What are “parrots”?

Parrot-keeping is often associated with parrots. Whenever somebody thinks about a bird pet, it is always a parrot that comes to mind first. Many people visualize their pet parrots as talking and mimicking their words. However, out of the 350 known species of parrots, only a few can be trained to speak!

However, because different species have significant differences between them, the term “parrot” is highly ambiguous. Some of the largest and smallest parrots might even seem unrelated to one another!

Types of Parrots to Keep as Pets

Which among these birds would make the greatest companion? We would list 20 top sorts in order to help you narrow down your alternatives for matching your needs with those who fit them best. You only need to know enough about each of these types to get a sense of which ones are human-tameable.

01 African Grey Parrots

These are some of the most famous as well as intelligent parrots, and they are known for their ability to learn an assortment of phrases from people which they use to communicate with their loving owners. However, this is not all about performance in such communication. To be happy, these birds need others around them and do not like being left alone.

Who can believe that? The African Grey Macaw can stay alive for six decades when caged! Children who own them may keep them for life. An African Grey would probably outlive you if you went ahead and bought one while still old yourself.

We have a feeling that this is one of the supreme parrots in terms of owning it as a pet; therefore, those who wish to purchase one could look at How to Choose the Right Cage Size for African Greys, where they will acquire more information on how best to prepare themselves.

02 Cockatoos

Cockatoos, as a result of their inherently demanding nature, nearly become obsessed with their owners, which is why they are often referred to as “Velcro” birds since your Cockatoo will never leave your side.

Their large size and medium-sized body differentiate these parrots from other species through their conspicuous crest feathers. Intelligence levels in cockatoos are so high that they can be compared to those of two-year-olds, since they do not behave well when they feel lonely.

03 Macaws

Parrots are what most people think of when they hear the word macaw. They are big and have a lot of red, blue, and yellow colours on them. While growing, it can reach up to 20–50 inches in height and live for 30–50 years. This means that owning a Macaw will take a lot of time and space.

Remember that macaws can be very noisy. They work best for individuals who do not have neighbours with whom they share walls because their screaming can wake up members of the family or even those in apartments around them.

04 Parrotlet

If you want to have a colorful parrot for company and yet not dedicate a whole room for it, consider the parrotlet. They are the smallest of all parrots in terms of the space needed.

Nevertheless, these birds will always require your attention. They are often social birds, except when they are left alone. If you begin taking care of your parrot adequately, it will bond strongly with you as well. Conversely, there is a likelihood that they may prefer each other when another partner is brought into the life of your parrotlet instead of bonding with themselves.

05 Cockatiel

Cockatiels, the smallest among the cockatoo family, are a favourite pet bird in America. They make great beginner birds because they are easy to look after and get along with. Remember, however, that cockatiels can live up to 25 years if taken care of well; thus, your cockatiel will be part of the family for many years to come!

The crest on cockatiels’ heads is easily identifiable. Interestingly, by observing the crest of your cockatiel, you can determine its emotional state.

06 Senegal Parrot

Cockatiels are not only the smallest in the cockatoo family but also very popular in America. They can be a beginner’s parrot with easy maintenance and compatibility. But Cockatiels, don’t forget that if you care for them properly, they can live 25 years, so he will be part of your household for a very long period of time!

A cockatiel’s hairstyle is hard to miss, as it has its own distinct crest. Therefore, your cockatiels’ emotions could be known by looking at their crest.

07 Parakeets

Parakeets, also called budgerigars outside the United States, are one of the most popular birds for first-time parrot owners. This is because they do not take up large spaces as they are tiny parrots with a typical length of 7 inches; however, they are very colorful.

These bird species are famous for their perpetual inquisitiveness and an urge to find new places to poke around. Their parents form their primary social group, and they are in constant touch with them all the time. However, it is better to have two or more of these birds together because keets have strong flocking instincts.

8 Eclectus Parrots

The Eclectus parrot is a medium-sized, long-living bird that makes an amazing pet. The most fascinating thing about this breed is the color difference between the males and females. Males almost have lavender green with red as well as blue on it, in addition to the beak resembling candy corn. The coloring of the females is bright red with blue shades, and they also have species-colored black beaks.

09 Amazon Parrots

It requires great knowledge and intelligence but they’ll need you to provide them with excellent care. They require a lot of social connection, nearly all the time. You must set aside enough of your day to satisfy your Amazon parrot.

