Parrots are among the most familiar and popular birds. They mostly live in tropical rainforests, but some species are also found in open areas. Parrots are known for their vibrant plumage and rich vocalizations, and many can even mimic human speech, making them common pets. However, due to the impact of capturing wild parrots, many areas have banned the keeping of captured wild parrots. Parrots are social animals, highly sociable, and typically form close pair bonds.
This article will introduce you to 15 different parrot species and their characteristics, helping you to understand these colorful birds.
Classification of parrots
Parrots belong to the phylum Chordata, class Aves, and order Psittaciformes. This order is known for its downward-curving beaks and flexible jaw joints, adapted for eating nuts and seeds. Their feet have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward, facilitating grasping food and climbing. Most parrots originated in Australasia, the region with the highest biodiversity.
Parrots are mainly divided into three families:
Psittaculidae: African small parrots and parrots from Asia and Oceania.
Psittacidae: African and American parrots.
Psittrichasiidae: Includes the rather unique hawk-billed parrots in the parrot family.
Parrots differ from cockatoos (such as cockatoos and macaws) in that they lack a magnificent crest and have shorter tails. Parrots are generally larger and more robust than parrots. They have long lifespans, averaging up to 60 years, making them popular pets.
Introduction to 15 Typical Parrots
Large-billed parrot (Eclectus roratus)
It measures 33-39 cm in length and is found in Australia. Sexual dimorphism is evident; the male is emerald green, while the female is bright red.
Sharp-tailed Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus)
It lives in the Amazon rainforest and is 36 cm long. It has a gray head with a red crest that can be erected, similar to a cockatoo.
African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
The famous "talking" parrot is gray in color, with a white face and a red tail. It is highly intelligent and widely popular.
Strong parrot (Poicephalus robustus)
The largest parrot in Africa, belonging to the genus *Poicephalus*, measures 35-37 cm in length and has green feathers with red spots.
Blue-headed parrot (Pionus menstruus)
Small in size, 24-28 cm long, with a blue head and thorax, it is distributed in Central and South America.
Canyon parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
It measures 44-46 cm in length and inhabits Chile and Argentina, where it is known for digging burrows to build its nests.
Hippocastan (Psittrichas fulgidus)
Commonly known as the "Dracula parrot," it has a red body and black wings and is distributed in New Guinea.
Amazon parrot (Amazona amazonica)
A medium-sized parrot, 30-35 cm in length, with green feathers speckled with yellow and orange, capable of mimicking human voices.
Red-faced parrot (Geoffroyus geoffroyi)
Endemic to Australasia, the male has a red face and the female has a brown face, and it is 20 cm long.
Other well-known parrots
Senegal parrot, green-blue parrot, short-tailed parrot, yellow-faced parrot, black parrot, blue-fronted Amazon parrot, bald parrot, etc.
For more information on parrots and exotic birds, please visit the "World's Exotic Birds" section.
