🦜 Types of Parrots (With Training Difficulty & Talking Ability)
Parrots come in many shapes, sizes, colors — and personalities! Each species has different needs, learning abilities, and social behaviors. Below is a helpful guide to the most popular types of parrots, their training difficulty, and how well they can talk.
Parrot Types Comparison Table
| Parrot Type | Size | Talking Ability  | Training Difficulty  | Personality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar (Budgie) | Small | | Easy | Playful, curious, social | Beginners, families |
| Cockatiel | Small | | Easy | Gentle, affectionate | Children, new owners |
| African Grey | Medium | | Medium | Highly intelligent, sensitive | Serious owners |
| Amazon Parrot | Medium | | Medium | Vocal, bold, interactive | Intermediate level |
| Macaw | Large | | Hard | Energetic, loud, loving | Experienced owners |
| Conure | Small–Med | | Medium | Playful, noisy, active | Active families |
| Cockatoo | Large | | Hard | Emotional, loud, cuddly | Committed keepers |
| Eclectus | Medium | | Medium | Calm, talkative, intelligent | Calm environments |
| Lovebird | Small | | Medium | Pair-bonded, playful, stubborn | Solo owners/couples |
| Quaker Parrot | Small | | Easy | Smart, funny, great talkers | Apartment friendly |
| Ringneck Parakeet | Medium | | Medium–Hard | Independent, sharp voice | Confident trainers |
Legend
Talking Ability
: Ranges from (limited mimicry) to (excellent speech ability)Training Difficulty
:Easy: Learns basic tricks and commands quickly
Medium: Requires time, repetition, and consistency
Hard: Demands patience, experience, and social time
Notes for Choosing the Right Parrot
Small parrots (budgies, cockatiels, conures) are easier for beginners.
Medium parrots (ringnecks, Amazons, African Greys) need more time and training but offer better speech.
Large parrots (macaws, cockatoos) require serious commitment, space, and interaction.