Parrot facts
Name: Parrots
Scientific name: Psittacines
Distribution: South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand
Here are some phenomenal facts about parrots!
Parrots are known for being charismatic, intelligent and even musical. Some of these birds can imitate non-avian sounds, including human speech! African grey parrots are well known for their stellar ability to mimic human speech.
So, what defines a parrot? All of them have curved beaks and four toes on each foot, two pointing backward and two pointing forward (this is called zygodactylous feet).
While a human has about 10,000 tastebuds in their mouth, parrots only have 300 tastebuds. Most are located on the roof of their mouth. This doesn’t stop them having favourite foods, with diets consisting mostly of fruit, flowers, buds, nuts, seeds and insects.
Some parrots may live just as long as you! In the wild many will live for nearly 80 years. New Zealand’s Kākāpō, a large flightless, nocturnal parrot, is known for having one of the longest parrot lifespans of 90 years!
These birds are a diverse bunch - around the world there are over 350 different species - from tiny budgies (parakeets) to large macaws. Sadly, almost one third of the species are under threat of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change and the .
Parrots are the most traded birds in the world, primarily sold as pets. While their vibrant colours and ability to mimic speech make them appealing companions, parrots suffer greatly in captivity. These highly social and intelligent birds have complex needs that are nearly impossible to meet in a home setting. Many parrots develop behavioural issues like feather plucking or self-mutilation due to stress and boredom. Additionally, their long lifespans often mean they outlive their owners, leading to abandonment or repeated rehoming. The pet trade fuels both illegal trafficking and the decline of wild populations, making it one of the biggest threats to parrot survival.
Parrots are sentient beings – they think, feel and have unique personalities
- Parrots are highly social animals, often forming strong bonds with their flock. In the wild, they rely on complex vocalizations and body language to communicate with each other. Different calls can signal danger, excitement or a desire for social interaction. Some parrots can recognize individuals based on their unique voice-print. Some species, like African grey parrots, can even mimic human speech with remarkable accuracy.
- They experience emotions such as joy, fear and grief. Parrots have been observed comforting distressed flock members and even mourning the loss of a companion.
- Parrots have incredible problem-solving abilities. They use tools, recognize patterns, and can even understand concepts like object permanence – knowing that something still exists even when it’s out of sight. Some species, like kea parrots, have been seen working together to solve puzzles for food rewards.
- Each parrot has a unique personality. Some are outgoing and playful, while others are more reserved. Their individual personality traits influence how they interact with other birds, humans and their environment.
- They thrive on mental stimulation. In the wild, parrots spend their days foraging, exploring and engaging with their environment. Without enrichment, they can become bored and frustrated, underscoring their need for mental and social engagement.
One of the most famous parrots studied, Alex the African grey parrot, changed the way we understand avian intelligence today.
Under the guidance of animal psychologist Dr. Irene Pepperberg, Alex learned over 100 words and could identify colours, shapes and quantities. His ability to grasp abstract concepts, such as “same” and “different”, showed that parrots are capable of reasoning at a level comparable to young children.
His legacy continues to inspire research on animal cognition and the emotional depth of parrots.
Alex the African grey parrot. Photograph by Irene Pepperberg. [Behaviour 156, 5-8 (2019); 10.1163/1568539X-00003550]
