Are There Different Types of Parakeets? How to Idetify Them

by jay | Posted on December 5th, 2022

Parakeets are one of the most popular pet birds, and it’s easy to see why. They’re beautiful and entertaining, come in many different colors, and can even learn to talk! If you’re considering getting a parakeet for your home, you’ll want to learn more about the available types.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the different types of parakeets

Types of parakeets

Pet birds, known as parakeets, are considered the smallest parrot species.

Generally speaking, hookbill birds with long tails are referred to as parakeets. They are typically good talkers, brilliant, and simple to train. Some parrot species are even better at mimicking human speech than the larger parrot species.

A parakeet can be a little budgerigar or a larger species that have adapted to a different climate and lives longer. As a member of a taxonomic group that includes several hundred distinct birds, many of which inhabit other locations worldwide, there is no universal definition for a parakeet.

Budgerigars

Australia is the home of budgerigars. They are now maintained as pets since they are intelligent, energetic, and friendly, and they can even speak. Most can quickly pick up words or phrases from their human buddies because they are quick learners.

Adults are about 7 inches long and fewer than 1.5 ounces in weight.

The meaning of “budgerigar” in Latin is “songbird with wavy lines,” which accurately describes this bird. They are incredibly well-liked by bird lovers due to their diminutive size. The four hues of budgerigars are blue, green, white, and yellow. There are numerous budgerigar breeds, each with a different color pattern and feather arrangement.

Monk parakeet

This tiny, vivid green parrot has grey breasts and a green to yellow abdomen. South America is where it naturally exists. Some of them make it through the Chicago and New York winters.

They can live up to 15 years in captivity, but in the wild, they typically only make it for 6 to 7 years.

The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a true parrot species belonging to the family Psittacidae. They can be identified by their green feathers, gray faces and breasts, and pale pink bills. In flight, the primary and outer secondary feathers are blue.

Monk parakeets are social birds that live in flocks and often build their nests from sticks. The Mitred Parakeets seen in Miami, Florida, also belong to this species; they have predominantly green coloring above their face and on their back, belly, and tail features.

These birds are intelligent creatures that require plenty of stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They can learn tricks properly and enjoy interacting with people and other pet birds.

If kept as a pet, they should be provided with plenty of space so they can fly around freely, perches for climbing, toys for entertainment, and fresh fruits or vegetables as part of their diet.

Alexandrine parakeet

Alexander the Great introduced Alexandrine parrots to the Mediterranean and Europe, where they quickly gained notoriety among the affluent and nobles, earning them the name Alexandrine.

They are medium-sized parakeets praised for being polite, independent, and intelligent. Compared to other birds, alexandrine is relatively more silent. Given that they are indigenous to India and Sri Lanka, they fall under the category of Asiatic Parakeets.

Their color range is in the green spectrum, and their height ranges from 30 to 35 cm. If given the proper care and surroundings, Alexandrine can survive up to 30 years.

Because of their large size and scarcity, Alexandrine parakeets are more expensive than other parakeets. They enjoy chewing on objects. Give them enough chewing perches, seeds, or wood to keep them occupied.

Since they can eat a variety of items, including seeds, fruits, leaf buds, and nuts, they don’t need much maintenance.

Plain parakeets

Brorogeris satirical often called the plain parakeet, is a common bird found all along Brazil’s coast and into the Atlantic Rain Forest. The simple parakeet has gained popularity due to its amiable and lovable attitude.

Lowland evergreen forests, trees, bushes, woodlands, and urban areas make up their native environment. Simple parakeets don’t live by themselves. They frequently exist in couples, groups, or flocks.

If care is taken and they are kept in the right surroundings, plain parakeets can live up to 15 years.

These raucous birds consume fruits, seeds, flowers, grits, algae, and insects for food. However, a premium dry parrot mix is ideal for them when maintained as pets. They are less intelligent than other parakeet species. However, they can learn to imitate their owners if given enough time and attention.

Psittacula parakeets

Psittacula parakeets are the most diverse subspecies and are frequently found in South-East Asia and Africa (there are more than 14 known today).

They need to be adequately socialized despite being gregarious and intellectual. Adults can range in length from 13 to 23 inches and have a maximum lifespan of 35 years.

