Lifespan: 30 + years

Derbyan parakeet; derbyan parrot

Derbyan Parakeet

The vibrant Derbyan parakeet, garbed in jewel tones with inky mustache feathering, inhabits Asia’s highland forests. These medium-sized birds boast high intelligence and emotional sensitivities to match. As companions, these curious energetic birds needs plenty of healthy stimulation!

portrait of cockatiel, African grey parrot and conure

Parrot

You might think you know what a parrot is, but do you? Learn about parrot characteristics, behavior, care needs, and more. These feathered companions have more to offer than you might guess!

Goffin's Cockatoo

Goffin’s Cockatoo

Goffin’s can also be a bit mischievous and can be quick learners. Don’t be surprised to find that your Goffin’s cockatoo quickly learns to open the cage after seeing you unlatch the lock.

Indian ring-necked parakeet

Psittacula

Psittacula are primarily green, with long tail feathers, and a ring of dark colored feathering around the neck. Psittacula are referred to as parakeets, but they are much larger than what many people think of with the word “parakeet.”

Hahn's Macaw

Hahn’s Macaw

A Hahn’s macaw’s personality is much like that of its larger macaw cousins — bold, fun, active — but in a more manageable size, which makes this parrot a popular companion.

White-Capped Pionus

White-Capped Pionus

Don’t overlook the white-capped Pionus parrot as an companion. While it might not demand your attention as other parrots do, a well-socialized white-capped Pionus can certainly be an outgoing and social family pet.

Blue-Headed Pionus

Blue-Headed Pionus

Blue-headed Pionus can be laid-back, relatively quiet parrots, which makes them ideal for those who live in apartments.

Blue-Headed Pionus

Pionus Parrot

The Pionus parrot is the best kept secret of the bird world. It’s got all of the good qualities of the popular companion species, with few of the negative aspects that often occur with parrots.

Poicephalus

Senegal Parrot

With its yellow irises and blocky head, the Senegal parrot can have an intense look. But don’t let its gaze fool you into thinking this bird is always uptight. Senegal parrots can be outgoing and playful and are the most popular of the Poicephalus species.

Poicephalus

Poicephalus

Poicephalus might not want to cuddle, but they can be playful and outgoing, and many certainly love to be petted.

Goffin's Cockatoo

Cockatoo

Pet cockatoos are often referred to as “velcro” birds because of their highly sociable nature and borderline obsessive need to be around the people in their lives. A cockatoo is a loving but demanding bird.

Umbrella cockatoo

Umbrella Cockatoo

The umbrella cockatoo certainly makes a charming, affectionate pet, but it’s not for everyone. An umbrella cockatoo demands attention and needs an owner who can set boundaries.

Moluccan cockatoo

Moluccan Cockatoo

Moluccans would like nothing more than to be sewn to your body 24 hours a day. They crave attention and love, and can become obsessive because of this trait.

orange-winged Amazon parrot

Orange-Winged Amazon Parrot

Orange wings can be spunky and outgoing, but they tend to be mellower and less talkative compared to other Amazons. Like most Amazon parrots, they are social eaters and will appreciate the opportunity to share in healthy meals with their favored people.

yellow-naped Amazon parrot

Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot

Their outgoing personalities make yellow-naped Amazons one of the more popular Amazon species. Yellow napes can be talkative and gravitate toward toys that challenge them both physically and mentally. They also enjoy plenty of interaction with their people.

lilac-crowned Amazon parrot

Lilac-Crowned Amazon

The lilac-crowned Amazon is one of the smaller Amazon species and tends to have a smaller voice compared to the larger, more boisterous yellow-crowned and double yellow-headed Amazons. Lilac crowns can be loyal companions and, like most Amazons, have hearty appetites.

double yellow-headed Amazon parrot

Double Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrot

There’s nothing shy about a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot. These birds are talkative, boisterous and inclined to burst out in song. Males are known for doing what is best described as a mach strut — tail feathers flared out, sliding across the floor while making shrilling sounds.

yellow-naped Amazon parrot

Amazon Parrot

Amazon parrots are among the more popular medium-sized parrot species, which might have something to do with their gregarious personalities. They are often described as boisterous, playful, and outgoing — some even like to sing. Male Amazons have a reputation for exhibiting “macho” behavior — they might flare their tail feathers, pin their eyes and “strut” across the floor or table top.

scarlet macaw

Scarlet Macaw

The scarlet is a “sassy” bird, filled with energy and personality. It’s highly intelligent, as well as a capable escape artist.

hyacinth macaw

Hyacinth Macaw

The hyacinth macaw stunning cobalt-blue coloring and massive size will cause anyone to pause and take notice. Bright yellow around the eyes and at the base and the corners of the beak makes the largest of the macaw species appear to be in a perpetual smile. This is a parrot for someone who afford a hefty price tag and who has space to spare.

green-winged macaw

Green-Winged Macaw

The green-winged macaw is among the largest macaw species. Its large beak can be intimidating, but this macaw has a reputation as a gentle giant.

blue-and-gold macaw

Blue-and-Gold Macaw

The blue-and-gold macaw is aptly named, with a gorgeous blue body and dark lemon-yellow chest, this is a bird that’s hard to miss. It also referred to as the blue-and-yellow macaw.

green-winged macaw

Macaw

Macaws’ big size and vibrant colors make them hard to overlook. These social birds can create a racket when they feel so inclined, and their clownish ways are sure to draw attention. Although their large beaks can be intimidating, a well-socialized macaw can be a friendly and affectionate companion.

African Grey parrot

African Grey Parrot

The African grey parrot’s ability to talk and mimic sounds makes this medium-sized parrot a captivating companion. African grey owners often report that their greys oftentimes talk in context and seem very attuned to their people’s emotions. The African grey parrot is not just a top talker — this bird is also known for its extreme intelligence, which gives them the moniker “The Einsteins of the Bird World.”

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