The world of parrots is diverse and colorful, along with the intelligence of these stunning birds many people opt to keep them as pets. Our Greeley vets talk about some of the different types of parrots, what the most popular type of parrot is and how you can identify parrots.
Parrots as Pets
Parrots are incredible creatures, with their stunning colors and huge personalities it's no wonder why so many people choose to keep these unique birds as pets. These birds love to interact with their humans through socializing and play and they appreciate being challenged intellectually as they themselves are very smart animals.
One thing to keep in mind if you are thinking about parrot ownership however is that they can be quite noisy, some are very large and they require fairly constant care. So if you are someone who travels or isn't home much or prefers a quiet household then a parrot may not be the best option for you.
Speak with your avian vet about your preferences in order to help determine whether or not a pet parrot would be right for you.
How to Identify Parrots
Parrots are tropical birds that are most commonly brightly colored. The size of parrots can vary depending on the type of parrot, ranging from 3 to 40 inches.
They tend to have short necks and sturdy bodies with thick feet and bills. All of these characteristics put together tend to give all types of parrots a bulky appearance.
One thing that can easily distinguish parrots from other birds is that there are no species of parrot that has a forked tail.
The Most Common Types of Parrots
There are many different parrots types and far too many to mention in this post but some of the most common parrot types are listed below.
African Greys:
African Greys are approximately 12 to 14 inches long and are widely known as potentially the most intelligent parrot types there is. They are overall light grey with a scarlet tail and love to talk and make as much noise as they can.
Typically African Grey parrots should only be owned by those that have previous experience with large species of parrots.
Parakeets:
A parakeet is a parrot type that is also commonly referred to as a budgie. These are one of the smallest parrots types that there are coming typically at 7 inches or smaller.
Budgies are relatively trainable and love to keep a constant chatter going throughout the day. They love to interact and chatter with humans and are capable of learning a few words as well.
Lovebirds:
Lovebirds are another small parrot type staying around 6 inches tall at full length. They are known for being incredibly energetic and can have variations in their coloring.
This breed of parrot is very playful and can be easily trained, and while it is possible to have a Lovebird as a beginner parrot type, it may be best if experienced parrot owners choose this breed.
Macaws:
Macaws have some of the greatest variations in size depending on the species with the range being roughly 12 inches for the smallest Macaw all the way to 40 inches for the largest species.
Macaws are incredibly beautiful and colorful, very energetic and are one of the smartest parrot types there is. Macaw owners should prepare themselves for a strong-willed bird that will try to get their own way if possible.
Cockatoos:
Cockatoos are one of the most common parrot types that people choose to keep as pets. Their size ranges from 12 to 26 inches and they have beautiful color variations. These parrots are highly trainable and love to play and cuddle whenever possible.
While talking is not the strong suit of this parrot, they do love to make noise and are known to mimic their owners.
The Most Popular Parrot Type to Keep as a Pet
When it comes to keeping parrots as pets, the most commonly kept parrot type is the Parakeet, or Budgie as it's otherwise known. These birds are incredibly playful, easily trained and love to chatter with their families.
Parakeets also don't require much room as they are quite small and since they don't get too loud, they can be perfect for those living in an apartment.
Parakeets make a great pet parrot for owners of all experience levels making them one of the most popular parrot types that are kept as a pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets.