Different Types of Parakeets: Photos, Facts, and Information 2022

Are you looking for an intelligent, colorful, and engaging pet bird? Parakeets, also known as budgies, might be the perfect fit! About 120 parakeet species are found around the globe. Parakeets are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to learn tricks, bright colors, and mimic sounds. So whether you’re writing research papers on birds or planning to bring one home as a pet- read on for more information about this lively little breed of parrot.

What is Parakeet?

A parakeet (also known as budgerigar or budgie) is a small, long-tailed bird native to Australia. Parakeets are members of the parrot family. However, not all parrots are parakeets. Parakeets range in size from 5-7 inches long and can live up to 10 years with proper care.

Parakeets come in wide varieties – from bright green to blue, yellow, white, and even multi-colored – and can also be bred for unique patterns of coloration. In addition, they are known for their pleasant chirping sounds and ability to mimic human speech.

Parakeet Vs. Budgie

The main difference between these two types of birds is their size. Parakeets can grow up to 8 inches in length, while budgies typically reach 5 inches in length. As a result, parakeets tend to live longer than budgies—up to 10 years compared to 6-8 years for the smaller birds.

Regarding personality, parakeets tend to be more outgoing and social than budgies. They are curious birds who enjoy exploring, playing with toys and interacting with their owners. On the other hand, budgies can be pretty shy and skittish around humans even after they become accustomed to them. They also tend to be quieter than parakeets and prefer spending time alone or with one or two other birds rather than in large groups.

Parakeet Vs. Conures

Parakeets and conures are small birds in various colors and sizes. Parakeets tend to be more low-maintenance than conures but require less interaction with their owners. Parakeets have a pleasant chirp, whereas conures are louder and more vocal. Parakeets usually live between 8-12 years, while conures can live for up to 30 years or longer.

Parakeet Versus Parrot

Parakeets and parrots belong to the same parrot family (Psittacidae), but they have some differences that set them apart. Many parrot species live around the world. Parrot species tend to be larger than parakeet species, with larger wingspans and bigger beaks. In addition, parrots are generally more expensive than parakeets due to their size and lifespan (some larger parrots can live up to 80 years!). When it comes to noise levels, however, they’re pretty similar—both can get quite loud depending on the species.

What Are Not Parakeets?

Below is the list of birds that are not parakeets.

• Lories
• Pionus
• Lovebirds
• Eclectus
• Caiques
• Poicephalus
• Lorikeets

Main Parakeet Characteristics

Sounds

Parakeets make various sounds, from chirps and whistles to full-on songs. This means they can quickly learn phrases and songs you teach — something that many bird owners find quite entertaining. However, it’s important to remember that, like any other pet, parakeets need plenty of stimulation throughout the day, or they can become bored. Providing them with toys, mirrors, swings, or anything else they can interact with helps keep them entertained and their voices quiet.

Activity Level

Parakeets are very active birds and require plenty of exercises each day. They need at least an hour out of their cage every day to fly around and explore their surroundings — otherwise, they may become depressed or aggressive. Be sure to provide your parakeet plenty of space when letting them out of their cage so they can get the exercise they need.

Very Social

Despite what some people believe, not all parakeets look alike. Dozens of different species are available today! Generally speaking, most species have slender bodies with long tails that taper off at the end. They also have short beaks that help them crack open seeds for food and climb up perches inside their cages.

Body Shape

Despite what some people believe, not all parakeets look alike. Dozens of different species are available today! Generally speaking, most species have slender bodies with long tails that taper off at the end. They also have short beaks that help them crack open seeds for food and climb up perches inside their cages.

Parakeet Colors

Parakeets come in various beautiful colors, from dark green parakeet and yellow to blue and white! Some species even have patterns on their feathers, such as stripes or spots, adding more visual appeal to these already stunning birds. Depending on the type of parakeet you get, its coloration may vary greatly but rest assured, it will still be just as beautiful.

