- There are around 372 different parrot species.
- Most parrots live in tropical areas.
- Parrots have curved bills (beaks), strong legs and clawed feet.
- Parrots are often brightly coloured.
- Parrots are believed to be one of the most intelligent bird species.
- Some species are known for imitating human voices.
- Most parrot species rely on seeds as food. Others may eat fruit, nectar, flowers or small insects.
- Parrots such as the budgerigar (budgie) and cockatiel are popular as pets.
- Some parrot species can live for over 80 years.
- There are 21 different species of cockatoo.
- Cockatoos usually have black, grey or white plumage (feathers).
- New Zealand is home to some very unique parrots including the kea, kaka and kakapo.
- Keas are large, intelligent parrots that live in alpine areas of New Zealand’s South Island. They are the world’s only alpine parrot and are known for their curious and sometimes cheeky behaviour near ski fields where they like to investigate bags, steal small items and damage cars.
- Kakapos are critically endangered flightless parrots, as of 2010 only around 130 are known to exist. They are active at night (nocturnal) and feed on a range of seeds, fruit, plants and pollen. Kakapos are also the world’s heaviest parrot.
- The flag of Dominica features the sisserou parrot.
parrot facts
- Fact 1 - Definition: Parrots are usually brightly colored tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds. There are about 250 different species
- Fact 2 - Parrots are described as zygodactylous. A zygodactyl bird has the first and fourth toes directed backward the second and third pointing forward
- Fact 3 - They have a short rounded or even tail, and some have a naked space on the cheeks such as the gray parrot, or jako of Africa and the Amazon and the green parrots of America
- Fact 4 - Many species of parrots, as cage birds, learn to imitate sounds, and to repeat words and phrases
- Fact 5 - Parrots eat seeds, nuts, fruit, buds and other plant material
- Fact 6 - They are highly intelligent birds
- Fact 7 - Parrots are found on all tropical and subtropical continents
- Fact 8 - Pet Parrots are popular due to their sociable and affectionate nature, their intelligence, bright colours and their ability to imitate human voices
- Fact 9 - The Budgerigar is a small parrot and is the most popular of all pet bird species
- Fact 10 - Other parrot species that are kept as pets include macaws, Amazons, cockatoos, African Greys, lovebirds, cockatiels and parakeets
- Fact 11 - Lifespan: 80 years
- Fact 12 - Parrots are omnivores, this means they eat both vegetables and meat
- Fact 13 - Weight: 2.25 oz (65 g) to 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)
- Fact 14 - Height: 3.5 in (8.7cm) to 40 in (100 cm)
- Fact 15 - They use their bills and toes for climbing
- Fact 16 - Parrots are monogamous - they mate for life
- Fact 17 - African gray parrots are the best mimics. Wild parrots do not imitate
- Fact 18 - Parrots are the only birds that can bring food to its mouth with its foot
- Fact 19 - The biggest parrot is the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) which grows up to 39 inches (100cm) long and can weigh almost 5 pounds
- Fact 20 - The smallest parrot is the buff-faced pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio) which is only 3.5 inches (9 cm) tall and weighs as little as 0.4oz (11,5g)
- Fact 21 - Parrot eggs are always white
- Fact 22 - There are 11 million pet parrots in the United States
- Fact 23 - Endangered Species: 130 species are listed as near threatened or worse by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- Fact 24 - Parrots classified as 'Endangered' include those on the following list:
- Red-Tailed Amazon (Red-Tailed Parrot)
Imperial Amazon
Yellow-Headed Amazon
Red-Browed Amazon
Vinaceous Amazon
Green-Cheeked Amazon
Norfolk Island Parakeet
Pink-Billed Parrotfinch
Golden-Shouldered Parrot
Thick-Billed Parrot
Black-Eared Parrotlet
Golden-Tailed Parrotlet
Hyacinth Macaw
Red-Fronted Macaw
Carnaby's Black Cockatoo
- Red-Tailed Amazon (Red-Tailed Parrot)
- Fact 24 - Parrots classified as 'Critically Endangered' include those on the following list:
- Puerto Rican Amazon
Night Parrot
Fuertes's Parrot
Orange-Bellied Parrot
Yellow-Eared Conure
Owl Parrot
Lear's Macaw
Blue-Throated Macaw
Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
Red-Vented Cockatoo
Mauritius Parakeet
Glaucous Macaw
- Puerto Rican Amazon
PARROT EDUCTION A PLACE TO LEARN
Bird education videos
new videos added every week so check back
new videos added every week so check back