Some of the most popular parrots are actually some of the most colorful pet birds often kept in captivity. Hence the popularity of owning these types of birds.
With over 350 parrot species known worldwide, it is almost impossible to pick the most colorful ones from all these amazing and unique birds.
But we’re going to try to find the 7 Most Colorful Parrots known to man.
Not all of these species are available as pets. Some are very rare species and do not adapt well to being kept in captivity. Many species though are captive bred and live happy and healthy lives as pets given the correct living space and diet. And some are simply too expensive for most people like you and me to even consider. Upwards of $40,000!
Table of Contents
7 Most Colorful Parrots in the world
7. Hyacinth Macaw
| Scientific name | Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus |
| Common Names | Blue parrot, Hyacinth macaw |
| Size | 35-40″ Wingspan 38″ |
| Lifespan | 50+ Years |
| Cost | $20,000+ |
| Temperament | Peaceful and Timid |
Known as one of the most expensive parrots in the world, the Hyacinth macaw is often only seen in private collections or public zoos. Their diet is very specific and consists almost solely of palm nuts from two specific types of palm trees.
Despite its intimidating huge presence of over 35-40″ in height, it’s actually a real softie and a gentle giant. Keeping one of these birds is a real challenge due to their size and diet requirements.
First of all, you have to consider their diet, secondly their home. They have been known to destroy even the strongest cage within minutes. Then there’s the love and affection these birds need. They demand more attention, love, and care than any other bird we know.
If you have the money, time, space, and knowledge to keep this species of parrot then you would be one of the luckiest pet owners in the world to own such a beautiful and colorful parrot as the Hyacinth macaw.
But be prepared to shell out $20’000 – $40’000+ they are one of the most expensive birds in the world. Check out a few others here. You won’t believe the cost!
6. Rainbow Lorikeet
| Scientific Name | Richoglossus Moluccanus |
| Common names | Rainbow bird, Lory, Rainbow lorikeet |
| Size | Height 10-13″ Wingspan 17″ |
| Lifespan | 10 – 18 Years |
| Cost | Average $500 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, But active and Loud |
Native to the coastal regions from northern Queensland to southern Australian, this stunning bird is a match for any pet when it comes to being bright and colorful.
To keep these birds you’ll need to have plenty of time to spend talking to and playing with them. They love to interact with their owners and are not shy or reserved at all. In fact, the total opposite. They are known for their comical antics and friendly personalities, as well as being a little mischievous.
Unlike some other species of birds where the male or female are often not as bright or as colorful. The Rainbow Lorikeet are both identical in color and appearance for both males and females making paring them difficult.
5. Scarlet Macaw
| Scientific Name | Ara macao |
| Common names | Scarlet macaw |
| Size | 32″ – 39″ |
| Lifespan | 40 years on average |
| Cost | $2000-$5000 |
| Temperament | Very intelligent & hand raised birds are tame and caring |
If you could see this bird in full flight in the wild or in a zoo you’ll see why it is regarded as one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
In their natural environment which is the tropical rainforest areas of Central and South America. They live high up in the canopies and can be seen in full flight in all their glory come dusk. A wonderful sight to be seen.
These birds are one of the easiest to learn to talk but generally have a limited vocabulary compared to some parrots. They are also extremely loud and I seriously wouldn’t consider them if you live in an apartment or home with sensitive neighbors. Trust me they will not thank you for owning one.
In captivity, you’ll need a huge parrot cage like the Prevue XL Cage on Amazon. Or if you have space, an outdoor aviary with plenty of room for them to spread their wings and fly.
We recommend the Wire Omlet Cage which is chew-proof, even for parrots and Macaws. They are designed for chickens but we find they make perfect parrot aviaries.
Their diet should emulate their natural diet in the wild with plenty of nuts, berries, seeds, and fresh fruit.
4. Blue and Gold Macaw
| Scientific Name | Ara ararauna |
| Common Names | Blue and yellow macaw, Blue and Gold Macaw |
| Size | 30″ Height – Wingspan 40″ |
| Lifespan | 30 years average but up to 100 has been recorded |
| Cost | $2000 on average |
| Temperament | Very sociable birds and great around people |
The Blue and yellow macaw is probably the most instantly recognisable parrots in the world. But they are not for the average pet owner!
