Parakeets are among the many hottest pets on the planet of aviculture (the apply of maintaining birds in captivity). The time period parakeet is considerably complicated, although, as it isn’t a reference to any particular household, genus, or species of parrot. As an alternative, it’s typically used to explain a comparatively small parrot with an extended tail.
Many alternative species of parrots are referred to as parakeets, all with distinctive character traits, origins, lifespans, and sizes. Learn on to find out about 20 of the commonest sorts, so you possibly can determine which might be proper in your foray into fowl maintaining.
How Are Parakeets Categorized?
Parakeets have many alternative names. Whereas those that we evaluation right here all have “parakeet” of their title, many are additionally identified by different names, akin to “conure” or “parrot,” which will be extremely complicated for folks new to aviculture and even these with extra expertise.
There isn’t a lot specificity in the case of the usage of the phrase parakeet. Within the U.S., it’s mostly used to explain a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Elsewhere, totally different species are referred to as parakeets, with no particular inclusion standards or official nomenclature concerned with the usage of the time period.
Broadly talking, the time period “parakeet” refers to a number of, small, slender species of parrots throughout quite a few genera. Parakeets are often seed-eating parrots with lengthy, tapered tail feathers. The identify is given to round 115 species in 30 genera within the Psittacinae subfamily .
The 20 Kinds of Parakeets
1. Budgerigar
Origin: | Australia |
Lifespan: | 7–15 years |
Size: | 18–20 centimeters |
Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), also called budgies, are in style pet fowl decisions. These small and colourful birds are identified for his or her fun-loving and playful personalities. They’re one of many best fowl species to take care of and are among the many best-studied parrot species on the planet.
2. Monk Parakeet
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 20–30 years |
Size: | 29 centimeters |
Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), additionally generally referred to as quaker parrots, are small, bright-green birds with delightfully entertaining personalities. Although they might be small, they’ve big, daring, and outgoing personalities. They’re improbable talkers and require fairly a little bit of interplay and a spotlight to remain emotionally stimulated and wholesome.
3. Alexandrine Parakeet
Origin: | South Asia |
Lifespan: | 25–30 years |
Size: | 56–62 centimeters |
The Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) is a medium-sized parakeet named after Alexander the Nice. They’re one of many largest parakeet species identified for his or her stunning look and wonderful speaking talents. They are usually a one-person form of fowl, forming extraordinarily tight bonds with one human keeper specifically.
4. Crimson-Breasted Parakeet
Origin: | Southeast Asia |
Lifespan: | As much as 25 years |
Size: | 33–38 centimeters |
The red-breasted parakeet (Psittacula alexandri), generally referred to as the mustached parakeet, is straightforward to differentiate from different sorts due to their “mustache” above their beaks. These birds are stunning, clever, and playful. Anecdotally, in contrast to totally different sorts of parakeets, they’re typically not thought of cuddly, although they’ll study to be affectionate with correct socialization.
5. Dusky-Headed Parakeet
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 25–50 years |
Size: | 25–28 centimeters |
The dusky-headed parakeet (Aratinga weddellii), generally referred to as the Weddell’s conure or dusky-headed conure, is somewhat inexperienced fowl sometimes present in pairs or teams of as much as 100 within the wild. As pets, these parakeets are calm, affectionate, and in line with some house owners, fairly humorous.
6. Rose-Ringed Parakeet
Origin: | Africa, Asia |
Lifespan: | 30–35 years |
Size: | 38–42 centimeters |
The rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), generally often called the ringneck parrot, is a medium-sized fowl that’s extraordinarily in style as a pet. They’re able to mimicking human speech and are very receptive to studying. This is among the best-talking parrot species, although they might be thought of invasive in some areas.
7. Bourke’s Parakeet
Origin: | Australia |
Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
Size: | 18–23 centimeters |
The Bourke’s parakeet (Neopsephotus bourkii), generally referred to as the blue-vented parrot or Bourke’s parrot, is a small species native to Australia. These gorgeous birds have shimmering shades of blue, pink, and violet that set them aside from different parakeets. They’re mild, playful, and good-natured, making them improbable pets when hand-fed as infants.
8. Barred Parakeet
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
Size: | 16 centimeters |
The barred parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola), generally referred to as the lineolated parakeet, is a small parrot with largely inexperienced plumage and a number of black or darkish inexperienced bars. They’re identified for his or her calm disposition and quiet vocalizations. Their even-tempered character and beautiful shade mutations make them a preferred pet in aviculture.
9. Plum-Headed Parakeet
Origin: | Southern Asia |
Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
Size: | 33 centimeters |
The plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) is a small parrot identified for his or her stunning vibrant plumage and extremely lengthy tail. These extremely sociable parakeets are in style in aviculture on account of their playful personalities and talent to imitate human speech. This can be a somewhat noisy species, nevertheless, as they’ve a wide range of raucous calls.
