Parrot Species and Characteristics

There are many different species of Parrots, each with their own personalities and specific requirements. We would recommend choosing a smaller species of parrot if you have never kept or had much experience with birds.

Please remember to thoroughly research and never buy on impulse. There is a great deal of information available on the internet and books, ask any people you may know have kept them. Certain breeds of Parrots can live for many decades and are a big responsibility to take on.

Parrots are known for being noisy birds, although some species (such as cockatoos) are so more than others. You must be prepared for this and it may be a good idea to check with your neighbours if you are planning to house your bird outside.

Parrots have large powerful beaks, therefore it is essential to have appropriate housing for them and this also means to be very careful when handling them if they are not fully trained.

Below is a few of the popular Parrots species and their characteristics.

Amazons :

There are many different species of Amazons, generally coming from the rainforests in South America. They are well known for their attractive green colour, with different species head and front varying in bright colours, the most popular being the Blue fronted, Orange winged and Double-Yellow head. They range in size from 25 to 45 cms and are long living birds.

They are a popular pet with a strong personality and would not be recommended if you have not kept birds before. They are responsive to training and often connect very well with one person. They love to be included on anything going on around them, although it is important to provide toys and entertainment for them when you are busy.

Amazons should be kept on a good quality parrot mix with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Be careful not to overfeed on seeds and nuts as they can become overweight easily.

African Grey :

The basic colouring is obviously grey with red tail feathers and a white face.

The African Grey is probably the most popular pet parrot due to its excellent mimicry and vocal skills. They are well known for picking up a large vocabulary and can quickly learn to whistle tunes. African Greys are quite demanding and a considerable amount of time will need to be spent with them when they are young. They are nervous birds that are intelligent, yet sensitive. If they become stressed or bored they have a tendancy to pluck their feathers. Therefore it is important to spend as much time as possible with them, as well as toys for entertainment when you are not there. Stress can also be reduced by keeping them in a daily routine and in the same environment.

They should be fed on a quality Parrot food, along with fruits & vegetables, as well as seeds as treats.

Eclectus :

Originally from Australia they are a very beautiful bird. The male and female both differ in colour, with the males being green with red feathers underneath their wings and the females are red and violet. They grow to around 35cms. The feathers on their heads, necks and front are uniquely different being more similar to a hair like texture than feathers. They also have a smooth beak appearance, if any ridges or grooves appear this often indicates poor nutrition and diet.

They enjoy playing and some will learn to speak. It is better if they are constantly handled and talked to when they are babies, otherwise in later life they can be quite unaffectionate and timid.

Eclectus need a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits (carrots, green apples, pears) on a daily basis in order to receive vitamins and minerals they require to stay in good health, along with a good quality mix. They enjoy eating peanuts and other nuts, although the nuts will have had to be removed from their shell, their beaks are not designed to open such shells. Again, the amount of nuts they have should be limited to one nut a day otherwise weight may be gained, more commonly so by the females.

Conures :

Originate from Central and South America and vary in size from 23cms upwards. There are also larger species that can grow up to twice this length. There are varying species available, the most popular including the Red-masked Conure which is predominantly green, with red markings on the face and body. There is also the Sun Conure, which is mainly yellow in colour with varying colours on its wings and tail feather. Finally, the Maroon-bellied Conure is a very popular household pet and is much quieter than the Sun Conure. They again, are mainly green with a Maroon belly.

Conures can be easily tamed and young birds can often be taught to say a few words. They are very entertaining pets and love to have fun. Some species can be quite destructive so it is a good idea to ensure you have lots of wooden toys and branches available to keep your bird busy.

They should be fed on a quality parrot mix with cereal seeds and fruit/vegetables.

Macaws :

Originate from South America, there are more than 20 species and subspecies. The most popular includes the Blue and Gold Macaw, the Green-winged Macaw and the Red-shouldered Macaw. Sizes range from as small as 30cms up to 100cms. Extra consideration should be taken when deciding whether to purchase a Macaw as they are very long-lived creatures and should not be bought as a child's pet due to their powerful beak.

These are very intelligent birds and can often be taught to do tricks. They are also noisy, although not particularly talented at talking. Purchasing a macaw would not be recommended if you have not kept parrots/birds previously. You must ensure you have enough room for a very large cage and a place for your bird to fly or spread its wings.

You must ensure you have a good supply of natural branches available for your bird.

They should be fed on a good quality Parrot food along with fruit and vegetables. Macaws also enjoy nuts as a treat.

Cockatoo :

Originally they are from Australia and the Islands of Indonesia. There are various different species of Cockatoos ranging from the beautiful looking Umbrella Cockatoo to the more docile Roseate (Galah). Their colours range greatly depending on the particular species. Sizes range from as small as 33cms for the lesser sulphur crested Cockatoo, and up to 50cms for the Moluccan Cockatoo. These are demanding birds and need a great deal of attention. Problems may arise if they are not given the correct training and discipline when they are young. Cockatoos are well known for being very noisy, you must be sure to check with your neighbour if you are thinking of getting one.

They must be provided with a great deal of mental stimulation, otherwise if boredom occurs they may resort to feather plucking. Toys should be provided at all time.

Depending on the individual species of Cockatoo their diet may vary, they should be fed on a good quality parrot mix, along with fruit and vegetables.