderate
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Social Needs: High, but may be selective
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Challenges: Prone to feather plucking and anxiety if neglected
African Greys need consistent companionship and intellectual stimulation. They often bond with one person and may reject others. Routine is vital. A quiet, stable household is best.
"You're a slightly less intelligent being who I tolerate. I’ve been observing your routines for months. You talk funny. I talk better."
3. Cockatoos

Unlike most parrots, cockatoos lack the colored feather pigments called psittacofulvins. Their white color comes from structural reflection—not pigment. Their expressive crest is a form of visual communication evolved for flock signaling.
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Size: Medium to large (12–24 inches)
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Known for: Affection, cuddling, and crest displays
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Noise Level: Very loud
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Social Needs: Extremely high
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Challenges: Prone to separation anxiety and screaming
Cockatoos thrive on affection but are emotionally complex. Without adequate attention, they may develop behavioral issues or self-mutilation habits. They need a variety of enrichment and thrive in households where someone is home most of the day.
According to them: "You're my emotional support human, my cuddle buddy, and also not allowed to ever leave the room without my loud permission."
4. Amazons

Amazons are among the oldest recorded parrot species kept in captivity. In ancient Mesoamerican culture, they were associated with rain gods due to their vocal rain-imitating calls.
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Size: Medium to large (10–18 inches)
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Known for: Singing, dramatic personalities, confidence
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Noise Level: Loud
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Social Needs: High
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Challenges: Can become territorial or aggressive with hormonal shifts
Amazons are outgoing and full of personality. They often enjoy performing and mimicking sounds. They require firm, respectful boundaries and benefit from training and routine handling.
According to them: "You're the audience for my concert. I don’t need requests—I’ll decide the playlist. And no, I don’t want to step up right now."
5. Eclectus Parrot

One of the only parrot species with strong sexual dimorphism.Males are bright green to blend into leafy canopies while foraging; females are red and blue, making them visible in nest cavities—an evolutionary advantage for mate selection.
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Size: Medium to large (17–20 inches)
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Known for: Dimorphic colors, calm temperament, specialized diet
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Noise Level: Moderate
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Social Needs: Moderate to high
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Challenges: Sensitive digestive system
Eclectus parrots thrive on a fiber-rich, fresh food diet—heavy in vegetables and fruits, light on pellets. They are gentle and observant, but need calm environments. Males are usually more passive, while females can be more dominant and territorial.
According to them: "You're the chef. The wrong veggie ratio is unacceptable. Also, I’m not being dramatic, I’m simply refined."
6. Conures

Conures are a parrot “group,” not a single species.The name covers several genera like Aratinga and Pyrrhura, which evolved in distinct South American habitats—leading to variations in noise, size, and social behavior.
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Size: Small to medium (10–13 inches)
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Known for: Cheerful energy, colorful feathers, snuggling
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Noise Level: Can be loud, depending on species
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Social Needs: High
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Challenges: Need supervision when out due to boldness
Conures are active, cuddly, and love shoulder time. They enjoy learning tricks and thrive with consistent training. Some, like Green-cheeked Conures, are quieter, while Suns are among the loudest.
According to them:"You're my best friend, personal snuggle cave, and chew toy. I must be ON you or NEAR you at all times, preferably yelling."
7. Cockatiels

Technically not a “true” parrot—cockatiels belong to the cockatoo family!
They have powder down feathers, a dusty trait shared with cockatoos that helps waterproof their feathers but can trigger allergies in humans.
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Size: Small to medium (12–14 inches)
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Known for: Whistling, sweet personality, gentle behavior
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Noise Level: Quiet to moderate
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Social Needs: Moderate
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Challenges: Prone to night frights
Cockatiels are perfect for beginners. Males are better whistlers and often more outgoing. They enjoy head scratches, toys they can shred, and flying safely in a room. A seed-heavy diet should be replaced with pellets and fresh foods.
According to them:"You're the sun, the moon, and the millet provider. I may sing to the microwave, but I love you the most. Maybe."
8. Caiques

Known for "parrot parkour"—their strong feet and body shape evolved for clambering around dense jungle branches. Their short, stocky build makes them one of the most agile parrot species on foot.
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Size: Medium (9–10 inches)
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Known for: Acrobatics, high energy, clown-like behavior
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Noise Level: Moderate
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Social Needs: High
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Challenges: Can be territorial and prone to biting
Caiques need lots of space, toys, and attention. They're incredibly playful but can turn nippy if not well-socialized. They benefit from trick training and puzzle toys.
According to them: "You're part trampoline, part chaos sidekick. Hold still while I leap into your face. No, I’m not tired. Ever."
9. Pionus Parrots

Pionus parrots have a distinctive musky odor that’s unique to their genus. Their scent is thought to help identify members of their flock or species—an important feature for rainforest birds with low visibility.
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Size: Medium (10–12 inches)
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Known for: Quiet nature, gentle disposition, easygoing vibe
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Noise Level: Low
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Social Needs: Moderate
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Challenges: Can be overlooked due to their more subdued colors
Pionus parrots are great for quieter homes or people seeking a parrot without extreme demands. While not as flashy as macaws or conures, they’re steady, loving companions when given trust and time.
According to them:"You're fine, I guess. Just sit quietly and maybe I’ll sit near you. Don't rush this. Bring snacks."
10. Senegal Parrots

