So just what are the species that make up this truly diverse family of celebrated birds?  From the African Grey Parrot, to the Macaw, there are just so many to chose from!

Those parrots who are among the most popular and best loved as family pets include first, the Parrot group itself.  This group is distinguished, for the most part, by its marvelously color plumage, and their clever mannerisms.  They’ll win a family over in a heartbeat with a few well chosen actions.

In fact, simply doing what they do in the wild, climb trees and pick up items with their feet make them a fascinating companion for most people.  Among the smallest is the Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot (bet you’d never guess his size from his name) who originates in Papua new Guinea.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Hyacinth Macaw from South America.  Without a doubt, he’s the largest of the parrots. Also included in this group are varying sizes in between from the Quaker Parakeet, the Amazon parrot, and the Senegal parrot.

Then there is another group called the Eclectus Parrots.  The only way to describe their coloring is to call them “glossy.”  When you see when one these in person you’ll completely understand why so many people use this term.  The male of the species is bright green with blue and red patches.  The females are a bright crimson with a brilliant blue belly.  Within this group is a famous subspecies call the Vosmaeri and the Solomon Island varieties.

The large Vosmaeri presents itself as an elegant-looking bird, while those of the Solomon Islands variety have a smallish, “cute” appearance to it.  And for all their beauty, they’re also bright birds.  Scold them once.  Most of the time they get the message.  This bird will never perform that action again.

If you expect him to only repeat the words and phrases he hears you use, you’ll be delighted to discover that this bird is able not only to “hold a conversation” with you and any companion brethren birds you may have, but he’ll sing to you as well.