Parrots (Psittacines) are any of about 353 bird species belonging to the biological order Psittaciformes, which includes the two Families of true parrots, and cockatoos. This particular fanlisting is only focussed on the true parrots - for there is a separate fanlisting for cockatoos.
True parrots are about 330 species of bird belong to the Psittacidae family. True parrots are more widespread than cockatoos, with species in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia and eastwards across the Pacific Ocean as far as Polynesia. The greatest diversity of parrots is found in South America and Australasia. The true parrot family is considered to contain two Subfamilies, the Psittacinae (typical parrots and allies) and the Loriinae (lories and lorikeets).
Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Most parrots are predominantly green, with other bright colours, and some species are multi-coloured.
Parrots are primarily seed eaters, although there is some variation in the diet of individual species that include fruits, nuts, leaves and even insects, and the lorikeets are predominantly nectar feeders. Most parrots form monogamous pair bonds. They nest in tree hollows and lay white eggs from which emerge altricial (helpless) young. Parrots are some of the most intelligent birds in the world, and the ability of some parrot species to imitate human voices enhances their popularity as pets.
Trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as other hunting, habitat loss and competition from invasive species, have diminished wild populations, and parrots have been subjected to more exploitation than any other group of birds.
The phylogeny of the true parrots is shown below:
