With thirteen species of parrots found in California, it is often difficult to identify a particular species especially among those with similar traits. This identification guide is provided as a quick reference and is intended to aid in the identification of naturalized parrots by showing the visual differences between species.

Other than the parrot species shown below, Macaws, Cockatoos, African Greys, Budgies, Cockatiels, etc. are occasionally seen. Only those shown below are known to have established naturalized populations in California.

There are six species of Amazona found in California. They are green overall with a stocky body and short squarded tail which varies in length between species. Head and beak colors vary from horn colored to black. The main differences between the species are colors on the head and the size of the bird.

In addition to those six species shown, other species of Amazona may occasionally be sighted. Hybrids have also been reported.

Click photo at right for species specific information and a detailed description for each.

Amazona are generally seen flying in pairs within small to large flocks. Most flocks are mixed species flocks.

Their shallow, rapid wingbeats and raucous calls are unmistakable.

Of the three species of Aratinga found in California, the Mitred Parakeet and Red-masked Parakeet are the most difficult to tell apart. The Red-masked Parakeet is smaller and exhibits a more solid red to the head and red on the bend of the wing.

Click photo at right for species specific information and a detailed description of each.

Aratinga are generally seen flying in pairs within small to large flocks. Their calls are higher pitched and more chattery than those of the Amazona.

It is not unusual to see a few Aratinga among Amazona flocks.

The Black-hooded Parakeet is green overall with a slender body and long pointed tail. Face and crown are black with a blue wash to the chest, red around ankles and a dark beak.

Click photo at right for species specific information and a detailed description.

The most difficult of California's parrots to distinguish between are the Yellow-chevroned and White-winged Parakeets. Similar in size and appearance, the Yellow-chevroned Parakeet exhibits only yellow on the wing, whereas the White-winged Parakeet exhibits both yellow and white.

Click photo of parrot for species specific information and a detailed description.

Green overall, slender body, extraordinarily long pointed tail, rose colored beak. Only the adult male exhibits the neck ring -- the female and immature birds do not.

Click photo of parrot for species specific information and a detailed description.