In the vast, vibrant spectrum of the avian world, parrots, with their striking colors and unmistakable charisma, have always held a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts. Among these feathered wonders, the green parrots stand out not just for their soothing verdant hues but also for their playful personalities, sharp intellect, and the ability to form deep bonds with their human caretakers.
When considering pet birds, these green gems offer potential pet owners a range of choices, from the tiny yet delightful Green Parrotlets to the regal and iconic Green-Winged Macaws. But with so many species and subspecies, how does one choose the perfect companion?
In this comprehensive guide titled “20 Top Green Parrots to Keep as Pets,” we will navigate through the world of these emerald-feathered friends, exploring the characteristics, behaviors, and unique quirks of each variety.
Whether you’re an experienced aviculturist looking to expand your flock or a novice bird lover just starting out, this article will provide insights into the care requirements, temperament, and suitability of each type of green parrot. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to decide which of these beautiful birds resonates with your lifestyle and expectations.
But it’s not just about choosing a pet; it’s about welcoming a new member into your family. And as with any family member, understanding and connection are key. So, let’s embark on this green-feathered journey and find out which of these parrots might just become your next beloved companion.
Budgerigar (Green variety)
- Length: 18 cm
- Weight: 30-40 grams
The Budgerigar, or “budgie,” is a small and vivacious bird, popular among both novice and seasoned bird enthusiasts. Native to Australia, these birds are highly social, thriving on interaction and play. Their green variety showcases a brilliant shade that captures the essence of nature.
While they have a relatively short lifespan of 5-8 years, their charming personalities make them endearing. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, but they also relish fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, budgies are relatively low-maintenance, requiring basic care in terms of housing and nutrition. Their ability to mimic sounds can provide endless entertainment.
Green-Cheeked Conure
- Length: 26 cm
- Weight: 60-80 grams
Originating from South America, the Green-Cheeked Conure is a delightful bundle of energy. They have a long lifespan, often living up to 30 years with proper care. While they are quieter than most parrots, their occasional chirps and unique vocalizations have a musical quality. Their affectionate nature makes them great companions, though they also appreciate their independence.
Offering toys and puzzles can keep them engaged and mentally stimulated. These birds have a diverse diet, from pellets and seeds to fresh fruits and veggies. They can be prone to certain health issues like feather plucking, so a stimulating environment is essential.
Yellow-Naped Amazon
- Length: 40-45 cm
- Weight: 450-600 grams
Native to Central America, the Yellow-Naped Amazon is renowned for its incredible vocal abilities, often mimicking a wide array of sounds, including human speech. This parrot’s intelligence is matched by its strong personality; they are known for being social, loving, and occasionally assertive. With a potential lifespan of up to 60 years, they can be lifelong companions.
They thrive on a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, seeds, and fresh produce. Due to their intelligence, they need a stimulating environment filled with toys and puzzles. Proper training from a young age can help manage their strong-willed nature. Regular interaction and bonding time are essential for their well-being.
Eclectus Parrot
- Length: 35 cm
- Weight: 400-500 grams
Native to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and nearby regions, the Eclectus Parrot stands out with its sexual dimorphism: males are predominantly green while females display brilliant red and purple hues. These parrots are known for their calm and gentle disposition, making them suitable for families.
Their unique digestive system requires a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. With a lifespan reaching up to 50 years, these birds require long-term commitment. Their intellectual capacity demands mental stimulation through toys and interactions. They’re also known to be clear talkers, capturing a range of words and phrases.
Green-Winged Macaw
- Length: 90 cm
- Weight: 1250-1700 grams
Among the giants of the parrot world, the Green-Winged Macaw, also known as the Red-and-Green Macaw, boasts striking green wings contrasted with vibrant red feathers. They’re social creatures that require extensive interaction and space. Given their size, a spacious cage and regular out-of-cage time are essential.
Their strong beaks can easily crack nuts, a staple in their diet along with fruits, vegetables, and specialized pellets. Their captivating personalities and lifespans of 50+ years require owners to be truly dedicated to their care.
Monk Parakeet (or Quaker Parrot)
- Length: 29 cm
- Weight: 90-120 grams
Known for building elaborate communal nests, Monk Parakeets are native to South America but have established populations in several U.S. cities. Their gregarious nature makes them fun companions. They have a varied diet of seeds, pellets, and fresh foods.
Their vocal nature, paired with an ability to mimic, can be both entertaining and occasionally loud. Being active birds, they need plenty of toys and out-of-cage playtime. They live up to 20-30 years and have become popular due to their playful disposition and manageable size.
Senegal Parrot
- Length: 23 cm
- Weight: 120-170 grams
With origins in West Africa, Senegal Parrots have become favorites in the pet trade due to their manageable size and lively character. Sporting a gray head, green wings and back, and a characteristic yellow to orange belly, they are visually appealing. Typically, they bond deeply with their owners and can sometimes become one-person birds.
Their diet includes pellets, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Though they aren’t the most prolific talkers, they can mimic a range of sounds. With lifespans reaching 20-30 years, they make for long-term companions.
Amazon Parrots (various species)
- Length: 25-45 cm (depending on species)
- Weight: 300-700 grams (depending on species)
Amazon Parrots comprise several species, most of which are predominantly green with splashes of other colors on their heads and wings. Hailing from Central and South America, they’re celebrated for their intelligence and vocal prowess. These parrots are social and thrive on interaction.
