Top 14 Fascinating Facts About Parrots

The intelligence of parrots is remarkable, making them the smartest birds in the world. They possess exceptional IQ levels and are proficient at mimicry. Moreover, they showcase talents in performing tricks and excel in logical problem-solving. These birds are known for their unwavering loyalty, forming lifelong bonds with a single mate throughout their lives, consisting of one wife and one husband. Unlike other bird species, they lack territorial marking tendencies. Their nests are typically small hollows in tree branches. This species is relatively sedentary and does not undergo complete migration.

Distinctive features of parrots include robust beaks for cracking seeds, a gracefully curved posture, strong and clawed feet. Many parrot species exhibit vibrant and varied colors, with some individuals displaying multiple hues. Gender dimorphism is minimal or absent in the visual spectrum for most parrots. They constitute a highly diverse group in terms of length. The primary components of their diet consist of seeds, nuts, fruits, shoots, and various plant matter. Some species occasionally consume small animals and carrion, while lorikeets specialize in feeding on nectar and soft fruits. Virtually all parrot species nest in tree hollows (or nest boxes in captive conditions) and lay white eggs, giving birth to delicate fledglings.

Parrots, along with crows, ravens, and magpies, stand out as some of the most intelligent birds, capable of imitating human speech, making them popular pets. The trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as hunting, habitat loss, and competition from invasive species, have led to a decline in their wild population, with parrots facing more exploitation than any other bird group. Conservation efforts have been implemented to preserve the habitats of charismatic species, contributing to the protection of less charismatic species inhabiting the same ecosystem.

The size of parrots varies among different species. For adults, they weigh between 1.2 to 1.7 kg, with some individuals reaching 2 to 4 kg. Their body length ranges from 8.6 to 100 cm. The physical characteristics include:

• The head of a parrot is round and quite large.
• Prominent on their faces is a notably large and sturdy beak. The beak is composed of a tough and robust layer of horn. The upper beak is longer than the lower one and curves downwards.
• Their eyes are round and typically black or red in color.
• Some species feature a distinctive crest on top of their heads made of large feathers.
• The neck of a parrot is relatively thick and somewhat short.
• They have a broad chest, a slightly arched back, and a prominent abdomen.
• The legs of a parrot are short, stout, and incredibly strong. Their toes are large, fanned, and equipped with sharp claws, facilitating easy gripping onto tree branches.
• The wings and tail of a parrot are quite long, covered in a thick and stiff layer of feathers. The outer layer of their plumage displays vibrant colors, with predominant shades of green and blue.
• The entire body is adorned with a soft and silky layer of feathers. The feathers closest to the skin are exceptionally soft.

All these features enable them to swing, cling, and climb on tree branches effortlessly. The wings and tail are long, covered with a dense and rigid layer of feathers. The entire body is enveloped in a thick and plush coat of feathers. The outer layer is stiff but exhibits incredibly vivid colors, primarily green and blue.

Parrots are widely recognized as one of the most intelligent bird species, possessing the ability to mimic human speech. Perhaps only surpassed by crows in the avian world. However, have you ever wondered what sets their intelligence apart from other bird species? It's a challenging question, but it seems that science has uncovered the answer.

Neuroscientists at the University of Alberta (Canada) have identified a specific neural circuit in the brains of parrots. They believe this is the key factor behind their exceptional intelligence.

Reproduction in parrots involves pair bonding and egg laying. They breed throughout the year, with a preference for the summer season.

During the breeding season, both male and female parrots collaborate in building nests on tree branches, lined with small twigs and straw. On average, a single reproductive cycle may yield 4 to 8 eggs:

• Their eggs are relatively small and have a milky white color.
• While incubating the eggs, females invest more time, and males are tasked with seeking and providing food for the females.
• The eggs hatch approximately 17 to 35 days after incubation.
• After hatching, both the parrot father and mother take turns foraging and feeding the hatchlings.
• The parent parrots nurture the fledglings for about 2 to 3 months until they have nearly perfected their plumage.
• Once the fledglings depart, both parrot parents clean the nest and prepare for the next breeding season.

Previously, the secret behind why parrots excel at mimicking human speech remained unknown. It turns out these feathered imitators also utilize their tongues to produce sounds similar to vowels, much like humans commonly do.

When humans speak, sounds are generated in the larynx and can be modified by tongue movements within the mouth, allowing the creation of complex vowels and consonants. Earlier, many researchers believed that birds produced and modified sounds using the syrinx, an organ similar to the larynx, with the tongue playing no role in this process.

Recent studies suggest that parrots, too, manipulate their tongues while 'speaking.' To explore the contribution of these tongue movements to their remarkable mimicry abilities, Gabriel Beckers from Leiden University in the Netherlands and colleagues conducted a study. Their results were published in Current Biology.

Recent findings hint that at least two species capable of forming formants are humans and parrots. Tongue activity contributes to the complexity of tonal patterns, a phenomenon demonstrated to be beneficial for both species.

