What’s the Difference between Parrotlet and Parakeet?

Are you curious about the distinction between parrotlets and parakeets? These charming and colorful birds may appear similar at first glance, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. This article will explore the unique features of parrotlets and parakeets to help you understand the differences between these delightful avian companions.

Do you know what sets a parrotlet apart from a parakeet? The answer lies in their size and physical traits. While both birds are small and beautiful, parrotlets tend to be even tinier, often no larger than a person’s hand. On the other hand, parakeets are slightly bigger and have longer tails. These subtle variations give each species its unique charm. So let’s begin our exploration of the fascinating world of parrotlets and parakeets.

Visual Difference

The difference between these two birds—the parakeet being slightly larger than the parrotlet—is one of the most noticeable. Compared to parrotlets, they have substantially longer tail feathers. Parrotlets are also always green, with blue dots on the backs of the males. However, parakeets can be multicolored and come in various solid colors. Continue reading to discover other distinctions between the parrotlet and the parakeet.

Parrotlet Bird Outline

The characteristic color of the little, delicate feathers on parrotlets is green. The sides and markings near the males’ eyes are vivid blue. Their curving beaks are longer than parakeets’. These birds are considered more violent than parakeets because they are territorial by nature. Also likely to pinch at those who approach too closely are parrotlets. To ensure their friendliness towards people, they must be handled frequently, starting at a young age.

They enjoy playing with toys and require a large cage to accommodate their energetic and curious nature. These birdies will depend on the human connection to maintain their happiness and health if they do not have other bird partners to live with. Parrotlets, sometimes known as pocket parakeets, enjoy sitting on people’s shoulders and sticking their heads out to get attention.

1. Training

Parrotlets are intelligent and may be taught a variety of tasks, but training should begin as soon as possible, ideally when they are still young. Teaching parrotlets to talk is one of the first things people do. 

Parrotlets should be trained continuously throughout their lives since they benefit from mental stimulation and exercise. Be patient and avoid punishing the bird. Use repetition and consistency to reinforce the desired behavior. Remember, building a bond with your parrotlet is essential for successful training. 

Training a parrotlet can be done using simple and unique methods.

1. Create a calm environment to build trust with your parrotlet.
2. Start with basic commands like “step up” and reward with treats.
3. Use positive reinforcement by praising and offering treats for desired behaviours.
4. Repetition is key; practice commands regularly in short sessions to maintain focus.
5. Introduce new tricks gradually, such as flying to your hand or fetching objects.
6. Keep training sessions fun and engaging to prevent boredom.
7. Use clear, concise commands and gestures to communicate effectively.
8. Be patient and understanding, as each parrotlet learns at their own pace.
9. Socialize your parrotlet with different people and environments to promote adaptability.
10. Always prioritize the well-being and safety of your parrotlet during training sessions.

2. Health And Care

Parrotlets generally have good health and are not sensitive to major conditions like cancer. Respiratory illnesses do occur often in several parrot species. They should visit the vet frequently, just like any other domestic pet. Care of birds is essential for keeping them as pets. Every day, they must have the chance to leave their prison and spread their wings. Fruits, seeds, and grasses make up their food. A veterinarian-approved commercial or homemade diet is acceptable for them to consume.

If a bird is adequately confined to its habitat or permitted to fly around the house without windows or doors open, regardless of whether their wings are clipped, it cannot run and fly away. These birds can benefit from having their nails cut every two weeks to reduce the chance of snatching humans. They also require access to a water dish where they can frequently wash themselves. But aside from that, they don’t need additional grooming for health.

3. Suitability

Due to their adaptability and sociability, parrotlets are the ideal pet for active families with kids. They can be nippy too, so only those who are okay with the occasional pinch should think about taking care of one of these adorable birds.

