A fun fact about parrots that most people don’t know is that there are 14 million live birds in various aviaries in the United States, and one of them is parrots.
Similarly, in Indonesia, parrots, especially parakeets, are widely kept as pets. Their ability to mimic human speech, charming feather colors, acrobatic antics, and often comical personalities make parrots irresistible.
Among bird species, parrots are known for their high intelligence, ease of training, and playful nature, making them exceptional pets.
However, keeping a parrot requires high attention, extensive training, and may present some unexpected challenges. Lack of exercise can lead to stress and undesirable behaviors, such as feather plucking when they get bored. Therefore, individuals with busy schedules are not recommended to keep parrots.
Fun Fact About Parrots
Apart from the mentioned aspects, parrots hold several interesting facts. As reported by Smithsonianmag and Petkeen, here are some fun fact about parrots that you should know.
1. Having Three Groups
Out of over 18,000 bird species worldwide, 393 belong to the parrot order Psittaciformes. This group includes three super families: Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots), Cacatuoidea (cockatoos), and Psittacoidea (true parrots). The Psittacoidea parrots have the most species, with a total of 333.
2. Parrots are Highly Intelligent
Another fun fact about parrots is their intelligence. This is due to their ability to “speak” or mimic human sounds, ease of training, and tool use.
Surprisingly, the brain structure of parrots is similar to primates. Some parrot species, like cockatoos, have even learned how to open trash bins.
3. Parrots Have Different Feet Structure
Most birds have four toes per foot, but parrots, including parakeets, differ from the majority. They have two toes in the front and two in the back, enabling them to grasp objects better, such as food, and providing support when climbing.
4. Parrots Can Live Over 80 Years
Another intriguing fact about parrots is their long lifespan. On average, parrots live around 20-30 years, but certain species can live over 80 years, although it’s not common.
The Blue Macaw parrot named Charlie, owned by U.S. President Winston Churchill, reportedly lived over 100 years, making it the oldest parrot. Specifically, Macaws and Amazon parrots are known for their long lifespans.
It’s not uncommon for owners to pass down their parrots to their children due to their long life expectancy. Therefore, caring for a parrot requires serious commitment, as they become a part of the family for the rest of your life.
5. Not All Parrots are Tropical Birds
Out of approximately 350 known parrot species, most live in tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Asia, Central and South America, and Africa.
However, some parrots break this geographical mold. Keas inhabit the mountainous regions of New Zealand and nest in burrows.
Additionally, the critically endangered maroon-fronted parrot (Rhynchopsitta terrisi) resides at an elevation of 6,000 feet in the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains, Mexico. This is an interesting fact about parrots that is not widely known.
6. Parrots Can Utter Many Words
It’s a well-known fact that parrots can mimic human and other chatty birds. Puck, an African Grey parrot, held the Guinness Book of World Records in 1995 for uttering around 1,728 recognized words. Puck also seemed to understand what he was saying and could count.
7. Some Parrots Migrate
While most parrot species occupy their territories throughout the year, swift parrots (Lathamus discolor) and orange-bellied parrots (Neophema chrysogaster) are known to migrate annually across the Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania.
However, both of these parrot species are endangered. Here are some reasons why birds migrate. Understanding the reasons behind the migration of birds, in general, sheds light on the intricate ecological dynamics that govern avian behavior.
Birds often migrate in response to changing seasons, seeking favorable conditions for breeding, feeding, or escaping harsh weather.
This innate instinct for survival has been honed through evolutionary processes, ensuring the perpetuation of their species.
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Due to their ability to talk and mimic sounds, parrots are often kept as pets. They can form close relationships with humans and become loyal companions.
If you are a bird enthusiast, make sure to keep your beloved pet healthy.
