Parrots are ideal companions of humans. They are friendly, gentle, and responsive. You can spend quality time with these beautiful creatures. However, do you know how diverse this bird species is? The details are mind-blowing.

Parrots have over 350 species with different colors, traits, and appearances. They belong to different families and reside all over the world. Among them, only 20 types can be domesticated. That means only 5% of parrot species can be kept at home. Here we are going to reveal the 10 most popular pet parrots and their unique traits.

What makes parrots the top choice of bird enthusiasts? First, they have charming personalities and intelligent minds. People like their dazzling feathers full of multiple colors.

Secondly, parrots bring vibrancy from diverse ecosystems. Each species is unique by nature, aesthetics, and traits. Moreover, it’s easier to bond with these remarkable birds. They are more affectionate to people they trust.

Let’s explore the diversity of parrot species and analyze ten fascinating types, their appearance, personality traits, characteristics, and more. 

10 Most Popular Pet Parrots and Their Unique Traits

Below is the list of ten delightful parrot species that have gained the most popularity due to their beauty and unique characteristics:

1. Macaws

2. Budgerigar

3. Cockatiel

4. Eclectus Parrot

5. Conures

6. Amazon Parrot

7. Parrotlet

8. Cockatoo

9. Lovebird

10. Senegal Parrot

Let’s discuss each type in detail:

1. Macaws

Size	20-42 inches
Weight	40-64 ounces
Color	Hyacinth, green, scarlet, blue, gold, scarlet
Personality Traits	Smart, hardy, adaptive, intelligent
Characteristics	Yellow patches or rings of skin around eyes, dark grey feet, long tail, large and curved black beak, blue plumage
Life Span	60+ years
Location	Central and South American forests
Fun Fact	They can even crack a coconut shell with their robust beak

Macaws are famous for their impressive size, bright color, and stunning beauty. They live in close-knit family groups and love cuddling and playing with their owners. Besides, they are intelligent enough to solve complex puzzles easily. 

However, Macaws are not for beginners. Owners must provide them with proper housing and facilities to adjust to their large sizes. 

2. Parakeet/Budgies 

Size	6-14 inches
Weight	1-1.4 ounces
Color	White Parakeet: Sky blue, mauve, gray, cobalt, violet, white Yellow Parakeet: Light and dark green, olive, gray-green, yellow
Personality Traits	Intelligent, social, active
Characteristics	Yellow head, black and yellow back, tapered tail feathers, green abdomen
Life Span	Up to 20 years
Location	Arid regions of Australia
Fun Fact	Can mimic human speech

Parakeets are small-sized parrots with the unique ability to create melodies from human speech. Also known as budgies, they are liked for their playful antics and friendly nature. You can train them to perform fun bird tricks and keep them in solo or pairs. Most importantly, parakeets are ideal for beginners who are becoming pet parents for the first time.

3. Cockatiel

Size	12-13 inches
Weight	2-4 ounces
Color	Grey
Personality Traits	Affectionate, cheerful
Characteristics	Medium-grey body, yellow/white face and crest, small dark eyes, orange cheeks, long tail
Life Span	Up to 15-20 years
Location	Arid regions of Australia
Fun Fact	Express their mood with the head crest

Cockatiels are a perfect choice for bird owners looking for friendly and affectionate parrots. These small-sized and intelligent parrots possess captivating personalities. People can judge their mood from the crest on their heads. Their unique appearance attracts bird enthusiasts across the globe.

Similarly, they can mimic household sounds like a ringing phone, doorbell, microwave, etc. Additionally, cockatiels are very emotional and often form strong bonds with caretakers.

Read more:

A Complete Profile Of Cockatiel And Care Overview

4. Eclectus Parrot

Size	17-20 inches
Weight	13-18 ounces
Color	Right green (male), bright red (female)
Personality Traits	Gentle, tranquil
Characteristics	Males have a ring under their wings, females have purple on their chests, and both have fur-like feathers
Life Span	30-50 years
Location	Rainforests in the Solomon Islands and Australia
Fun Fact	They have a striking sexual dimorphism

The Eclectus parrot is one of the few parrot species that doesn’t make much noise. They are very caring and play without much hustle and bustle. Males and females are easily distinguishable by their appearances. 

Moreover, this breed can be trained to be a part of everyday routine. They actively respond to love and affection. Nevertheless, noise and tumult may result in stress and anxiety. Hence, they prefer to live in a calm tranquil environment.

