8 Types of Parrots That Every Bird Lover Should Know

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Two quaker parrots sitting on a tree branch
Wallace Silva/Pexels

Parrots are some of the most colorful, clever, and downright entertaining birds out there. With their bright feathers, goofy personalities, and crazy mimic skills, it’s no wonder bird lovers are completely obsessed. These little chatterboxes aren’t just pretty faces—they’re smart, social, and love bonding with their humans. Whether you’ve got a parrot of your own or just find them fascinating, diving into the different types can be seriously fun. So, let’s check out eight awesome kinds of parrots that totally deserve the spotlight.

1. African Grey Parrot

African Grey Parrot perched near colorful bowls
Deanne Scanlan/Pexels

First up, we’ve got the African Grey—basically the genius of the parrot world. These guys are native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa and are famous for their spot-on mimicking skills. Like, they can hold full-on conversations if they’re in the mood. Plus, they’ve got this super chill vibe and are really emotionally in tune with their humans. Their gray feathers and bright red tail are a total vibe. Just keep in mind, they need lots of mental stimulation and attention to stay happy.

2. Macaw

Scarlet Macaw
Silas Leupold/Pexels

Let’s talk about macaws—the showstoppers of the parrot family. These birds are huge, flashy, and full of personality. Native to Central and South America, they come in jaw-dropping colors like electric blue, fiery red, and sunny yellow. And honestly, they’re total extroverts. Macaws love being the center of attention and are super affectionate once they warm up to you. Of course, they need plenty of space and stimulation, but if you’ve got the time and energy, they’ll be your feathered BFF for decades.

3. Cockatoo

Two white cockatoos
Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Now, moving on to cockatoos—aka the drama queens of the parrot world, in the best way possible. Secondly, with those wild head crests and big personalities, they’re hard to miss. These fluffy charmers come from Australia, Indonesia, and nearby islands, and yeah—they’re loud, cuddly, and super into bonding. Like, seriously attached. And while that makes them insanely lovable, it also means they don’t do well alone for too long. But give them attention and some snuggles, and they’ll stick with you for years of feathery fun.

4. Amazon Parrot

Amazon Parrot
Christopher Borges/Pexels

Also worth knowing? The Amazon Parrot. These green little dynamos are native to South America and the Caribbean and are total chatterboxes. They’ve got big personalities packed into a medium-sized body, and their singing and talking can be non-stop entertainment. Moreover, their expressive eyes are lowkey adorable. They thrive when they’re mentally and socially engaged—so if you’re up for daily interaction and a few noisy concerts, they’re a solid pick. And with the right care, they’ll be around to sing to you for decades.

5. Budgerigar (Budgie)

budgerigar
magali-guimaraes/pexels

On the flip side, if you’re looking for something smaller and super beginner-friendly, enter the budgie. These tiny Australian cuties are packed with personality, even though they don’t take up much space. And guess what? They’re crazy popular for a reason. Not only are they easy to care for, but they’re also smart enough to learn words if you’re patient. Also, they come in tons of colors, so you’re never short on options. They love having a buddy around and will keep your space cheerful with nonstop chirps.

6. Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus Parrot
Wirestock/Freepik

Next up, let’s talk about the Eclectus Parrot—probably one of the most glam-looking birds out there. The males rock bright green feathers, while the females are decked out in stunning red and purple (yep, totally different colors). Basically, they’re from spots like the Solomon Islands and northern Australia, and they’ve got this super calm, laid-back vibe that’s perfect if you’re more into the low-key parrot scene. And bonus: They’ve got soft voices that make their mimicry super cute. Just remember—they need lots of fresh fruits and veggies.

7. Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet)

Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet)
Angela/pixabay

Also in the mix is the Quaker Parrot, or Monk Parakeet—tiny but bursting with personality. These South American natives are bright green bundles of energy who love building big, crazy nests (even in the wild). They’re super social, love chatting, and are always mimicking whatever sounds they pick up. And let’s be real—they’re kinda hilarious. Quakers do best when they’ve got puzzles, toys, or anything that keeps their smart little brains busy. Just don’t let them get bored—they’ll absolutely let you know.

8. Conure

Green-Cheeked Conure
bluepaints/Pixabay

Finally, we’ve got conures—the little goofballs of the parrot world. They’re medium-sized, colorful, and full of playful, affectionate energy. Not to mention, they’re total cuddle bugs and love hanging out with their favorite humans. Furthermore, they’re super social, so whether they’re vibing with you or another bird, they’re happiest in a flock. Sure, they can get a bit loud now and then, but honestly? Their sweet and silly personalities totally make up for it. Keep ’em entertained and loved, and they’ll be your sunshine every day.

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