Discovering the Top Types of Parrots

When I first started exploring the fascinating world of types of bird, but specifically, the types of parrots, I was amazed to discover there are over 350 different species scattered across our planet. From the tiny Pacific Parrotlet weighing less than an ounce to the magnificent Hyacinth Macaw with its striking blue plumage, the diversity of parrot species is truly breathtaking.

Whether you're a birdwatching amateur, considering adding a parrotfriend to your family or you're simply curious about these intelligent birds, understanding the various types of parrots available can help you appreciate just how remarkable this bird family really is.

Let's dive into this comprehensive guide that covers everything from the most popular pet parrots to rare species fighting for survival in the wild.

Differents types of parrots around the world

12 Fascinating Parrot Species Around the World

Parrots are found on every continent except Antarctica, ranging from tiny, colorful companions to massive rainforest dwellers with incredible intelligence. Here’s a deeper look at 12 remarkable parrot species from across the globe.

1. African Grey Parrot

The African Grey Parrot, native to Central and West Africa, is widely considered the most intelligent parrot species in the world. Already features in the blog entry “Animals with the biggest brains”, this parrot measures around 13 inches long, it’s best known for its exceptional talking ability and advanced problem-solving skills. These birds can learn hundreds of words and are often able to use them contextually. African Greys are emotionally sensitive and require significant mental stimulation and bonding time. Unfortunately, their wild populations have declined due to poaching and habitat loss, and they’re now listed as endangered.

African Grey Parrot | Photo by Magda Ehlers

2. Blue-and-Gold Macaw

One of the most iconic parrot species, the Blue-and-Gold Macaw hails from the rainforests of South America. These striking birds grow up to 36 inches in length and are known for their vivid blue and yellow feathers, strong personalities, and loud vocalizations. Highly intelligent and affectionate, macaws thrive on social interaction and need plenty of space and enrichment. While their populations remain stable in some areas, deforestation poses an ongoing threat to their natural habitat.

Blue-and-Gold Macaw | Photo by Merrillie

3. Cockatiel

Native to the arid regions of Australia, the Cockatiel is a small, gentle parrot measuring about 12 inches in length. With their expressive head crests and friendly personalities, cockatiels make excellent beginner birds. They are especially known for their whistling abilities, and while they may not talk as clearly as larger parrots, they often learn to mimic sounds and short phrases. Social and affectionate, cockatiels enjoy bonding with their human companions and are relatively easy to care for.

Cockatiel parrot | Via Getty Images

4. Green-Cheeked Conure

The Green-Cheeked Conure, found in South America, is a playful and cuddly small parrot with a huge personality packed into a 10-inch frame. Known for their acrobatics and clown-like behavior, these birds are moderately quiet compared to other conures, making them a good choice for apartment living. They can learn a few words, though they’re better known for their expressive body language. Social and inquisitive, Green-Cheeked Conures form strong bonds with their owners.

Green-Cheeked Conure | Via Getty Images

5. Amazon Parrot

Amazon Parrots, which inhabit forests throughout Central and South America, are celebrated for their bold personalities and impressive speaking abilities. Species like the Yellow-Naped and Blue-Fronted Amazon are especially talented talkers. These parrots are medium to large in size (around 13–15 inches) and have vibrant green feathers often accented with reds, blues, or yellows. While highly interactive and affectionate, they can also be stubborn and require consistent socialization and training.

Amazon Parrot | Photo by Chris Ellis

6. Eclectus Parrot

The Eclectus Parrot stands out for its extreme sexual dimorphism: males are bright green with orange beaks, while females are deep red and purple. Found in parts of Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands, Eclectus parrots are calm, intelligent, and relatively quiet. They grow to about 14 inches in length and are best known for their gentle personalities. Because of their docile nature and striking appearance, Eclectus parrots are increasingly popular as companion birds.

Eclectus Parrot | Via Getty Images

7. Kakapo

The Kakapo is a truly unique bird, it's the world’s only flightless parrot, and one of the rarest species on Earth. Native to New Zealand, and one of the most unique animals, Kakapos are nocturnal, ground-dwelling parrots with mossy green feathers and a strong, musty scent. These birds can weigh up to 9 pounds and live for several decades. With fewer than 250 individuals remaining, the Kakapo is critically endangered. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, their numbers are slowly increasing, but they remain one of the planet’s most vulnerable avian species.

