Parrots are one of the oldest types of birds known to exist. Fossil remains of parrots show they have been around since prehistoric times, and they haven’t changed for thousands and thousands of years.

Today, there are more than 600 species of parrots, but they are limited almost entirely to the tropics. Parrots are common in southern Asia, North Africa, Australia, and the Malaysian Islands.

Parrots are very hardy birds and generally live for a long time. They easily adapt themselves to any sort of living condition. This is one of the reasons why sailors have always liked to take parrots along as companions. They are colorful and amusing, and, of course, when they learn to “talk” they are fun to have around.

Even though the parrot is a tropical bird, it gets along comfortably in captivity and can be happy even in cold climates. At home, parrots prefer the forest and live in great flocks.

A little known fact about parrots is that they are very brave and loyal birds. If a danger appears, the whole flock stands by and fights together to overcome it.

Parrots are vegetarians, and will eat fruits, tender buds, palm nuts, and figs. When they search for food, they swing from one limb to another like monkeys. The reason they can do this is that they use the bill as well as the feet when they swing among the branches. If you’ve ever seen a parrot eat, you know that it can sometimes use the feet like hands. It will sit and hold a choice piece of food in its claws and enjoy it at leisure.

Parrots make their nests in the holes of trees. The eggs are always white. The parents take good care of their young, and will sometimes go on long trips in search of food. Parrots don’t like to wale, but they climb and fly very well indeed. The best talker of all among parrots is the African gray parrot, which is also one of the most intelligent Of all birds.