14 Green Parrot Types: Info, Pictures, Facts, and History
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Parrots are highly intelligent animals known for their lengthy lifespans and songful vocals. They can be found in various colors, but green seems to be the most common. Some of the most popular parrot species are predominantly green, especially the ones kept as pets. Green is a mesmerizing color in parrots and often stands out against other common colors like red or blue.
Several species of parrots have green bodies, most of which will be discussed in this article.
How Are Green Parrots Classified?
A green parrot is classified by having large patches of green plumage. The green should make up more than half of their bodies, and be located either on their wings, backs, and chests. Green parrots can range in size from small Budgerigar to larger Macaws.
Caring for a green parrot is no different than any other parrot as they require a proper environment and diet to thrive. Most green parrots have a long lifespan spanning several decades, making them a lifelong commitment for many people.
The 14 Types of Green Parrots
1. Senegal Parrot
Origin: | Central Western Africa |
Lifespan: | 20 to 50 years |
Length: | 10 inches |
The lively Senegal parrot (Poicephalus senegalus) originates from Central Western Africa, particularly Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana. These parrots inhabit savannas and woodlands where they nest in trees and form small flocks for mating.
Most adults measure around 9.8 inches long, with most males being slightly larger. Senegal parrots are easily recognized by their charcoal grey heads, orange undersides, and green V-shaped neck markings and wings. Female Senegal parrots usually have a longer green V-shaped marking than the males.
Senegal parrots are chatty birds that can repeat certain sounds, such as the ring of a cell phone or the beep from the microwave. They can also imitate other bird sounds and screech or rumble depending on their mood.
2. Green-Cheeked Conure
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 15 to 25 years |
Length: | 10 inches |
The green-cheeked conure or parakeet is a South American species found in forests and woodlands. Green-cheeked conures were introduced into North America during the late 1800s, before being introduced to other parts of the world. It wasn’t until 1873 that this parrot earned a scientific name, Pyrrhura molinae which branches to six subspecies.
These parrots are identified by their medium size of around 10 inches long. Their bodies are primarily olive green, with hints of maroon, blue, grey, and red throughout. As their name suggests, Green-cheeked conures appear to be wearing a vibrant green blush on their cheeks. Their cheeks stand out against their light grey heads and red tail plumage.
Aside from being found in the wild, Green-cheeked conures are kept as pets around the world. They are affectionate and playful parrots that enjoy plenty of social interaction and entertainment from both their owners and cage toys.
3. Yellow-Naped Amazon
Origin: | Mexico and Central America |
Lifespan: | 20 to 60 years |
Length: | 12 to 15 inches |
Yellow-naped Amazon parrots (Amazona auropalliata) are found in southern Mexico and Central Mexico. They can be found throughout Guatemala, Nicaragua, and parts of Costa Rica. Yellow-naped Amazon parrots get their name from the vivid yellow patch on the nape of their neck and head. The rest of their body is a green color with hints of red on their wings. Yellow-naped Amazon parrots make popular companion birds, and they often form close bonds with their owners.
Unfortunately, Yellow-naped Amazon parrots are listed as critically endangered1 by the IUCN Red List. Populations of Yellow-naped Amazons have been decreasing in their natural habitat for the last several years. Their main threats include hunting and trapping, agriculture, and invasive species.
4. Green-Rumped Parrotlet
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 15 to 40 years |
Length: | 5 inches |
The Green-rumped parrotlet (Forpus passerines) is a species formally described in 1758 by a Swedish naturalist. Green-rumped parrotlets inhabit semi-arid areas in Colombia, Trinidad, Venezuela, and Brazil. They are friendly and intelligent parrots that make popular pets. Adult Green-rumped parrotlets are small at only 5 inches from head to tail.
Their plumage is a brilliant green coloration, with males having paler undersides. Green-rumped parrotlets are very social birds that crave interaction from their owners and own species.
5. Quaker Parrots
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 20 to 3 years |
Length: | 12 inches |
Also known as the Monk or Green parakeet, Quaker parrots are fascinating South American birds. Quaker parrots have striking green backs and wings, with a paler creamy underside and face. Their beaks are a light orange color and turquoise flight feathers. These parrots grow to around 12 inches long with an average weight of 2.88 pounds.
Their natural South American habitat consists of forests with ample tree growth. They prefer to live near accessible water sources and construct elaborate communal nests. Quaker parrots are one of the two species of parrots that build nests on trees rather than in holes.
You can keep Quaker parrots as pets, and many people are fond of their charming personalities and adaptable temperaments.
6. Male Eclectus Parrot
Origin: | Solomon Islands |
Lifespan: | 30 to 40 years |
Length: | 15 to 17 inches |
Eclectus is a genus of parrots containing four extant species. The native region of these parrots extends from the tropical rainforest of the Solomon Islands. Eclectus parrots are sexually dimorphic species, with highly visible differences between males and females.
The female Eclectus parrots have vibrant red plumage, while the males are lime green. The beaks of male Eclectus parrots are orange, whereas females have black beaks and dark blue or maroon wings. Eclectus parrots can grow relatively large, with some adults reaching 17 inches long.
These parrots make long-lived and intelligent pets, although they tend to be very loud. Eclectus parrots produce various calls, whistles, and harsh squawking that might be unpleasant for some people.
