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Parrot Facts & Worksheets

Parrot is a group of 393 species of birds, which mostly live in tropical and subtropical regions.

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Parrot is a group of 393 species of birds, which mostly live in tropical and subtropical regions. They are known for their intelligence since parrots are able to mimic human voices. Many people keep pet parrots because of their beautiful feather color and silly personalities.

See the fact file below for more information on the parrots or alternatively, you can download our 24-page Parrot worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BIOLOGICAL ORDER

  • The group of parrot is subdivided into three superfamilies. The psittacoidea (“true parrots”), the cacatuoidea (cockatoos), and the new strigopoidea (“New Zealand parrots”).
  • The osittacoidea or true parrots are the most herbivorous birds. This family has about 350 species, which include many of the familiar parrots such as macaws, conures, electus, Amazon parrots, and grey parrots. Their diet consists of nuts, fruits, and seeds.
  • True parrots have a beak with a characteristic curved shape. There are some bird species in the psittacoidea group that can imitate the human voice and other sounds.
  • The cacatuoidea is a group of 21 parrot species. The cockatoos live mainly in the Australasian area, including the Philippines, eastern Indonesia islands, Solomon Islands, and Australia.
  • Cockatoos are known for their prominent crests and curved bills. On average, they are larger than other parrots. Cockatoos prefer to eat seeds, fruit, flowers, and insects as their diet. They don’t have multiple partners (are monogamous) and nest in tree hollows.
  • The strigopoidea or New Zealand parrot, is the endemic parrot species to New Zealand. They can only be found in New Zealand areas, such as Chatham Island, Norfolk Island, and Philip Island. The strigopoidea consists of at least three genera of parrots – nestor, strigops, and nelepsittcus.
  • The New Zealand parrots are small birds only 38 – 45 cm long. The New Zealand parrot habitat ranges from high-level forests to subalpine scrublands. Most of the New Zealand parrots are extinct due to the human activity and invasive species such as pigs and possums. Nowadays, the only existing species of New Zealand parrots are the south island kaka, kea, north island kaka, and kakapo birds, where their statuses are endangered.

CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF A PARROT

  • Parrots are colorful birds that are easy to spot. They have a strong, curved bill, strong legs, and clawed feet. Their size varies in terms of length.
  • Because parrots are herbivores and seed eaters, they have a strong tongue that helps to manipulate seeds in the bill so the mandible (bird jaw) can crack the seeds easily.
  • Their head is large, with the eyes positioned high in the skull. This gives parrots a wide visual field, where they can see quite far behind their head too.
  • The elongated claws of parrots are used for climbing and swinging. Australian parrots can even use their claws to pick up food in a similar manner to a human using their hands.
  • Cockatoo species have a crest of feathers on the top of their head.

HABITAT

  • The tropical and subtropical continents are the home of parrots. In addition, the endemic species of parrots are located in the Caribbean and Pacific islands. The greatest number of parrot species come from Australasia and South America.
  • The only parrot that lives in alpine climates is the kea, which is endemic to the southern Alps mountain range of New Zealand’s south island.

BEHAVIOR AND BREEDING

  • Parrots are known for their strong, direct flight. Most species spend much of their time climbing in tree canopies.
  • Parrots are herbivores and their diets consist of seeds, fruit, nectar, pollen, and buds, although sometimes they also eat insects.
  • When it comes to breeding, parrots are monogamous breeders, which means they only have one partner. The eggs of parrots are white, and the incubation period varies from 17 to 35 days.

INTELLIGENCE AND LEARNING

  • Among crows, ravens, and jays, parrots are considered as intelligent. This is due to their brain-to-body size ratio, which is comparable to higher primates.
  • Because of their brain, parrots are able to associate words with their meaning and form simple sentences. Some parrots, such as the kea, are also highly skilled at using tools and solving puzzles.
  • Parrots learn the most when in their early life. They practice social interactions with their siblings.
  • When parrots imitate human voices, they do not use vocal cords. They change the depth and shape of the trachea. The grey parrots are known for their superior ability to imitate sounds and human speech.

PARROT AS PETS

  • Parrots are quite popular as pets. Their silly behaviors and their skills in imitating human voices have attracted humans to take care of them.
  • Just like dog breeds, each parrot species has different temperaments and personalities. Parrots require enormous attention and care, akin to a three-year old child.
  • In sum, taking care of parrots as pets is not low-maintenance. It requires effort to feed, groom, and providing veterinary care, training, and social interaction for good health.

Parrot Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the parrots across 24 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Parrot worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the parrot which is a group of 393 species of birds, which mostly live in tropical and subtropical regions. They are known for their intelligence since parrots are able to mimic human voices. Many people keep pet parrots because of their beautiful feather color and silly personalities.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Parrot Facts
  • Parrot Time!
  • Match the Bird Groups
  • Bird Collections
  • Parrot Facts!
  • Aviary Reports
  • Welcome to the Bird Shop
  • Conservation Activities
  • Endangered vs Vulnerable
  • Dream Park
  • Classify the Cockatoo!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Parrot

What are the common breeds of parrots?

The most common breeds of parrots include African Grey Parrot, Cockatiel, Budgerigar (Budgie), Amazon Parrot, Macaw, and Cockatoo.

What do parrots eat?

Parrots are omnivores and typically eat various foods such as seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and insects.

How long do parrots live?

The lifespan of parrots can range from 10-80 years, depending on the species, with proper care and a healthy diet.

Do parrots make good pets?

Parrots can make good pets for the right person with the proper commitment and resources to provide for their needs, including a large cage, a varied diet, and daily interaction. Parrots are social and intelligent creatures that need mental and physical stimulation.

How do you train a parrot?

Parrot training can be done through positive reinforcement techniques such as giving treats and praise for desired behaviors and avoiding punishment. Consistency, patience, and building trust are critical components in training a parrot. Providing mental stimulation through activities such as toys and puzzles is also important.

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Link will appear as Parrot Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, October 3, 2020

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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