9 Best Green Parrot Species for Pet Enthusiasts

Discover vibrant green parrots that are perfect for families and bird lovers

Green orange faced lovebird standing on the tree in garden
Credit: shark_749 / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

  • Green parrots are varied in their traits and care requirements, with some being more suitable for experienced bird owners.
  • Popular species like budgerigars and lovebirds are generally easy to manage, while others, like the Indian ringneck parakeet, can be more challenging.
  • All parrot species require significant time commitment and mental stimulation to thrive as pets.

Green is a dominant color in many parrot species worldwide, including those often kept as pets. You can identify a green parrot by its size, feather pattern, and other characteristics. Some display bright colors in their plumage, while others have subtle markings. These intelligent, charismatic birds need a dedicated caregiver. If you're thinking about adopting a bird, consider these nine popular green parrot species.

Tip

Many parrot species can live for decades. Ensure you can provide quality care throughout a parrot's life before adopting one.

  • 01 of 09

    Budgerigar

    Green budgie sitting on the floor
    Credit:

    Filomena Sousa/EyeEm/Getty Images

    The budgie (or parakeet) is perhaps the most famous pet green parrot. Though not solid green, common budgies feature a yellowish-green color with black spots and stripes. Budgies are intelligent and social, yet relatively easy to care for. They can live in smaller spaces than larger parrots, but they require plenty of mental and physical exercise.

    Species Overview

    Length: 6 to 8 inches

    Weight: 1 ounce

    Physical Characteristics: Green abdomen; black and yellow back; yellow head; dark blue tail; mutations include blue, yellow, white, and gray

  • 02 of 09

    Male Eclectus

    Green eclectus parrot perched on a branch
    Credit:

    Steve Clancy Photography/Getty Images

    The male eclectus parrot is one of the most striking green parrots. Eclectus parrots are sexually dimorphic, meaning their plumage indicates their gender. A large, bright green parrot with a prominent orange beak is likely a male eclectus, while females are primarily bright red. These social and affectionate birds can become stressed if neglected.

    Species Overview

    Length: 17 to 20 inches

    Weight: 13 to 19 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)

  • 03 of 09

    Lovebird

    Two peace-faced lovebirds
    Credit:

    Feng Wei Photography/Getty Images

    Each lovebird species shows different colors, but almost all have a primarily green variety. Lovebirds are small with big personalities. Their name suggests affection, and many well-socialized lovebirds are. However, without regular handling, they can lose their tameness, which might result in a nippy bird.

    Species Overview

    Length: 5 to 7 inches

    Weight: 2 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Short tail; somewhat stocky build; many color varieties, including green, blue, peach, yellow, and white; the face and body usually bear different colors

  • 04 of 09

    Indian Ringneck Parakeet

    Portrait of an Indian ringneck parakeet
    Credit:

    Major Bear/Getty Images

    Though selective breeding has introduced various colors, Indian ringneck parakeets are commonly pastel green. They are not ideal for novice bird owners. Ringnecks often experience a "bluffing" phase in adolescence, marked by hormonal aggression. They're highly intelligent and need ample mental and physical stimulation to stay happy.

    Species Overview

    Length: 14 to 17 inches

    Weight: 4 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Green plumage; blue tail; yellow under wings; males have black and rose rings around their necks

    Continue to 5 of 9 below
  • 05 of 09

    Green-Cheeked Conure

    Green-cheeked conure
    Credit:

    Paul Atkinson/Getty Images

    Green-cheeked conures are small, lively birds with primarily green plumage accented by gray, red, and blue. They bond closely with caregivers and love socializing. However, they may pick at their feathers if bored or neglected, so ensure you can dedicate several hours daily to interacting with them before adoption.

    Species Overview

    Length: 10 to 11 inches

    Weight: 2 to 3 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Predominantly green; olive cheek patches; gray breast and head; maroon tail; blue flight feathers; mutations include turquoise, yellow, and cinnamon

  • 06 of 09

    Amazon Parrot

    Amazon parrot
    Credit:

    Michael Leach/Getty Images

    Amazon parrots are among the largest and most recognizable green parrots. There are several species, including the blue-fronted Amazon, yellow-naped Amazon, and double yellow-headed Amazon. Each type is predominantly green with various markings to set it apart. These are smart, social creatures that require lots of attention from their caretakers as well as ample space to play.

    Species Overview

    Length: 15 to 17 inches

    Weight: 16 to 23 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Green body; yellow head; red at the wing bend; tan beak; white rings around the eyes (double yellow-headed Amazon)

  • 07 of 09

    Pacific Parrotlet

    Parrotlet on a branch
    Credit:

    Chelsea Sampson/Getty Images

    Nicknamed “pocket parrots” because of their small size, parrotlets are charming and somewhat feisty birds. They crave attention but require regular handling to keep them tame, as they have a reputation for becoming nippy when left alone too often. As intelligent, active birds, they should spend several hours out of the cage each day for exercise and enrichment.

    Species Overview

    Length: 4 to 5 inches

    Weight: 1 ounce

    Physical Characteristics: Green head and body; blue on back and behind eyes; mutations include blue, yellow, and white

  • 08 of 09

    Quaker Parrot

    green Quaker parrot
    Credit:

    Allan Baxter/Getty Images

    Quaker parrots, also known as monk parakeets, are outgoing birds that love to interact with their flock—humans included. Some tend to bond closely with one person, and most are quite gentle when they’ve been well-socialized. These birds love to entertain, and many become quite adept at talking, mimicking sounds, and singing. 

    Species Overview

    Length: 11 to 12 inches

    Weight: 3 to 5 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Green head, wings, and body; gray breast, cheeks, and throat; blue flight feathers; mutations include blue, albino, cinnamon, lutino, and pied

    Continue to 9 of 9 below
  • 09 of 09

    Green Parakeet

    two green parakeets
    Credit:

    Philippe LEJEANVRE / Getty Images

    Also known as Mexican green conures or green conures, green parakeets are smart, social parrots that need a lot of attention and are suitable for more experienced bird owners. These energetic birds enjoy interacting with people and can be trained. A large enclosure with a variety of toys will allow them to play and exercise, but they should be given ample time outside of their cage every day as well.

    Species Overview

    Length: 11 to 12 inches

    Weight: 8 ounces 

    Physical Characteristics: Green body and head; yellowish-green underparts; red feathers might be on face and throat; orange-red iris in adults, brown in juveniles  

Green Parrots to Avoid

Some green parrot species don’t make the best pets, especially for inexperienced bird owners.

An example is the Indian ringneck parakeet. Although stunning with vibrant green feathers and a red beak, these birds can get bored easily, are territorial, and can be difficult to train, so they aren’t the ideal choice for families with kids or other birds like parrotlets.

Also, carefully consider the personality and needs of the Severe (Chestnut-Fronted) macaw before adding one to your family. These large parrots haven’t been domesticated for as long as other species, so they can exhibit negative behaviors like nipping, lunging, and screeching.