The colorful birds in the Tropics: The Parrots!

This picture was taken a few days ago when I went volunteering at the aquarium inside the Amazon gallery, and, boy! Those employees sure do make sure the gallery is humid and hot! Just like in the Amazonian forest. I was already sweating like crazy for only after 5 minutes in there. But the great picture was worth the sweat.

Now how many fun facts do you know about them?

• Definition: Parrots are usually brightly colored tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds. There are about 250 different species

• Parrots are described as zygodactylous. A zygodactyl bird has the first and fourth toes directed backward the second and third pointing forward

• Many species of parrots, as cage birds, learn to imitate sounds, and to repeat words and phrases

• Parrots are omnivorous, which means they eat both vegetation and meat, such as seeds, nuts, fruit, buds, other plant material and of course, meat itself.
  

• They are highly intelligent birds, some can even reach up to the intelligence of a 6 year old.
  

• Parrots are found on all tropical and subtropical continents The Budgerigar is a small parrot and is the most popular of all pet bird species. Other parrot species that are kept as pets include macaws, Amazons, cockatoos, African Greys, lovebirds, cockatiels and parakeets

• Lifespan: 80 years

• Weight: 2.25 oz (65 g) to 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)

• Height: 3.5 in (8.7cm) to 40 in (100 cm)

• They use their bills and toes for climbing

• Parrots are monogamous - they mate for life

• African gray parrots are the best mimics. Wild parrots do not imitate

• Parrots are the only birds that can bring food to its mouth with its foot

• The biggest parrot is the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) which grows up to 39 inches (100cm) long and can weigh almost 5 pounds

• The smallest parrot is the buff-faced pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio) which is only 3.5 inches (9 cm) tall and weighs as little as 0.4oz (11,5g)

• Parrot eggs are always white

• Endangered Species: 130 species are listed as near threatened or worse by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)