Kakapo, the world’s only flightless parrot

8. Sun Conure

Bright and bold, the Sun Conure (also known as the Sun Parakeet) is native to northeastern South America. With its radiant yellow-orange plumage and playful nature, this small-to-medium-sized parrot (about 12 inches) is a favorite among bird lovers. Sun Conures are social, affectionate, and very vocal. While they aren’t the best talkers, their cheerful disposition and dazzling appearance make them highly sought-after as pets. However, wild populations are considered endangered due to trapping and habitat loss.

Sun Conure | Photo by Rutpratheep

9. Budgerigar

Also known as the budgie or parakeet, the Budgerigar is the world’s most popular pet bird. Native to Australia (here you can fin more about Australia’s amazing birds) these small parrots measure just 6–8 inches but are bursting with personality. Budgies are intelligent and capable of learning words, tunes, and whistles. They come in a wide range of colors due to selective breeding. Their small size, affordability, and social nature make them ideal for beginner bird owners, though they still require daily interaction and mental stimulation to stay happy.

Budgerigar | Via Getty Images

10. Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw is a showstopper, known for its brilliant red, blue, and yellow feathers and commanding presence. Native to Central and South American rainforests, this large parrot can grow up to 32 inches in length. Scarlet Macaws are incredibly intelligent and social, forming lifelong pair bonds in the wild. In captivity, they need a lot of space and attention to prevent boredom. While still relatively widespread in some areas, they are threatened in others by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

Scarlet Macaw | Via Getty Imgages

11. Quaker Parrot

Also called the Monk Parakeet, the Quaker Parrot is a small, green bird originally from South America. They measure about 11–12 inches and are highly intelligent and social. Quakers are excellent talkers and known for their unique nesting behavior—they build large, communal nests out of twigs. These birds are hardy, adaptable, and often found living in feral colonies in urban areas around the world. Their quirky personalities and vocal talents make them a favorite among parrot enthusiasts.

Quaker Parrot | Via Getty Images

12. Caique

Caiques are small, high-energy parrots native to the Amazon basin. Measuring around 9–10 inches, these birds are sometimes referred to as the “clowns of the parrot world” due to their playful, bouncy antics. They are not particularly good talkers, but they make up for it with their interactive behavior and curiosity. Caiques are extremely social and thrive with active, engaged owners. They need plenty of toys and out-of-cage time to stay mentally and physically stimulated.

Caique | Via Getty Images

Understanding Parrot Classification and Families

The world of different types of parrots becomes clearer when we understand how these birds are classified. All parrots belong to the order Psittaciformes, but they're divided into several distinct families that help explain their relationships and characteristics.

The main parrot families include Psittaculidae (which contains most familiar species like macaws, conures, and African Greys) and Psittrichasiidae (which includes some unique species like the Pesquet's Parrot). Within these families, we find tribes like Loriini, comprising the colorful lorikeets and lories that specialize in nectar feeding.

This scientific organization might seem complex, but it actually helps us understand why certain parrots share similar traits. For instance, all members of the macaw tribe tend to be large, long-tailed birds with powerful beaks, while conures are generally smaller with more compact builds.

What Is the Most Common Type of Parrot?

The budgerigar, commonly called a budgie or parakeet, holds the title as the most common pet parrot worldwide. Originally from Australia, these small, colorful birds have been bred in captivity for over 150 years, resulting in numerous color variations from the wild green and yellow to blues, whites, and other combinations.

Budgies are popular for good reason—they're relatively easy to care for, can learn to talk (though not as clearly as larger species), and their smaller size makes them suitable for most living situations. They're also social birds that do well in pairs or small groups.

What Kind of Parrot Can Talk?

