Fascinating Parrot Facts

Fascinating Parrot Facts

1. There are 352 known species of parrots. Parakeets (budgerigars) are parrots, as are  cockatiels.

2. Parrots range in weight from about 30 grams (1 ounce) to around 1600 grams (3 1/2  pounds).

3. Parrots range in size from about 3 inches to about 40 inches from head to tail.

4. Almost all of the species live in tropical or subtropical climates.

5. Parrots are found in Asia, Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, South Pacific, Mexico and Central America, South America, Puerto Rico, Bahamas,

6. The only parrot native to North America, the Carolina Parakeet, was hunted to extinction in the United States early in the 20th century.

7. There are significant colonies of feral parrots living in California, Florida, Texas and New York.

8. Parrots are not domesticated animals like cats,dogs and chickens, but are only one or two generations out of the wild. ALL parrots will bite, if given the right combination of circumstances.

9. Parrots are known to be extremely intelligent, having an intellectual capacity approaching that of a 3-5 year old child. They typically have the emotional maturity of a 2 year old.

10. Almost all parrots are capable of human speech, but the best “talkers” are African Greys, Amazons and Eclectus. The world record for most words and phrases was held for a while by a parakeet in the UK.

11. Parrots come in all colors of the rainbow, and most species are sexually monomorphic in coloration, i.e. you can’t tell the girls from the boys.

12. Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet.

13. The average life span of a large parrot is 75 years. Most animals live longer in captivity than their wild counterparts. The opposite is true of birds because they are very susceptible to airborne pollution.

14. The chicks grow incredibly fast and require a great deal of food to fuel the growth. Typically only one or two chicks from a single clutch will survive. The average clutch is about two or three eggs. The length of gestation varies, depending on the size of the bird.

15. The ability to see detail and color is better in parrots than in most mammals.

16. Parrots are prey animals and are hunted by raptors, or birds of prey such as hawks and eagles. Parrots don’t hunt, they forage fruits and nuts.

17. Parrots will spread seeds in their droppings and this helps propagate new trees,which is crucial maintenance for the forest.

18. It can be very difficult to know when a parrot is sick, as they try to mask illness. This is an important instinct because predators look for sick or injured animals knowing they will be easier to catch.

19. Ornithology: the study of birds.

20. Preening: grooming or cleaning of feathers.

21. Molting:shedding of feathers.

22. Uropygial Gland: (preening gland) produces an oil that is spread over the feathers with the beak as part of the preening process.

23. Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look different (such as cardinals).

24. Sexual Monomorphism: Males and females look the same.

25. Syrinx: an organ in Parrots which is similar to a human voice box.

26. Crest: long feathers on the head which can be used as a defense mechanism.

27. Clutch: group of eggs layed by female parrot.

28. Zygodactyl: having the toes of each foot arranged in pairs, with two toes in front and two behind.