🦜 What Is a Parrot? What Is a Parakeet? And What Does “Talking Parrot” Really Mean?

If you’re browsing parrot adverts online — on sites like ours at ParrotsForSale.co.uk or on other UK pet platforms — you’ve probably seen the term “talking parrot” used in many listings. But what does that actually mean? And what’s the difference between a parrot and a parakeet?

Let’s break it down for new bird lovers and buyers.

✅ What Is a Parrot?

All tropical birds with curved beaks, strong feet, and intelligent behaviour are considered part of the parrot family. This includes species like African Greys, Macaws, Cockatoos, Ringnecks, and many others.

Parrots are known for being smart, social, and in many cases, able to mimic sounds or human words.

✅ What Is a Parakeet?

The word parakeet simply refers to smaller-sized parrots. It’s not a separate species — it’s a size category.

Pet breeders and bird owners often use “parakeet” to describe parrots that are:

• Smaller in body size

• More lightweight and delicate

• Usually have long tail feathers

Common examples of parakeets include Budgies, Ringnecks, Quakers, and Alexandrines. These are all parrots — just smaller ones!

🗣️ What Does “Talking Parrot” Mean in Ads?

When we or other sellers advertise a bird as a “talking parrot,” it usually means the breed is known for its talking ability — meaning they have a natural ability to mimic words, sounds, or human speech.

But here’s the important bit:

Just because a species can talk doesn’t mean every individual bird will.

Some birds are naturally more vocal, others are quiet. Even within talking breeds, personality, age, environment, and training all play a role.

🐦 Which Breeds Are Considered Good Talking Parrots?

We usually label birds as “talking parrots” only if they are from breeds known to be reliable talkers. These include:

• African Greys (the best talkers overall)

• Indian Ringnecks

• Quaker Parrots

• Amazon Parrots

• Budgies (Parakeets) – small, but often very talkative

• Cockatoos (some can talk quite well)

❌ What About Birds That Can Talk But Aren’t Considered “Talking Parrots”?

Some birds — like Rosella Parrots and Baraband (Barabands) Parrots — might pick up a few words or sounds, but they are not classed as strong talkers.

That’s why in our adverts, we avoid labelling these birds as “talking parrots” — we aim to be honest and accurate so new owners know what to expect.

✅ Final Thoughts

In short:

• All parakeets are parrots – just smaller ones.

• “Talking parrot” means the bird’s breed is known for speech, but not every bird will talk.

• We only use the term “talking” if the breed truly has the potential to mimic human words.

At ParrotsForSale.co.uk, we aim to give clear, honest information in our adverts so you know exactly what kind of bird you’re bringing home.