Parrots are birds of all colors that usually originate from a warm habitat — think rainforests, grasslands, savannas, semi-arid regions, and even islands. A few species buck this trend and prefer colder climates, such as the Kea parrot, which inhabits the alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. Parrots are so much more than the stereotypical pirate “accessory” often portrayed in movies, books and other media. Most parrots are wild, but people began keeping some species as companions long ago. In fact, the San Diego Zoo website states that the first written account of a captive parrot dates from 400 B.C. These amazing avian companions now span the globe, living in the hearts and homes of people everywhere.

Parrots are not mammals. Their scientific classification puts them in the class Aves, order Psittaciformes, and the family Psittacidae. Parrots are sometimes called Psittacines. More than 350 species of parrots exist today. Add in the different varieties/mutations among the species, and what you have is quite a lot of parrots!

To be classified as a parrot, a bird must have a curved beak. This is why they are sometimes called hookbills. They must also have zygodactyl feet, which means that each foot has four toes with two facing forward and two facing backward; a bit like the opposable thumb and fingers of humans. This gives parrots the ability to manipulate things so well with their feet.

Although canaries, finches, doves, toucans, chickens, and other birds are kept as companions, these species are not parrots. These species are classified in orders other than the Psittaciformes of parrots.

Companion parrots vary in size from some of the small 5-inch lovebirds to the large macaws, some of which can be 40 inches long, head to tail. Colors also vary by species. Some parrots sport numerous colors, such as the lories, while others wear two or only one color, such as Vasa parrots. And sometimes the male and female of a species look completely different, such as the Eclectus.

Pet birds are very different from pet dogs or pet cats. These special souls bring a new dynamic into the lives of those who share their homes with them. To live with a parrot is a journey of discovery about these feathered friends and yourself.

Besides their wings and feathers, a major characteristic of a parrot is the beak. Parrots are very adept at using their beak, it’s almost like a hand for them. They use it to climb, hold things, manipulate things, and, of course, to eat! Beaks grow constantly, and if a parrot’s diet and habitat don’t help keep the beak worn down, it must be trimmed to prevent overgrowth.

Parrots have a long life span compared to many other pet species. Small birds like budgies and lovebirds aren’t considered senior until 6 years of age, cockatiels aren’t senior until around 12 years of age, and large birds like Amazons, macaws, cockatoos, and African greys aren’t considered senior until they reach around 30 years old. And parrots of all sizes can live many years as seniors. This means that adding a parrot to your family is a commitment for many years.

The Parrot is a large group of birds with curved beaks and oftentimes-colorful plumage. There are nearly 400 known species of Parrots, all of which are in the taxonomic order Psittaciformes.

Researchers divide these birds into three primary groups, or superfamilies. The three superfamilies are the true Parrots, the cockatoos, and the New Zealand Parrots. Read on to learn about the Parrot.

Though many species are quite similar, Parrots are an immensely diverse group of birds. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. As a whole, all of them have curved bills and zygodactyl toes, with two facing forward and two facing backward.

There are simply hundreds of different and unique Parrot species across the globe. Learn more about some specific species of these remarkable birds and their interesting traits below.

Some of the different types of habitats that these birds live in include woodlands, rainforests, palm forests, savannas, grasslands, desert edges, scrubland, and more. Though some species live in more urban areas, like parks, gardens, and farmland, most inhabit undisturbed forests.

These birds live primarily in the southern hemisphere, throughout tropical and subtropical regions. In the Americas, they live from Mexico into Central and South America, and the surrounding islands. They also inhabit Sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the surrounding Australasian islands.

The greatest number of species lives in Australia and its surrounding islands, as well as South America. Different species have different ranges, and some populations overlap with those of other species.

While each species has a different diet, most are herbivores. They eat a variety of fruits, seeds, berries, nuts, buds, nectar, and pollen. Some species also eat insects and other invertebrates or small animals.

These birds share a single characteristic related to foraging, their strong, curved beaks. They use their beaks to break open tough seeds and nuts. Most species specialize on a single type of food, like seeds and nuts, nectar, or even insects.

Even though these birds are relatively common pets, they rarely make good ones. These birds are incredibly intelligent and long-lived, which means they require lots of time and commitment. Some large Parrot species live up to 80 years or more! This makes them a generational pet, passing down from owner to owner.