Parrot

The parrot is a colorful bird known for its curved beak, strong feet, and ability to copy sounds. There are more than 390 species of parrots. Most live in warm places near the equator, like the rainforests of South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Parrots range in size from the tiny pygmy parrot, about three inches long, to the huge hyacinth macaw, which can be more than three feet from beak to tail.

Parrots have feet unlike most other birds. Two toes point forward and two point backward. This shape lets a parrot grip branches tightly and hold food up to its mouth, almost like a hand. Parrots are one of the few animals besides humans and monkeys that can use their "hands" to bring food to their face.

The parrot's beak is strong enough to crack open hard nuts that humans need a tool to open. Macaws can even bite through Brazil nut shells. Parrots mostly eat seeds, nuts, fruits, and flowers. Some also eat insects or small animals.

Parrots are famous for mimicking sounds, including human speech. They do not understand most of what they copy, but they can learn to connect certain words with certain things. African grey parrots are the best mimics. Scientists studied one African grey named Alex for 30 years. Alex could name colors, count small groups of objects, and ask for things he wanted. Some researchers believe parrots are as smart as a 4- or 5-year-old child. Others think the birds are just very good at patterns. The debate is still open.

Parrots also live a long time. Small parrots can live 15 to 20 years. Large macaws and cockatoos often live 50 years or more in captivity. A few have reached 80, older than many people.

Many parrot species are in trouble. People capture wild parrots to sell as pets, and forests where they live are being cut down. More than one-third of all parrot species are now threatened with extinction. The Spix's macaw, a bright blue parrot from Brazil, disappeared from the wild in 2000. Scientists are now trying to bring it back by releasing birds raised in zoos.

Parrots have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks and Romans kept them as pets. Sailors on long voyages brought parrots home from tropical ports, which is how parrots came to be connected with pirates in stories. A pet parrot today may outlive its owner and need a new home, so taking care of one is a promise that can last a lifetime.