Know the Different Types of Parrots to Identify the Right One for You!

Once you decide and join in the number of pet lovers who have decided on keeping parrots as pets the next clever move will be to make sure that you have a fairly good idea of the different types of parrots. This knowledge plus all the parrot information that you can get will be a great help in getting to know your prospective pet even before you actually have one.

Different lifestyles and living situations are just one of the few things pet owners like you must keep in mind when looking through the different types of parrots available in the market. Knowing what you can offer and what the parrot species’ need are additional points you have to consider to ensure that your lifestyle, living condition as well as your personality and that of your pet are well-suited and compatible.

The term “parrot” is actually a generic name referring to roughly 300+ types of parrots under the Psittaciformes order. The different types of parrots are divided into three families although only two (2) are commonly known types of parrots — the psittacidae (true parrots) and the Cacatuidae (cockatoos). The lesser known type nestoridae (Kākā) is composed of parrot species that are endemic to New Zealand and nearby oceanic islands. Recently, these particular types of parrots are believed to have become extinct.

The issue of the parrot species’ classification is quite controversial particularly that scientists are still having disputes regarding the classification of the types of parrots according to physical appearance since DNA testing shows that parrot species with same physical attributes sometimes reveal unrelated characteristics.

For purposes of sorting out the different types of parrots to aid in pet selection, the following parrot information groupings is used by breeders and parrot lovers alike:

a. parrots, intelligent birds but need a lot of training before they can become good pets;
b. parrotlets, smaller sized version of the former yet with bigger personalities but with a very delightful disposition;
c. macaws, colorful flamboyant birds who need authoritarian training;
d. conures, colorful parrot species that breed in the wild but are very friendly and have sweet disposition;
e. budgies, also known as parakeets, native Australian green and yellow bird with gentle but a little afraid of humans unless trained properly and they become gregarious with entertaining personalities;
f. lovebirds, small playful birds and can breed even in cages;
g. cockataiels, easily breed and are happy and cheerful birds perfect for first time pet owner;
h. cockatoos, smart, beautiful, playful and good talkers who loved to be cuddled and very easily bond with their owners.
There are several types of parrots and each of them has their own personalities and specific requirements. But, despite the diversity and the different types of parrots around the world, it is apparent that they do share a fair number of similarities from physical attributes — strong, distinctive curved beaks, colorful, attractive plumage and a four-toed feet with two toes pointing forward and the other two backwards; their dietary requirements and food choices — fruits, vegetables and seeds; and some types of parrots even share behavioral patterns.

Certain characteristics like temperament, talking and following tricks ability, reception to human owners and care needs are most of the things that vary from among the several types of parrots that can be perfect pets.

Gather as much parrot information as you can before finally deciding on a particular parrot from among the different types of parrots in the world.