Types of Pet Birds: Parrots

A variety of parrot types can be kept as pets. With each subspecies of parrot comes a variety of different characteristics. To determine which type of parrot is right for you, you should understand the various personality types of parrot subspecies. All parrots are prone to moodiness and aggression, but certain types of parrots require more care than others.

  1. Green Parrots

    • The green parrot is the most common type of pet parrot. The green parrot family includes young sun conure and the mustache parakeet, as both have predominately bright green bodies in addition to vibrant red and yellow markings. Green parrots require proper training to be good pets, as misbehaving members of this species can be moody, loud, aggressive and prone to biting. Once properly trained, however, these intelligent birds can mimic speech and perform a variety of tricks. Green parrots thrive on a diet of seeds, chicken and boiled vegetables. Their life span is approximately 50 to 75 years.

    African Gray Parrot

    • The two types of African gray parrot are the Congo and the Timneh. Both types of the African gray parrot have light gray plumage. African gray parrots are great at mimicking speech and whistling, however, they are typically quiet when they are most contented. This species of parrot is notorious for plucking its feathers out when it is ill or being maltreated. African gray parrots also tend to get very attached to one owner and find great delight in being allowed out of their cages. Highly loyal and affectionate, these parrots make great pets for people looking for the companionship of a bird.

    Quaker Parrots

    • The Quaker parrot is native to South America and the approximate size and shape of a cockatiel. Quaker parrots are a bright green color on the top of their body, with white or light gray underneath and light blue markings at their wings. Quaker parrots are highly intelligent and require a consistent attention to avoid aggression moodiness. While not as affectionate as the African gray parrot, these birds are excellent talkers and can be trained from adolescence to mimic a large variety of human phrases. Quaker parrots bond with their owners by playing games and remaining active.

    Amazon Parrots

    • Amazon parrots are a beautiful bright green color with yellow and red markings and short wings. There are over 20 different species of Amazon parrots. These parrots are considered the most moody and intelligent of all parrot species. Due to these characteristics, they also require the most attention, including a lot of mental and physical stimulus with speech training and game playing. Amazon parrots also do well in pairs. When they are properly trained and cared for, Amazon parrots make great loyal and chatty pets.