Their diets are diverse, including pellets, seeds, and fresh foods. Due to their intelligence, they crave mental stimulation and are happiest when provided with a range of toys. Lifespans vary by species but can often exceed 50 years.
Green Parrotlet
- Length: 12-13 cm
- Weight: 30 grams
Often termed “pocket parrots,” Green Parrotlets are tiny but filled with energy and spunk. Native to Central and South America, they are affectionate and can form strong bonds with their caregivers. Their diet includes seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Even though they’re small, they require ample mental stimulation. They can live for up to 20 years.
Ring-Necked Parakeet
- Length: 40 cm
- Weight: 116-140 grams
Originating from Africa and South Asia, Ring-Necked Parakeets have a distinctive ring around their necks when mature. They’re social, intelligent, and great mimics, making them delightful companions. They thrive on a varied diet of seeds, pellets, and fresh produce. These birds have a lifespan of about 20-30 years.
Green Rumped Parrotlet
- Length: 10 cm
- Weight: 23 grams
Slightly smaller than their cousins, the Green Rumped Parrotlets are charming, energetic, and love to be involved in household activities. They thrive on a seed-based diet, supplemented with fresh fruits and veggies. Their lifespan ranges from 15 to 20 years.
Military Macaw
- Length: 70 cm
- Weight: 900-1100 grams
With striking green plumage and a blue forehead, Military Macaws are native to the forests of Mexico and South America. They’re intelligent, social, and require ample space to move. Their diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and pellets. With a potential lifespan of 50-60 years, they’re a long-term commitment.
Mealy Amazon
- Length: 38-41 cm
- Weight: 540-700 grams
Known for their calm demeanor, Mealy Amazons are one of the larger Amazon species. They’re social, intelligent, and enjoy a diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. They can live for 50+ years.
Red-Shouldered Macaw (or Hahn’s Macaw)
- Length: 30 cm
- Weight: 165 grams
The smallest of the macaw family, these birds are lively, affectionate, and can be quite vocal. Their diet consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, and pellets. They can live up to 30 years.
Yellow-Crowned Amazon
- Length: 35-37 cm
- Weight: 400-500 grams
Vibrant and intelligent, these Amazons are prolific talkers and can mimic a wide variety of sounds. They thrive on a balanced diet of pellets, seeds, fruits, and veggies. They can live for 50+ years.
Hyacinthine Macaw (Green mutation)
- Length: 100 cm
- Weight: 1.2-1.7 kg
The rare green mutation of this naturally blue bird is captivating. They require ample space due to their size and a diet rich in nuts, especially Brazil nuts, supplemented with fruits and veggies. They can live for 50 years or more.
White-Fronted Amazon
- Length: 25 cm
- Weight: 200-250 grams
These Amazons are social, intelligent, and have a playful side. Their diet is diverse, encompassing seeds, nuts, fruits, and veggies. Their lifespan ranges from 40 to 60 years.
Pacific Parrotlet
- Length: 12 cm
- Weight: 28-34 grams
These small parrots are feisty and assertive. Despite their size, they have big personalities. They thrive on a diet of seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Their lifespan can range from 15 to 20 years.
Blue-Crowned Conure
- Length: 37 cm
- Weight: 100-130 grams
Though they have a blue crown, their bodies are mainly green. They are known for their playful nature and enjoy a diet of seeds, fruits, and pellets. They can live up to 20 years.
Alexandrine Parakeet
- Length: 58 cm
- Weight: 200-300 grams
Larger than the typical parakeet, they have a regal bearing and are known for their powerful beak. Their diet includes seeds, nuts, fruits, and veggies. Their lifespan can range from 20 to 30 years.
Each of these parrots, regardless of their size or origin, needs a dedicated owner who understands the importance of proper care, mental stimulation, and regular interaction.
FAQs
What is the best green parrot to have as a pet?
The best green parrot as a pet depends on individual preferences and living conditions. For beginners, the Green-Cheeked Conure and the Budgerigar (green variety) are often recommended due to their manageable sizes and relatively straightforward care needs. If you’re looking for a larger parrot with a more dynamic personality, the Yellow-Naped Amazon or Eclectus Parrot might be more suitable.
Which green parrot is best for talking?
In terms of mimicking ability and clear speech, the Yellow-Naped Amazon is often considered one of the best talking parrots. Many of the Amazon species, including the Mealy Amazon and Yellow-Crowned Amazon, are also known for their talking abilities. African Greys are not predominantly green but are worth mentioning as they’re considered the best talkers in the parrot world.
How rare is the green parrot?
“Green parrot” is a broad term, and green is a common coloration in many parrot species. While green parrots like Budgerigars and Green-Cheeked Conures are quite common in pet trade, there are some green parrot species or subspecies that are considered rare due to habitat loss, like the Puerto Rican Amazon. The green mutation of the Hyacinthine Macaw is also considered rare.
How long does a green parrot live?
Lifespan varies significantly among species. Small parrots like Budgerigars might live 5-10 years with proper care, while larger species like the Green-Winged Macaw or various Amazon Parrots can live 50-60 years or even longer in captivity with optimal care.
Do female green parrots talk?
The ability to mimic or talk is not determined by the gender of the parrot in most species. Both male and female parrots can learn to talk. However, there are some species, like the Eclectus Parrot, where males are generally better talkers than females. But, even in those species, individual variation can be significant, and a female might turn out to be a great talker. It’s essential to remember that while some birds might mimic human speech, others of the same species might not show any interest. Talking abilities should not be the sole reason to adopt a parrot; their personalities and care needs are equally, if not more, important considerations.