Green is a dominant color in many parrot species around the world, including those frequently kept as pets. If you’ve spotted a green parrot, you can identify the bird by its size, feather pattern, and more. Some green parrots have additional bright colors mixed into their plumage while others have more subtle markings. These birds are intelligent and full of personality, and they require a committed caregiver. If you’re considering adopting a bird, here are eight popular green parrots to choose from.

Tip

Many parrot species can live for several decades. Make sure you can provide quality care for the bird’s entire life before acquiring one.

Budgerigar

Perhaps the most well-known pet green parrot is the budgie (or parakeet). While not solid green, common budgies are a mixture of yellowish-green interspersed with black spotting and striping patterns. Budgies are very smart and social, yet they’re still fairly easy to care for. They can be housed in a relatively small space compared to larger parrots, but they do need lots of mental and physical exercise.

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Species Overview

Length: 6 to 8 inches

Male Eclectus

One of the most striking green parrots is the male eclectus. The eclectus is sexually dimorphic, meaning you can tell the bird’s sex by its plumage. If you’ve spotted a large, bright green parrot with a prominent orange beak, chances are you’ve seen a male eclectus. Females are primarily bright red. These birds are very social and affectionate but can easily become stressed if they feel neglected.

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Length: 17 to 20 inches

Lovebird

Each lovebird species displays different colors, but nearly all of them have a variety that’s primarily green. Lovebirds are small birds with big personalities. Their name suggests they are very affectionate, and many well-socialized lovebirds can be. But if these little green parrots aren’t handled regularly, they can lose their tameness, which might result in a nippy bird.

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Length: 5 to 7 inches

Indian Ringneck Parakeet

While selective breeding has given rise to an array of colors, Indian ringneck parakeets are most commonly pastel green. These green parrots are not the best choice for inexperienced bird owners. Ringnecks often go through a “bluffing” phase during adolescence, characterized by hormonal aggression. They’re also quite smart birds that require lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy.

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Length: 14 to 17 inches

Green-Cheeked Conure

Green-cheeked conures are small, spunky birds sporting primarily green plumage accented with gray, red, and blue. They tend to bond closely with their caretakers and love to play and socialize. But they are prone to feather picking if they feel bored or neglected. So make sure you can commit to spending several hours a day interacting with this bird before you adopt one.

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Length: 10 to 11 inches

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Length: 15 to 17 inches

Pacific Parrotlet

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.

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Length: 4 to 5 inches

Quaker Parrot

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. 

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Length: 11 to 12 inches