12 Amazing Parrot Species You’ve Probably Never Heard Of—Perfect for World Parrot Day

While most people are familiar with the flashy parrots seen in pet stores or zoos, the parrot family is full of incredible species that often go unnoticed. Some are tiny and quiet; others are brightly colored but rarely seen due to their remote habitats. Each one has something special to offer, whether it’s how they live, sound, or interact. Celebrate World Parrot Day by learning about 12 fascinating parrots that deserve the spotlight.

1. Pesquet’s Parrot (Dracula Parrot)

Ltshears on Wikimedia

Found in the rainforests of New Guinea, the Pesquet’s Parrot has striking black feathers and a bright red chest. Its face is vulture-like, giving it a dramatic look that earned it the nickname “Dracula Parrot.” This bird is rare and almost never seen in captivity due to its specialized diet and habitat.

2. Swift Parrot

Kevin Murray on Wikimedia

Native to Tasmania, the Swift Parrot is a fast and colorful bird, but sadly, it is endangered. Its bright green body and red face make it beautiful, but habitat loss has caused its numbers to drop. It migrates across dangerous waters to mainland Australia each year, making it a true survivor.

3. Kakapo

Daderot on Wikimedia

The Kakapo is a large, flightless parrot from New Zealand, known for its owl-like face and gentle nature. It’s also one of the rarest parrots on Earth, with only a few hundred left. Conservationists work around the clock to save this shy, nocturnal bird from extinction.

4. Blue-headed Racket-tail

Lina Marcela Ortega Gaviria on Pexels

This tiny Philippine parrot has a unique tail with two long feathers ending in blue paddles. It’s playful and agile, often found flitting through treetops in small groups. Sadly, deforestation threatens its forest home.

5. Red-fan Parrot (Hawk-headed Parrot)

Dktue on Wikimedia

When excited or threatened, this Amazonian parrot raises the bright red and blue feathers around its neck to form a stunning, fan-shaped display. It looks like a tropical warrior when flared out. Its bold behavior and unique appearance make it a favorite among parrot lovers who are familiar with it.

6. Meyer’s Parrot

Ixectrona on Wikimedia

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, this parrot is small, calm, and has a dusty green body with yellow patches on its wings. It’s one of the quieter parrot species and makes a sweet, gentle companion. Still, it’s often overlooked next to louder, more colorful birds.

7. Plum-headed Parakeet

The spacemonkey on Wikimedia

This beautiful bird from India has a rich, purple-red head and a soft, green body. Males and females have slightly different color shades, adding to their charm. They are quiet, social, and love flying in flocks over open fields and woodlands.

8. Maroon-fronted Parrot

Lipe on Pexels

This rare parrot inhabits the high pine forests of northern Mexico and is distinguished by its bold green body and maroon forehead. It is highly endangered due to habitat loss and climate threats. Conservationists are working hard to keep this mountaintop species alive.

9. Black-capped Lory

Bernard Quaritch on Wikimedia

Found in New Guinea and nearby islands, this parrot has a vivid mix of red, purple, and black feathers. It’s known for being vocal, playful, and very curious. Its rich colors make it one of the most visually striking parrots in the world.

10. Yellow-eared Parrot

J. Davernes on Wikimedia

This Colombian native has a soft green body with bright yellow patches behind its eyes. Once thought extinct, it was rediscovered and is now part of a major conservation comeback. Its story is a hopeful one for bird lovers everywhere.

11. Bronze-winged Parrot

Alejandro Bayer Tamayo on Wikimedia

Living in parts of South America, this parrot has a dark body with shiny, bronze-colored wings that glimmer in the light. It’s quiet and tends to stay hidden in the forest canopy. Despite its beauty, few people outside of bird-watching circles are aware of its existence.

12. Orange-bellied Parrot

Dutton, F. G.; Fawcett, Benjamin; Greene, W. T.; Lydon, A. F.; Lydon, A. F. on Wikimedia

Tiny and colorful, this parrot lives in Tasmania and is critically endangered, with only a few dozen left in the wild. Its bright blue wings and orange belly make it stand out, even at a small size. Efforts to breed and release these parrots continue every year.

• Tags:
• rare
• parrot species
• exotic
• World Parrot Day
• tropical birds