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Male and female parrots look alike -

Unlike most birds, male and female parrots typically look alike and often require lab tests to tell them apart. However, eclectus parrots are an exception, with such strikingly different colors that they were once mistaken for separate species.

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Hundreds of types -

There are around 400 species of parrots worldwide, ranging from tiny pygmy parrots to large macaws.

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Parrots have taste -

Humans have around 10,000 taste buds, while parrots have only about 350, on their tongues and throats. Still, they can taste bitterness and sweetness, helping them avoid toxins and pick favorites.

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The heftiest parrot weighs as much as a cat -

Parrots come in all sizes, from the tiny buff-faced pygmy at three inches (8 cm) to the hyacinth macaw at three feet, four inches (102 cm). The kakapo is the heaviest, weighing up to nine pounds (4 kg).

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The psittacine family has a black sheep -

Native to South Pacific rainforests, the black palm cockatoo is the only dark-feathered cockatoo. Difficult to breed and raise in captivity, it lays one egg per clutch, with chicks often dying young.

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Parrot feathers contain antibacterial pigments -

Parrots' vibrant feathers get their red, yellow, and green hues from psittacofulvin, a pigment unique to them. This bacteria-resistant pigment also helps protect their plumage from damage, researchers found in 2011.

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Brainy birds -

Parrots are among the most intelligent birds. Some species, like the African gray, can learn hundreds of words and even understand simple concepts like colors, numbers, and shapes.

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Lefties and righties -

Parrots show foot preference, some are left-footed, others right-footed. They often use one foot to hold food while eating, kind of like how we use our dominant hand.

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Master mimics -

Parrots are famous for mimicking human speech and sounds. They don't understand language like we do, but they're excellent at copying tone, pitch, and even laughter.

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Color explosion -

Parrots come in nearly every color of the rainbow. Their vibrant feathers aren't just for show, they help with camouflage, mating, and even communicating with each other.

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Long lifespans -

Some parrots live a very long time. Macaws can reach 60 years or more, and some African grays have been known to live into their seventies or eighties.

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Tropical dwellers -

Most parrots live in warm, tropical areas like South America, Australia, and Africa. Rainforests are their favorite hangouts, full of fruits, flowers, and tall trees to nest in.

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Zygodactyl feet -

Parrots have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward, called zygodactyl feet. It makes them expert climbers and helps them grip branches and food with ease.

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Social butterflies -

Parrots are highly social birds that often live in large flocks, communicating through squawks, whistles, and body language. Without companionship, they can become stressed. These vibrant birds truly need pals!

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Power beak -

Their curved beaks are strong enough to crack open nuts, shells, and even wood. It's like having a built-in nutcracker and can opener in one.

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Diet diversity -

Parrots eat more than just seeds. Depending on the species, they also enjoy fruits, nuts, flowers, nectar, and even insects. Junk food is a no-no for pet parrots!

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Nesting in holes -

Most parrots nest in tree cavities, not nests like many birds. They find cozy hollows in trees and sometimes reuse the same spot for years.

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Some can dance -

Certain parrots, like the cockatoo, can bop to music with surprisingly good rhythm. They're not just moving randomly, they actually follow the beat!

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Monogamous lovebirds -

Parrots are romantics! Many species form monogamous pairs that last a lifetime. They groom each other, share food, and raise chicks together.

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Not all parrots can fly -

While most parrots are strong fliers, not all can fly. The Kakapo, a large, nocturnal parrot from New Zealand, is flightless and critically endangered due to introduced predators like cats.

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Tail feathers talk -

Parrots use their tails to help steer while flying, but also to express themselves. A raised or flared tail might mean excitement, interest, or warning.

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Not all can talk -

Not every parrot species is a chatterbox. Some are better at mimicking sounds than others. For example, budgies and African grays are chatty, while others just squawk.

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Sleep time -

Parrots need plenty of sleep, usually 10 to 12 hours each night. Darkness and quiet are essential, or they get cranky.

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Endangered beauties -

Sadly, many parrot species are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are key to keeping these stunning creatures around.

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Heavy flyers -

Big parrots like macaws are hefty birds, yet they're strong flyers. Their broad wings let them soar for miles in search of food or new territory.

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Built-in GPS -

Parrots have excellent memory and navigation skills. They can find their way home through forests and jungles, remembering landmarks and travel routes with surprising accuracy.

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Bath time -

Parrots love baths! Whether it's splashing in a bowl, mist from a spray bottle, or a leafy shower, they keep their feathers clean and shiny.

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Not all parrots are tropical -

Some parrots thrive in unusual places. Keas nest in ground burrows in New Zealand's alpine regions, while the endangered maroon-fronted parrot lives at 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) in Mexico's Sierra Madre Oriental.

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Clean feathers -

Parrots preen their feathers daily to stay clean and aligned. They also have a special oil gland near their tail to help waterproof and protect their plumage.

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Parrots in the city -

Wild parrots have adapted to some cities! Feral parrot populations now exist in places like London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, often thriving in urban parks and suburbs.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Smithsonian Magazine)

See also: The parakeet phenomenon: how these exotic birds spread across Europe

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