Beak

Most parakeets have black beaks, which are relatively short compared to other birds. Their beaks help them crack open seeds for food and climb up perches inside their cages — making them perfectly adapted for life in captivity.

Different Types of Parakeets

Alexandrine Parakeets

The Alexandrine Parakeets, also known as Psittacula euphoria, are big and beautiful parrots native to India and Southeast Asia. This type of parakeet is different from the standard parakeet you’d find in pet stores. It has a long tail and a hefty bill making it stand out from other birds. Its body is primarily dark green with yellowish-orange cheeks and blue flight feathers. The Alexandrine parakeets are one of the larger members of the genus Psittacula; males typically measure up to 24 inches in length, while females are slightly smaller at 22 inches long.

In addition to its striking physical appearance, the Alexandrine parakeet has an even more impressive vocal range. It can accurately mimic human speech, making it one of the most talkative pet birds! This pet bird requires plenty of attention; without regular interaction with its owner or family members, it may become bored or anxious. Therefore, potential owners must consider their lifestyle before getting an Alexandrine parakeet.

Budgerigars

The budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) is another popular type of pet bird kept by humans since the 19th century when they were first imported from Australia into Europe. This is the kind of parakeet that is usually found in most pet shops. Budgerigars are small—males typically measure only 6–7 inches long—and have distinctive yellow-green feathers with black stripes on their backs and wings and a bright yellow head patch near their beak. They are social animals that do well with other birds and humans, making them great pets for families with children or those looking for companionship when they can’t be home with their feathered friends.

These small parrots are also intelligent birds like other parakeet species, capable of learning simple tricks like flying through obstacle courses or speaking words on command! They don’t require much space either; a large cage or aviary should allow these active birds to move comfortably and explore their environment without feeling cramped or restricted. However, as with any pet bird, potential budgie owners should consider how much time they have to spend training and to interact with their feathered friend before deciding if this type of parrot is right for them.

Monk Parakeet

The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a small- to medium-sized parrot native to South America. They have green bodies with blue-gray wings, a yellow face, and a white line on the forehead. Monk parakeets are known for being remarkably docile and intelligent birds that can be easily trained to do tricks or speak simple phrases. These friendly birds have a natural affinity for people and enjoy spending time in their company. As such, they make excellent pet birds and often bond firmly with their owners and parakeet breeders.

Psittacula Parakeets

Psittacula parakeets (Psittacula krameri) are another famous parrot native to South Asia and parts of Africa. These birds have bright green plumage all over their bodies, with yellow faces and red beaks. Psittacula parakeets tend to be more active than Monk Parakeets—they love playing games like hide-and-seek or chasing balls around their cage—but they also form strong bonds with their owners if given enough attention. In addition, Psittacula is notoriously vocal birds that love providing commentary on the events around them.

Plain Parakeets

The plain parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is native to India and Sri Lanka, although they are popular pets worldwide. These tiny birds are mostly green but have a variety of color mutations, including blue, yellow, white, and even pied. They tend to be very active birds and require plenty of stimulation to stay healthy and happy, so if you’re looking for a parakeet as a pet, you must provide them with plenty of toys and activities like swings and ladders. They are also social creatures who enjoy living in pairs or groups.

Derbyan Parakeets

The Derby parakeet (Psittacula Adriana) is native to the Himalayan region of India but is also found in Nepal and Bhutan. This type of parakeet has primarily green feathers with a distinctive pattern on its chest that looks like a bowtie or cravat like other parakeets. In addition, it has bright red markings on its neck and head that make it stand out from other species of parrots.

Derby is known for their intelligence—they can learn tricks quickly—and their willingness to bond with humans. While they need plenty of stimulation like other parrot tribes, they tend to be less active than other species, so they don’t need as much exercise or activity.

Indian Ringneck Parakeet

The Indian Ringneck parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is native to India and parts of Africa and Arabia. This beautiful bird has long tails, green bodies, and blue-gray heads with distinctive yellow collars around their necks. The average adult size is 25–30 cm (10–12 in). Males have a black beak, while females have a light brown visor. Indian ringnecks are also known for their talking abilities; they can learn hundreds of words and phrases if adequately trained.