Also Read: Sun Conure Parrot – Personality, Diet & Care Guide

Parakeet Birds Outline

Parrotlets are smaller than parakeets and can reach lengths up to 18 inches. They come in various colors, including blue, gray, red, green, and multicolored. Most love to whistle, and many enjoy talking. They prefer to be looked at rather than handled, especially by strangers, which makes them relatively hands-off pets. They are incredibly social, though, and expect to obtain attention from their human companions constantly throughout the day.

These parakeets may get along well with other parakeets existing in the same habitat and will cheerfully take newcomers along. They may scream in delight when their owners arrive home after a day of work or fun. Because they are easily frightened, parakeets would rather spend their time in a peaceful space than a noisy one. Children should always be under adult supervision to ensure kindness and calm handling of parakeets.

1. Personality

Different parakeets have different levels of calmness and talkativeness. Young parakeets frequently lack self-confidence and prefer to sit beside their caretakers to feel secure. However, as they age, they often grow more independent and demanding. It’s crucial to clean parakeets’ surroundings many times a week because they can be messy eaters.

Because they are intelligent, parakeets can learn to converse by watching television and listening to the talks of their human partners. They are thought to be highly demanding and might not like the fruits, vegetables, seeds, and processed meals offered to them. Before a satisfying meal plan is established, mealtime can become a period of trial and error.

1. Exercise

If they are to grow, parakeets of all breeds must engage in daily exercise. As they age, exercise helps them maintain a healthy weight and fight against the disease. Additionally, it assists in brain stimulation to prevent boredom during the day. Following are the ways to exercise a parakeet bird:

Provide for Their Habitat. Include playthings engaging in their environment, including a ladder to climb, a mirror to dance in front of, and hanging balls and nets.

Make games. With familiar objects, parakeets can pick up the game of hide-and-seek, and they like chasing things like ribbons and strings around.

Take a Short Walk. Carry your parakeet about while you do activities and let them explore the area while getting exercise by letting them walk around nearby at each new site.

Any action that gets a parakeet active is appropriate for exercise. Even singing and perching are acceptable forms of gentle exercise.

3. Suitability

Although parakeets may live in apartments and houses but prefer calmer surroundings, families with young, excitable children might not be the ideal option. They should only reside outside in a tropical region where they are used to living in nature. Instead, their habitat should be kept indoors in a warm, quiet environment.

Conclusion

Although parrotlets and parakeets may look similar, they differ significantly. Small and cute parrotlets with bright colors and joyful attitudes. They are known for their humor and capacity for sound mimicry. Contrarily, parakeets are bigger and exist in various kinds, each with their own distinct traits and colors. They are highly social birds who enjoy the company. 

Both types of birds can make wonderful companions, but parrotlets need more care and mental stimulation due to their incredible intelligence. However, their friendly nature makes parakeets better suited for beginner bird keepers. You can confidently choose the ideal feathered companion to welcome into your home if you know the differences between parrotlets and parakeets.

FAQs

Is Lovebird a parrotlet?

Parrotlets and lovebirds look alike but are pretty separate species. “parrotlet” refers to three different bird genera: Forpus, Nannopsittaca, and Touit. These can all naturally be found in the New World (Central and South America).

Which parrot is talkative?

African Greys, Macaws, Eclectus, Cockatoos, Budgies, Quaker, and Amazon Parrots can all talk and replicate human words and speech. Other parrots can also talk, but these birds are the most talented for having a vast vocabulary.

Is a parakeet a parrotlet?

Although parrotlets and parakeets are little parrots, their looks couldn’t be more distinct. Long feathers cover the tail of parakeets. The parrotlet has a huge beak for its size and extremely short, stubby tail feathers. They only reach a length of 5′′, whereas a parakeet is around 7′′.

Are parakeets noisy birds?

Parakeets are noisy birds when it comes to whistles, talking, and daily chatter. On the other hand, screaming is not a characteristic behavior of parakeets. Some parakeets may occasionally scream lightly, but if your bird produces what appears to be a true scream, there may be a problem.

Also Read: Mexican Parrotlet: Traits, History, Food & Care