About Parrot Birds

One of the biggest claims to fame for some parrots is their ability to talk. That alone, however, should not be the deciding factor if you are thinking about a parrot for a pet. The parrots that do talk are generally the larger and more expensive varieties, which are also the highest maintenance. Less experienced bird owners can still opt for a smaller type, as parrots come in a wide variety.

  1. Types

    • Parrots belong to the family Psittacidae, which has a wide range of members. Some retain the word parrot in their common names, like the African grey parrot, the Amazon parrot, Quaker, Senegal, eclectus and green parrots. Others generally drop the parrot moniker but are family members nonetheless. These include conures, macaws, lovebirds, cockatoos and the smallest of the bunch, the parrotlet.

    Appearance

    • Many parrots sport bold, bright colors, but their beak and toes are what really sets them apart from other birds. Their strong beak, also known as the maxilla, has a hook on its end and a hinge attachment to the parrot’s head. Their feet have four toes, with two that point forward and two that point back, known as Zygodactyl toes. Parrots have big, round heads atop short, stocky necks and short, stocky legs.

    Size and Longevity

    • Parrots come in a wide variety of sizes. These range from the large macaw, some of which reach more than 3 feet tall, to the small parrotlet, which grow no larger than 5 inches tall. Some parrots also have very long lifespans, especially the larger varieties. African grey parrots, for instance, average anywhere from 50 to more than 70 years. Some parrots will outlive their owners.

    Characteristics

    • Parrots are packed with plenty of personality and will always keep a bit of their wild nature, no matter how long they have been your pet. The biggest claim to fame for many parrots is their ability to talk and mimic the sounds around them. Screaming is part of their natural behavior, only a concern if it becomes excessive. Parrots are generally very social although some, like the African grey, will remain somewhat shy around strangers.

    Considerations

    • Because of their lengthy lifespan and high demands, a pet parrot is not right for everyone. Parrot owners must be dedicated to training their birds at the youngest age possible to avoid a half-century or more of unwanted behaviors. Even sitting on your shoulder can become an unwanted behavior if your parrot ends up 3 feet tall. Parrots are also expensive, both the initial cost and maintenance.