Parrots of the Rain Forest

Most true rain forest parrots are primarily green, with patches of blue, red and yellow, among other colors. Parrots rank among the most social and intelligent of birds. Although there are many species of rain forest parrots, all share common physical characteristics. An immediately noticeable feature is the bill, which is well developed and has a hooked, down curved upper mandible. Most parrots are able to mimic the human voice, which has resulted in their capture for the pet trade. Deforestation and hunting for their feathers and flesh are further threats to virtually all rain forest species.

  1. Macaws

    • The 17 species of macaws are vividly colored parrots with long and graceful tail feathers, and live in the Central and South American rain forests. These parrots possess large, powerful beaks that easily break tough seeds and nuts, while their strong tongues are an efficient tool for tapping into fruits. Macaws hold and examine food and other items with their gripping toes. Some species regularly feed on damp soil, which neutralizes chemicals found in the fruit they eat. Macaws are noisy, social parrots that communicate with screams and squawks. The hyacinth macaw is the largest of these parrots and has a wingspan in excess of four feet.

    Lorikeets

    • There are 53 species of lorikeets, and these brilliantly colored parrots are found in Australian rain forests. Lorikeets have highly specialized tongues for feeding on nectar and frequently are referred to as brush-tongued parrots. The tip of a lorikeet's tongue is covered in hair-like structures, which soak up pollen and nectar from plants. Lorikeets are constantly active throughout the daylight hours and travel in excess of 30 miles per day in search of food. These beautifully colored parrots follow established flight paths and make use of natural contours, such as rivers and hills, during their daily forages. Lorikeets are social and sleep in huge communal roosts, which can number in the thousands of individual birds.

    Pygmy Parrots

    • Pygmy parrots, from the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, are the smallest members of the large parrot family. The six species of pygmy parrots include fungus and lichen in their diet of fruit, seeds and insects. These tiny and brightly colored parrots spend most of their waking hours clambering through the rain forest foliage in search of food. The buff-faced pygmy parrot, at only 3 1/2 inches, is the smallest of the parrot species.

    African Grey Parrots

    • This medium sized parrot is found in the rain forests of western and central Africa. African grey parrots spend much of their time climbing through the tree canopies as they forage for berries, fruits, seeds and nuts. This rain forest parrot species nests in tree holes, where the chicks remain for up to three months after hatching.