The African Grey Parrot is a medium-sized parrot of the genus Psittacus, and is one of the most intelligent birds. They feed primarily on nuts and fruits, supplemented by leafy matter.

There are two subspecies; the Congo African Grey Parrot and the slightly smaller Timneh African Grey Parrot. As their names imply, both subspecies are predominantly grey. They have dark grey wings, and a pale-grey rump. A featherless rim of skin around the eyes is whitish to light grey. The head and neck feathers have paler margins, giving that part of the body a scalloped appearance. The Congo African Grey has a red tail and the Timneh African Grey has a dark-maroon tail.

Most Amazons are predominantly green, with accenting colors that depend on the species and can be quite vivid.  Amazons are known for their exceptional vocal abilities, playfulness, and dexterity with their feet. They are very loyal, loving companions; having them is somewhat like having a two-year-old human child in ability and temperament for 50-plus years.

The only member of the genus Nymphicus, the Cockatiel has previously been considered a crested parrot or small cockatoo. However, more recent molecular studies have settled the debate, showing their closest relatives to be the black cockatoos of the genus Calyptorhynchus. They are hence now classified as the smallest of the Cacatuidae (cockatoo family).

Cockatoos share many features with other parrots including the characteristic curved beak shape and a zygodactyl foot, with two forward toes and two backwards toes. They differ, however in a number of characteristics, including the often spectacular movable headcrest, the presence of a gall bladder and some other anatomical details, and their lack of the Dyck texture feather composition which causes the bright blues and greens seen in true parrots.

Conures are either large parakeets or small parrots that are found in the western hemisphere. Conures are often called the clowns of the parrot world due to their constant attention seeking behavior including hanging upside-down and swaying back and forth or "dancing."

Despite being large for parakeets, conures are lightly built with long tails and small (but strong) beaks.  Conure beaks always have a small cere and are usually horn-colored or black.

Macaws eat nuts, seeds, fruit, and sometimes insects. They also gnaw and chew on various objects. They show a large amount of intelligence in their behaviour and require constant intellectual stimulation to satisfy their innate curiosity. They often learn tricks easily.

Macaws have been said to live for up to 100 years; however, an average of 50 years is probably more accurate. The larger macaws may live up to 65 years. They are monogamous and mate for life.

The genus Poicephalus comprises nine species of parrots native to various regions of Africa.  This group of parrots is made up of little clowns, including the Meyer's, Senegal, Brown-headed, Cape, Jardine's and Red-bellies. Other less common members include Ruppell's parrot, Yellow-fronted parrot and the Niam-Niam parrot.

They are stocky birds with short broad tails and relatively large heads and beaks for their size (Poicephalus, from the Greek, literally means made of head).  They feed primarily on seeds, fruits, nuts, and leafy matter.