10. Lord Derby’s Parakeet
Origin: | Asia |
Lifespan: | 20–30 years |
Size: | 45–50 centimeters |
The Lord Derby’s parakeet (Psittacula derbiana), generally often called the Derbyan parakeet, is a brilliant, social, and affectionate species with a playful and curious nature. They construct robust bonds with their people and could also be keen to snuggle as much as whomever they’re closest to. Since that is such an clever species, they require a lot stimulation when stored as pets.
11. Slender-Billed Parakeet
Origin: | Chile |
Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
Size: | 40 centimeters |
The slender-billed parakeet (Enicognathus leptorhynchus) is called such on account of their significantly elongated mandible, which they use to dig for meals within the soil. These stunning birds are largely inexperienced, with crimson coloring on the brow and blue on the wings. They’re identified for his or her playful, candy, and energetic tendencies.
12. Cuban Parakeet
Origin: | Cuba |
Lifespan: | 50–60 years |
Size: | 22–29 centimeters |
The Cuban parakeet (Psittacara euops) is a weak species endemic to Cuba, the place they’re now confined to only a few elements of the island. These yellow-green birds are extremely social and have crimson spots scattered all through their our bodies. They’re sadly persecuted as crop pests, and their inhabitants is threatened by habitat loss and seize for the pet commerce.
13. Plain Parakeets
Origin: | Brazil |
Lifespan: | 15 years |
Size: | 23–25 centimeters |
Plain parakeets (Brotogeris tirica) are a species endemic to Brazil. They’re identified for his or her plain inexperienced plumage, which seems all through, although their necks have a bluish tinge, and their undersides might seem yellow. Plain parakeets are pleasant, curious, and clever—traits that make them nice pets.
14. Yellow-Chevroned Parakeet
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
Size: | 20–25 centimeters |
The yellow-chevroned parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri) is a largely bright-green fowl with pale underparts and a yellow trailing edge. These stunning birds will not be generally stored as pets, however they’re value contemplating in the event you’re searching for a docile and playful parakeet species.
15. White-Winged Parakeet
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
Size: | 20–25 centimeters |
The white-winged parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus), generally often called the canary-winged parakeet, is a small species that’s largely inexperienced in shade. Their most recognizable bodily trait is the white wing patches. These birds are inquisitive by nature and are fairly vocal, although they’re identified for having significantly good talking expertise.
16. Brown-Throated Parakeet
Origin: | South America |
Lifespan: | As much as 25 years |
Size: | 23–28 centimeters |
The brown-throated parakeet (Eupsittula pertinax), generally often called the St. Thomas conure, is a black-billed fowl with largely inexperienced plumage. This can be a very social and lively species that largely lives, travels, and eats in pairs or small teams when within the wild. They are often very rowdy earlier than settling down at night time, which can be considerably off-putting for house owners.
17. Blossom-Headed Parakeet
Origin: | Asia |
Lifespan: | 20–30 years |
Size: | 30 centimeters |
The blossom-headed parakeet (Psittacula roseata) is a beautiful lime-green parrot. Males have pink and pale blue on their head and nape with a black neck collar and chin stripe. Females have pale grey heads and no neck collars. These birds should not stored as pets fairly often, although they are often nice pets in the suitable households.
18. Slaty-Headed Parakeet
Origin: | Asia |
Lifespan: | 15–17 years |
Size: | 30–40 centimeters |
The slaty-headed parakeet (Psittacula himalayana) is a largely inexperienced fowl with blue tinting and a darkish grey head. They aren’t generally stored as pets, although they are often appropriate for folks well-versed on the planet of aviculture. They’ll type fairly robust bonds with their human counterparts and should make good roommates for different birds.
19. Regent Parakeet
Origin: | Australia |
Lifespan: | 20–30 years |
Size: | 37–42 centimeters |
The regent parakeet (Polytelis anthopeplus), generally often called the regent parrot or rock pebbler, is a bodily putting fowl with golden coloring. They’re extremely social and pretty quiet however aren’t typically stored as pets. They don’t allopreen within the wild and aren’t as receptive to being touched or petted as different parakeet species.
20. Inexperienced Parakeet
Origin: | Mexico |
Lifespan: | As much as 30 years |
Size: | 28–31 centimeters |
The inexperienced parakeet (Psittacara holochlorus), also called the inexperienced conure or Mexican inexperienced conure, is a predominantly inexperienced species with some scattering of crimson feathers and a blue tinge. These beautiful birds are highly intelligent, curious, and social, making them an incredible choose for knowledgeable fowl house owners.
Conclusion
There you could have it! With all these unimaginable parakeets on the market it’s arduous to decide on a favourite. Was there one specifically that caught your eye? Which one would you like to see within the wild? Take this new data about parakeets to your subsequent quiz night time!
Featured Picture credit score: UniqSnaps, Shutterstock