There are many amazing places around the world where you can see a variety of parrots in their natural habitat. Here are some of the best places to travel to if you want to see parrots:
Costa Rica
This Central American country is home to over 50 species of parrots, including the Scarlet Macaw, the Yellow-naped Amazon, and the White-crowned Parrot.
Here are some popular spots where you can see them:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: This reserve is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica and is home to a variety of bird species including several parrot species such as the Scarlet Macaw, Keel-billed Toucan, and the Emerald Toucanet.
- Carara National Park: This national park is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and is home to the Scarlet Macaw, Green Parrot, and Yellow-naped Parrot, among others.
- Corcovado National Park: This park is located on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica and is home to a variety of parrot species including the Scarlet Macaw, Green Parrot, and Red-lored Parrot.
- Arenal Volcano National Park: This park is located in the northern part of Costa Rica and is home to a variety of bird species including several parrot species such as the Orange-chinned Parakeet, Crimson-fronted Parakeet, and the White-fronted Parrot.
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens: This private wildlife refuge and waterfall attraction is located near San Jose, and is home to several parrot species such as the Scarlet Macaw, Blue-and-Gold Macaw, and the Green Parrot.
Ecuador
This South American country is home to over 50 species of parrots, including the Blue-and-yellow Macaw, the Scarlet Macaw, and the Amazon Parrot.
Here are some of the best places to see parrots in Ecuador:
- Yasuni National Park: This park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, and is home to many species of parrots, including macaws, parakeets, and conures.
- Mindo: This cloud forest region is home to a variety of bird species, including parrots. You can take a birdwatching tour to see them up close.
- El Cajas National Park: This park is known for its high-altitude lakes and grasslands, and is home to many species of parrots, including the Andean parrot.
- Podocarpus National Park: This park is located in the southern part of Ecuador and is home to several species of parrots, including the blue-headed parrot.
- The Galapagos Islands: While known for its unique wildlife, the Galapagos Islands are also home to several species of parrots, including the Galapagos parrot.
It’s important to note that some species of parrots are endangered, and it’s essential to view them responsibly to avoid disturbing their natural habitats. It’s recommended to go on guided tours with responsible tour operators who prioritize the well-being of the birds and their habitats.
Peru
This South American country is home to over 40 species of parrots, including the Blue-headed Macaw, the Blue-and-yellow Macaw, blue quaker parrot and the Red-and-green Macaw.
Here are some top locations:
- Tambopata National Reserve: Located in the southern part of Peru’s Amazon region, Tambopata is a birdwatching paradise, home to over 650 species of birds, including several parrot species. The best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is dry, and birds are more active.
- Manu National Park: Located in the southeastern part of the country, Manu is another top destination for birdwatching in Peru. Here you can see several species of parrots and macaws, including the blue-headed macaw and the red-and-green macaw.
- Chaparri Ecological Reserve: Located in the northern part of Peru, Chaparri is a private reserve that is home to several endangered species of birds, including the Peruvian screech-owl, the long-whiskered owlet, and the white-winged guan. It is also a great place to see parrots, including the scarlet macaw.
- Parque de las Leyendas: Located in Lima, the capital of Peru, this zoo is home to several species of parrots, including the blue-and-yellow macaw, the red-bellied macaw, and the hyacinth macaw.
- Loro Park: Located in Arequipa, Loro Park is a bird sanctuary that is home to over 800 parrots and other bird species from around the world.
Australia
This continent is home to many unique parrot species, such as the Galah, the Rainbow Lorikeet, and the Australian King Parrot.
Here are some popular places where you can see parrots in Australia:
- Kakadu National Park: This park, located in the Northern Territory, is home to a wide variety of parrots, including the rainbow lorikeet, red-winged parrot, and red-collared lorikeet.
- Great Barrier Reef: This famous reef off the coast of Queensland is not only home to colorful marine life, but also to birds like the sulphur-crested cockatoo and the blue-winged kookaburra.
- Daintree Rainforest: This rainforest in Queensland is one of the oldest in the world and is home to a diverse range of birdlife, including the beautiful cassowary and the green-winged macaw.
- Wilsons Promontory National Park: Located in Victoria, this park is home to the gang-gang cockatoo, a beautiful and unique parrot with a distinctive red crest.
- Phillip Island: This island off the coast of Victoria is home to a colony of little penguins, as well as a variety of parrots, including the eastern rosella and the long-billed corella.
