A Look At The Different Parrot Types
Most of the parrot types we see in pet stores, zoos, or homes, are tropical birds. A fair portion also come from Australia and New Zealand, and a few parrot types are to be found in more temperate climates. One of the few parrot species native to the United States has since been hunted into extinction.
Parrot Families - There exists on the order of 370 different species of parrot. The parrot consists of three families, one family consisting of the Cockatoo, the second family made up of the various true parrot types, while the third family consists of what are known as the New Zealand parrots. Many of the more colorful and larger parrots we may come across are native to the Amazon region of South America. The African Greys, another distinct parrot type, are not nearly as colorful as their Amazon-dwelling cousins, but are considered far and away the most intelligent members of the parrot family. While many members of the parrot family can be taught to replicate the human voice, some African Greys have been known to accumulate a vocabulary of several hundred words.
The Parakeet - Another of the better known parrot types are the Budgies, most commonly known as the parakeet. Parakeets are small parrots, often not much larger than a canary. They make excellent pets, and can be trained to talk and to do tricks, which they seem to enjoy. While there are exceptions, parakeets will often not learn to talk if they have a cage mate, and males usually are easier to train to talk than are females. Parakeets in the home can usually be allowed to fly around inside the house on occasion, although doors and windows should be kept closed during those times. Once trained, a parakeet is not difficult to return to its cage, and often would rather ride around on someone's shoulder than fly about, a dangerous practice should you decide to step outside, not realizing you have company. The parakeet is a good pet for children, who may not be able to handle a larger parrot.
The Cockatoo - The cockatoo, the one member of another parrot family, is also a good pet. The cockatoo is larger than a parakeet, usually about the size of a robin or a small jay. Cockatoos can also be taught to talk, though do not always seem to learn as quickly or as much as do the parakeets. Most cockatoos one is apt to see are white in color, but they exist in other colors as well, including black. Cockatoos are also noted for their topnotch, a crest of feathers the raising and lowering of which is very much a part of the bird's personality.
Preserving The Species - There are many more parrot types, and we've just scratched the surface by mentioning the better known ones. All parrot types are regarded as exotic birds, and many of the types are endangered. Not all are sweet loving little birds, some are pests, but nevertheless, efforts to preserve the different species are under way and fortunately are becoming more effective as time goes by. There is still a large illegal trade in the birds in many parts of the world, with some of the larger species being especially threatened. The World Parrot Trust, active in nearly two dozen countries, is playing a key role in disseminating information and funding projects designed to preserve and protect the various species. Zoos, and even local organizations are also doing their part, by protecting different species and working to stop illicit trade and marketing of the birds. Hopefully these organizations and groups will continue to be successful, and most of the nearly 400 different species can be saved from extinction.