Choosing a parrot as a pet bird is a go-to decision for anyone. These birds come in a variety of types, each with its own distinctive personality.
The emotional connection formed with these birds is unparalleled, as they respond to care and affection with a loyalty that enriches your life.
The interactive nature of parrots, coupled with their ability to mimic speech and even understand context, means you'll enjoy lively and entertaining conversations with your feathered friend.
So, if you are planning to get a parrot for your home, here are the top 20 best parrot types you could choose from.
1. Parrotlet
Scientific Name: Forpus coelestis
Size: 4.5 to 5.5 inches (11 to 14 cm)
Weight: Approximately 1 ounce (28 grams)
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderately vocal with high-pitched chirps.
Parrotlets are the pint-sized parrots that pack a punch of personality and charm despite their small stature. This petite parrot is not just a pet; it's a lively, feathered friend that forms a deep bond with you.
A Parrotlet becomes a delightful chatterbox, engaging you with its cheerful chirps and occasional mimicked sounds. Whether you're seeking a small, social bird to brighten up your space or a feathered confidant, a Parrotlet is the perfect match for you.
2. Quaker Parrot
Scientific Name: Myiopsitta monachus
Size: 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 cm)
Weight: 3.5 to 5.6 ounces (100 to 160 grams)
Life Expectancy: 20 to 30 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Very vocal with chirps, squawks, and the ability to mimic.
Quakers, also known as Monk Parakeets, are delightful green-feathered parrots with a mischievous twinkle in their eyes.
A Quaker Parrot becomes a vocal maestro in your world, treating you to an array of chirps, squawks, and even the occasional mimicry of words. These birds are highly social and thrive on interaction, forging a strong bond with you as their trusted companion.
3. Lovebird
Scientific Name: Agapornis spp.
Size: 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm)
Weight: Approximately 2 ounces (60 grams)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderate vocalizations with chirps and occasional squawks.
Lovebirds are pocket-sized ball of energy, known for its playful antics and lively chatter. They are aptly named for their strong and devoted pair bonds, forming a deep connection with you as their chosen companion.
Whether perched on your shoulder or nestled in your hand, a Lovebird brings a sense of joy and companionship to your everyday life. If you're seeking a feathered friend that's not just a pet but a devoted companion, a Lovebird is the perfect match for you.
4. Budgerigar (Parakeet)
Scientific Name: Melopsittacus undulatus
Size: 7 inches (18 cm)
Weight: 1 to 1.4 ounces (30 to 40 grams)
Life Expectancy: 5 to 10 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Excellent mimics with a wide range of chirps and whistles.
Parakeets are also called Budgerigar outside of the US. These talking birds are the most common types of parrots as pet.
Beyond its charming appearance and vocal prowess, the Budgie stands out for its playful and social nature. These small parrots form strong bonds with their owners, eagerly engaging in interactive play, acrobatic displays, and even learning simple tricks.
5. African Grey Parrot
Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
Size: 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm)
Weight: 0.9 to 1.2 pounds (410 to 550 grams)
Life Expectancy: 50 to 60 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Highly vocal with exceptional mimicry skills.
The African Grey Parrot is recognized for its predominantly ash-grey plumage, vibrant red tail, and captivatingly expressive eyes.
They have an unparalleled mimicking ability, showcasing an aptitude for precise imitation of human speech and environmental sounds. Unlike other parrots, African Greys often exhibit an advanced understanding of context, making their vocalizations particularly engaging.
6. Senegal Parrot
Scientific Name: Poicephalus senegalus
Size: 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25 cm)
Weight: 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 170 grams)
Life Expectancy: 25 to 30 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderate vocalizations with the ability to mimic sounds and a few words.
Senegal parrots is a beautiful parrot variety that exhibits a striking contrast of bright green plumage, orange belly feathers, and a distinctive V-shaped yellow or orange patch on their chest.
These calm and gentle parrots often form strong and affectionate bonds with their human caregivers. This charming and compact parrot species offers a delightful combination of intelligence and playful companionship.
7. Amazon Parrot
Scientific Name: Various species, e.g., Amazona aestiva (Blue-fronted Amazon)
Size: 10 to 20 inches (25 to 51 cm)
Weight: 6 to 30 ounces (170 to 850 grams)
Life Expectancy: 25 to 50 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Highly vocal with a variety of squawks, screams, and the ability to mimic.
