Parrot Facts
A parrot is a bird from the order Psittaciformes, recognized by its powerful hooked beak, upright posture and clawed feet, and some species can copy human speech.
- Class
- Bird
About the parrot
About 410 species in 101 genera fill out the parrot order, split across four families: Old World parrots, African and New World parrots, cockatoos, and New Zealand parrots. Most live in tropical and subtropical areas, though a few have settled in temperate zones. South America and Australasia hold the greatest variety. No other bird order varies as much in body length, and many parrots are brightly colored, with males and females usually looking alike.
Plant foods, especially seeds, nuts, fruit and buds, make up most of a parrot's diet. Lories and lorikeets lean on flower nectar and soft fruit, and a few species will eat animals or carrion. Nearly all nest in tree hollows and lay white eggs that hatch into helpless chicks. Along with crows and ravens, parrots rank among the smartest birds alive.
Did you know?
- One third of all parrot species face the threat of extinction.
- Parrots have been exploited more than any other bird group, mostly through trapping for the pet trade.
- In captivity, parrots will happily use nest boxes in place of tree hollows.
Questions about the parrot
What do parrots eat?
Mostly plant foods like seeds, nuts, fruit and buds. Lories and lorikeets feed on nectar and soft fruit.
Where do parrots live?
Mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, with the most species in South America and Australasia.
Sources
- Wikidata Q31431, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Parrot, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.