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UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS PARROT BREEDS
“Parrot” is a broad term that includes more than three hundred different avian species. One of the qualities they have in common, that people generally think of, is the brightly colored plumage that marks this diverse group of birds. Most species can mimic the vocalizations of humans and other animals, giving them the ability to talk. This is an endearing and admired aspect, which has increased their popularity as pets throughout history.
In the wild, parrots live in warm climates with dense foliage. They are found in Australia, southern Asia, South America, and Africa. Though from the Southern Hemisphere, many domesticated species have learned to adapt and thrive in the Northern Hemisphere as well. However, responsible owners take steps to ensure that their birds do not accidentally become part of the local wild ecosystem.
The scientific name for the parrot family is Psittacidae. The smallest member of the family is the pygmy parrot, which is native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. At maturity, it is only about the length of the average human finger. These lovely birds do not react well to captivity, presumably because of how the stress resulting from domestication, affects their tiny bodies.
At the other end of the size spectrum is the Hyacinth Macaw, found naturally in South American jungles. These majestic birds can reach an adult height of more than a meter, and are a popular choice for avian lovers to keep as pets. The diversity of species in between these extremes includes some well-known birds, such as the lovebird and cockatoo.
In addition to their attractive vocalizations, one of the reasons for parrots being such a beloved pet is their high level of intelligence. They are very charismatic and enjoy communicating with those around them. It is generally believed that the African grey parrot is the most intelligent because it has the greatest ability to mimic non-avian speech patterns. One of these birds is on record as having a vocabulary in excess of eight hundred words!
The lifespan of healthy domesticated parrots can range from ten to one hundred years, depending upon the species. This means that anyone who is considering the adoption of one of these avian delights must be willing to dedicate decades to their care, prior to making the choice. Due to their long life span, owners should make proper arrangements in their will for the care of the bird should the pet outlive them.
In the wild, the primary threats to parrots are monkeys, larger birds, and deforestation. Various snakes dine upon their eggs, and the trapping of these wild birds by humans, round out the list. Though it is illegal to sell birds caught in the forest, many continue to do so for a nice profit. Before purchasing one, people should make certain that the animal has domestic origins.
Some of these colorful birds are endangered in the wild, while others have managed to create feral populations in various parts of the United States, most notably the green parakeet. Even so, care should always be taken to ensure that domesticated animals do not make their way into the local ecosystem, where they may suffer great hardships or create other unsuspected negative environmental issues.
Most parrots live on a diet of insects and fruits. This may be supplemented with local nuts or seeds. Additionally, some of the larger species may consume small mammals to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Domesticated birds need to have a variety of foods provided, which are species specific, in order to be certain that their dietary needs are met.
BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PARROTS
While all birds have some traits in common, there are some traits that are distinctive to parrots. In addition, each species has certain markings that differentiate them from others. Understanding the physical characteristics of an animal assists potential owners in assessing the health of any bird that they are considering purchasing. It is also beneficial in the process of bonding and appreciation of any species.
Perhaps the most unique trait that all parrots have is their toes. Parrots have zygodactyl toes, meaning that two of them point forward and two toward the rear. This gives them a physical advantage when it comes to climbing and prehension, the holding of objects. Unlike other avian pets, their feet are actually used during eating. The animal will hold onto a branch or other stable surface with one foot, while the other brings food bites to the beak.
The other distinctive feature involves the beak structure of these remarkable birds. The maxilla, or beak, is hooked on parrots and is incredibly strong. It has a hinge-like attachment to the skull, which is remarkably flexible. It fits perfectly over the lower portion, which is known as the mandible. The beak assists birds with locomotion and with the holding of food and other objects.
The psittacidae have a muscular tongue that moves food from the mouth to the esophagus. It enters the crop, which in an enlarged portion of the esophagus that contains digestive enzymes and moistens the food, before pushing it further into the digestive tract. The food enters the proventriculus, which is sometimes referred to as the first stomach. More enzymes and acids are mixed into the food before it enters the ventriculus, which is commonly known as the gizzard.