5. Conures

Size	10-12 inches
Weight	2-3 ounces
Color	Blue, orange, green, yellow
Personality Traits	Social, playful, intelligent
Characteristics	Long maroon tail, multi-colored soft features, black beak
Life Span	15-30 years
Location	America
Fun Fact	Can mimic everyday sounds

Conures are small to medium-sized parrots that have captured the hearts of bird enthusiasts with their colorful plumage. They are smart and intelligent by nature. Although quieter and more easygoing, conures have playful personalities and like spending time with humans. Each species has unique traits and behaviors.

However, be careful when keeping conures in apartments or congested places. They prefer an open environment for ample play. Otherwise, their ear-piercing screams won’t let you sleep at night.

6. Amazon Parrot

Size	10-20 inches
Weight	1-2 ounces
Color	Green, greenish blue, greenish-yellow
Personality Traits	Adventurous, curious, affectionate
Characteristics	Green body with bright head feathers, round wings, short tail
Life Span	15-20 years
Location	Central and South America
Fun Fact	They are renowned talkers and can be trained as talking birds.

Amazon parrots belong to the family of talking birds that can mimic human speech. They are world-famous for their outgoing personality, vibrant plumage, and amazing vocal abilities.

With proper care and attention, Amazon parrots can easily adjust to new environments. Nevertheless, owners must actively talk to this breed as they become noisy when they don’t get any attention. They are also safe to coexist with other pets without any risk of harm.

7. Parrotlet

Size	4-5 inches
Weight	1 ounce
Color	Green, blue, yellow, white, grey
Personality Traits	Sassy, feisty, spunky
Characteristics	Green head and body, slight bluish behind eyes, short, tapered tail
Life Span	20-30 years
Location	Mexico, Central and South America
Fun Fact	They are small in size, but eat too much!

Parrotlets are perfect family friends. They are less noisy, actively interact with caretakers, and like humans’ company. Besides, these small comical birds seek extra attention from owners. Otherwise, they become a little wild and aggressive.

Similarly, bring them home only if you have enough time to play. They are active by nature and want their owners to spend quality time with them.

8. Cockatoo

Size	12-20 inches
Weight	10-40 ounce
Color	White, black, grey
Personality Traits	Cuddly, friendly, Excitable
Characteristics	White plumage, large white crest, splotches of yellow, pale yellow on wings, red or pink on tail
Life Span	30-70 years
Location	Australia, The Philippines, Indonesia
Fun Fact	Their beaks are two times stronger than human bite.

Cockatoos are the best companions of humans. They can be a great choice for bird enthusiasts who love to spend quality time with parrots. You can sit with cockatoos and chat for hours without any disruption. They are very social and live happily if given proper attention.

However, if cockatoos feel they are being ignored, they may resort to destructive behaviors like feature plucking or excessive biting. Hence, make sure to have sufficient time to keep cockatoos happy.

9. Lovebird

Size	5-6 inches
Weight	1.5-2 ounce
Color	Violet, black or peach-faced, red and dark orange, a combination of yellow, green, and orange
Personality Traits	Bold and inquisitive
Characteristics	Head-to-face different color than the body, round beak, multiple colors, short beak
Life Span	10-15 years
Location	Mainland Africa and the island of Madagascar
Fun Fact	They feed their partners to show affection after meeting for a long time.

As the name suggests, lovebirds are known for establishing strong bonds with their partners. They adore attention and prefer living in pairs. Similarly, you can teach them various tricks like ringing bells and spinning wheels.

Surprisingly, lovebirds become jealous and aggressive when not tamed properly. So, be careful when dealing with these beautiful birds.

10. Senegal Parrot

Size	10 inches
Weight	4-6 ounces
Color	Violet, black or peach-faced, red and dark orange, a combination of yellow, green, and orange
Personality Traits	Outgoing, comical, playful
Characteristics	Green throat, dark-green and brownish-gray body, long tail, yellow chest
Life Span	20-30 years
Location	West Africa
Fun Fact	They can learn to speak several words

Looking for a parrot that can sit on your shoulder? Senegal parrot is for you.

Senegal parrots are ideal human companions. They have attractive appearances and comical personalities. The best thing about them is they are less noisy and don’t annoy neighbors. Hence, they are safe to be kept in close congested areas like apartments.

Parrots are beautiful, fun-loving birds. They have diverse species with varying sizes, appearances, personality traits, and physical characteristics.

One thing is common among all parrots. They need your love and attention. The more you give them your time, the closer they will be. They can be your best companions if taken care of properly.

Hence, if you want to befriend a parrot, show your affection and then see the results.