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What Are the Different Types of Parakeet?

Angela Colley
Angela Colley

With their small size and social nature, parakeets make excellent exotic pets to keep in the home. The different types of parakeet include the small and colorful budgerigars, the larger English budgie, and the Alexandrine parakeet, which changes color as it matures. Many people also keep ringneck parakeets as pets, although the ringneck has a slightly less social personality than other types.

While most parakeets work well as small exotic pets, budgerigars, also known as budgies, are the most common type of parakeet to keep as house pets. Budgerigars are native to Australia but have adapted well as pets across Europe, the United States, and Canada. They are smaller in stature than other types of parakeet and come in several different color variations, including an all white, and mixtures of green, red, yellow, and blue. Budgies are tame and highly intelligent, making them easy to train.

Red-masked parakeets are native to Ecuador and Peru.
Red-masked parakeets are native to Ecuador and Peru.

English budgies are specially bred to be show parakeets, but many people also keep theses types of parakeets as pets. Size is the only notable difference between an ordinary budgerigar and an English budgie, which has a larger head and body and stands taller and wider than the traditional budgerigar. Like the ordinary budgerigar, however, English budgies are colorful, intelligent and tame.

Parakeets are small or medium-sized parrots.
Parakeets are small or medium-sized parrots.

Alexandrian parakeets are native to jungles of India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. These types of parakeets have larger heads and long, tapered tails. The coloring of an Alexandrian parakeet depends on the sex as males are dark green with some pink and the females are a lighter green without any pink coloring. Males also develop two colored rings around their necks while the females remain the same color throughout their lifespan. Both male and female Alexandrian parakeets have a high energy level and require a large cage that allows them room to move around.

The budgerigar is also known as the common parakeet.
The budgerigar is also known as the common parakeet.

Ringnecks are one of the hardest types of parakeet to keep as pets as they have aggressive tendencies and require daily training and care. Generally, a ringneck parakeet grows to a smaller size than budgie or Alexandrian parakeet, and it's coloring is a bright to dark green, regardless of sex. This species also has pink and colored rings around the neck, making them easy to identify. While ringneck parakeets require extra handling and care, they can become tame house pets with time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of parakeets kept as pets?

Some parrots, such as the Rosella of Australia and New Zealand, are known for their vivid red colors.
Some parrots, such as the Rosella of Australia and New Zealand, are known for their vivid red colors.

The Budgerigar, also known as the Budgie, is the most popular pet parakeet, renowned for its vibrant colors and sociable nature. The Monk Parakeet, often recognized for its talking ability, and the Plain Parakeet, which is admired for its playful demeanor, are also favored choices among pet owners.

How many species of parakeets are there worldwide?

There are over 115 species of parakeets found across the globe. These birds belong to the Psittacidae family and are known for their diverse range of colors, sizes, and habitats. They are native to various regions, including Australia, Asia, and South America, each with unique characteristics and adaptations.

Can all types of parakeets learn to talk?

While not all parakeet species have the same capacity for speech, several are known for their ability to mimic human language. The Budgerigar, for instance, is particularly adept at learning words and phrases. However, the extent of their vocabulary can vary widely among individual birds, with some developing extensive vocabularies.

What is the difference between a parakeet and a parrot?

Parakeets are a subgroup within the broader parrot family, characterized by their long tail feathers and smaller size. While all parakeets are parrots, not all parrots are parakeets. Parrots typically have a more diverse range of sizes, shapes, and behaviors, with some species like macaws and cockatoos being significantly larger than parakeets.

What is the natural habitat of parakeets?

Parakeets are found in a variety of natural habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and tropical and subtropical regions. For example, the Budgerigar is native to the arid regions of Australia, where it lives in large flocks. Each species has adapted to its environment, influencing their diet, behavior, and breeding patterns.

What should I consider when choosing a parakeet as a pet?

When selecting a parakeet as a pet, consider the bird's lifespan, which can range from 5 to 15 years or more, meaning a long-term commitment. Assess the bird's social needs, as many parakeets require regular interaction. Also, consider space for a proper cage, time for daily exercise, and potential noise levels, as some parakeets can be quite vocal.

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    • Red-masked parakeets are native to Ecuador and Peru.
      By: Maisna
      Red-masked parakeets are native to Ecuador and Peru.
    • Parakeets are small or medium-sized parrots.
      By: susan flashman
      Parakeets are small or medium-sized parrots.
    • The budgerigar is also known as the common parakeet.
      The budgerigar is also known as the common parakeet.
    • Some parrots, such as the Rosella of Australia and New Zealand, are known for their vivid red colors.
      Some parrots, such as the Rosella of Australia and New Zealand, are known for their vivid red colors.