Parrots are members of the order Psittaciformes, which includes more than 350 bird species, including parakeets, macaws, cockatiels and cockatoos.Though there are many types of parrots, all parrot species have a few traits in common. For example, to be classified as a parrot, the bird must have a curved beak, and its feet must be zygodactyl, which means there are four toes on each foot with two toes that point forward and two that point backward.
These birds are often known for their brightly colored feathers, though each species varies in its pigmentation. The parrots that most people think of are bright green, accented by a beautiful, curved bill that has incredible strength. Standing upright, these birds will perch or even walk around upright with their clawed feet. Not all parrots are a singular color (like the macaw, which are black, red, and yellow), but this species is one of the few that don’t participate in sexual dimorphism. Both males and females feature a broad spectrum of colors, allowing both genders to be easily spotted. In behavior, these birds tend to be affectionate, earning them homes as a well-loved pet for centuries. Their high energy levels may be more than a novice pet owner has bargained for, but these creatures express empathy at a level not seen in other types of birds. However, the humans that they reside with can play a role in their mood and behavior. Still, as sweet as the bird can be, don’t be fooled – some species are incredibly dangerous and aggressive (if provoked). The Senegal parrot, for example, is rather small, but they will bite down hard with their beak if they feel threatened, causing substantial pain.
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