Parrot and Companion Bird Suncatchers

Parrots and parakeets, also known as psittacines, are birds of the roughly 372 species in 86 genera that make up the order Psittaciformes, found in most warm and tropical regions. The order is subdivded in three families: the Psittacidae (true parrots), the Cacatuidae (cockatoos) and the Nestoridae. The greatest diversity of parrots is found in South America and Australia. Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Most parrot species are predominantly green with other bright colors. Cockatoo species range from mostly white to mostly black, and have a mobile crest of feathers on the top of their heads. Parrots, along with ravens, crows, jays and magpies, are some of the most intelligent birds, and the ability of some parrot species to imitate human voices enhances their popularity as companion species.