There are various types of Amazon parrots; however, excessive hunting is reducing their population in the wild. These birds usually grow up to 13–18 inches tall, and most of them are green-coloured with different shades on their feathers.

10 Pionus Parrots

The hearts of Pionus parrots are displayed on their sleeves. They turn into guarded and reserved adults in the presence of strangers, but they have a diva-like disposition which demands that they are always the center of attention among their family.

They are miniature parrots that reach up to 10 inches long at most and, with diligent care, can live for thirty years. Energetically as well as mentally, these birds are full of life!

11 Conure Parrots

Although the Conure parrot is medium-sized, with an average length of about 20 inches, it is very active and requires more space than other birds of its size.

They are quite talkative and friendly. These birds tend to express their feelings through words, having no fear of saying what they feel. They are colourful birds that often deviate from the usual greens and reds of most parrots and can occasionally be seen in various shades of orange or yellow.

12 Burrowing Parrots

When it comes to birds, they are one of the best options for pet owners who want to avoid all the noise. And thrills that usually come with parrots are the burrowing parrot, which is significantly calmer than other types of parrots. Even so, you will still be able to bond with your burrowing parrot, since they are highly loving.

What sets them apart from other parrots is their ability to develop strong bonds with a whole family rather than just one person. Equally important, they are monogamous birds that stay close to their partners.

13 Caique Parrots

A caique parrot may be described as a small bird with a compact body.And strong legs that are not good for flying. Instead, they often leap and go up to reach their destination, which limits the distance of their flights.

Despite being bad at it, these birds can imitate talking. Furthermore, they can learn tricks, and they are very sociable. A caique parrot is an amazing option if you want a smaller parrot that you can interact with. And find enjoyable to play with.

Conclusion

Parrots, which belong to a large species with different types of individuals having different characteristics that cater to different needs, are extremely diverse. Parakeets and African Greys like the Macaws and Amazons have colorful coats that make them popular as pets because of their striking beauty.

Additionally, many people frequently enjoy other small species, like budgerigars and lovebirds. Because they are easy to deal with due to their adorable nature. Some parrots can talk better than others, for instance. African grey is well known for its exceptional mimicking ability, while others may be quiet or make unusual sounds when talking.

On the other hand, some parrots need special attention in terms of diet and habitat requirements. In general, there is a type of parrot for nearly every taste: as companion animals. As objects of art pleasure or interest; or as highly interactive creatures.

FAQs

Yes, of course! The following are some commonly asked questions concerning various parrot species:

01: What are the most popular types of pet parrots?

01: The Budgerigar is a small, colorful, and generally low-maintenance pet. renowned for being gregarious and outgoing.
02: Cockatiel: A medium-sized dog with a characteristic head crest. They mimic speech and sounds, and they are quite affectionate.
03: African Grey Parrot: Distinguished for remarkable cognitive abilities and capacity to emulate human vocalizations. They need a lot of cerebral exercise.
04: Bigger parrots with vivid colors are called Amazon parrots. They can learn a lot and communicate well, and they are playful.
05: Cockatoos Distinguished by their friendly disposition and expressive crests,. They can be rather talkative and require a lot of care.
06: Macaw: A big, vibrant bird with a powerful beak and an energetic disposition. They need lots of room and other people to interact with.

02: How can I tell if a parrot is healthy?

What to look for in a healthy parrot:

• Bright Eyes: unclouded and radiant, devoid of discharge.
• Clean Feathers: The feathers should be absent or well-maintained, not ruffled.
• Active Behavior: Takes part in daily activities while being vigilant.
• Regular Eating and Drinking: A Healthy Appetite.
• Normal Droppings: The color and form of the drops should be uniform.

03: What is the lifespan of different parrot species?

• 5–10 years for budgerigars.
• 10 to 15 years for cockatiels.
• 40–60 years old, African Grey Parrot.
• Amazon Parrot: forty to fifty years.
• Cockatoo: Depending on the species, 40–70 years old.
• Macaw: 30 to 50 years, while certain species can reach 60 years of age.

04: What do parrots eat?

The various diets of parrots might include:

• Pellets and Seeds: A well-rounded diet consisting of premium pellets and a range of seeds.
• Fruits include oranges, berries, bananas, and apples.
• veggies: bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and carrots.
• Nuts: almonds and walnuts, in moderation.
• Grains: quinoa, cooked rice, and oats.