The Amazon Parrot is a unique companion bird celebrated for its vibrant plumage and engaging personality. With various species within this group, they generally display a spectrum of colors from bright greens to vivid blues and yellows.
Distinctive features include a strong, hooked beak and a bold, confident demeanor. In comparison to other parrot types, Amazon Parrots are known for their assertiveness and a certain level of independence.
8. Cockatoo
Scientific Name: Various species, e.g., Cacatua galerita (Sulphur-crested Cockatoo)
Size: 12 to 27 inches (30 to 69 cm)
Weight: 0.5 to 2.2 pounds (230 to 1000 grams)
Life Expectancy: 40 to 60 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Very vocal with loud screeches.
Cockatoo is an enchanting and expressive parrot breed. They also have various species such as the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Tanimbar corella, etc. These birds showcase stunning white plumage, a distinctive crest that can be raised or lowered, and expressive, intelligent eyes.
Their prominent crest serves as an indicator of mood and emotions. When excited or alarmed, the crest is raised, creating a visually arresting display. While their vocalizations include loud screeches and calls, Cockatoos are also skilled mimics, capable of learning words and phrases.
9. Macaws
Scientific Name: Various species, e.g., Ara ararauna (Blue and Gold Macaw)
Size: 20 to 42 inches (51 to 106 cm)
Weight: 2 to 3.5 pounds (900 to 1600 grams)
Life Expectancy: 60 to 80 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Loud and expressive with the ability to mimic speech and sounds.
Macaws are among the most iconic and captivating parrot species with their vibrant plumage and charismatic personalities. Their brilliant feathers showcase a stunning array of colors, including vibrant blues, yellows, greens, and reds.
One of the unique features of Macaws is their strong beaks, which they use not only for cracking open nuts but also for exploring and interacting with their environment.
10. Conure
Scientific Name: Various species, e.g., Aratinga mitrata (Mitred Conure)
Size: 9 to 20 inches (23 to 51 cm)
Weight: 2 to 8 ounces (60 to 230 grams)
Life Expectancy: 20 to 30 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderately vocal with a mix of squawks, screeches, and the ability to learn words.
Conures are the medium-sized parrots that belong to the family Psittacidae and come in various species. Conures have a playful and outgoing nature. These birds are known for their acrobatic antics, love of climbing, and enthusiasm for interactive play.
Conures are expressive vocalizers but they may not be as skilled at mimicking speech as some other parrot species. However, their lively vocalizations contribute to the vibrant atmosphere they create.
11. Eclectus Parrot
Scientific Name: Eclectus roratus
Size: 14 to 20 inches (35 to 50 cm)
Weight: 13 to 19 ounces (370 to 540 grams)
Life Expectancy: 30 to 50 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderate vocalizations with the ability to mimic.
Eclectus parrot is an attractive parrot type best known for their stark difference between male and female's appearance. Males typically exhibit bright green feathers with blue and red accents, while females showcase a striking red and purple plumage.
This sexual dimorphism is rare among parrots and makes Eclectus Parrots easily identifiable. Their elegant and regal presence is complemented by their calm and gentle demeanor.
12. Burrowing Parrot
Scientific Name: Cyanoliseus patagonus
Size: 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50 cm)
Weight: 1.5 to 1.9 pounds (700 to 850 grams)
Life Expectancy: 25 to 30 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderate vocalizations, including squawks and calls.
Burrowing parrot is a unique and captivating species native to South America. They are unique in that they create their nests in burrows, either in cliffs or the ground, a behavior not commonly observed among parrots.
Their plumage is predominantly green with blue flight feathers and a red forehead. They are also characterized by a long, tapered tail. These parrots are social birds, often seen in flocks, and they derive their name from their nesting behavior.
13. Red-fan Parrot (Hawk-Headed Parrot)
Scientific Name: Deroptyus accipitrinus
Size: 12 inches (30 cm)
Weight: Approximately 8 ounces (230 grams)
Life Expectancy: 20 to 30 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderate vocalizations with a range of calls and squawks.
Red-fan Parrot has predominantly green plumage with a vibrant red fan-shaped crest on its head, giving it a hawk-like appearance. Their expressive eyes add to their charisma.
Their striking fan-shaped crest can be raised or lowered depending on the bird's mood or level of excitement. This crest adds to the visual appeal and charm of these birds. They are known for their playful and curious nature.
