Essentially a Parrot is a Monkey with Wings; a Quotation by Walter Gossett

A Walter Gossett Quotation

Parrots are also known as psittacines. It might be a stretch to compare them to a monkey with wings, however. They are birds of the roughly 393 species in 92 genera that make up the order Psittaciformes. These birds are usually found in most tropical and subtropical regions.

The order is subdivided into three superfamilies: the Psittacoidea (“true” parrots), the Cacatuoidea (cockatoos), and the Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots). Parrots also have several species inhabiting temperate regions in the Southern Hemisphere. The greatest diversity of parrots, however, is in South America and Australasia.

Parrots are among the Most Intelligent Birds

Parrots, jays, magpies, along with ravens and crows, are among the most intelligent birds. The ability of some parrot species to imitate human voices probably enhances their popularity as pet birds. Trapping wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as hunting has diminished wild populations.

There is also habitat loss, and competition from invasive species which takes its toll. Parrots are subjected to more exploitation than probably any other group of birds.

Some high-profile charismatic species of parrots have had certain measures taken to conserve their habitats. Those measures have also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the same ecosystems.

Some Places where Parrots are Found

Parrots are found on all tropical and subtropical continents and regions. That includes Australia and Oceania, Central America, South America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Parrots are also found in Central America, South America, and Africa.

However, the largest number of parrot species come from Australasia and South America. The subfamily Arinae encompasses all the neotropical parrots. That includes the amazons, macaws, and conures. These range from northern Mexico and the Bahamas to the southern tip of South America.

The true parrot superfamily, Psittacoidea, includes a range of species from Australia and New Guinea to South Asia and Africa. The center of cockatoo biodiversity is Australia and New Guinea. Some species, however, reach the Solomon Islands. Several parrots do inhabit the cool, temperate regions of South America and New Zealand.