You’re looking at that vibrantly green bird in the pet store window and thinking, "I want that." It’s a common impulse. But honestly, most people diving into the world of kinds of parrot birds have absolutely no idea what they’re actually signing up for. It’s not just about a pretty face or a bird that can say "hello" on command. Parrots are basically toddlers with bolt cutters attached to their faces. They live for decades, scream at the sun, and require more social interaction than some humans.
If you’re serious about bringing an avian roommate into your home, you have to look past the feathers. There are over 350 different species of parrots, and each one has a distinct personality profile, noise level, and mess potential. Choosing the wrong one is a recipe for heartbreak, both for you and the bird. Let’s get real about what these birds are actually like to live with.
The Massive Diversity of Kinds of Parrot Birds
Parrots aren’t a monolith. You’ve got everything from the tiny, four-inch Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot to the massive Hyacinth Macaw, which can sport a wingspan of nearly four feet. Biologically, they all fall under the order Psittaciformes. They share a few key traits, like zygodactyl feet—that’s two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward—and those iconic curved beaks. But that’s where the similarities end.
The Small But Mighty: Budgies and Lovebirds
Most people start here. The Budgerigar, or "Budgie" (often incorrectly called just a "parakeet" in the US), is probably the most misunderstood bird in the world. People treat them like "starter pets." That’s a mistake. They’re highly intelligent, capable of learning hundreds of words, and they need just as much mental stimulation as a large macaw. Because they’re cheap, people stick them in small cages and forget about them. Don’t be that person.
Lovebirds are another story entirely. They’re tiny, colorful, and have the attitude of a professional wrestler. They are feisty. If you have a Lovebird, you have a bird that thinks it’s ten feet tall and bulletproof. They’re known for being territorial and nippy if they aren’t handled constantly. Despite the name, they don't need a partner to be happy, but they do need you to be their "flock."
Why Size Doesn’t Always Equal Noise
You’d think a bigger bird makes more noise, right? Not necessarily. While a Macaw’s scream can literally reach 100 decibels—comparable to a jackhammer—some smaller kinds of parrot birds are actually more "annoying" to neighbors because of the frequency of their chatter.
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Take the Sun Conure. It’s a medium-sized bird with stunning orange and yellow feathers. It’s also essentially a winged siren. They don’t just scream when they’re upset; they scream because they’re happy, because they’re bored, or because a leaf blew past the window. If you live in an apartment, a Sun Conure is a one-way ticket to an eviction notice.
On the flip side, you have the Pionus. These are stocky, medium-sized parrots that are famous for being "quiet" (by parrot standards). They’re more laid back and less demanding of constant physical touch than something like a Cockatoo.
The "Velcro" Birds: Cockatoos
If you want a bird that wants to be inside your shirt 24/7, get a Cockatoo. But be warned: this is the most surrendered group of parrots in the rescue system. Why? Because they are emotionally needy. A Moluccan or Umberalla Cockatoo requires hours of direct interaction every single day. If they don't get it, they scream. They pluck their own feathers out. They become self-destructive.
Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s work with African Greys showed us how smart parrots are, but Cockatoos show us how emotional they are. They’re like living, breathing emotional sponges. If you work a 9-to-5 and have a busy social life, stay away from Cockatoos. It’s not fair to them.
The Geniuses: African Greys and Amazons
When people think of kinds of parrot birds that talk, they usually picture the African Grey. These birds are the intellectuals of the bird world. Alex, the famous African Grey studied by Dr. Pepperberg, could identify colors, shapes, and even understand the concept of "zero."
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But here’s the kicker: Greys are neurotic. They’re sensitive to changes in their environment. If you move the couch, your African Grey might have a nervous breakdown and stop talking for a week. They need a steady, predictable environment.
Amazons are different. They’re the life of the party. A Yellow-naped or Double Yellow-headed Amazon is likely to burst into song or mimic a laugh perfectly. They’re bold and outgoing, but they also go through a "bluffing" phase during puberty where they might try to challenge your authority with their beak. They’re not for the faint of heart.
Specialized Eaters: The Lory and Lorikeet
Most parrots eat seeds, pellets, fruits, and veggies. Not Lories. These birds are nectarivores. They have specialized "brush" tongues for licking nectar out of flowers.
What does that mean for you?
Liquid poop.
Everywhere.
Because their diet is primarily liquid, their droppings are projectile and frequent. They’re incredibly playful and stunningly beautiful, but you’ll spend half your life cleaning walls. It’s a trade-off.
The Reality of Maintenance and Costs
Let's talk money. A bird might cost $50 or $5,000, but that’s the cheapest part of owning one. The real expense is in the upkeep.
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- Cages: A proper cage for a medium-to-large parrot will set you back $300 to $1,000. It needs to be made of powder-coated steel or stainless steel. No zinc, no lead.
- Food: You can't just feed them sunflower seeds. That's like living on Snickers bars; they’ll die of fatty liver disease within a few years. They need high-quality pellets (like Harrison’s or Roudybush) and fresh "chop"—a mix of kale, sweet potatoes, grains, and peppers.
- Vet Bills: You can't take a parrot to a regular dog-and-cat vet. You need an avian specialist. An emergency visit can easily top $500.
- Toys: Parrots destroy things. It’s what they do. You’ll be spending $50 a month on wood, paper, and leather toys just so they don't decide to eat your crown molding.
Why "Rescue" Should Be Your First Option
Before you go to a breeder looking for specific kinds of parrot birds, look at rescues like the Gabriel Foundation or your local bird sanctuary. The parrot crisis is real. Because these birds live so long—some Macaws can reach 80 years old—they often outlive their owners. Thousands of perfectly healthy, intelligent birds are sitting in rescues waiting for a home.
The advantage of adopting an adult bird? You already know its personality. A baby bird's temperament can change completely once it hits "birdy puberty." With an adult, what you see is what you get. Plus, you’re giving a second chance to a creature that literally has the intelligence of a human child.
Practical Steps Before You Buy or Adopt
Stop. Don't go to the pet store today. If you're serious about this, follow these steps first:
- Volunteer at a Rescue: Spend six months cleaning cages and getting bitten. If you still love birds after that, you’re ready.
- Check Your Cookware: Most non-stick pans (Teflon) release fumes that are instantly fatal to parrots. You’ll need to swap your kitchen over to stainless steel or cast iron before the bird arrives.
- Audit Your Schedule: Do you have at least 3-4 hours of out-of-cage time to give them? If not, get a goldfish.
- Find an Avian Vet: Locate one within a 50-mile radius. If you can't find one, don't get a bird.
- Budget for Destruction: Accept that your furniture, clothes, and laptop cables will eventually have beak marks on them.
Owning a parrot is a lifestyle, not a hobby. These kinds of parrot birds offer a level of companionship that no other animal can match—they can literally talk to you. But that connection comes at the price of your freedom and your silence. Choose wisely, or you'll both end up miserable.