Seychelles Black Parrot to Eclectus Parrot: 10 different types of parrots found across the world

Parrots represent one of the most interesting and colourful species of birds. The parrot family, scientifically classified under the Psittaciformes order, consists of over 400 species. They range from tropical and subtropical areas all over the world. The parrot family is famous for its brightly coloured plumage, social nature, and strong, curved beaks ideal for crushing seeds and nuts. Moreover, parrot birds use their zygodactyl feet, meaning two front and two back, to climb and manipulate objects with great dexterity. They range from small, lively species like budgerigars to the showy, full-of-personality macaw species.

The African Grey parrot is known to be very intelligent, and they can be found in the rainforests of both West Africa and Central Africa. They have grey feathers and red tails. They can mimic human sounds to perfection.

This beautiful macaw found in tropical regions of Central and South America is distinguished by its beautiful blue and yellow feathers. It is a social bird that inhabits forested regions as well as savannas.

A native species in the wet rainforests from Mexico to Brazil, the Scarlet Macaw is recognised by its striking colouration of red, yellow, and blue plumage. The massive parrot is a key species within its environment, though it is under threat from local extinctions resulting from deforestation.

The Blue-Headed Parrot, or blue-headed pionus, is from South and Central America, with a green body and blue head and neck. It likes forested regions and has high-pitched sounds.

The Amazon basin is home to the Red‑Fan Parrot, which has a dark face with striking neck feathers in a zebra‑like pattern; these show as a fan when it gets excited. It is found in undisturbed rainforest habitats, feeding mostly on fruits.

This medium‑sized parrot is endemic to the Seychelles islands, with mostly dark grey‑brown plumage and is the national bird of Seychelles. It faces threats from habitat alteration but is also representative of unique island biodiversity.

The New Zealand Kākāpō is unique; it is the only flightless nocturnal parrot. Moss‑green feathers, strong walking and climbing legs, this critically endangered bird species is one of the rarest parrot species on Earth.

Native to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and surrounding areas, the Eclectus Parrot shows sexual dimorphism in its plumage, the males being brilliant green, while females are mostly red. These are intelligent, social birds generally found in forested habitats.

Originating from the forests in the north-west part of South America, the Copper-Winged Parrot has a medium length, and its feathers are black with coppery-green highlights. The Copper-Winged Parrot thrives in forest areas and prefers nesting in tree holes.

Another native South American parrot is the Dusky Pionus, with a dark brownish-grey plumage, accompanied by blue and red patches on its wings and tail. It usually breeds in trees. It is scarce compared to some other species.


Parrots are one of the most diverse and interesting species of birds that are present globally. Be it the intelligent African Grey parrot or the rare flightless Kākāpō; each species of parrot has some specific trait that helps them sustain themselves in their habitats. It’s because of these colourful birds alone that our forests and jungles are as beautiful as they are, but apart from being an aesthetic delight, these birds are also an important part of our cultural riches. The need to preserve these species, along with their habitats, becomes an absolute necessity because of the kind of challenges these species are facing today. Whether in the forests of our planet or in scientific research labs, parrots remain a subject of amazement for us.

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