Indian ringneck parakeets

Indian ringnecks, also called rose-Winged parakeets, are indigenous to several regions of Asia, from Pakistan and India to the Middle East.

It belongs to the Psittacula family of parakeets. This species has withstood habitat loss due to urbanization, making it one of the few parrot species that have successfully adapted to living in disturbed habitats.

Indian Ring Neck Parakeets can grow up to 40 cm in length, making them medium-sized birds. They can live up to 50 years, an extraordinarily long lifespan compared to other birds.

Indian Ringnecks are dimorphic, meaning gender can be determined by color or markings. They come in various pastel shades ranging from buttercup yellow to pale green, with some even having red or blue markings.

They come in various hues, including green, blue, intense yellow, cinnamon, albinos, and lutinoes.

They make a terrific family friend because they are intelligent and boisterous birds. Some of them can speak up to 200 words at once, and they like talking. They easily adjust to their new surroundings and enjoy learning new things.

These birds make great companions for those who appreciate an outgoing personality. They are generally friendly and don’t mind being around people, but they require plenty of attention and stimulation from their owners. These birds can learn tricks and mimic human speech with proper care and training!

Indian Ringnecks should have plenty of toys for entertainment and space to roam free within their cage or aviary. An enriched environment allows them to stay physically and mentally active- essential for a healthy life!

Plum-headed parakeets

The plum-headed parakeet, also referred to as the plum-headed parrot, is a native of Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. Although this Asian breed is less aggressive than others, it needs frequent human engagement to maintain good behavior.

These birds reside on trees and are found in woodlands and forested environments.

They are within the category of medium birds and can grow up to 30 cm. They have a green body with a variety of hues for their heads.

Even yet, some plum-headed parakeets have been known to live as long as 30 years.

Plum-headed parakeets are ideal bird pets due to their less possessive and aggressive disposition. They are sociable, quickly get along with people and other birds, and don’t need much care or effort from their owners.

Regent parakeet

The Regent Parakeet is native to the shrubland and woodlands of southwest Australia. Despite being one of the rarest varieties of parakeets, their affectionate nature makes them popular as pets. An adult’s maximum length is 16 inches. They can be either yellow or green. They have a 25-year lifespan.

Derbyan parakeet

As long as the areas are covered in wood, this parakeet is native to China, India, and Tibet. Due to the loss of its natural habitat, it is currently regarded as a threatened species.

An adult is about 20 inches long and has a lifespan of up to 30 years. It has a calm and loving demeanor, although it does require ongoing socialization.

They have green crowns, napes, and upper and lower beaks in both males and females. Male Derbyans are easily distinguished from females due to their glowing red beaks.

The Plum-headed Parakeet is closely related to the Derbyan Parakeet. However, they differ because the Plum-headed has a black throat with a purplish breast and belly.

Derbyans are social animals that live in small flocks and enjoy interacting with humans. They are known for their intelligence and ability to learn tricks quickly.

However, they can also become quite noisy if not given enough attention or stimulation. As they are now considered a threatened species, it is important to take good care of them when keeping them as pets. With proper care and attention, Derbyan Parakeets can make wonderful companions for many years!

Quaker parakeet

This kind of bird, often known as the monk parakeet, is small, bright green, and has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. They weigh less than 5 ounces and have bodies between 11 and 12 inches long, making them fairly petite. Quaker parakeets require roomy cages because they enjoy flying. They also enjoy conversing with their human pals and one another.

Lineolated or barred parakeet

Parakeets with violations are indigenous to Central and South America. They like to live higher up, which is why the Peruvian Andes are where they are most frequently found. They prefer to dwell in flocks of up to 20 birds, which are common.

They enjoy walking as well as flying and are serene and quiet. This particular parakeet has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Its body is between six and seven inches long.

The Lineolated or Barred parakeet is a beautiful and intelligent bird species that make for a wonderful pet. They have striking blue, black, and white feathers with yellow streaks across their back.

This delightful parakeet is very friendly and loves to play with its owners. It also has amazing speaking ability and can be taught to mimic words or phrases.

As a pet, they require plenty of attention, variety in their diet and environment, and lots of socializing. With the right care and dedication, they can make great companions who will bring years of enjoyment to your home!

