Breeds of Parrots That Talk

If you have considered purchasing a parrot, you might be wondering which varieties of parrots are known for their ability to talk. Due to their intelligence, there are several varieties of parrot -- ranging in size from quite small to very large -- that have the ability to master and mimic a number of sounds and words.

  1. Macaw

    • The macaw is one of the most familiar of the talking parrots, due to its bright coloration. There are several varieties of macaw, including the blue and gold, the scarlet and the hyacinth. They all hail from Central and South America and eat a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables. They should be socialized early to ensure good temperament and, although they can be quite loud talkers, they can be trained to be quieter. They do tend toward aggressiveness and should be provided with a great deal of exercise and stimulation.

    African Grey Parrot

    • The African grey parrot has gained a reputation for being the most talkative of all the parrot varieties. These talking parrots are very long-lived, with a life expectancy ranging from 40 to 60 years, and they can grow up to 13 inches tall. They cannot only talk but also imitate a wide variety of sounds and whistles. However, they do need a great deal of stimulation and a carefully monitored diet, as boredom and dietary imbalances can lead to feather plucking and other neurotic behavior.

    Quaker Parrot

    • The Quaker parrot, which hails from South America, is one of the smaller varieties of talking parrot, usually ranging from 11 to 13 inches in length, although it has a stout build. This parrot begins speaking at a young age, and it is common to hear young parrots begin to practice their mimicking abilities (although the sounds do not become clear until they are older). They require a great deal of stimulation and exercise but also bond very strongly with their human companions. They can live to be 20 years old or older.

    Cockatoo

    • There are 17 species of cockatoo, one of the most recognizable of the talking parrot varieties. It is originally from Indonesia and comes in a wide variety of colors, although the most common is white. Although they do not have the same talking ability as the macaw or the African grey, they are usually understandable, and bond quite strongly with humans. In addition to foods such as fruits and nuts, low-lactose dairy products are also a much-loved addition to their diet.