Parrots are more than just colorful companions—they’re brilliant little thinkers, each with a unique personality! Some species are known for their exceptional intelligence, rivaling even primates. From mimicking human speech to solving puzzles, these birds are the brainiacs of the animal kingdom. Let’s dive into ten parrot species that stand out for their smarts, making them entertaining (and sometimes challenging) pets.

1. African Grey Parrot

Arguably the Einstein of parrots, African Greys are celebrated for their remarkable ability to mimic speech and understand context. Famous African Grey, Alex, showed that these parrots could grasp numbers, colors, and even abstract concepts like same versus different! Their intelligence demands regular mental stimulation, so be ready for a lifetime of conversations and brain-teasing games. Without it, these birds can get bored easily, and a bored African Grey is one that will find ways to entertain itself—often in ways you’d rather they didn’t.

2. Macaws

Known for their dazzling colors and incredible wingspans, macaws are also powerhouses of intelligence. They can learn words, mimic sounds, and even unlock cages. With problem-solving skills on par with young children, macaws thrive on complex toys and interaction. They’re also highly social birds, making them sensitive to the emotional atmosphere around them. However, these large birds need lots of space and mental engagement, so they’re not for the faint of heart (or the smell of home)!

3. Cockatoos

Cockatoos are the goofballs of the parrot world, but don’t let their silly antics fool you—they’re incredibly smart. Famous for their dance moves, some cockatoos can keep rhythm to music! Their intelligence is coupled with a need for social interaction, and they can become easily depressed or bored without attention. A cockatoo can learn tricks, mimic phrases, and bond closely with its human. But beware, their curious minds are always working, and they’re master escape artists!

4. Amazon Parrots

Amazon parrots are lively, talkative, and a bit cheeky. These parrots love to learn new words and can have full conversations, often using human-like tones to express their moods. Their playful nature makes them excellent problem solvers, but it also means they need constant stimulation to keep their brains engaged. Known to form strong bonds with their owners, Amazon parrots will thrive with a routine of learning, puzzles, and social interaction to keep them at their best.

5. Eclectus Parrots

The Eclectus is a visually striking parrot with its vibrant red, green, and blue feathers. But beyond the beauty lies a brainy bird. Eclectus parrots are exceptional at learning words, phrases, and songs. They’re also incredibly social and can pick up on human emotions. Eclectus parrots benefit from a lot of one-on-one interaction and enjoy learning tricks, especially those that involve positive reinforcement like rewards. Their intelligence also means they can be prone to moodiness if neglected.

6. Quaker Parrots (Monk Parakeets)

Small but mighty in the brains department, Quaker parrots are little chatterboxes. They’re excellent mimics and can learn a variety of words, phrases, and even songs. What makes them stand out is their capacity for problem-solving and puzzle-based toys. These parrots are also known for building complex nests, showing just how clever they can be. Quakers bond deeply with their humans and can be taught an impressive array of tricks. Just be prepared for lots of talking—sometimes at the most unexpected times!

7. Conure

Conures are a perfect combination of playful energy and sharp intellect. These parrots are known for being great problem solvers and love interactive toys. Conures may not be the most prolific talkers, but their understanding of commands and tricks is impressive. They also enjoy cuddling and playing, making them affectionate companions. If you’re looking for a bird that’s energetic and intelligent, a Conure can keep you entertained with its curiosity and strong-willed personality.

8. Indian Ringneck Parakeet

Indian Ringneck Parakeets are little geniuses wrapped in vibrant feathers. Known for their clear, sweet voice, they can learn an extensive vocabulary and even form basic sentences. These parrots love a mental challenge and thrive when given plenty of puzzles and toys. While they’re highly social birds, Indian Ringnecks can be a bit stubborn, often testing the boundaries with their owners. They’re known for having a sense of humor, making them fun but sometimes a little mischievous!

9. Caiques

Caiques are bundles of energy with an adventurous spirit and a sharp mind. Known for their playfulness, these parrots are always on the move and love to figure out puzzles. Their intelligence is matched by a high curiosity, so expect them to explore every nook and cranny of their environment. Caiques can be trained to perform tricks and enjoy interactive play with their humans. However, their cleverness means they also need supervision, or they’ll invent their games—sometimes at the expense of your furniture!

10. Senegal Parrots

Senegals might be quieter than some of the larger species, but don’t mistake their calm demeanor for a lack of brains. These small parrots are quick learners and excel at solving puzzles. Known for being affectionate and forming strong bonds with their owners, Senegal parrots enjoy training and mental stimulation. Their calm, observant nature allows them to figure things out quickly, and they can be taught a variety of tricks and commands with ease. Just remember to keep them engaged—idle minds can lead to mischievous behavior!