The vibrant world of parrots includes a diverse group of birds generally known for their striking colors and engaging personalities. Parakeets, in particular, have captured public interest, representing some of the most popular avian companions kept as pets globally. The seemingly simple question of how many types of parakeets exist quickly becomes complicated because the term “parakeet” is not an official scientific classification. Instead, it is a common name used to describe a broad collection of species united by specific physical features, meaning there is no single, fixed number.
Defining the Term Parakeet
A parakeet is broadly defined as any one of numerous small to medium-sized parrots that possesses a long, slender body and a characteristic long, tapered tail. This physical trait distinguishes them from larger parrots, which often have shorter, more square-shaped tails.
This descriptive term is applied across multiple genera within the order Psittaciformes. This lack of a formal scientific boundary means that some ornithologists may count as many as 115 different species under the parakeet umbrella. The common usage of the name also varies geographically; in American English, for example, the word parakeet is often used interchangeably with the Budgerigar, which is only one species out of the many.
Global Classification: Old World and New World Parakeets
The sheer volume of parakeet species is best understood by dividing them according to their evolutionary origins in the Old World and New World. Old World parakeets originate from the Eastern Hemisphere, encompassing regions such as Africa, Asia, and Australasia.
The genus Psittacula is a prominent example of Old World parakeets, containing species widely distributed across Africa and Asia. Australasia, particularly Australia, is home to a vast array of parakeets, including the Rosellas (Platycercus species) and the small grassland-dwelling species often referred to as “grass parakeets.” These birds showcase an impressive diversity of plumage and size.
Conversely, New World parakeets are native to the Western Hemisphere, specifically found throughout the Americas, from Central to South America. This group includes nearly 70 species of parakeets across more than a dozen distinct genera. Genera such as Aratinga and Pyrrhura are responsible for many of the species commonly known as “conures” in aviculture, which are taxonomically considered parakeets.
While both groups share the defining long-tailed morphology, the New World parakeets generally belong to the subfamily Arinae, while many Old World species fall under Psittaculidae.
Notable Species and Popular Pet Varieties
The most recognized parakeet globally is the Budgerigar, or “budgie,” formally known as Melopsittacus undulatus. This Australian species typically measures around seven to eight inches in length. Wild Budgerigars are light green with black scalloped markings, but captive breeding has produced hundreds of color mutations, including blues, yellows, and whites.
The most common species, the Indian Ring-necked Parakeet, is a bright green bird distinguished by the male’s thin black and pink neck ring. These birds are native to large parts of Africa and Asia, and they are known for their intelligence and vocal abilities.
The Quaker Parrot, also called the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), is native to South America. This medium-sized parakeet is unique among parrots for its habit of building large, communal stick nests rather than nesting in tree hollows. Quakers are highly social and are particularly valued in aviculture for their capacity to develop an extensive vocabulary of human words and phrases.
Rosellas (Platycercus genus) are often recognizable by their striking, brightly colored plumage. Species like the Crimson Rosella display vibrant red and blue feathers and have a distinctive scalloped pattern on their backs. They require significant space due to their active nature.