While many people associate talking ability with parrots, not all species are equally gifted in this area. The best talking parrots typically include:

Exceptional Talkers:

• African Grey Parrots (often considered the best)

• Amazon Parrots (particularly Yellow-Naped and Blue-Fronted)

• Eclectus Parrots

• Some Macaw species

Good Talkers:

• Quaker Parrots

• Indian Ringneck Parrots

• Some Conure species

Limited Talking Ability:

• Budgies (can learn words but speech isn't always clear)

• Cockatiels (better at whistling than talking)

• Lovebirds (rarely talk)

It's important to remember that individual birds vary greatly. Some species known for talking may never say a word, while others might surprise you with their verbal abilities.

The Ethics of Keeping Parrots as Pets: A Closer Look

While parrots are among the most popular exotic pets, owning one comes with serious ethical considerations. The demand for certain types of parrots has fueled a global black market in wildlife, contributing to population declines in the wild. African Greys, for example, have been heavily targeted for illegal trade, resulting in over one million individuals being removed from their natural habitats in recent decades.

Even when a pet parrot is legally bred in captivity, the trend of owning exotic birds can indirectly encourage unsustainable trapping practices. Many parrots live 30 to 80 years, and their intense emotional and social needs often go unmet in domestic settings. If you’re considering adding one of these intelligent birds to your home, it’s essential to research deeply, adopt from ethical breeders or sanctuaries, and advocate against the trade of wild-caught parrots. Choosing not to own a parrot may be the most compassionate decision for both the bird and the species.

Parrots vs. Cockatoos: What’s the Difference?

Although cockatoos are technically a type of parrot, they represent a distinctly different group within the broader order of Psittaciformes. While most parrots are colorful and often associated with talking ability, cockatoos stand out for their expressive crests, powdery feathers, and more limited color palette—usually in whites, greys, and pinks.

Another one of their key differences is behavior: cockatoos are highly affectionate and social, often forming intense bonds with their human companions. This makes them prone to emotional distress if neglected, which can result in screaming or feather plucking. While some cockatoos can learn to mimic sounds and words, they’re generally not as strong talkers as African Greys or Amazons. Understanding the distinction between different types of parrots helps potential bird owners make informed decisions based on their lifestyle and experience.

Conservation Concerns: Protecting Wild Parrots

While we celebrate the joy that captive parrots bring to our lives, it's crucial to acknowledge the serious conservation challenges facing wild parrot populations. Currently, one in three parrot species is listed in the threatened categories (VU, EN, CR, EW) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This status is due to various threats, including extensive habitat loss and degradation, illegal and unsustainable wild bird trade, disease and zoo

The statistics are sobering. From 1975 to 2016, it is estimated that more than 16 million live parrots in 321 species were traded internationally. Over 1.2 million wild-sourced African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) have been traded internationally since the 1970s, the majority of which were taken from the wild with serious implications for conservation, animal welfare, and biosecurity.

Critical Conservation Cases

The Kakapo of New Zealand represents one of conservation's greatest challenges and successes. With just about 200 left living in the wild today, every effort to preserve the Kakapo is welcome in New Zealand, but intensive management has helped stabilize this unique flightless parrot's population.

Organizations like the World Parrot Trust, IUCN SSC Wild Parrot Specialist Group, and various local conservation groups are working tirelessly to protect these magnificent birds through habitat preservation, anti-poaching efforts, and captive breeding programs.

Celebrating the Diversity of Parrot Species

The world of types of parrots offers something for virtually every bird enthusiast. From the chatty African Grey that might surprise you with contextual conversation to the gentle cockatiel perfect for first-time owners, each species brings unique qualities to the relationship.

Remember that choosing a parrot is about finding the right match between your lifestyle, experience level, and the bird's needs. Whether you're drawn to the spectacular colors of a macaw, the intelligence of an African Grey, or the playful antics of a conure, success comes from understanding and meeting your feathered friend's physical, emotional, and social needs.

As we continue to appreciate these remarkable birds, let's also support conservation efforts that protect wild parrot populations. By choosing responsibly bred birds and supporting organizations working to preserve natural habitats, we can ensure that future generations will be able to marvel at the incredible diversity of various types of parrots both in our homes and in the wild.

The journey of parrot ownership is rewarding but demanding. These intelligent, social creatures deserve owners who are committed to providing the best possible care throughout their remarkably long lives. When that commitment is met, the bond between human and parrot can be truly extraordinary—filled with laughter, learning, and a lifetime of companionship.