How Fast Can A Parrot Go?

Whenever someone thinks of a parrot, they tend to not look at their speed as a trait worth highlighting. Oftentimes, people are more interested in a parrot’s appearance, how they act, and if they can talk well. As great as those attributes are, it’s honestly more worthwhile to look at the subject related to how fast a parrot is. With this in mind, how fast can a parrot go?

To answer this question…most parrots can go 40 to 50 mph in flight, with some going much faster or slower depending on their species. As you can expect, the specifics of how fast a parrot can go depends heavily on the species related to the topic at hand. Every parrot is different, and it’s more worthwhile to look at a specific parrot than the broad generalization of parrots.

Regardless of the broad generalization, it’s worth knowing how fast parrots can go while in flight. Obviously, parrots can reach higher speeds while they’re diving down, but that’s not so much flying as it’s nosediving to the earth while keeping balancing. There’s an essential distinction between the two as we’re discussing how fast parrots can go on average, rather than their top speed of nosediving.

Regardless, we’re going to discuss everything there is to know about parrots and their speed. In fact, we’ll begin by highlighting several vital facts related to several parrots and their speed. By the end, we’ll recap by discussing why parrots are so fast and if all parrots fall under that spectrum. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert with parrots and their speed. Let’s take a look!

How fast can a macaw go?

Macaws are often regarded as some of the most giant parrots in the world. After all, some of these lovely parrots can grow well past three-feet, making them such a towering parrot compared to other species. What about their speed? Seeing as they’re so large, you might expect them to go at a quick rate.

If you thought this, you’re not totally wrong, as macaws can go 40 mph. Seeing as there are over 19 different species of macaws, they all vary from species to species. Still, most fall in or around 40 mph. Besides their flying abilities, macaws are extremely active and playful, meaning you’ll have to invest a lot of time giving them attention.

How fast can an African grey go?

Although not nationally recognized for their flight skills, but more so their communication abilities, African greys are immaculate parrots. Not only do they have a unique grey and red tail appearance, but are arguably the most intelligent parrot species in the entire world.

As for their flying abilities, African greys generally fly around 45 mph, making them fall right into the average speed of a parrot. Besides being such a great communicator and for flying at a decent rate, African greys are incredibly needy and smart creatures, making them a bit of a challenge to raise correctly.

How fast can a cockatoo go?

Besides having such a compelling and novel name, cockatoos are generally looked at as being some of the most unique looking parrots. Their large size and yellow-tipped mohawk style crest is something to make a note of, regardless of how deep your appreciation is for parrots.

Speed-wise, cockatoos typically fly around 40 to 45 mph, causing them to fall right under the usual estimate for the speed of a parrot. Outside of their speed capabilities, cockatoos are lively and affectionate parrots. Their affection almost guarantees a close relationship between their human owner.

How fast can a cockatiel go?

If you’re hoping to find a parrot that falls under the slower end of the spectrum, here we have the mighty cockatiel. These white and grey parrots with hints of orange and yellow are truly magnificent to see in person, as they love nothing more than to be petted and held.

Nevertheless, cockatiels can go up to 30 mph, meaning they’re one of the slowest parrots. From a human perspective, 30 mph might seem very quick, but it’s nothing compared to some birds. Regardless, cockatiels are still superb all-around parrots every person should consider adopting.

How fast can a lovebird go?

The specifics related to the speed of a lovebird aren’t totally known, as most experts haven’t measured the average speed of a lovebird. Regardless, most can assume lovebirds can go anywhere from 30 to 35 mph as other birds and parrots around their size have a similar speed.

How fast can an amazon parrot go?

Similar to the speed related to lovebirds, it’s been a challenge for most experts to pinpoint the precise speed of an amazon parrot as there are so many different species. Regardless, it’s easy to assume most amazon parrots go somewhere between 40 to 50 mph due to their weight and size.

How fast can a parakeet go?

Parakeets are magnificent creatures that are amongst the most docile and quiet parrots in the entire parrot spectrum. It’s no secret they’re so popular to adopt, and it makes sense why. As for their speed, parakeets are just below the average speed of a parrot as most of them go around 30 mph.

How fast can a parrotlet go?

Parrotlets are arguably some of the most feisty, affectionate, and willful creatures in the entire parrot world. They’re truly immaculate creatures that bring a level of excitement to someone’s life that nothing else can bring. Speed-wise, parrotlets are very fast, with some of them going well above 50 mph.

How fast can an Eclectus parrot go?

If you’re looking for a friendly and intelligent parrot, you can’t go wrong with an Eclectus parrot, as they’re some of the best parrots under these categories. Their bright red or green bodies make them a physical treasure to look at as well. Unfortunately, most experts don’t have an official clock of an Eclectus parrot. Still, it’s easy to assume they go around 40 mph due to their size.

How fast can a conure go?

Conures are typically regarded as some of the most playful and social parrots in the entire world. Their unique physical appearance makes them a remarkable parrot to adopt, demonstrating a sense of happiness to anyone who ends up adopting them. As for their speed, conures aren’t too fast as they tend to only fly 20 to 30 mph.

How fast can a Kakapo go?

If you’re interested in learning what the slowest parrot is, look no further. A kakapo is the slowest recorded parrot as they’re a cross between an owl and a parrot, causing them to fly slow like an owl. Their appearance is truly a sight to see as they don’t look like any other parrot in existence.

As for their speed, kakapos can only go 5 mph, causing them to be near the bottom at speed for parrots. Still, this doesn’t take anything away from these incredibly unique creatures, as they have an average lifespan of 95 years! It’s wild to think a parrot can outlive most humans.

Why are parrots so fast?

As touched upon already, we’re going to discuss a bit of other information related to the subject at hand. With this question in mind, the question shouldn’t necessarily be why are parrots so fast but should really be why are birds so fast. Just about every bird is speedy, and parrots are no different.

As you can assume, the primary reason parrots are so incredibly fast has to do with their wingspan. Most parrots aren’t that heavy compared to their height, as most three feet tall parrots only weigh a couple of pounds. As a result, their light weight allows them to easily move without dragging a ton of weight.

Obviously, their low weight isn’t always a plus, as they’re nowhere near as durable as most humans are. If a human gets hit by a car, there’s a chance they’ll be okay, whereas a parrot will most certainly not be okay in the situation. Either way, parrots are primarily fast due to their wings, weight, and ability to move.

Are all parrots fast?

Asking if all parrots are fast is almost like the equivalent of wondering if all humans are fast. Obviously, the specifics of the matter vary, as there are more fast parrots than humans. But still, the statement isn’t too far off as, of course, there are parrots that aren’t as fast as other parrots.

It also depends on what we deem as fast. Seeing as just about every parrot can at least fly 30 mph, it’s safe to say every parrot is fast compared to us. In relative terms with parrots, you might look at a parrot that only goes 30 mph as being terribly slow compared to parrots that can fly over 70 mph.

The specifics of the case are interesting to look at, as it’s remarkable to know how vastly different all of these parrots are. Lastly, the only grouping of parrots that are slow while flying either falls under the sickly, injured, or elderly category. Then, you have the parrot grouping of captive parrots who don’t fly as often.


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