Indonesia
This country is home to many species of parrots, including the Moluccan Cockatoo, the Eclectus Parrot, and the Yellow-crested Cockatoo.
Here are some places where you can see parrots in Indonesia:
- Bali Bird Park – located in Gianyar, Bali, this park is home to over 1,000 birds from more than 250 species, including several parrot species such as cockatoos, lorikeets, and macaws.
- Taman Safari Indonesia – located in Cisarua, West Java, this safari park has a bird section that houses various parrot species, including the endangered yellow-crested cockatoo.
- Way Kambas National Park – located in Lampung, Sumatra, this national park is a habitat for various bird species, including parrots such as the blue-rumped parrot and the red-breasted parakeet.
- Lore Lindu National Park – located in Central Sulawesi, this park is home to a variety of bird species, including several parrot species such as the Sulawesi red-lored parrot and the Sulawesi hanging parrot.
- Raja Ampat Islands – located in West Papua, these islands are known for their diverse marine life, but they also have a variety of bird species, including several parrot species such as the red lory and the violet-necked lory.
Brazil
This South American country is home to many species of parrots, including the Hyacinth Macaw, the Blue-fronted Amazon, and the Golden-crowned Parakeet.
Here are some of the best places to see parrots in Brazil:
- The Pantanal: This is one of the best places in Brazil to see parrots, as it is home to a wide variety of species, including the blue-fronted amazon, hyacinth macaw, and the golden-collared macaw.
- The Amazon rainforest: The Amazon is another great place to see parrots, as it is home to several species, including the yellow-crowned amazon, the red-bellied macaw, and the orange-winged amazon.
- The Atlantic rainforest: This region is located in southeastern Brazil and is home to many species of parrots, including the red-spectacled amazon, the blue-winged macaw, and the maroon-bellied parakeet.
- The Chapada Diamantina: This is a mountainous region in northeastern Brazil that is home to several species of parrots, including the golden-capped parakeet and the turquoise-fronted amazon.
- The Serra da Canastra National Park: This park is located in the state of Minas Gerais and is home to several species of parrots, including the red-shouldered macaw, the monk parakeet, and the blue-winged parrotlet.
When visiting any of these places, it’s important to respect the natural habitats of the parrots and follow any rules or regulations in place to protect them.
Madagascar
This island off the coast of Africa is home to many unique parrot species, such as the Vasa Parrot, the Grey-headed Lovebird, and the Lesser Vasa Parrot.
Here are some places where you might see parrots in Madagascar:
- Ankarafantsika National Park: This park is located in the northwest of Madagascar and is home to the Madagascar parrot.
- Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: This park is located in the east of Madagascar and is home to the grey-headed lovebird.
- Isalo National Park: This park is located in the south of Madagascar and is home to the lesser vasa parrot.
- Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: This park is located in the west of Madagascar and is home to several species of parrots.
- Ranomafana National Park: This park is located in the southeast of Madagascar and is home to the grey-headed lovebird.
Papua New Guinea
This country is home to many species of parrots, including the Palm Cockatoo, the Pesquet’s Parrot, and the Red-cheeked Parrot.
Here are a few options:
- Varirata National Park: This park, located just outside of Port Moresby, is home to a variety of bird species, including several species of parrots. The park has a bird-watching platform that provides a great vantage point for spotting parrots and other birds.
- Tari Valley: Located in the Southern Highlands Province, the Tari Valley is home to the famous Huli wigmen and several species of parrots, including the Blue-collared Parrot and the Brehm’s Tiger Parrot. The valley also offers stunning scenery, including waterfalls and highland forests.
- Kiunga-Tabubil: This area, located in the Western Province, is home to the iconic Bird-of-Paradise and several other species of parrots. The area is accessible by air and river transport.
- Yalata Island: This small island off the north coast of Papua New Guinea is home to the Pesquet’s Parrot, also known as the Dracula Parrot due to its unique appearance. The island is accessible by boat from the mainland.
It’s important to note that many parrot species in Papua New Guinea are threatened due to habitat loss and hunting, so it’s important to visit these areas with a responsible tour operator and to follow ethical bird-watching practices.
These are just a few of the many amazing places around the world where you can see parrots. Keep in mind that some of these species may be endangered, so it’s important to research responsible tourism practices before planning your trip.