About Parrots

Overview

Psittaciformes are the parrots: macaws, cockatoos, lovebirds, budgerigars and allies, a large order of 409 species of mainly tropical and subtropical forests worldwide. They are among the most intelligent birds, with a hooked bill, zygodactyl feet and often brilliant, long-lived plumage. Many are threatened by the wild-caught trade, and responsible breeding and CITES controls are central to their conservation.

Classification

The order Parrots (Latin: PSITTACIFORMES) comprises 4 families and roughly 409 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Psittaciformes are the parrots: macaws, cockatoos, lovebirds, budgerigars and allies, a large order of 409 species of mainly tropical and subtropical forests worldwide.

Notable Families

Old World Parrots, African & New World Parrots, Cockatoos, New Zealand Parrots and others.