Plum-headed Parakeet

The Plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) is native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Like the Indian Ringneck parakeet, these birds have green bodies, but the head is plum colored with a black mask on the face. They also sometimes have yellow cheeks or throat patches on adults or juveniles. The average adult size is 22–25 cm (8–10 in). Male Plum-headed parakeets typically have red beaks, while females usually have black beaks. They are less talkative than Indian ringnecks but can still learn some words if appropriately trained.

Quaker Parakeet

The Quaker parakeet, also known as the Monk or Grey-breasted parakeet, is a small, medium-sized, large bird native to South America. It is recognizable by its green and blue flight feathers, later called green parakeets. Its head is gray with a black stripe across the top. Its chest is light gray, and its belly is white with yellow stripes. This lively bird has a penchant for talking and can learn up to 200 words.

Regent Parakeet

The Regent parakeet, also known as the Princess of Wales or Lady Gouldian finch, is an elegant medium-sized bird from Australia. It has emerald green feathers on its back, while its chest and belly are covered with shades of yellow and blue. It has a distinctive red head and a long tail that can be up to eight inches in length. The Regent loves to sing—its melodious song will fill your home with beautiful music. They are considered low-maintenance birds.

Lineolated or Barred Parakeets

Lineolated or barred parakeets (Bolborhynchus lineola) are also bar-winged because their wings have light blue stripes along the edges. In addition, these birds have an olive-green body with yellowish-green underparts and a black bill.

The tail is short and bluish-black with yellow tips. Lineolated or barred parakeets can reach up to 7 inches in length and weigh between 28 and 39 grams. They live in subtropical to temperate forests in Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Moustache Parakeet

The moustache parakeet (Psittacula alexandri), also known as the Alexandrine parakeet or Alexander’s parrakeet, is one of the larger parrot species. It has an olive-green body with yellowish-green underparts that fade into lighter shades near its underwings. It has red feathers around its face that resemble a mustache, giving it its common name—a parakeet. Unfortunately, it is an endangered species due to habitat loss.

The tail is long and pointed with blue markings near the tip, and its bill is black. Moustache parakeets can grow up to 15 inches long and weigh between 115–150 grams depending on gender; males generally are heavier than females. They are native to India but have also been spotted in Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, as well as parts of Europe, such as Britain, where humans introduced them as part of an exotic pet trade program that began in the 1970s.

Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke’s parakeets are small, social birds that are native to Australia. They usually have a dusty pink or light brown body with an orange or yellow-orange underside. The males tend to be more brightly colored than the females and have bright blue wings with white stripes. Bourke’s parakeets are friendly, gentle, and easy to train, making them great pets for beginners. They do well in groups but can also be kept as single pets if enough attention is given to them.

Brotogeris Parakeets

Brotogeris parakeets are medium-sized birds that come in various colors and patterns, such as blue, green, yellow, white, gray, and more. They typically have long tails with bright markings on them. These birds require a lot of interaction with their owners as they can become lonely quickly if left alone for too long periods, so they may not be the best option for people who don’t have the time to give them adequate attention.

Brotogeris parakeets are known for being brilliant and curious birds that love exploring new environments and objects around them. Hence, providing plenty of stimulating toys is essential when keeping one as a pet.

Final Thoughts

There are a variety of types of parakeets that make excellent pets, each one with its unique characteristics. For those looking for an intelligent and social companion, the mustache parakeet or Regent parakeet might be the perfect pet. The Lineolated or Barred Parakeet and Bourke’s Parakeet are great for those who want a more low-maintenance pet.

And finally, the Brotogeris Parakeet is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a curious and intelligent bird that loves exploring its environment. Whichever type of parakeet you choose, it’s essential to give them the proper care and attention to ensure a happy and healthy life. With the right amount of love, your parakeet can be a great companion for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions