9 Top Green Parrots to Keep as Pets

If you’re looking for a green parrot, these nine species make wonderful pets

Green is a dominant color in many parrot species around the world, including those frequently kept as pets. If you've spotted a green parrot, you can identify the bird by its size, feather pattern, and more. Some green parrots have additional bright colors mixed into their plumage while others have more subtle markings. These birds are intelligent and full of personality, and they require a committed caregiver. If you're considering adopting a bird, here are eight popular green parrots to choose from.

Tip

Many parrot species can live for several decades. Make sure you can provide quality care for the bird's entire life before acquiring one.

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Budgerigar

Perhaps the most well-known pet green parrot is the budgie (or parakeet). While not solid green, common budgies are a mixture of yellowish-green interspersed with black spotting and striping patterns. Budgies are very smart and social, yet they're still fairly easy to care for. They can be housed in a relatively small space compared to larger parrots, but they do need lots of mental and physical exercise.

Species Overview

Length: 6 to 8 inches

Weight: 1 ounce

Physical Characteristics: Green abdomen; black and yellow back; yellow head; dark blue tail; mutations include blue, yellow, white, and gray

Male Eclectus

One of the most striking green parrots is the male eclectus. The eclectus is sexually dimorphic, meaning you can tell the bird's sex by its plumage. If you've spotted a large, bright green parrot with a prominent orange beak, chances are you've seen a male eclectus. Females are primarily bright red. These birds are very social and affectionate but can easily become stressed if they feel neglected.

Species Overview

Length: 17 to 20 inches

Weight: 13 to 19 ounces

Physical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)

Lovebird

Each lovebird species displays different colors, but nearly all of them have a variety that's primarily green. Lovebirds are small birds with big personalities. Their name suggests they are very affectionate, and many well-socialized lovebirds can be. But if these little green parrots aren't handled regularly, they can lose their tameness, which might result in a nippy bird.

Species Overview

Length: 5 to 7 inches

Weight: 2 ounces

Physical Characteristics: Short tail; somewhat stocky build; many color varieties, including green, blue, peach, yellow, and white; the face and body usually bear different colors

Indian Ringneck Parakeet

While selective breeding has given rise to an array of colors, Indian ringneck parakeets are most commonly pastel green. These green parrots are not the best choice for inexperienced bird owners. Ringnecks often go through a "bluffing" phase during adolescence, characterized by hormonal aggression. They're also quite smart birds that require lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy.

Species Overview

Length: 14 to 17 inches

Weight: 4 ounces

Physical Characteristics: Green plumage; blue tail; yellow under wings; males have black and rose rings around their necks

Green-Cheeked Conure

Green-cheeked conures are small, spunky birds sporting primarily green plumage accented with gray, red, and blue. They tend to bond closely with their caretakers and love to play and socialize. But they are prone to feather picking if they feel bored or neglected. So make sure you can commit to spending several hours a day interacting with this bird before you adopt one.

Species Overview

Length: 10 to 11 inches

Weight: 2 to 3 ounces

Physical Characteristics: Predominantly green; olive cheek patches; gray breast and head; maroon tail; blue flight feathers; mutations include turquoise, yellow, and cinnamon

Amazon Parrot

Amazon parrots are among the largest and most recognizable green parrots. There are several species, including the blue-fronted Amazon, yellow-naped Amazon, and double yellow-headed Amazon. Each type is predominantly green with various markings to set it apart. These are smart, social creatures that require lots of attention from their caretakers as well as ample space to play.

Species Overview

Length: 15 to 17 inches

Weight: 16 to 23 ounces

Physical Characteristics: Green body; yellow head; red at the wing bend; tan beak; white rings around the eyes (double yellow-headed Amazon)

Pacific Parrotlet

Nicknamed “pocket parrots” because of their small size, parrotlets are charming and somewhat feisty birds. They crave attention but require regular handling to keep them tame, as they have a reputation for becoming nippy when left alone too often. As intelligent, active birds, they should spend several hours out of the cage each day for exercise and enrichment.

Species Overview

Length: 4 to 5 inches

Weight: 1 ounce

Physical Characteristics: Green head and body; blue on back and behind eyes; mutations include blue, yellow, and white

Quaker Parrot

Quaker parrots, also known as monk parakeets, are outgoing birds that love to interact with their flock—humans included. Some tend to bond closely with one person, and most are quite gentle when they’ve been well-socialized. These birds love to entertain, and many become quite adept at talking, mimicking sounds, and singing.

Species Overview

Length: 11 to 12 inches

Weight: 3 to 5 ounces

Physical Characteristics: Green head, wings, and body; gray breast, cheeks, and throat; blue flight feathers ; mutations include blue, albino, cinnamon, lutino, and pied

Green Parakeet

Also known as Mexican green conures or green conures, green parakeets are smart, social parrots that need a lot of attention and are suitable for more experienced bird owners. These energetic birds enjoy interacting with people and can be trained. A large enclosure with a variety of toys will allow them to play and exercise, but they should be given ample time outside of their cage every day as well.

Species Overview

Length: 11 to 12 inches

Weight: 8 ounces

Physical Characteristics: Green body and head; yellowish-green underparts; red feathers might be on face and throat; orange-red iris in adults, brown in juveniles

Green Parrots to Avoid

Some green parrot species don’t make the best pets, especially for inexperienced bird owners.

An example is the Indian ringneck parakeet. Although stunning with vibrant green feathers and a red beak, these birds can get bored easily, are territorial, and can be difficult to train, so they aren’t the ideal choice for families with kids or other birds like parrotlets.

Also, carefully consider the personality and needs of the Severe (Chestnut-Fronted) macaw before adding one to your family. These large parrots haven’t been domesticated for as long as other species, so they can exhibit negative behaviors like nipping, lunging, and screeching.

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Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.