It is estimated that there are about 350 species of birds in the order Psittaciformes (macaw, lorikeet, and cockatoo), each of which has its own distinct characteristics. Like humans, parrots are omnivores, consuming both meat and vegetables in their diets. Some parrots in the wild may live for up to 80 years!
Many parrots have similar characteristics, including bent beaks, forward- and backward-pointing toes, as well as a liking for warm weather. Several parrot species are popular pets, and although some remain numerous in the wild, many others are going extinct as a consequence of human involvement.
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For this reason alone, we should not ignore these amazing animals. Here are some of the most colorful and outgoing types of parrots you’ve ever seen, as well as some interesting information about each one.
12 Different Types of Parrots You Must Know About
1. Scarlet Macaws
There are at least 17 species of macaws (Macao) traced in the Central and South American parrot family. Largest of all the different types of parrots, macaws may grow up to three feet in wingspan. For example, the vivid scarlet macaw’s feathers come in an array of vibrant hues from red to yellow and blue. Many of the scarlet macaw species are endangered and vulnerable due to their popularity with people and the destruction of their natural environments.
2. Puerto Rican Parrot
After a massive reintroduction attempt in the 1980s, the Puerto Rican parrot was once again declared extinct. Up until the 1600s, Puerto Rico and the neighboring islands were home to a million of these stunning green birds with white rings around their eyes. Parrots have decreased as habitats have been cleared to make way for urbanization and farmland. Despite extensive conservation efforts, there are now less than 200 Puerto Rican parrots in the wild.
3. Hawk-Headed Parrot
This parrot is the tiniest of the Amazonian parrots, being barely 12-14 inches tall. Colorful parrots have been shown in zoos to be intelligent and can solve problems to get to their food. When agitated or scared, hawk-headed parrots may lift the feathers at the nape of their necks to form a “fan” over their heads. This skill is only seen in parrots from the Americas.
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4. Sun Conure
South American natives Aratinga solstitialis and the sun parakeet (Aratinga solstitialis) are both beautiful yellow-and-orange birds of prey. They are the best types of pet parrots one can keep as pets in your home. All throughout the continent, although its most common sightings are north of the Amazon. A 12-inch-tall, 4-ounce-tall, and 5-ounce-tall creature. Sun conures, despite their little stature, are noted for their loud squawks – even though they are popular pets, noise complaints are common.
5. Kakapo
The kakapo (Strigops habroptila) is less well-known since it is nearly extinct and is the most endangered. One of New Zealand’s most endangered birds has been relocated to the islands of Codfish, Maud, and Little Barrier Islands, which are completely free of predators because of their isolation. The kakapo, a big parrot, may reach a height of almost 24 inches.
6. Rosy-Faced Lovebirds
Agapornis roseicollis, the rosy-faced lovebird, is so-called because of its lovely pink breasts, neck, and face. People over the globe like keeping them as pets because of their southwestern African origins. Rosaceae lovebirds may reach a height of 6 to 7 inches, yet they are quite light.
7. Rainbow Lorikeet
There is a striking resemblance between lorikeets and lilies. The rainbow lorikeet is a must-see for fans of brightly colored birds (Trichoglossus moluccanus). These stunning birds are known for their vibrant blues, oranges, and greens on their heads, throats, and tails. They have brilliant red beaks. They are between 10 and 12 inches long and weigh between 2.6 and 5.5 ounces, making them the smallest lorikeets in the world.
8. Dusky Lory
Dusky lories (Pseudeos fuscata) is a black bird with brilliant orange and yellow spots that are native to New Guinea and the nearby islands. They are classified as medium-sized parrots because of their height and weight, which are both about 10 inches and 10 ounces. They are among the most popular parrots in the world because of their lovable personality and beautiful colors.
9. Red-Crowned Amazon
Parrots known as Amazons are endemic to Mexico, South America, and portions of the Caribbean. Undoubtedly, the red-crowned amazon (Amazona viridigenalis) is an extroverted, boisterous, and demanding individual. Lively and cheerful, red-crowned amazons, also known as green-cheeked amazons, are known for their playful nature. Wild populations of red-crowned amazons are in jeopardy.
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10. Eclectus Parrots
PNG and its neighboring islands are home to the Eclectus roratus parrot (Eclectus roratus). At 17 to 20 inches in height, they’re one of the biggest parrot species. The “eclectic” patterning on the Eclectus plumage is one of the bird’s most intriguing features. Unlike other parrots, the males of this species are brilliant green while the females are crimson and purple.
11. Galah (Rose-Breasted) Cockatoos
The rose-breasted cockatoo (Eolophus roseicapillus) is a cockatoo notable for its exquisite crown feathers. Australia’s native pet is a favorite due to its friendly demeanor and outstanding “talk” and trick abilities. In Australian slang, the galah’s nickname is “fool.”
12. Bronze Winged Parrot
Its name is a self-explanatory one. The bronze-winged parrot (Pionus chalcopterus) has distinctively colored wings that set it out from other parrot species. The bronze-winged parrot may be found in South American nations such as Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. The IUCN lists this parrot as Least Concern, even though its population is declining.
5 Fun Facts Related To Parrots
- There are over 393 different species of parrots found today: It’s possible to find a wide variety of parrots in tropical and subtropical environments. The Psittacoidea, sometimes known as genuine parrots, is one of three parrot families. Cockatoos and New Zealand parrots belong to the Strigopoidea family.
- A parrot may use its feet to eat: The parrot is the only bird that can eat while holding food in its beak. To eat, they use one foot to get hold of the food and then move it up to their beak for a snack. Parrots, on the other hand, eat pretty much as humans do. Their toes are very much like human fingers in this regard.
- Most parrots can mimic sound: They mimic the sounds around them so that they can blend in. In order to avoid feeling left out, these sociable birds replicate the noises they hear around them. Because they lack vocal cords, they may imitate noises like a ringing phone, a creaking door, or a barking dog by using the muscles in their throats.
- They may live for up to 60 years in the wild: The longer a parrot’s life expectancy, the larger the bird. The African Grey, for example, has been reported to live to be over 60 years old. Medium-sized parrots, such as macaws, often live between 15 and 20 years. Because they face fewer predators and illnesses, pet parrots tend to have longer lives than their wild counterparts. Around 30 years is the typical lifetime of a domestic parrot.
- They’re inseparable: A male and female parrot is likely to remain together even if they are not in the midst of a mating season. If they don’t have children, or if their spouse dies, they go their own ways. It’s up to the male parrot to make the female parrot fall in love with him. Courtship displays are used by him in order to show off his skills at making her fall in love with him. They spend their time together foraging, grooming, and sleeping.