14. Rose-ringed Parakeet
Scientific Name: Psittacula krameri
Size: 13 to 17 inches (33 to 43 cm)
Weight: 3.5 to 5.5 ounces (100 to 160 grams)
Life Expectancy: 20 to 30 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderately vocal with a variety of calls and the ability to mimic sounds.
Rose-ringed Parakeet is a colorful and social parrot species native to parts of Africa and South Asia. They exhibit sexually dimorphic colors, with males featuring a distinctive rose-colored ring around their necks, while females generally have a less prominent or absent ring.
Their plumage ranges from bright greens to blues and yellows, contributing to their visually striking appearance. These parakeets are adaptable to urban environments, and they are sometimes found in large flocks in urban and suburban areas.
15. Meyer’s Parrot
Scientific Name: Poicephalus meyeri
Size: 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm)
Weight: 4.2 to 4.6 ounces (120 to 130 grams)
Life Expectancy: 25 to 30 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderate vocalizations with a range of chirps and calls.
Meyer's Parrot is a charming and compact parrot type native to parts of central and southern Africa. They are characterized by their predominantly green plumage with a yellow-orange crown and blue on the forehead.
Their relatively short tails contribute to their compact and endearing appearance.
Known for their laid-back and easygoing nature, Meyer's Parrots make for great companions for individuals seeking a smaller parrot with a calm disposition.
16. Pionus Parrot
Scientific Name: Various species, e.g., Pionus senilis (White-capped Pionus)
Size: 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm)
Weight: 6 to 9 ounces (170 to 260 grams)
Life Expectancy: 25 to 40 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderate vocalizations with a soft voice.
Originating from the dense forests of Central and South America, Pionus Parrots consists of many species. These parrots boast subdued yet elegant plumage, typically featuring shades of greens complemented by distinctive colors on the head.
Pionus Parrots have soothing vocal expressiveness, emitting gentle, melodic sounds that create a calm ambiance. They are also celebrated for their less demanding and easygoing temperament, forming strong bonds with their caregivers.
17. Caique
Scientific Name: Various species, e.g., Pionites melanocephalus (Black-headed Caique)
Size: 9 to 12 inches (23 to 30 cm)
Weight: 5 to 8 ounces (140 to 230 grams)
Life Expectancy: 20 to 40 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Highly vocal with a range of calls, squawks, and the ability to mimic sounds.
For individuals looking for a small parrot with a big personality, the Caique stands out as a lively and colorful avian companion, ready to bring joy and playful energy into your home.
Caiques exhibit a striking mix of colors, with contrasting white and vibrant shades of green, orange, and yellow. Their lively plumage is coupled with a short tail and robust build. They may not be extensive mimics but their expressive nature is charming.
18. Kakariki
Scientific Name: Cyanoramphus spp.
Size: 10 to 13 inches (25 to 33 cm)
Weight: 3 to 5 ounces (85 to 140 grams)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Moderately vocal with a variety of calls and chirps.
Kakariki is a vibrant and energetic parrot species native to New Zealand which is why they are also known as the New Zealand Parakeet. They exhibit a kaleidoscope of colors, with variations including bright green, yellow, red, and orange.
These parrots have high energy levels and are revered for their cheerful and chatty nature. Kakarikis are also known for their intelligence and curiosity.
19. Timneh Greys
Scientific Name: Psittacus timneh
Size: 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 cm)
Weight: 275 to 375 grams
Life Expectancy: 30 to 40 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Highly vocal with the ability to mimic words and sounds.
Timneh Greys are recognized for their gentle and somewhat reserved demeanor compared to their Congo counterparts. These parrots are native to the western parts of Africa, including countries like Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast.
They may look similar to the Congo African Greys but Timnehs have darker, charcoal-grey feathers rather than the lighter, more silvery grey plumage of African Greys. They are also smaller with lesser wingspan than the large African Greys.
20. Kea
Scientific Name: Nestor notabilis
Size: 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 cm)
Weight: 2 to 3 pounds (910 to 1400 grams)
Life Expectancy: 20 to 40 years
Vocal Expressiveness: Highly vocal with a variety of calls, including melodious sounds and sharp calls.
Keas are considered one of the most intelligent birds. Their cleverness and adaptability make them fascinating companions for those who appreciate a bird with a penchant for exploration and problem-solving.
The Kea is a relatively large parrot type with predominantly olive-green plumage. It features bright orange feathers on the undersides of its wings, providing a striking contrast.
Petjurni Team
