Parrots are a large order with over 350 species. Parrots include macaws, amazons, lorikeets, lovebirds, and cockatoos, among many others.
They range in weight from less than 1 ounce to as much as 9 pounds. Those that are native to South America, Central America, and Mexico are called New World parrots while the ones in Asia, Africa, and Australia are Old World parrots and sometimes have powdery feathers.
There are over 300 species in the world today, but unfortunately, some of them are endangered.
Here are some other fun facts about parrots:
10. Many parrots can imitate sounds.
In the wild, parrots imitate the calls of other members of their flock, which allows them to communicate about important things like food and the presence of danger. Unlike other birds, who know their calls without being taught, parrots know and learn by imitation. They also imitate the calls of other animals as a defense against predators.
In the home, parrots can mimic the sounds of a phone ringing, a vacuum machine humming, water running, the doorbell chiming, and other sounds. Of course, they can also imitate human speech. They do this because they believe these sounds are created by their flock, and hence they must learn them.
African grey parrots, parakeets, Amazon parrots, and macaws are the most adept at mimicking noises. Alex, an African grey parrot, was able to utter over a hundred words and, more impressively, understand them.
9. Parrots are the most intelligent birds
Parrots do learn well. They can associate words with objects or circumstances in addition to speaking them. They can use tools to address difficulties. Some scientists claim they have the logic of a four-year-old and have demonstrated this through several studies. Parrots are also quite playful birds. In case you didn’t know, playing is an indication of intellect.
8. Parrots are the only birds that can eat with their feet.
Parrots have zygodactyl feet, which have four toes on each foot, two facing forward and two facing backward. Their strong feet allow them to cling to branches for long periods, swing from them, and hang upside down. However, their feet can also be used to pick up objects and bring food to their mouths, similar to human hands.
Want to learn something even more amazing? Parrots have been known to prefer one foot over the other. Parrots, like humans, can be left- or right-handed.
7. Some parrots can live for more than eighty years.
This bird is named Cookie and as of 2014 is 80 years old. He is the oldest Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo still in captivity. By Nimesh M. cc2.0
A parrot’s lifespan varies depending on the species. Small parrots typically live for 15-20 years, medium-sized parrots 25-30 years, and big parrots 60-100 years. Macaws are extremely long-lived and one blue-and-yellow macaw named Charlie is reported to be more than 100 years old. Another macaw named Poncho, who has been in multiple Hollywood films, is said to be 89 years old. Cookie, an 81-year-old Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, now holds the record for the oldest living parrot.
6. Parrots have strong beaks
A parrot’s curved, broad beak is one of its most distinguishing traits, with the upper beak frequently being larger than the bottom. Parrot beaks are large and powerful. In reality, the beak of the world’s largest flying parrot, the hyacinth macaw, is strong enough to shatter macadamia nuts, which are regarded as the most difficult nuts to crack, as well as Brazil nut pods. It can even split a coconut open. Parrots should always be handled with caution.
5. Many parrots mate for life.
To attract a mate, a male parrot performs a courtship show, which includes parading, dancing, and creating varied emotions and sounds. Once the female chooses him, the two are bonded for life, even outside of the breeding season. They help each other obtain food, look out for each other, sleep together, and groom each other to deepen their bond. Lovebirds are especially noted for their close friendship since they spend long hours sitting together on a perch.
During the breeding season, female parrots lay between 2 and 8 eggs, which are invariably white. Most parrots do not build nests and instead lay their eggs in tree holes. After 17-35 days, the eggs hatch, and both parents care for the young until they are ready to leave the nest.
4. For over 3,000 years, people have kept parrots as pets.
Parrots were initially kept as pets by the ancient Egyptians, followed by the Indians and Chinese. They were introduced to Europe circa 300 BC and were frequently retained by the wealthy or the nobles. Famous persons who have owned pet parrots include Aristotle, King Henry VIII, Marco Polo, Queen Isabella, Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria, Martha Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, and Steven Spielberg.
Today, parrots are the most popular pet birds in the world. Keep in mind, however, that parrots require a lot of care and stimulation. If not properly trained, they can become noisy, chew excessively, and bite.
Unfortunately, the pet trade is one of the reasons why many parrots are no longer seen in the wild.
3. Cockatoos can manipulate the feathers on their heads.
Cockatoos are Old World parrots that are typically not as colorful as other parrots. Their feathers lack the compounds that cause the blue and green colors seen in other parrots, hence they do not have these colors. Their most recognizable characteristic is the head crest, or feathers on their head, which, oddly, can be moved in the same way that dogs’ ears can. When flying or landing, a cockatoo’s headcrest is frequently elevated, as is when it is terrified, furious, or excited. At other times, it is flat against their heads, making it appear as if it is not present at all.
2. The world’s largest parrot cannot fly.
The Kakapo is the world’s largest parrot. It can weigh up to nine pounds and measure more than two feet long. However, the kakapo is a bird that cannot fly. It can’t fly. It’s the world’s only flightless parrot. It is also the only parrot that is active at night, which allows it to avoid predators.
Most parrots appear the same whether they are male or female, but the female kakapo is smaller than the male, with a longer tail and beak.
Kakapos cannot fly, although they can jump and climb trees to eat fruits.
Unfortunately, the kakapo has become one of the world’s rarest birds.
1. Keas are the world’s only alpine parrots.
The kea, the kakapo’s relative, is likewise a distinctive parrot. While most parrots live in warm climates, the kea dwells in a chilly environment high in the mountains. Its dense feathers keep it warm, and its spherical body lets it conserve and retain body heat. Keas are regarded to be extremely intelligent and curious birds. However, they can be too interested and have been known to peck at cars, backpacks, and human apparel. They’ve also been known to take wallets, passports, sticks of gum, and jewelry. Don’t you think he’s quite the mischief-maker?