These birds command a lot of attention and care along with needing plenty of space to play. They are still in huge demand despite their care needs and have become a protected and endangered species in the wild.
Thankfully, there is a very successful breeding program that allows pet lovers to purchase and own one of these special birds without the worry of having an impact on their endangered status.
The stand out fact with the Blue and yellow macaw is their love of entertaining and performing tricks. No bird should be forced to play tricks or be put on a show for the self-gratification of humans but these birds really do enjoy the lime light. Hence their popularity in zoos and pet shows.
Trust me, if these birds don’t want to play… They won’t.
3. Sun conure
| Scientific Name | Aratinga solstitialis |
| Common names | Sun conure, sun parakeet |
| Size | 12-13″ |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years |
| Cost | $400 – $700 |
| Temperament | Peaceful but can turn aggressive quickly if provoked |
For me, these birds tick all the boxes as far as looks and beauty go. However, there do have a few issues that owners need to be aware of.
These birds do love to socialize and will play and entertain you for hours. But they can suddenly get bored and end the fun often with a little nip. So, be careful around young children as they can turn aggressive fast.
Concures are not the best parrots if you’re looking to train them to talk but they do have a good set of lungs on them and can be very loud. Often upsetting neighbors and people living close by.
If left unattended for longer than a few days they can start to self-harm and start to feather pick. Conures are also prone to avian viral conditions like proventricular dilatation disease and psittacine beak and feather disease.
However, if you care for your birds each day and pay them the attention they will demand and need you’ll be fine.
The cost of one of these birds is very low compared to many similarly beautiful birds and comes in around $400-$700 on average making them an affordable choice if you want to keep a stunningly colorful bird.
2. Eclectus
| Scientific Name | Eclectus roratus |
| Common Names | Solomon Island Eclectus parrot, Yellow-sided Eclectus parrot, Blue-bellied Eclectus parrot, Dusky Eclectus parrot |
| Size | 18-20″ Height and 22″ wingspan |
| Lifespan | 30-50 years |
| Cost | $1000- $2000 |
| Temperament | Shy and peaceful. Hates loud noises |
This large parrot ( Around 20″ fully grown ) will demand a lot of your time and in fact, will often follow you around the home. So, make sure you have the time to spend caring for this intelligent and loving parrot.
Second only to African greys the Eclectus Parrot is one of the best parrots to learn to speak. They also make a very distinctive honk sound which can be quiet funny when you first hear it.
These parrots are very popular due to the fact that they are much quieter throughout the day than something like a Blue and Gold Macaw. This, plus the purchase price makes them an ideal first big parrot.
The Eclectus parrot is a great bird for a calm and gentle household. Not as suitable with young children and loud noises as some of the other parrots we have featured that actually thrive on loud noises.
Provide plenty of space and allow them to free roam if kept indoors or provide a suitable strong and safe aviary at least 12 feet square with plenty of height. We recommend the Wire Aviary from Omlet.
1. Lilac-crowned Amazons
| Scientific Name | Amazona finschi |
| Common name | Finsch’s parrot, Lilac-crowned Amazon parrot |
| Size | 17″ |
| Lifespan | 50-60 years |
| Cost | $2000 |
| Temperament | Peaceful and not as loud as some parrots |
For me, this is one of my all-time favorite parrots. Why? Well, they are not as loud, easy to learn to talk, Peaceful, loving, and calm yet still love to play. And all this from a bird that looks simply stunning and costs on average under $2000.
Need I say more!
Fewer than 10’000 birds are said to live in the wild after extensive illegal capture. However, there are several breeding programs in the USA alone that now provide a sustainable source of these parrots. Therefore bringing the price down now to under $2000.
You’ll need to allow 2-3 hours a day to talk and play games with these parrots or they will become shy and reserved and then often start to feather pick causing often fatal damage.
Regular parrot pellets should form 70% of their diet with the rest spread between nuts, seeds and fresh fruit.
Suitable Cages
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are some simply stunning parrots which sometimes even money can’t buy. If you’re looking for a pet bird that is colorful and beautiful that won’t break the bank then look at some parakeet species like Eastern Rosella or Love Birds.
These birds won’t break the bank and are easier to care for in a smaller environment.
My first pet birds where Zebra finches and if you look closely at these tiny birds you’ll see their colors and amazing. And for only a few dollars each they offer a more affordable option. However, good luck trying to get them to talk!
