Did you know that there are over 400 species of parrot? Some look similar to one another and some can look very different from what one imagines when thinking of parrots. Perhaps you consider yourself an expert in identifying parrots based on what they look like. Or, maybe you want to learn more so that you can show off your skills in identifying them to your friends and family. In this blog post, you will be tested on your knowledge of parrot species based purely on their feathers. We will start simple but it will get more difficult as we go. Let's see how many you can identify!

 

Parrot One

Here is our first one. If you think you know who this beautiful plumage belongs to, skip to the section below to see if you are right. If you need a little help, here are some interesting facts that you can use as hints: 

This parrot can be seen in the northeast region of South America. Despite their smaller size when compared to other loud parrots, their vocalizations can be measured up to about 100 decibels in some cases which makes them one of the most surrendered parrots when it comes to rescues. They are considered an endangered species and there are more of this bird living in homes, zoos, and sanctuaries than there are in their wild habitat. This bird can be seen in many videos dancing, bouncing, and even repeating words and phrases. 

Think you know who this parrot is? Scroll down to reveal the answer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sun Conure

Aratinga solstitialis

Parrot Two 

For some people, this might be an easy one thanks to this parrot’s unique colors and feather pattern. I’ll provide some hints below if you need a little help.

For this bird, we’re traveling all the way to Australia. They can be found along the eastern seaboard and even across eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and island nations such as Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Their calls are quite recognizable if you have ever identified them before. They can be found feeding on nectar and pollen. During the flowering events of trees and shrubs is when they have the most presence in an area and their flocks can travel several miles daily in order to find areas that are blossoming. Their tongues are uniquely adapted to access nectar and pollen. Thankfully, they are listed with a conservation status as “least concern” although in some areas their numbers have been declining. 

Have you guessed who this bird is? Scroll down to check if you're right!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainbow Lorikeet
Trichoglossus moluccanus

 

Parrot Three

On to our next parrot. Hopefully this one isn’t too hard upon first glance. Here are some facts about this wonderful bird:

This parrot is native to West Africa where it can be found in its woodlands and savannas. Their favorite foods include seeds, nuts, and fruits. They’ve been known to nest in tree cavities that were created by other birds like the woodpecker. Their vocalizations can be considered loud by some - especially when they get excited about something. Their eyes are a striking, beautiful amber color and they kind of look like they are wearing little overalls. Though their population is believed to be decreasing due to issues like habitat loss, for the time being, their conservation status is considered to still be of “least concern”.

Have you guessed who this parrot is? Scroll down!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parrot Four

Depending on your level of interactions with parrots, this one might be obvious to you upon first glance. Here are some interesting facts about this vibrant, beloved parrot:

This bird is from the beautiful rainforests and lowland woodlands of Oceania. This includes the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Indonesia in the Maluku Islands (Moluccas). They are quite unique because unlike many other parrots, males and females have different colored feathers. Though both are strikingly vibrant. The males and females look so different when it comes to their colors that they were believed to be different species by biologists for years. When males and females have different, distinguishable physical characteristics, this is called sexual dimorphism. The parrot that these feathers belong to is a female. This parrot can live up to about 50 years old and the adults can measure between 12-15 inches in length. Though their conservation status is listed as least concern, they are experiencing a sharp decline in population because of deforestation and hunting and trapping so that they can be used for the pet trade. 

There’s a good chance that you figured this one out already as they are quite recognizable parrots. Were you right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parrot Five

This parrot might be easy for some if they spend a lot of time watching parrot videos on social media. If you need a little help, here are some facts about this fun, lively bird:

These birds can be found in the western part of South America along the south-western Amazon Basin. They can also be spotted thriving in the east Andean slopes. They have a unique scalloped feather pattern on their frontal neck and  the leading edge of their wings have a vivid red color which can be seen most easily during flight and when they’re stretching. They have distinct calls which can be heard as they fly overhead in their native habitat. They can measure up to about 10 inches long and weigh around 70g. They have been seen eating Cecropia fruits which are listed as a rare kind of fruit that is said to taste like a combination of honey, fig, and melon. Does that sound delicious to anyone else? They are considered by CITES as near threatened because of deforestation, but for now, their populations are stable. 

Let's see if you got this one right!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black-capped Conure (pictured right)
Pyrrhura rupicola

 

Parrot Six

This next absolutely beautiful bird is considered by many as being one of the most beautiful parrots. 

This bird’s native habitat is found from western Venezuela to northwest Peru. There hasn’t been a lot of studies done on its behavior in the wild, but we do know that they seem to be somewhat nomadic in certain areas and that they feed on the fruits of the West Indian elm, or Bay cedar tree. They have also been seen nesting in tree hollows and are highly social parrots. They grow to about 11 or 12 inches in length and they weigh between about 200-250g. An interesting fact about this bird is that they will gasp and wheeze if they become stressed and will stop once they calm down. Though this is not considered to be a respiratory issue on its own and needs to be distinguished from a true issue. 

Who do you think this bird is?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parrot Seven

This parrot takes us to Australia, specifically to Central and east-central parts of the country. Many people love this beautiful parrot both for its personality and its unique colors. Their soft, smooth colors are distinct in the parrot world and their crest (pictured) is composed of brilliant red and yellow streaks. They are the species in their family of parrots that have a multi-colored crest, which is striking in comparison to the soft colors on the rest of their body. They can grow to about 14 inches long and weigh between about 340-425g. They enjoy feeding on grass seeds and fruit. Their conservation status is listed as vulnerable in Australia because of habitat loss, wildfires, and the loss of nesting areas. They prefer not to nest close to other pairs which makes habitat loss even more of an issue. Their calls are considered quite loud and can top out at around 135 decibels which is similar to the sound of a jet engine taking off. 

So, who is this wonderful parrot?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parrot Eight

This parrot is arguably the most unique looking one that can be found. Lets learn a little bit about them:

They are from Australia and occupy a broad area in the northern part of the country. They can be seen nesting in eucalypts. They have pretty long lifespans with some observed to live to over 50 years old. They are about 24 inches long and the males can weigh up to about 900g. Just as with one of the previous birds we looked at in this post, these birds are sexually dimorphic. The males are all black but the females have stripes and spots that come in yellow and orange. While they enjoy a variety of grains and other foods, they especially seem to love eucalyptus seeds. Depending on the location, their conservation status is listed as vulnerable or threatened due in large part to smuggling for the pet trade. 

So, have you guessed who this parrot is?