PARROT

any of several hundred species of the bird family Psittacidae, order Psittaciformes. (See psittaciform.) The classification of psittaciform birds is problematic; the entire group is under frequent taxonomic review. The nomenclature is vexed by the inaccurate use of scientific names by aviculturists and dealers and by the vague application of traditional popular group names. There are about 300 species of parrots distributed in approximately 75 to 80 genera and 6 subfamilies, as follows: Strigopinae, comprising the owl parrot, also known as the kakapo (Strigops habroptilus), a rare New Zealand bird once thought extinct, survives as a scant population on South Island. The Nestorinae comprise two species in the genus Nestor. The kea, N. notabilis, occasionally attacks sheep to get at the fat around the kidneys. The kaka, N. meridionalis, a gentler forest bird, is often kept as a pet. Both are from New Zealand. Rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) The Loriinae comprise about 60 species in 15 genera and are found in Australia, New Guinea, and many Pacific islands. These are the lories (with short tails) and lorikeets (with longer, pointed tails; see photograph). All have a slender, wavy-edged beak and a brush-tipped tongue for extracting nectar from flowers and juices from fruits. Micropsittinae, six species in the genus Micropsitta, on New Guinea and nearby islands. These are the pygmy parrots, smallest members of the family. They live in forests, where they live on insects and fungi. Cacatuinae, about 17 species in 5 genera; Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. The group includes the large cockatoo (q.v.) species and the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), a smaller bird. They are crested and have heavy beaks for cracking nuts. Psittacinae, the true parrots, about 220 species in 60 genera; worldwide in warm regions. In this varied assemblage the tongue is blunt; the birds eat seeds, buds, and some fruit and insects. Many members of the subfamily are known simply as parrots but some have group names (see conure; lovebird; macaw; parakeet). Among all the psittaciform birds, the gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus) of Africa is unsurpassed as a talker; the male may perfectly echo human speech. Captive birds are alert and, for a parrot, relatively good-tempered. Individuals are said to have lived 80 years. About 33 centimetres (13 inches) long, the bird is light gray except for its squared, red tail and bare, whitish face; sexes look alike. Common in the rain forest, gray parrots eat fruits and seeds; they damage crops but are important propagators of the oil palm. Equally good as mimics are the Amazon parrots. The 26 species of Amazonaoften simply called parrotsare chunky birds, mostly 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 in.) long, with slightly erectile crown feathers and a rather short, squared tail. Their predominantly green plumage is marked with other bright colours, chiefly on the upper head; sexes look alike. Amazon parrots live in rain forests of the West Indies and Mexico to northern South America. They are difficult to breed and may be aggressive as well as squawky. Common in aviaries is the blue-fronted Amazon, A. aestiva, of Brazil, which has a blue forehead, yellow or blue crown, yellow face, and red shoulders. A. ochrocephala, of Mexico and from Ecuador and Brazil, has some yellow on head and neck, a red wing patch, and yellow tail tip. The monk, or green, parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), one of the hardiest parrot species, is native to South America but has escaped from captivity in the U.S. and attempted to nest in several states. Its large stick nest is unique among parrots. Other remarkable parrots include the caiques, Pionites species, small, short-tailed South American birds similar to conures in build and habits. The night parrot (or night parakeet), Geopsittacus occidentalis, a nearly extinct Australian bird, feeds at night on spinifex grass seeds and dozes under a tussock by day. Its nest, in a bush, is a twig platform entered by a tunnel. Equally unusual is the ground parrot (or ground parakeet), Pezoporus wallicus, rare and local in wastelands of coastal southern Australia and western Tasmania. Formerly hunted with dogs, it runs in the grass, flushes like a quail, and makes a sudden deceptive pitch. It eats seeds and insects; its nest is a leaf-lined depression under a bush. For sea parrot (not a true parrot), see puffin.