Bourke’s parakeet

The Bourke’s parakeet, also called “Bourkie,” is a tiny parrot that lives in Australia. It is smaller, quieter, and more affectionate than other pet birds of a similar size. An adult can reach a length of 7 to 8 inches and have a life expectancy of 25 years.

Brotogeris parakeet

Parakeets of the genus Brotogeris exist in South and Central America. They are linked to monk parakeets in a close way. They have a more petite physique than a cockatiel’s and are excellent flyers. A brotogeris parakeet typically measures between 7 and 9 inches in length. In terms of color, green is the most typical shade.

Moustache parakeet

Because of the prominent feather above their beak that resembles a well-groomed mustache, Moustache parakeets get their name.

Java parakeets are another name for mustache parakeets. They are called Asiatic parakeets because they are endemic to Southeast Asia.

The height of a mustache parakeet can reach 38 cm. As a result, they are additionally referred to as giant parakeets.

They have tails and greenish-blue feathers on their heads, which are powder blue. Male parakeets have mandibles with a yellow tip, and females have dark gray or black beaks, making them easy to tell apart.

A brilliant parrot breed is the mustache parakeet. Unfortunately, the loss of its natural environment has made this lovely bird a rare breed.

Spangle parakeet

The darkest parts of a spangle parakeet’s body, which include its chest and rump, will even shade. Depending on the color of the body, the head is frequently bright yellow or white, and the wings will be either color as well. The tail will be yellow or white with a black edge, and the cheeks may also have hints of violet and silver.

Blossom-headed parakeet

The most prevalent parrot species in Southeast Asia and India are Blossom-Headed parakeets. They are called woodland and forest birds since they live inside tree holes.

They often live in flocks of 10 birds and pairs of birds. It is a medium-sized bird with a 30cm wingspan. These parakeets have a green coloration similar to the Plum-Headed Parakeet, with differing head colors for males and females (dimorphic species).

Blossom-Headed parakeet males have a light lime green body and dark green wings, making them completely green. Their head is a delicate reddish-pink color that fades to blue at the crown, giving them a charming shade akin to cherry blossoms. They are known as Blossom-Headed Parakeets for the same reason.

Yellow parakeet

South American yellow chevroned parakeets are called Pocket Parrots or BeeBees. They frequently have a green body and pale green underparts despite their name. With yellow accents, it has green and light green wings and a brown or orange-brown beak. These active birds are frequently kept as pets.

Here is a list of the types of parakeets that are popular pets:

• English Budgie Parakeet
• Rose Ringed Parakeet
• Texas Clearbody Parakeet
• Blue Parakeet
• Blossom-headed Parakeet
• Budgies
• Brown Parakeet
• Opaline Parakeet
• Scarlet Crested Parakeet
• Blue Indian Ring-Necked Parakeet

How to Choose the Right Type of Pet Bird For You

Choosing the right type of pet bird can be a difficult decision. With so many different species, it’s important to consider what type of bird will suit you best.

To make this process easier, comparing popular types of parrots’ personality traits and special needs is helpful. Parakeets are one of the most popular pet birds in the world, known for their affectionate and friendly nature.

They are often underrated compared to other species due to their small size and relatively low maintenance requirements. African greys, all kinds of parakeets, and several types of finches make excellent pet birds. It is important to note that some individual birds may do better when kept singly, while others prefer living in groups.

When choosing a pet bird, consider what qualities you want in your companion. Look for traits such as friendliness, gentleness, and enjoyment of human interaction when selecting your new family member.

In addition to these traits, think about your lifestyle and availability; some birds require more care than others, while some thrive with less attention from their owners. Research different species to find the best match for you!

Conclusion

Conclusion: Parakeets are a wonderful addition to any family and come in various shapes and colors. Whether you go with the traditional Budgerigar or one of the other varieties, caring for your parakeet will require patience and dedication. They can live up to 10 years with proper care, so ensure that you provide them with the best possible environment. Enjoy your feathered friends!

jay

I am not an expert, just passionate. I own a Parakeet and I have been in your shoes. If you are currently looking for information, I've done the research and that is the reason why I created this website.