When thinking about parrots, what springs to mind? Their ability to talk? Or how about their varied and vibrant colors?
With the latter, parrots are indeed among the most colorful birds you’ll find anywhere. However, green is particularly dominant among the species. But how do you identify different types of green parrots?
This article will go in-depth on a variety of green parrots found worldwide, from parrots that can be kept as pets to those only found in the wild.
Amazon Parrot
Of all the green parrots, Amazon parrots are among the most well-known. They can make excellent pets, but they’re not for the amateur or part-time bird owners.
For a start, they’re among the biggest parrots you can keep, so you’ll need plenty of space. Also, because they’re intelligent and social, they need plenty of attention too.
There are several species of Amazon parrot, including the blue-fronted and double yellow-headed ones. However, they are all predominantly green.
Location: Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.
Weight: 16-23 ounces.
Length: 15-17 inches.
Characteristics: Predominantly green with a yellow head. They are red at the bend of the wing. The double yellow-headed variety has white rings around the eyes.
Australian King Parrot
This parrot lives in the humid upland forests of Eastern Australia. They can be kept as pets and are a quiet and calm bird if raised by hand.
They can bond quickly with their owners but prefer not to be handled. They are also not known for their talking abilities.
Location: Eastern Australia.
Weight: 8 ounces.
Length: 17 inches.
Characteristics: Green with red breast (in males), head, and lower undersides. The males have a beautiful fluorescent green streak in their wings, and they eat seeds and fruits from the trees.
Australian Ringneck
There are four species of Australian ringneck, all with slightly different colors. However, they are all mainly green.
This large bird lives in both cities and rural areas of Australia and group in either pairs or small flocks. They’re easy to keep so are popular as a pet. They’re also playful and vocal.
Location: Australia.
Weight: 3-8 ounces.
Length: 13 inches.
Characteristics: Green, with hints of blue and a yellow ring around the neck.
Blue-Bellied Parrot
This large parrot is the only species whose habitat is the south-eastern parts of Brazil. There are fewer than 10,000 left. However, there is room for optimism for its survival.
That’s because many of the areas they live in are now protected. The male has a blue patch on its belly, hence the name. Though they’re not often kept in captivity, those that are tend to sing together.
Location: Southeastern Brazil.
Weight: 4-6 ounces.
Length: 11 inches.
Characteristics: Green with blue tips on the tail and wings. Males have a large blue patch on their bellies.
Budgerigar
Budgies (or parakeets) are both the most well-known green parrot and a popular pet. It’s easy to see why, too, as they’re relatively easy to keep (although they do need mental and physical stimulation), don’t take up much space, and are both tame and intelligent.
So intelligent, in fact, that they can learn up to 1,000 words. So, be careful not to leave your foul-mouthed uncle within earshot for too long.
Location: Native to Australia.
Weight: 1 ounce.
Length: 6-8 inches.
Characteristics: Green abdomen, yellow head, black and yellow back, blue tail.
Edwards Fig Parrot
This parrot is both beautiful and easy-going, meaning they’re a good choice as a pet. They’re also playful and easy to tame. They have short tails and stocky builds, normally flock in groups of no more than 35, and can often be found in fruit trees.
Location: Northern New Guinea.
Weight: 3-4 ounces.
Length: 7 inches.
Characteristics: Green with red, purple, yellow, and blue markings.
Great Green Macaw
This macaw is one of the world’s largest green parrots. They are on the endangered species list as their numbers have dwindled to around 3,500 due mainly to loss of habitat.
They live in groups between two and eight in size. They have huge beaks that are used for cracking nuts, and they have huge voices, too, with a distinctive and extremely loud “aak, raak” call.
Location: Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Weight: 45 ounces.
Length: 33.5-35.5 inches.
Characteristics: Green with a red forehead and pale blue lower back, upper tail feathers, and rump.
Green-Checked Conure
The green-checked conure’s green plumage dominates, but it also has red, gray, and blue elements. As with other green parrots that can be kept as pets, they are incredibly affectionate.
However, experienced bird owners would be better suited to owning this small bird with a big personality. They need to be stimulated for several hours a day to avoid becoming bored and starting to feather-pick.
Location: The forests of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Weight: 2-3 ounces.
Length: 10-11 inches.
Characteristics: Mainly green with olive marks on the cheeks. They have gray heads and breasts, blue feathers, and maroon tails.
Indian Ringneck Parakeet
There are several colors of Indian Ringneck Parakeets due to selective breeding. However, the most common is pastel green. While they can be kept as pets, only experienced bird owners should consider it.
They tend to display hormonal aggression in adolescence. Also, they’re highly intelligent, so they need lots of mental and physical stimulation too.
Location: India.
