And then there’s the parrot with perhaps the most engaging name, the Quaker parrot (sometimes mis-spelt as “Quakar” parrot!). He originally came from South America and can be found from Brazil to Argentina. He’s about the same size as a Cockatiel, growing no larger usually than about a foot. He’ll live to be at least 20 years old. Like some of the other parrots, this particular species requires lots of attention. If you can’t devote time to him, then you should probably pass him up without getting too attached when you’re bird browsing.

You may know him better as the Monk parrot. He has a bright green head and body. His tail also is that same green. There’s only a bit of blue on his tail and on a few of his flight feathers.

You may encounter this bird, expecting him to be wearing the outfit that the gentleman on the oatmeal box wears. Well, you’ll be disappointed. Because he won’t. The Quaker parrot is like just about every other parrot an excellent talking. He enjoys listening to being told that he’s a “Goood Bird,” or that he’s a “Pretty baaaby.” Just make sure when you give him these compliments that you make wonderfully cooing sounds.

When you hear this bird practice his “human sounds” don’t hesitate to respond. The more you invite him to talk, the easier and more quickly he’ll acquire his ability to talk.

Humans have tamed many a sub-specie of parrots, but the Green parrot seems to be our collective favorite. Obviously called the Green Parrot because of his bright green plumage, this particular bird brightens up the house in more ways than one. This is an intelligent parrot and unlike some of his relatives, he’s quite affectionate as well. He also has a natural curiosity about the world around him and is easily trained.

He’s rather large, growing about an inch and a half taller than a foot. And you can expect him to live 50 to 75 years.