There’s so much to discuss about parrots that we can take up the whole day. Parrots are such wonderful creatures that have captivated humans for centuries with their vibrant plumage, playful antics and remarkable intelligence.
Did you know that they can be found on every continent except Antarctica? Whether it’s the dense rainforests of the Amazon, the remote islands of the Pacific, the lush jungles of Central and South America, the arid deserts of Australia, the grasslands of Africa, or the mountainous regions of Asia, parrots have managed to carve out niches and thrive in diverse environments.
What makes parrots truly remarkable is their staggering diversity in size, coloration and behavior. Beyond their beauty and appearance, parrots also exhibit a wide range of behaviors, some species are renowned for their vocal prowess and are capable of mimicking human speech and other sounds with surprising accuracy. Did you know that parrots also possess problem-solving abilities akin to a toddler’s? I bet you didn’t!
Anyways, in this article, we’ll explore the diverse world of parrots, focusing on the different types of parrots.
Classification of Parrots
Parrots are divided into three families; the true parrots, the cockatoos and New Zealand parrots. Each of these families have different species of parrots with unique characteristics.
1. True Parrots
True Parrots are the majority of parrot species, they include macaws, conures, lovebirds, and parakeets. True parrots possess strong, curved beaks, zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward) and vibrant feathers. They also comes in different sizes and colors and exhibit a wide range of behavior. They form habitats in diverse places, such as forests, grasslands, deserts and mountains.
2. Cockatoos
Cockatoos are known for their distinctive crests, which they can raise and lower depending on their mood. They have a powdery texture to their feathers and are larger compared to true parrots.
Cockatoos are primarily found in Australia and nearby islands, where they inhabit forests, woodlands and savannahs.
3. New Zealand Parrots
New Zealand Parrot family consists of kea, kaka and kakapo, they are native to New Zealand, hence the name. New Zealand parrots are known for their ability to adapt to the island’s ecosystems.
Types of Parrots
There are more than 350 species of parrots in the world, coming in various sizes and living in different habitats.
1. Parrotlet
The Parrotlet is the tiniest parrot species in the world, with length between 3 – 5.5 inches, weight around 18 – 28 g and a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
The parrotlet comes in several sizes, shapes and characteristics. They are attention craving parrots that require a lot of care and time and devotion.
2. Budgerigars
Budgerigars, also known as the Budgie or Parakeet, are native to Australia. They are one of the most popular pet parrots in the world due to their friendly nature and ability to mimic human speech. Their length is between 7 and 8 inches, weigh around 30 and 40 g and have a lifespan of about 7 to 15 years
Budgies are adequate for parrot lovers who do not want a giant bird. They like learning new tricks and they require more play and exercise than larger parrots but they are quieter than most other hookbills and should be kept in much smaller cages.
3. Lovebirds
Lovebirds are another type of parrot; they are native to Africa, have brightly colored, strong pair bonds and have affectionate behavior.
They are small in length, between 5 and 7 inches, they weigh up to 40 and 60 g and have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years.
They have a curious and friendly personality and are able to create strong relationships with their mates and their owners.
Though love birds usually don’t communicate, they have the knack for learning tricks and entertaining their owners.
4. Meyer’s Parrot
Meyer’s parrots are small parrots with a stocky build. They are 8 – 9 inches in length, weigh around 120 g, and have a lifespan of 25 years or more.
Meyer’s Parrot are quiet, keen observers, emitting soft chirps and high-pitched tweets as they sit and watch the world go by. They also like to interact with humans but they take their speaking lessons slowly.
5. Bourke’s parakeets
Bourke’s parakeets are tiny parrots that are 7–8 inches in length, weigh 45g, and have a lifespan of 5–8 years.
These types of parrots are peaceful and silent, in their silence, they make beautiful sounds that are pleasing to the ear. They also make high, disturbing squeals when frightened; therefore, they should be kept in a quiet environment. .
6. Hyacinth Macaw
Length: 40 inches
Weight: 1.55 and 1.6kg
Wingspan: Around 4 feet
Lifespan: 50 to 60 years
The hyacinth macaw is the largest type of parrot and also one of the most friendly birds on the planet. Hyacinth Macaws are native to South America and feature a stunning cobalt-blue plumage with yellow patches around their eyes and a powerful beak that can chew through cages.
These parrots are also very sensitive and therefore require a serene and spacious environment with room for interaction. They live in the tropics like palm swamps and woodlands in the wild and avoid thick woods.
7. African Grey Parrot
Length: 9 to 14 inches
Weight: 11 to 19 ounces
Wingspan: 18 to 20 inches
Lifespan: 80 years in captivity
African Grey Parrots are one of the most popular parrots on the planet. They are native to the rainforests of Central and West Africa and are exceptional for their intelligence and ability to mimic and understand human speech. They can also help other bird in need.
African grays require a peaceful environment to live in because they are easily stressed.
8. Umbrella cockatoos
Length: 18 inches
Weight: 18 to 26 ounces
Wingspan: 22 inches
Lifespan: 60 years in captivity
Umbrella cockatoos are big sized parrots that love being doted on. They also love their space to play and become aggressive and self-destructive if there’s no adequate space. They have a knack for pulling their feathers in tight spaces.
9. Scarlet Macaw
Scarlet Macaw is one of the most iconic parrot species inhabiting the rainforests of Central and South America. It features a brilliant red, yellow, and blue plumage.
10. Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus parrots are found in the forests of New Guinea and nearby islands. Like other parrots, they are very happy when they are given full attention by humans. They love to be vocal but they are not noisy like Cockatoos.
This breed of parrots is one of the most unique because the male and female eclectus parrots exhibit different plumage, the males have bright green feathers, while the females have vibrant red and purple hues.
11. Australian Ringneck
Australian Ringneck is also known as the twenty-eight parrot. It has a distinctive ring of yellow feathers around its neck and can be found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia.
12. Peach-faced Lovebird
The peach-faced lovebird is known for its pastel plumage and social nature. It is native to arid regions of southwestern Africa.
13. Kea
The kea is a native to New Zealand’s South Island, and is known for its inquisitive nature and remarkable problem-solving abilities. It can be found in alpine and subalpine regions.
14. Andean Parakeet
Andean Parakeet are found in the Andes Mountains of South America. This species of parrots is adapted to the harsh conditions of high-altitude habitats, where it feeds on grass seeds and small fruits.
Other Types of Parrots
There are several other species and types of parrots based on their habitats. Each type of parrot has its own unique adaptations and characteristics that enable it to thrive in its specific habitat.
- Desert parrots inhabit arid environments where water and food can be scarce. As a result, they have muted coloration and exhibit special behaviors in order to conserve water in their bodies.
- Mountain and highland parrots live in cold temperatures with limited food sources such as rugged terrain or high altitudes. They often have robust bodies and thick plumage to adapt to their environment.
- Tropical parrots are found in lush rainforests and other tropical habitats, where they enjoy a rich diet of fruits, nuts, and seeds. They often have vibrant plumage and engaging personalities.
Conclusion
Parrots are diverse creatures with unique species adapted to thrive in various habitats around the globe. From the arid deserts of Australia, to the vibrant rainforests of South America and Africa, parrots have made their habitat and niches in ecosystems as diverse as their plumage.
Their vivid colors, playful behaviors, and extraordinary intelligence have captivated humans for centuries, making them a part of our lives and cultures. Therefore, it is essential that we learn more about the different types of parrots and their habitats.