According to a study by Japan published in Mainichi Shimbun, parakeets not only mimic human speech but can also differentiate between languages like English and Chinese.

In the research conducted by Keio University, Java parakeets were exposed to audio recordings of English and Chinese translations of two famous Japanese works. The first group of parakeets was allowed to eat after landing on a perch near the English audio player. The second group could eat after landing on a perch near the Chinese audio player. In 75% of cases, the parakeets correctly distinguished the language, allowing them to eat and perch on the right stand. Japanese, the language they hear daily, was not used.

Professor Shigeru Watanabe from the Experimental Psychology department at Keio University concluded that parakeets, like humans, can differentiate between languages, even those they don't know, based on intonation and pronunciation.

Poncho, the parrot, came into the world during the reign of King George V of England and swiftly rose to stardom in Hollywood movies. Currently, Poncho holds the title of the world's oldest parrot at the age of 90. The long-tailed green-winged bird starred alongside actors Jim Carrey and Eddie Murphy. Poncho's 90th birthday gift was a cake filled with dog treats.

This feathery Hollywood veteran, known for its glitz and glamour, retreated backstage to a small farm in Shrewsbury, Shrophire, England, in 2000. After the film '101 Dalmatians,' Poncho, deemed unfit to return to the U.S., remained in the UK for care.

Poncho was part of the roster at 'Feathered and Furried,' a company that supplied animals to Warner Brothers and Universal. Later, Rebecca Taylor, a bird shop owner, took charge of caring for Poncho in Shropshire.

Biologists note that typically, green-winged parrots live for 50 to 60 years. However, some individuals, like Poncho, defy the norm and reach up to 90 years of age.

Parrots, although not known for singing, are renowned for their exceptional talent in mimicking human speech. They can replicate the complex nuances of human vocalizations, learning from their caretakers. This behavior is not aimed at attracting mates or warding off predators, as scientists previously believed. Pet parrots often mimic humans to initiate social bonding, and in the wild, they imitate other species for similar reasons.

In a study on an African Grey parrot, scientists observed that it not only mimicked human speech but also learned hundreds of words, their meanings, recognized objects by name, and even counted! This research suggests that parrots not only mimic but possess pronunciation abilities remarkably similar to human speech.

The African Grey parrot, renowned for speaking human language, became a focal point of the study.

This discovery is significant as humans were previously thought to be the only animals capable of using 'language' until now. The study indicates that parrots exhibit many human-like abilities, such as recognizing rhythm and counting.

Many studies propose that parrots mimic human speech to enhance social bonds with their caregiving owners. However, scientists are yet to unravel the cause and mechanism of vocal mimicry in parrots, as well as certain suboscine species, and whether this skill developed through evolution similarly to singing birds or not.

Rosy-Faced Lovebird – Hong Kong Parakeet: Beloved for their vibrant colors, resilience, low susceptibility to diseases, flexibility, docility, and remarkable chattiness, Rosy-Faced Lovebirds are easy to pair for breeding, making them suitable for a wide range of owners. However, their main drawback lies in their average IQ, requiring patient and suitable training methods.

Cockatiels – Malaysian Parakeet: Appealing with soft and sleek long feathers, high friendliness, affordability, and a unique talent for singing along with music and mimicking other bird species, Cockatiels are another popular and easy-to-keep parrot. Similar to the Rosy-Faced Lovebird, their IQ is average, and they are not very vocal.

Rose-Ringed Parakeet: Recognizable by the large red plumage on their chest, Rose-Ringed Parakeets boast good health, eye-catching plumage, affordable pricing, making them a favorable choice for pet owners. However, during their early stage, they may not look attractive, only fully revealing their beauty when matured. Their speaking ability and IQ are average, and they exhibit territorial behavior.

Lovebirds: Lovebirds charm with their cute appearance, colorful feathers, high friendliness, and loyalty to their owners. However, they fall short in vocal mimicry, and they can be quite noisy.

Yellow-Crowned Amazon: With fine, soft, and long feathers, good vocal abilities, moderate pricing, and the capability to speak fairly well, Yellow-Crowned Amazons are a mid-range option. However, their flying skills are mediocre, and they can be territorial and aggressive if kept together with other parrot species.

African Grey Parrot: Known for having one of the highest IQs, excellent speaking abilities, affectionate nature, and strong bonding with owners, African Grey Parrots are emotionally attached. However, their flying technique is average, and they produce a lot of powdery feather dust.

Caique Parrot: Small-sized and charming with a predominantly green and vibrant yellow feather pattern, Caique Parrots boast moderate IQ and a non-noisy demeanor.

Eclectus Parrot: Recognized by their vibrant single-colored plumage, gentle nature, good speaking abilities, flying skills, and non-noisy behavior, Eclectus Parrots come with a higher price tag. However, they tend to be sedentary and emit a loud and intimidating scream.