Weight: 4 ounces.
Length: 14-17 inches.
Characteristics: Green plumage, yellow under the wings, blue tail. Males have rose and black rings around their necks.
Little Lorikeet
Little lorikeets are green parrots that live in Australia and travel in small flocks. They have high-pitched calls and forage on flowers in the wild.
Because they’re so tiny, they can also be difficult to see in the natural habitat. They also make good pets. They’re playful and love toys to entertain them.
Location: Australia.
Weight: 1-2 ounces.
Length: 6 inches.
Characteristics: Green with a red neck.
Lovebird
Lovebirds, as their name suggests, are green parrots known for their tendency to form strong bonds as pairs. They can be extremely affectionate and have big characters, but if you’re keeping a lovebird as a pet, don’t neglect it.
Your undivided attention will be required regularly – including handling – so that it remains tame and not prone to nippiness.
Location: Madagascar and the savannas in sub-Saharan Africa.
Weight: 2 ounces.
Length: 5-7 inches.
Characteristics: Small with a short tail and stocky build. Predominantly green body with a light red or blue colored face.
Male Eclectus
The color of its plumage can identify the sex of the Eclectus. Females are bright red, while males are bright green parrots with a striking orange beak.
They can be kept as pets and are incredibly affectionate and tame. However, they need plenty of attention as they can become stressed without it.
Location: Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea, and other islands nearby. Also found in the Maluku Islands and northeastern Australia.
Weight: 13-19 ounces.
Length: 17-20 inches.
Characteristics: Mainly bright green with blue and red underneath the wings, with an orange beak.
Military Macaw
The military macaw bears several similarities to the great green macaw. It’s big, for one, while its coloring is similar. Sadly, it’s also on the endangered list and for the same reason as the great green macaw – habitat loss.
These macaws can be trained for speech even though it doesn’t come as naturally to them as some other parrots. They’re also social birds, while their personality is likely to mimic that of its owner.
Location: The forests of Mexico and northern South America.
Weight: 32 ounces.
Length: 30 inches.
Characteristics: Green with a red forehead and blue on the edges of the wings.
Maroon-Bellied Conure
These forest-dwelling green parrots are one of the smaller species. At one point, the maroon-bellied conure was endangered thanks to poaching and logging.
Thankfully, intervention to protect the bird has been successful, and it’s no longer at risk of extinction. That’s also great news because they have fun personalities and are very beautiful.
On the downside, they do have particularly shrill voices, which can be annoying for some people. However, generally, they are among the more quiet green parrots.
Location: South America, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Weight: 2-3 ounces.
Length: 10 inches.
Characteristics: Primarily green with a maroon patch on the belly and a yellow-green breast.
Painted Parakeet
The painted parakeet is also known as the painted conure – as its name suggests – a beautiful, brightly colored bird.
It’s not just its beauty that makes it popular among bird-lovers, though – it’s not quite as loud as many other green parrots, and nor is it feisty. It has a remarkably calm nature and is also very well-socialized.
Location: Central America and the northern parts of South America.
Weight: 2-3 ounces.
Length: 8-10 inches.
Characteristics: Predominantly green with darker chest feathers and gray-white tips. Brown on the nape and crown, blue on the forecrown.
Pacific Parrotlet
The Pacific parrotlet is so tiny that it’s also known as a “pocket parrot” Just because they’re small, that doesn’t mean they should be underestimated, though – they have no issue confronting far larger animals, including people!
They can also be challenging to keep tame when not handled regularly, so you should only consider them for a pet if you can spend plenty of time with them.
At heart, they’re attention seekers, so if they’re left alone for too long, they can become nippy as well as more aggressive.
They also need plenty of exercise and stimulation, requiring several hours a day out of their cages.
Location: Western Ecuador and northwestern Peru.
Weight: 1 ounce.
Length: 4-5 inches.
Characteristics: Green and dusty gray body. Pink beak and feet.
Quaker Parrot
Quaker parrots (or monk parakeets) are incredibly affectionate birds that are also gentle once they’ve adequately bonded with their owner.
They are also hugely entertaining, given to singing, chirping and talking. An excellent option as a pet, then, even for less experienced bird owners.
Location: Native to Argentina and neighboring South American countries, they can also be found in parts of North America and Europe.
Weight: 3-5 ounces.
Length: 11-12 inches.
Characteristics: Green body, wings, and head. Gray cheeks, breast, and throat. Quaker parrots also have blue flight feathers.
Red-Fronted Parrot
The red-fronted parrot is something of a misnomer, as it doesn’t have much red on its body. It’s predominantly green, with red only on its forehead and parts of the wings. This parrot (part of the Poicephalus family) can live for over 60 years in the wild.