7. Red-Shouldered Macaw
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 20 to 30 years |
Length: | 12 to 15 inches |
Red-shouldered macaws (Diopsittaca nobilis) are the smallest species of macaw measuring between 12 to 15 inches long. They originate from South America, specifically from the savannahs and swamps of Bolivia, Brazil, and Guianas. Red-shouldered macaws get their name from the red plumage on the underside of their wings while the rest of their body is dark green. They are sometimes called mini-macaws due to their small size and can be found in captivity where they are kept as lively pets.
8. Blue-Crowned Conure
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | Up to 30 years |
Length: | 16 inches |
Blue-crowned conures (Thectocercus acuticaudatus) are red and green-colored birds found in northern Argentina and eastern Colombia. They are medium-sized birds with an average size of 16 inches. As their name suggests, Blue-crowned conures have blue heads paired with dark green plumage. These parrots make great pets for families with children.
They are highly social and affectionate and rarely bite their handlers when properly tamed. However, Blue-crowned conures are noisy birds and better talkers than many other conure species.
9. Mexican Green Conure
Origin: | Central America |
Lifespan: | 15 to 25 years |
Length: | 11 to 12 inches |
The Mexican Green conure (Psittacara holochlorus) or simply Green parakeet is a New World parrot originating from Central America. Their natural habitat consists of various scrublands, forests, and woodlands. You can also find these parrots in certain parts of Texas towns. Mexican green conures make excellent pets for those who want a social and interactive parrot. They can be talkative birds but produce fewer vocals than some other parrots.
The Mexican green conures’ most noticeable features happen to be their dark and light green plumage. Their wings and backs are dark green, while their underside is lime green. Their pale beaks stand out against their almost yellowish-green faces.
10. Abyssinian Lovebird
Origin: | Africa |
Lifespan: | 15 to 20 years |
Length: | 5 inches |
The beautiful Abyssinian lovebird is a small green parrot with a distinctive red beak and forehead. These parrots originate from mainland Africa, such as Ethiopia and Eritrea. Abyssinian lovebirds belong to the Agapornis genus and go by other common names like the black-winged lovebird. Like Eclectus parrots, Abyssinian lovebirds are sexually dimorphic. Only the males have a red forehead, while the female’s entire body is green. Abyssinian lovebirds are kept as pets, although they are rarer than other lovebirds.
11. Alexandrine Parakeet
Origin: | India and Sri Lanka |
Lifespan: | 25 to 30 years |
Length: | 20 to 24 inches |
Alexandrine parakeets (Psittacula eupatria) are one of the largest parakeets in the world. Adults measure between 20 to 24 inches long and weigh between 7 to 10 pounds. They are sometimes confused for Indian Ringneck parrots, although they are separate species.
Alexandrine parakeets are much larger in comparison, although both birds have green bodies and red beaks. These large parrots have been kept as pets for centuries and make good pets for those who can meet their slightly demanding care requirements. Alexandrine parakeets can mimic human speech and make various high-pitched calls and clicking sounds.
Although Alexandrine parakeets are abundant in the pet trade, they are listed as near threatened by the IUCN Red List. Their current populations have dwindled due to deforestation and trapping for captivity.
12. Indian Ringneck Parakeet
Origin: | Sri Lanka |
Lifespan: | 20 to 50 years |
Length: | 6 to 7 inches |
Indian Ringneck (Psittacula krameri) or African Rose-ringed parakeets are small parrots originating from Ceylon, Sri Lanka. Their natural habitat consists of wooded areas and semi-arid forests, but they can be found in urban areas. Indian Ringneck parakeets make popular pets and require spacious cages with plenty of toys and socialization.
These parrots are sexually dimorphic, but both sexes have predominantly green bodies. Male Indian Ringnecks have a prominent black ring on their neck with a shiny green coloration, whereas the females have darker plumage and lighter-colored feet.
13. Rosy-Faced Lovebird
Origin: | Africa |
Lifespan: | 15 to 20 years |
Length: | 5 to 7 inches |
The Rosy-faced or Peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) is a small parrot from southwestern Africa. They are found in dry woodlands and mountainous areas from South Africa, Angola, and Namibia. Rosy-faced lovebirds are popular in captivity where they make social pets that are great for beginner bird keepers.
Rosy-faced lovebirds have a lime-green body with a reddish-orange face, hence their name. These friendly birds require a spacious cage with ample toys and fun activities to keep them busy. However, you still need to take them out of the cage for daily exercise and interactions. They are relatively noisy birds that chirp throughout the day, so keep that in mind if you work from home.
14. Green Budgerigar
Origin: | Australia |
Lifespan: | 1 to 6 years |
Length: | 6 to 7 inches |
Budgerigars, or simply budgies, are small birds originating from Australia. Budgies are found in many different colors, and green is one of them. Green budgies (Melopsittacus undulatus) are small birds at only 7 inches long. They are one of the most popular pet parrots in the world and have been in captivity since the mid-1800s. Green budgies have green undersides with yellow faces, black bars, yellow wings, and blue nostrils. They are highly social birds that enjoy human interaction, although they need to be kept in pairs or small flocks. Green budgies produce a series of pleasant chirps and can mimic human speech with training.
Featured Image Credit: Ward Poppe, Shutterstock