Besides the obvious differences in color and size, each species of parrot has their own general personality quirks.
Not all parrots are equal in their speaking abilities. Some have huge vocabularies and can even associate words with objects and actions. Others are hard pressed to say a few simple words
First time parrot owners should be aware that some species are a real challenge.
Among the most challenging parrot species are the cockatoos, macaws and amazons.
Cockatoos
As long as they get enough attention from their owners cockatoo birds are highly loyal, cuddly and affectionate parrots.
Before you buy a cockatoo be sure you are willing to make the commitment to spend most of each day with it. If you lock it up in it's cage and ignore it all day it will soon develop some bad habits like feather plucking and screeching.
Speaking of screaming, you don't want to be in the same room as a screaming cockatoo. They are loud.
If you are willing to spend the time they demand with one, a cockatoo is a very devoted parrot, but they aren't for anyone that doesn't have the time to socialize with them.
Macaws
There are mini macaws, but for the most part macaw birds are big.
They are all loud, even the minis can make a lot of noise.
Daily interaction with their owners are important to keep macaws from becoming neurotic feather pluckers that scream and bite.
It's rare, but if a macaw decides to bite you hard it has the potential to break a finger.
Unless you know that the bird has been properly trained to not bite exercise a little caution around an unfamiliar macaw.
Macaws may not be ideal for everyone, but they are fantastic pets in the hands of someone who is willing to spend the time and energy to tame and train one.
Amazons
Give them a big enough cage with plenty of toys to keep them entertained and amazon birds can be left alone for longer periods of time than the other two types of parrots. The thing to be aware of with amazons is that as they approach maturity they can get aggressive.
A first time parrot owner may find that their aggressive nature is a real challenge.
Amazons are another parrot that gets loud and noisy if they aren't handled enough.
Amazons are a good choice for a pet parrot if you are sure you can handle them when they get aggressive.
All of these parrots are fantastic birds and make an excellent choice for a pet parrot. Just be sure you educate yourself about what you are getting into before buying one.