They’re also quieter than many other species of parrot and have a calm personality. They’re also adept at mimicking the sounds of people, including talking.
Location: Eastern, Western, and Central Africa.
Weight: 7-10 ounces.
Length: 10-12 inches.
Characteristics: Green body, red forehead. Black on the head, neck, back, and wings.
Red-Shouldered Macaw
Otherwise known as the Hahn’s macaw, this bird is the smallest macaw. They can make excellent pets are their size means they don’t take up much space. Also, they’re incredibly entertaining birds, with the ability to learn words and tricks.
They’re also very gentle but can become nippy if they don’t get plenty of attention. The time you devote to it will be very well rewarded, though, as the red-shouldered macaw will bond strongly with its owner.
Location: Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, and the Guianas.
Weight: 4-6 ounces.
Length: 12 inches.
Characteristics: Mainly green with red shoulders. It will also develop a blue cap on its head once it reaches maturity.
Scarlet-Shouldered Parrotlet
These incredibly social birds (also known as the red-winged parrotlet and Huet’s parrotlet) can be found flying in groups of any size from around a dozen to 50.
They also have an extensive habitat range, spanning several South American countries. They tend to stay quiet when perched in trees but make up for that when in flight with a high-pitched vocalization.
Location: The forests of Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia, Brazil, and Venezuela.
Weight: 2-3 ounces.
Length: 15-16 inches.
Characteristics: Green with brown or yellow on the forehead. Red and dark blue on the upper wings.
Scaly Breasted Lorikeet
The scaly breasted lorikeet is a popular pet, but not one for novice bird owners. It can be boisterous and domineering. However, it is clever and funny too, while it’s not a big bird, which adds to its popularity.
Location: Australia.
Weight: 3 ounces.
Length: 9 inches.
Characteristics: Green with yellow breast feathers that resemble scales, and a red beak.
Senegal Parrot
Senegal parrots are well-known for being calm and quiet, making them a popular choice as a pet. However, if you’re looking for a talking parrot, the Senegal parrot isn’t your best option as they only have their own – albeit distinctive – vocalizations.
They love attention and can form strong bonds with their owners.
Location: West Africa.
Weight: 4 ounces.
Length: 9 inches.
Characteristics: Green body and gray head with a yellow, red, or orange patch on their bellies.
Short-Tailed Parrot
This medium-sized parrot is very common. However, it is unlikely to be kept in captivity. It has a very short tail, as the name suggests.
Flocks of these birds make a very loud noise, while they tend to stay close to trees situated near water. Unlike many other green parrots, the short-tailed parrot is almost entirely green, too.
Location: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Weight: 4 ounces.
Length: 9 inches.
Characteristics: Almost entirely green. Adults develop a maroon-red spot on the shoulder, which is difficult to see.
Spectacled Parrotlet
These green parrots may be small. However, what they lack in size, they compensate for in character as they’re fun, social, and extremely lovable.
This parrotlet won’t talk much, but they make excellent pets are they’re so quiet. A good option for the more inexperienced novice bird owner.
Location: Middle and South America.
Weight: 1 ounce.
Length: 5 inches.
Characteristics: Green body and head, blue behind the eyes and on the wings and tail.
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot
Usually found either on its own or in small flocks, the Sri Lanka hanging parrot tends to nest in forests and isn’t usually kept as a pet. It lives off fruit, blossoms, and seeds, and it’s their availability that directs its movements. Adults have a red rump and crown.
Location: Sri Lanka.
Weight: 1 ounce.
Length: 5 inches.
Characteristics: Green with red rump and crown, with orange on the back and nape.
Thick-Billed Parrot
This endangered species of green parrot is the only parrot left that is native to North America. There are thought to be less than 2,500 left in the world. Despite going on the endangered list as far back as 1973, its numbers continue to dwindle.
These social parrots have been known to feed each other. They are also excellent voice mimics and can learn several words. Meanwhile, their rolling call is similar to a human laughing. Their coloration is slightly duller than many other green parrots.
Location: The Sierra Madre Occidental region of Mexico, in forests at elevations of 1,200-3,600 meters.
Weight: 11-13 ounces.
Length: 15-17 inches.
Characteristics: Green body, with red plumage on the head.
Conclusion
As this guide has demonstrated, there are many types of green parrots and a high proportion of those who make excellent pets. However, it is wise to choose carefully, as some of them can be high maintenance with big and boisterous personalities.
Other considerations include their size and whether they need to live in pairs. However, other green parrots make excellent choices for the novice bird owner, as some are small, easy to keep, and have extremely friendly personalities.
Whichever green parrot you choose, though, one thing is certain – they’re very beautiful-looking birds and, in most cases, are among the most loving and entertaining of any you could own.
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