History

• Birds have been companions to humans since the 15th century B.C. in Egypt. Parrots have been admired for their intelligence, compassion and personalities. The first record of keeping birds as pets comes from the Egyptian Queen Hathepsut who spent time collecting falcons and hawks. There has even been speculation that birds were a part of China's history during 4000 B.C. In the 5th century B.C., the Persians were aware of the presence of talking birds.
  
  

Types

• There are many different types of birds such as macaws, Amazons, lorikeets, lovebirds and cockatoos that are considered to be parrots. In order for a bird to be labeled a parrot, they must meet the following requirements: a curved beak and four toes on each foot (zygodactyls).
  
  

Features

• Parrots have colorful feathers and have four feet, two toes point forward and two toes point backward. While all parrots are intelligent, the African gray parrot is the species that is most proficient in human speech. Even though some of the species don't speak, they are still musical. They can live up to 80 years, and weigh up to 4 pounds.
  
  

Geography

• Parrots usually live in warmer climates, and the most diverse amount of species live in South America, Australasia and Central America. Although the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) doesn't permit the sale of wild-caught parrots, the birds are still illegally traded. Because parrots eat flowers, fruit, seeds, nuts and insects, they thrive in environments that have lush greenery and biodiversity.
  
  

Considerations

• Parrots require maintenance, love and attention in order to be kept as pets. Specifically lovebirds and parakeets require one on one attention on a daily basis. Parrots need their wings clipped and require a nutritious and diverse diet. They can also suffer from diseases, illness and viruses just like any human or pet. However, they make lovable and cuddly pets.