Types of Parakeets: 12 Popular Species Compared (Budgie, Indian Ringneck, Monk & More)

'Parakeet' is a category, not a species. It covers more than 100 small-to-medium long-tailed parrots from Australia, Asia, Africa, and South America. Here are the twelve you're most likely to find for sale — and which one fits your home.

If someone in North America says 'parakeet,' they almost always mean a budgie. The rest of the world uses the word more broadly, and with good reason — a Bourke's parakeet, an Indian ringneck, and a monk parakeet have almost nothing in common except a long tail.

Quick comparison table

1. Budgie (Melopsittacus undulatus)

The classic. Cheap, social, talks well, fits any apartment. The species behind 60 million pet birds worldwide. Start here unless you have specific reasons not to.

2. Indian Ringneck (Psittacula krameri)

Stunning long-tailed parakeet with a distinctive neck ring on males. Talks more clearly than any other parakeet. Goes through a 'bluffing' phase between 4–12 months — owners unprepared for biting often rehome them. Needs daily handling for life.

3. Monk Parakeet (Quaker)

Bright green, intelligent, loud, builds nests out of anything. Banned in several US states (CA, GA, KY, CO, others) because escapees colonize. Where legal, they're brilliant talkers and cuddly companions for owners who can handle the volume.

4. Plum-Headed Parakeet

Quieter cousin of the ringneck. Males have a stunning plum-purple head. Less prone to bluffing, gentler personality, but rarely talks.

5. Bourke's Parakeet

Pastel pink and grey. Crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). Almost silent. Won't talk, but a perfect quiet apartment bird.

6. Lineolated Parakeet (Linnie)

Tiny, calm, quiet, almost cat-like in temperament. Walks more than it flies. The recommended choice for apartment dwellers who can't have a budgie's chatter.

7. Princess Parrot

Pastel green and pink Australian beauty. Long-tailed, gentle, needs flight space — better suited to aviaries than cages.

8. Mustached Parakeet

Smaller cousin of the Alexandrine. Gentle, talkative, needs daily out-of-cage time. Often overlooked but excellent companions.

9. Alexandrine Parakeet

Largest parakeet on this list. Speaks clearly, lives 30+ years, needs a flight cage minimum 6 ft long. Closer to a small parrot than a typical parakeet.

10. Eastern Rosella

Unmistakable red, white, yellow, and green. Better as an aviary bird than a hands-on companion — they don't enjoy heavy handling.

11. Grass Parakeets (Neophema)

Includes turquoisine, scarlet-chested, elegant. Quiet, calm, gorgeous in mixed aviaries with finches. Generally not hands-on pets.

12. Mulga (Many-Coloured) Parakeet

Australian aviary species with iridescent green, yellow, and red plumage. Reserved for experienced keepers with planted aviaries.

Choosing the right parakeet

• Apartment, first bird: budgie or lineolated.
• Want a long-lived talker: Indian ringneck or Alexandrine (commit to 25+ years).
• Want a quiet, beautiful aviary bird: Bourke's, grass parakeets, plum-headed.
• Want a cuddly chatterbox and don't mind volume: monk parakeet (where legal).

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Further Reading

• Association of Avian Veterinarians — aav.org
• VCA Animal Hospitals — Bird Care Library
• Lafeber Vet — Companion Bird Nutrition

Medically reviewed

Dr. Marian Hollis, DVM — ABVP-Certified Avian Practitioner

Cascade Avian & Exotic Veterinary, Portland OR

Last reviewed May 2026 · About the author