Parrots Keeping - 3 Secrets to a Healthy Parrot

A Macaw certainly looks nothing like a cocktail. The Macaw is large, colorful and, to the non-bird person, even a bit intimidating. The cocktail on the other hand is smaller, and almost an inviting friendly animal, even if you’re not totally comfortable around birds.

Yet, amazingly, both of these birds are classified as parrots. What’s even more amazing is that between these two disparate types of birds lies yet a rain forest of birds that are also considered parrots.

The first trait you find in every parrot is a very developed tongue. If you may never considered a bird having much of a tongue, think again. This one body part explains an awful lot of why these birds are such great talkers. But the tongue is first and foremost a sense organ, much like it is for us. The parrot tastes, touches and swallows with this organ.

The second trait common to each species of parrot is the beak. While they differ in size, each has a distinctly rounded beak. Not only that but it’s hard, thick and fairly solid. His beak aids him climbing, walking and even resting his body weight comfortably on his beak.

Let's take a look at a few of the diverse sub-species of parrots from which you can choose as your new feathered companion.

The African grey parrot is widely known for his habit of feather plucking. Yes! If he’s been abused or stressed, this is a habit he may acquire. He may also begin to pluck his feathers if his diet isn’t healthy.

An African grey parrot grows to be about 13 inches, and he’s one of the birds who has a longer life; he can live between 40 and 60 years. But he’s also known for his capabilities to mimic all sorts of sounds, in addition to developing and parroting speech patterns.

Another bird in this diverse group is the much more familiar parakeet. These are, without a doubt, among the best known of the parrot species. Think of a big personality inside a small parrot body and you have the makings of a parakeet.

But if you want to go "international" in the parrot realm is the Australian "budgie." This nickname is given to the budgerigar, a brilliant green and yellow variety of parrot. He’s gentle and friendly.

Considering an Amazon parrot for adoption? Well, you have 27 subspecies from which to choose. And while you’re browsing these fine birds, give a tip of your hat to Christopher Columbus. According to legend, he’s responsible for bringing this particular species to North America.

Found in many areas of South America, this green parrot has short wings. But don’t his wing span fool you - he’s definitely not short on intelligence. Scientists believe that an average Amazon parrot is every bit as smart as a dolphin or a monkey. A natural talker, he’s also an expert at imitating a wide range of sounds.

I’ve only had room to introduce you to a mere four of the more than 300 species of parrots that exist in this world. If you’re thinking about owning a parrot, you’re sure to find a species that suits you completely.

African grey parrot