Senegals belong to the Poicephalus genus—African parrots with compact bodies and stocky builds adapted for cavity nesting. They have zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two back) which evolved to help grip and climb in tight tree hollows.
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Size: Small to medium (9 inches)
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Known for: Independence, intelligence, and strong bonding
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Noise Level: Low to moderate
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Social Needs: Moderate
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Challenges: May bond with one person exclusively
Senegals are part of the Poicephalus family, known for being quieter and compact. They love to explore and can be taught tricks and routines. They do well in apartments and with patient, respectful handling.
According to them:"You're mine. No one else’s. I claimed you. Don't talk to others. I'm watching."
11. Parrotlets

Parrotlets are closely related to Amazon parrots, despite their tiny size!
They share a common ancestor but miniaturized over time to adapt to more arid environments and limited food sources.
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Size: Tiny (4–5 inches)
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Known for: Fearless attitude, big personality
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Noise Level: Low
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Social Needs: High for single birds
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Challenges: Easily underestimated due to size
Parrotlets are spunky and full of attitude. If kept alone, they need daily handling and interaction. They’re ideal for people who want the charm of a big parrot in a pocket-sized body.
According to them:"You're enormous but weak. I’m the boss now. Pass the toy and move aside before I bite your fingernail off."
12. Lovebirds

Named for their strong pair bonds—lovebirds often feed and preen their mate constantly. But interestingly, only some species (like Peach-faced Lovebirds) show this intense bonding—others, like the Abyssinian, are more solitary.
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Size: Small (5–7 inches)
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Known for: Pair bonding, chirping, curiosity
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Noise Level: Moderate
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Social Needs: High if kept alone (must interact with human)
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Challenges: Territoriality during nesting or bonding season
Despite myths, lovebirds can be kept alone as long as they’re given daily attention. They're curious, busy, and love shredding paper and chewing toys. Pairs often bond closely to each other, so may interact less with humans.
According to them:"You're part of my flock. I might cuddle or destroy your earring—depends on the mood. Either way, stay close."
13. Budgies (Budgerigars)

Budgies see ultraviolet light, and their feathers reflect UV in ways invisible to humans. This UV glow helps attract mates and recognize individual birds—a built-in highlighter for dating!
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Size: Small (7–8 inches)
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Known for: Speech ability, affordability, and gentle nature
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Noise Level: Low
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Social Needs: High
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Challenges: Often overlooked in terms of enrichment
Budgies are talkative, active, and full of personality. They should be offered more than just seed mix—pellets, veggies, and flight time are essential. Great for first-time bird owners who take enrichment seriously.
According to them: "You're my roommate. Sometimes I’ll talk to you, other times to the mirror. But always expect background chatter."
14. Quaker Parrots

The only parrot species that builds stick nests—with multiple chambers like an apartment complex. This communal nesting behavior is rare among parrots and may be why Quakers adapted so well to feral life in cities like Chicago and NYC.
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Size: Small to medium (11–12 inches)
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Known for: Stick nest building, vocabulary, sense of humor
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Noise Level: Moderate to loud
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Social Needs: High
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Challenges: Territorial behavior, illegal in some states
Quakers are social, smart, and comical. They enjoy talking and building nests with household items. Without enough attention, they may become territorial or bitey. Be sure to check local laws before adopting, as they are banned in some U.S. states due to their nesting habits in the wild.
According to them:"You're part of the nest construction crew. I’ll give instructions loudly while stuffing receipts into my food bowl."
15. Indian Ringneck Parrots

Mentioned in ancient Indian texts dating back over 2,000 years.
They were revered for their ability to mimic human speech and were once kept by royalty and priests to “repeat prayers.”
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Size: Medium (14–16 inches)
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Known for: Elegant appearance, mimicry, and independence
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Noise Level: Loud and frequent callers
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Social Needs: Moderate
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Challenges: Can be aloof, bitey during bluffing stage (hormonal adolescence)
Ringnecks are beautiful and talkative parrots, with clear speech and a curious mind. They can be standoffish if not hand-tamed early and need consistent training to stay friendly. Males and females are both great talkers, though males develop the iconic black-and-rose neck ring around 18 months.
According to them: "You're my butler. I may talk to you, or I may pretend you don’t exist for 3 days. Don’t take it personally."
Each parrot is a unique individual with its own personality and temperament. This chart provides a general overview of typical traits by species, but your bird may differ based on its background, environment, and experiences.
No two parrots are alike. Some thrive in quiet households, while others demand constant stimulation. Whether you're drawn to the gentle Pionus, the dramatic Macaw, or the playful Caique, understanding the care needs and behavior of each type of parrot is key to building a happy and lasting bond.
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Monika Sangar, MSc – Molecular Biology | Avian Nutrition Specialist | Founder: PDSnonprofit | Owner: Pds Parrot Shop
Monika Sangar is a parrot rescuer, bird food chef, and toy designer with over a decade of experience in avian care and nutrition. She is the founder of Prego Dalliance Sanctuary and the author of The Science of Avian Nutrition, a cookbook dedicated to fresh, healthy meals for parrots. Explore more bird care tips and bird toys at PDS Parrot Shop!