Green is in! The different types of green parrots

From sage to pear – the color green is pretty much everywhere…

Green, green, green!

So naturally, this is apparent in the parrot world, with green being a dominant color amongst these feathered friends.

Most parrots aren’t usually limited to just one color. Instead, many have some yellow, white, orange, browns, and so on in there too.

They’re basically just a rainbow – or a jungle of colors!

Not only are parrots colorful, but they’re also intelligent creatures with big personalities.

From common pet parrots such as the budgie to wild parrots such as the Thick Billed Parrot…

Here’s a countdown of the top 10 green parrots that add a touch of brightness to their surroundings, whether this is in a home environment or the wild.


The Red-Fronted Parrot

  • Scientific name: Poicephalus gulielmi
  • Length: 10-12 inches
  • Weight: 200-300 grams

Don’t let the name fall you, as this parrot species only has a little bit of red on its forehead and wings.

Other than that, this parrot species is mostly green, although it does have narrow black scalloping on its back, neck, wings, and head.

However, the exact colorings vary across its two subspecies.

Also known as the ‘Jardine’s Parrot,’ this species of parrot is found in western, eastern, and central Africa.

Their ability to copy sounds and mimic speech means they’re a popular pet. This skill is so impressive that they’re capable of mimicking some birds sounds perfect.

They make great companions for people because they aren’t as needy as other species of bird. They’re very affectionate and have a sweet-tempered nature.

See Also: Can Parrots Eat Almonds?

As with all wild species of parrot, it’s illegal to import and export them.

Although they boost impressive vocal skills, they’re not as noisy as some of the other larger species of parrot.


Quaker Parakeet

  • Scientific name: Myiopsitta monachus
  • Length: 11 – 12 inches
  • Weight: 80 – 140 grams

This parakeet may be small in size, but they’re big in personality.

These born entertainers make attentive pets and are pros at mimicking sounds and singing.

Although friendly and funny birds, they’re regarded as a threat to other native birds and carry psittacosis.

As a result of this, they’re banned as pets across many US states, including California and Connecticut.

These social parrots love to hang out with their flock and are the only species of parrots who build a stick nest.

Also known as Monk Parakeets, they’re a member of the Psittacidae family.

Spot wild species of this parrot in Argentina, South America, North America, and Europe.

This parakeet reaches full size by the age of 2 and has a lifespan of between 15 – 20 years.

This parrots standout feather color is, of course, green – however, they do have a gray breast, cheeks and throat, and blue flight feathers.


Lovebird

  • Scientific name: Agapornis
  • Length: 5 – 7 inches
  • Weight: 55 grams

Love is in the air, and it comes in a small, bright-feathered package.

These monogamous birds are loyal, loving, and affectionate.

This small parrot is a member of the Psittacidae family and comes in 9 different species, each with their own colorings.

However, they all have one prominent in common – yep, you guessed, it’s green!

They’re big on personality, but if neglected by their owner, they can turn nippy – so they’re not suited to people who can’t give them lots of attention.

In the wild, these little parrots live in small flocks and enjoy pecking at fruit, grasses, seeds, and vegetables.


Budgie

  • Scientific name: Melopsittacus undulatus
  • Length: 6 – 8 inches
  • Weight: 1 ounce

Budgie is the shortened name for the budgerigar (which is an extremely long word for such a small-sized bird).

In the wild, they range in color from green to yellow and are a member of the Psittacuilidae family.

While in captivity, various mutations mean they now come in a vast array of colors.

Their inquisitive and friendly nature makes them popular pets – in fact, they’re the third most popular pet choice in the world, after cats and dogs.

They bore easily, so they need plenty of entertainment and interaction from people.

They’re affectionate, intelligent, and have an impressive vocabulary – With the proper training, they can learn over 1000 words!


Painted Parakeet

  • Scientific name: Pyrrhura picta
  • Length: 8.5 – 9.6 inches
  • Weight: 54-70 grams

A member of the true parrot family, Psittacidae; this species of parrot is native to Northern South America and can also be found in Central America.

Also known by the name ‘Painted Conure.’ these birds are mostly green in color, which makes them a master of disguise in the forest canopy.

In the wild, these parrots live for around 5 to 8 years and choose to stay out of the way by staying high up in the trees.

Their quiet nature, sweet temperament, striking colorings, and their ability to interact well with people make this species of parrot a popular pet.

However, these parrots aren’t commonly found in captivity. But remain in high demand.


Amazon Parrot

  • Scientific name: Amazona
  • Length: 15 – 17 inches
  • Weight: 450-650 grams

I know you’ve heard of Amazon Parrots – because when it comes to the bird world, then this colorful species is famous.

Why you ask?! well, this is down to their colorful feathers and impressive vocal skills.

They can mimic sounds such as dogs barking, doors shutting, and even human speech.

Amazon Parrots are medium-sized birds and are a member of the Psittacidae family and are native to South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

There are several different species of them, including the blue-fronted Amazon and yellow-naped Amazon…

But each type has one main thing in common – they’re primarily green.

