For many people, the first thing that draws them toward bird ownership is a parrot's beautifully colored feathers. While brightly coloredplumage certainly isn't the only trait that a prospective bird owner should consider before adoption, many people do find it important to have a visually attractive pet. If you are the type that wants a stunningly beautiful pet to show off to your friends, then check out this list of the most brightly colored pet parrot species. You may be lucky enough to find a bird that is both beautiful and also embodies the traits that will make it compatible with your lifestyle.

•Eclectus Parrots

One of the few sexually dimorphic parrot species, Eclectus parrots are among the most brightly colored birds on the planet. The males display a rich green color with red accents, while the females catch people's eyes with their beautiful red and purple feathers. As with all parrots, Eclectus parrots need special care and attention in order to thrive, so be sure to do plenty of research before deciding to bring one of these beauties home.More »

•Sun Conures

Considered by some to be the most beautiful of all the parrot species, Sun Conures certainly leave nothing lacking when it comes to being bright and colorful. From the bright reds, yellows, and oranges on their heads, chests, and wings, to their deep green and blue tail and flight feathers, Sun Conures are nothing if not eye-catching. Take note, however -- these gorgeous gems are also among the loudest parrot species around. It's important to spend time with some Sun Conures before adopting one to be sure that you will be compatible with their personality traits. Don't let their beauty trick you into adopting a bird that you won't get along with!More »

•Scarlet Macaws

Dressed in bright red, yellow, and blue feathers, the Scarlet Macaws are big, beautiful parrots who have drawn no shortage of admirers over the years. While their beauty is hard to surpass, however, they are not the best pets for everyone -- these are large birds that require a great deal of space, time, and attention in order to be happy. Before adopting a Scarlet Macaw based on looks alone, be sure that you know what you are getting into. They might be beautiful, but they can also be loud, messy, moody pets that demand a lot from their owners. Be sure that you can provide for a Scarlet Macaw's every need before bringing one home!More »

•Rose Breasted Cockatoos

Considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the Cockatoo family, Rose Breasted Cockatoos are beautiful pink, gray, and white birds who seemingly have the ability to charm just about anyone into wanting to take them home. Cockatoos can be sensitive birds, however, and require calm, patient owners who have a lot of spare time to spend with their pets. Before you fall head over heels for a Rose Breasted Cockatoo, do your homework and make sure that you'll be able to care for one of these beautiful birds properly.More »

•Blue and Gold Macaws

Blue and Gold Macaws, as their name implies, display a bright blue and yellow plumage over most of their body, with accents of rich green. Perhaps one of the most recognizable parrot species, Blue and Gold Macaws have been popular for years with those who prefer a very bold and visually stunning pet. As with other Macaw species, however, the Blue and Gold Macaw can be quite a handful to take care of. Make sure you have the time, space, and patience to work with one of these large birds before taking the plunge and bringing one home. Otherwise, your decision to adopt one of these beauties could spell disaster for both you and the bird.More »

•Lilac Crowned Amazon Parrots

Like most Amazon Parrots, the Lilac Crowned Amazon is mostly green over the majority of its body. The brilliant colors on their heads, however, are what make them truly unique! The deep lilac feathers on the tops of their heads, coupled with the prominent red blaze on their foreheads help to make these birds a highly sought after Amazon species. Prospective owners be warned, though -- Lilac Crowned Amazons are much more than a pretty face. Like all Amazon parrots, they are full of personality and they need a lot of attention and interaction with their owners in order to be healthy, happy pets. Do yourself a favor and do plenty of research before bringing a bird like this home!More »

•Hyacinth Macaws

In addition to being one of the most brightly colored, Hyacinth Macaws are the largest parrot species known to man. These big blue beauties need a lot of space to play and exercise, and a lot of attention from their owners. Those who are able to provide for a Hyacinth Macaw claim that they are among the most gentle, loving, and affectionate parrot species, but be sure that you are able to care for a bird of this nature before bringing one home as a family pet. Hyacinth Macaws have a reputation for being very sensitive birds, so it's important to give them a calm, loving environment in order for them to thrive as pets.More »

•Hybrid Macaws

Hybrid Macaws are something of a "wild card" as far as colorful parrots are concerned. By cross-breeding Macaws with different color traits, breeders have come up with a nearly endless array of multi-colored macaws that have drawn both fans and criticism from the bird-owning community at large. No matter what your stance is on whether or not it's right to breed hybrid parrots, you're sure to appreciate the beauty and diversity that can be found in a Hybrid Macaw's plumage.More »

•Blue Crown Conures

Made famous in the hit Hollywood film "Paulie", Blue Crown Conures are among the best loved Conure species, and have been for some time. These pretty birds are mostly a rich green color, with a bright blue head. Before committing to adopting a Blue Crown Conure, those who are interested should make sure that they are compatible with the bird's personality. Like most Conures, they can be quite loud, so they aren't the best choice for a pet for everybody -- but for those who want both beauty and brains in a medium sized parrot, the Blue Crown Conure might be the perfect pet!More »

•Greenwing Macaws

Strikingly similar to the beautiful Scarlet Macaw, Greenwing Macaws are an excellent choice for those who want a very vivid and colorful pet parrot. Sporting a mostly bright red body, these birds display bright stripes of green and blue on the backs of their wings. Color aside, they are known to be "gentle giants" of the Macaw family, and crave attention and affection from their owners. Don't adopt a Greenwing Macaw without first making sure that you are able to spend enough time socializing and bonding with it. To do so will almost inevitably ensure that the bird will not be happy in its new home, and likely, you won't be a happy bird owner either!More »