Parakeet vs. Parrot — What's the Difference?

Requires social interaction and stimulation to stay healthy.

Known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

Popular for their ability to mimic sounds and words.

Belongs to a broad family of birds characterized by a strong, curved bill, an upright stance, and the ability to mimic sounds.

A small to medium-sized parrot with long tail feathers, known for their vocal nature.

Can form strong bonds with humans and other parrots.

Often kept as pets due to their bright plumage and friendly temperament.

Requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation due to their intelligent nature.

Native to warmer regions, living in large, noisy flocks.

Includes a wide range of species, sizes, and colors, adapted to various environments.

A parakeet is any one of many small to medium-sized species of parrot, in multiple genera, that generally have long tail feathers. Older spellings still sometimes encountered are paroquet or paraquet.

Parrots, also known as psittacines , are birds of the roughly 398 species in 92 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes , found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The order is subdivided into three superfamilies: the Psittacoidea ("true" parrots), the Cacatuoidea (cockatoos), and the Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots).

A small parrot with predominantly green plumage and a long tail.

Any of numerous primarily tropical and subtropical birds of the order Psittaciformes, characterized by a short hooked bill, brightly colored plumage, and, in some species, the ability to mimic human speech or other sounds.

Any of various small slender parrots, usually having long tapering tails and often kept as pets.

One who imitates the words or actions of another, especially without understanding them.

Any of various species of small parrot primarily of tropical regions.

To repeat or imitate, especially without understanding.

Same as Parrakeet.

A kind of bird, many species of which are colorful and able to mimic human speech, of the order Psittaciformes or (narrowly) of the family Psittacidae.

Any of numerous small slender long-tailed parrots

A parroter; a person who repeats the words or ideas of others.

(archaic) A puffin.

Channel coal.

A transponder.

(transitive) To repeat (exactly what has just been said) without necessarily showing understanding, in the manner of a parrot.

In a general sense, any bird of the order Psittaci.

Any species of Psittacus, Chrysotis, Pionus, and other genera of the family Psittacidæ, as distinguished from the parrakeets, macaws, and lories. They have a short rounded or even tail, and often a naked space on the cheeks. The gray parrot, or jako (Psittacus erithacus) of Africa (see Jako), and the species of Amazon, or green, parrots (Chrysotis) of America, are examples. Many species, as cage birds, readily learn to imitate sounds, and to repeat words and phrases.

To repeat by rote, without understanding, as a parrot.

To chatter like a parrot.

Usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds

A copycat who does not understand the words or acts being imitated

Repeat mindlessly;

Parakeets are intelligent but may not display the same level of problem-solving skills as larger parrots.

Parakeets, being generally smaller and less demanding, are often recommended for beginners.

Lifespan varies; parakeets may live up to 15 years, while larger parrots can live 50 years or more.

Toys help keep them mentally and physically active, preventing boredom and associated health issues.

Parrots require significant interaction and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy.

Both should have a varied diet, consisting of seeds, pellets, fruits, and vegetables.

Parakeets are a specific group within the parrot family, generally smaller with longer tail feathers.

Many parrots have the ability to mimic, but the extent and clarity vary widely among species.

A warm, stimulating environment with plenty of space to fly and socialize.

While possible, careful introduction and monitoring are necessary to ensure compatibility.

Start with simple words, repeat them often, and reward the bird for attempts to mimic.

Signs include active behavior, bright eyes, clean feathers, and regular eating habits.

Ethical considerations include ensuring they have sufficient space, social interaction, and proper care.

They use a variety of sounds, calls, and visual displays to communicate with each other.

Both can suffer from feather plucking, obesity, and respiratory issues.