Parakeet Types

The label "parakeet" encompasses hundreds of different species around the world, including parrots. Though these species do possess similarities in appearance and disposition -- most are brightly colored and hyperactive -- there are also a number of significant differences between the various parakeet groups with regard to size, natural habitat, behavior, and history of domestication. One of the ways scientists classify parakeets is by the geographical regions in which they live or were originally from.

  1. American Parakeets

    • American parakeets belong to the Arini tribe of parakeets, and comprise more than 150 different species of birds. Wild American parakeets can be found in Mexico as well as throughout Central and South America. Because of this, they have earned the nickname of "neotropical" parrots. Macaws are a well-known species of American parakeet, as are Amazon parrots. They are known as colorful birds that are easy to domesticate. One of the most popular domesticated types of parakeet in the U.S. is the budgerigar. Budgerigars are usually blue, green or yellow and white in appearance, and are among the most lively and playful kinds of parakeets.

    Australasian Parakeets

    • There are 30 to 40 species of birds that make up the Platycercini tribe, and together they are commonly referred to as Australasian parakeets. These birds can be found in New Zealand, Australia, and other nearby islands. Like their American cousins, they are brightly colored, but they sport a broader tail than most parakeets.

    African Parakeets

    • Parakeets of the Psittaculini tribe can be found on the African mainland as well as on the tropical island of Madagascar. The Psittaculini tribe contains about 170 species of birds including many popular varieties such as those commonly called lovebirds. Lovebirds have been kept as pets for more than 100 years and are much smaller than most American and Australasian parakeets. There are many different species of lovebirds, but most display a two-tone coloring with a yellow beak.

    Asian Parakeets

    • Asian parakeets, like their African siblings, belong to the Psittaculini tribe. Though most American, Australasian and African parakeets have been domesticated for hundreds of years, Asian parakeets have gained a reputation as a more fickle type of bird. Some are capable of learning to talk, while others never will. They are not nearly as affectionate as lovebirds, but some of the more trainable and less hostile birds can still be kept as pets.