People considering having one of these parrots as a pet need to be able to give them plenty of room, time, care, and attention.


Male Eclectus

  • Scientific name: Eclectus roratus
  • Length: 17-20 inches
  • Weight: 360-540 grams

This species of parrots luminous green plumage makes it hard to miss.

Being a sexually dimorphic bird allows people to spot their sex simply by looking at its plumage. For instance, if it’s large, has an orange beak, and is bright green, then this is a male.

Females, on the other hand are bright red.

This parrot is native to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Australia, and the Maluku Islands.

Their friendly and inquisitive nature makes them great pets but beware. Their need for entertaining means they require a lot of attention.

If these parrots don’t get enough attention, then this may lead to stress, aggression, and loss of appetite.

They’re known for being on the vocal side and have the ability to learn plenty of words.


Red-Shouldered Macaw

  • Scientific name: Diopsittaca nobilis
  • Length: 12 inches
  • Weight: 130-170 grams

This small macaw has lovely green feathers – well, apart from the red covets on its wings (hence its name). It also has slate blue on the top of its head.

This species of parrot is also known as ‘Hahn’s Macaw.’

This neotropical parrot is native to Venezuela, Brazil, Guianas, and Peru – they love lowlands, swampland, and savannahs.

They make great pets but require plenty of care and attention – so suit more experienced owners who can provide them with the relevant time and attention they need to flourish, learn, and grow.

This intelligent bird can learn words and tricks – if given the right time and care, they can become a loving member of the family.

But lack of the proper time will lead to a grumpy, stressed bird that may nip…ouch!


Spectacled Parrotlet

  • Scientific name: Forpus conspicillatus
  • Length: 5 inches
  • Weight: 30 grams

These parrot species may be small in size, but this little bird is colorful, curious, and on the sociable side.

They’re endemic to Middle and South America.

These social birds love to natter – so in the wild, they live in small flocks but often meet up with groups of around 100 on clay mounds.

These parrots feed on nuts, seeds, cactus, fruit, leaves, and on occasion, small insects…yum!

Their green and blue colorings allow them to camouflage in tropical trees. Although in captivity, color mutations mean they come in different colors.

These small in size parrots make a great pet choice for first-time owners as they’re lovable birds that don’t require as much room and attention as other parrots do.

They may not be the vocalist of birds, but they love foraging for toys, playing, and receiving lots of fuss from their people.


Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot

  • Scientific name: Loriculus beryllinus
  • Length: 5.1 inches
  • Weight: Unknown

Found in Sri Lanka (hence the name), this green parrot isn’t the most sociable of beings and prefers hanging out alone or in small groups.

They’re primarily green but they do have a red crown and rump and some tints of orange – their short tail makes them easily distinguishable from other parrots.

These arboreal birds stay up in the trees and don’t venture onto the ground – in fact, they nest in holes in trees.

It’s rare you’ll find one of these parrots kept as a pet – they’re far more suited to being up high in the tree canopies.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many parrot species are there?

There are over 350 known species of parrots. These are all members of the order Psittaciformes and include parakeets, macaws, cockatoos, and cockatiels.


2. What’s a baby parrot called?

They’re called chicks – yep, this seems on the simple side, but a name’s a name.


3. What do wild parrots eat?

As omnivores, parrots eat both vegetables and meat.

They usually favor seeds above all else but are also known to eat flowers, fruit, nuts, and insects.


4. How big are parrots?

There isn’t one answer for this – with so many different species in the Psittaciformes order, a parrot’s size can range from 3.5 to 40 inches.

The largest species of bird is the Hyacinth Macaw, which is 3.3 feet long…

But this striking bird is cobalt-blue (which explains why it didn’t make a list).


5. Are parrots endangered?

Yes, 50% of wild parrots are endangered, with 25%  of these classed as critically endangered.

This is down to the destruction, and also to the illegal trading of them.


Types of Green Parrot: An Overview

Green, green, green…

When it comes to parrots, then green is in (with the odd exception).

The parrot species has fascinated people for years – this isn’t surprising, as not only are they beautiful creatures, but they’re also big on personality.

There’s a prism of primarily green parrots out there.

Your pet parrot may also have yellow, blue, red, black, white, brown feathers….

The color list goes on.

Green or not, parrots are a one-of-a-kind species of birds.

They make great pets, and it’s no wonder people want to have one in their lives to care for.

Green parrots are far more than just being, well, mainly green.

They’re colorful, charismatic, energetic, and curious birds.

Whether you have one as a pet or spot one in the wild, people can learn a lot from these inquisitive, green feathered friends.

Julian Goldie - Owner of ChiperBirds.com

Julian Goldie

I'm a bird enthusiast and creator of Chipper Birds, a blog sharing my experience caring for birds. I've traveled the world bird watching and I'm committed to helping others with bird care. Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.