Parrot Families

• Parrots are grouped into the Psittacidae (true parrots) and Cacatuidae (cockatoo species), families which include subfamilies like the Loriinae, the Arinae and the Strigopinae.
  
  

True Parrots

• True parrots (Psittacidae) are beautiful and bright birds. There are a wide assortment of variations, such as the African gray parrot, eclectus and red-bellied parrot.
  
  

Parakeets

• Parakeets, or budgerigars, are multicolored and belong to a subfamily of small parrots. They live for eight to 10 years, are mildly noisy and require enough space to fly from perch to perch.
  
  

Cockatiels

• Cockatiels are medium-sized and grayish or multicolored. They are happy birds and live for 15 to 20 years. Cockatiels are relatively quiet but need a large amount of space to fly and climb.
  
  

Macaws

• Macaws are large and multicolored with intriguing personalities. They live anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on size, and require a very large amount of space. Macaws also make a lot of noise.
  
  

Additional Types

• Other types of parrots that make good pets include caiques, cockatoos, lovebirds and parrotlets. These species vary in size, color and disposition.