Sun Conure: Sporting colorful plumage, a joyful and loyal disposition, good flying abilities, and a more affordable price than other imported parrot species, Sun Conures, despite being less vocal, have piercingly loud and harsh vocalizations.

Here are the top 10 most talkative parrots in the world:

• African Grey: Known as the smartest talking bird, it not only mimics human speech but can imitate other animal sounds. Some experts say it approaches language learning and memory like a young child learning to speak.
• Yellow-Naped Amazon: Renowned for precise speech, it enjoys singing and is highly intelligent, mimicking human expressions and intonations. Watch what you say around this parrot, as it may repeat it exactly!
• Double Yellow Head Amazon: Similar to the Yellow-Naped family, this parrot hails from Mexico and Central North America. It excels at mimicking human speech, accumulating an extensive vocabulary, and even singing opera!
• Yellow Crowned Amazon: Considered one of the outstanding members of the Yellow-Naped family, Yellow Crowned Amazon quickly mimics and articulates words clearly. It's a friendly parrot, easy to tame, making it a favorite pet.
• Eclectus: Known for clear speech, mimicking intonations and expressions. These abilities depend on training from an early age. Its vibrant colors make this parrot stand out, with males transitioning from green to brown or black upon maturity, while females display red heads and green chests.
• Ringneck Parakeet: A small yet intelligent bird, Ringneck Parakeets can learn a large vocabulary and articulate phrases clearly. Each bird may mimic various voices!
• Blue-Fronted Amazon: If you want a lively companion for life, this is a suitable choice. With excellent vocal abilities, it mimics human speech energetically.
• Monk Parakeet: Also known as Quaker Parakeet, originating from South America, this colorful small parrot is highly intelligent and sociable, capable of speaking numerous phrases and words. They can live over 15 years with proper care.
• Budgeriga: Commonly known as Budgie or Parakeet, a small bird from Australia. It can learn a substantial number of words and phrases, around 300-500. While its voice is typically small and not always clear, male budgies tend to train better than females.

Various factors influence parrot prices today, with age and species being the key determinants. Let's explore the prices of some of the most popular parrot species.

Yellow-Cheeked Parakeet: Originating from Asia, locally known as the yellow-cheeked parrot, this species is notable for its long tail and distinctive black ring around the neck. When mature, these birds reach about 56cm in length and weigh between 200-300 grams. With captivating beauty and excellent mimicry of human speech, the yellow-cheeked parrot is highly valued, especially by those who frequently interact with them. On the current market, the yellow-cheeked parrot is priced at approximately 6 million VND.

Long-Tailed Parrot: One of the most prominent parrot species in Vietnam is the long-tailed parrot. If you're looking to find out parrot prices in our market and overlook this species, it's a significant omission. As the name suggests, this parrot has an exceptionally long and attractive tail, coupled with unique and highly appealing colors. Thanks to these features, the price of long-tailed parrots in the local market is substantial. To own one, you might need to invest a significant amount, depending on its rarity. On average, long-tailed parrot prices can go up to over 5000 USD in Vietnam. When considering raising this species, careful financial consideration and research are essential before making a final decision.

Malayan Parrot: The Malayan parrot, a relatively small-sized species, reaches an average length of just over 30cm and weighs about 100 grams when fully grown. Despite its small size, the Malayan parrot boasts a remarkable average lifespan compared to many other parrot species, ranging from 20 to 35 years. Originating from Australia, the Malayan parrot has been bred and is now present in various parts of the world, including Vietnam. Currently, in Vietnam, Malayan parrot prices vary at different levels based on the bird's age. Newly hatched chicks are priced around 800,000 VND, while younger parrots may cost a bit more, approximately 1,200,000 VND. Naturally, adult Malayan parrots command higher prices, potentially reaching several million VND.

Here are some technical nurturing experiences for parrots that you should keep in mind:

• Parrot Cage:
  • Their living cage doesn't need to be extravagant; it just needs to provide enough space for them to fly and hop around.
  • Inside the cage, ensure there are containers for food and drinking water. Especially, equip them with wooden perches for resting.
  • For parrot species, choose a cage made of metal. Place the cage in airy spaces and frequented areas for social interaction.
• Parrot Diet:
  • Aside from their favorite seeds, supplement their diet with specialized parrot food to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients and minerals.
  • Feeding times should be in the morning and late evening. Include a mix of fresh vegetables and fruits along with dry parrot food.
• Healthcare:
  • Parrots enjoy bathing, so make sure to bathe them regularly to remove dirt and bacteria from their bodies.
  • In summer, bathe them every 2 days. In winter, only bathe them on warm sunny days. After bathing, ensure to dry them to prevent catching a cold.
• Teaching Parrots to Speak:
  • Parrots have excellent mimicry skills, but teaching them to talk requires human interaction. Spend time talking and teaching them phrases daily, either in the morning or evening.
  • Let them participate in bird communities to enhance their communication skills. To make parrots talk quickly and avoid loneliness, consider raising two parrots in the same cage.