Parrots - Copy Cats of Human Voice

Parrots are alluring birds with 372 species and 86 genera known at
present belonging to the order Psittaciformes and inhabit most warm
and tropical regions. Parrots share pan-tropical distribution with
several species inhabiting the temperate Southern Hemisphere. Greatest
diversity of parrots has been recorded from South America and
Australia. The unique features of parrots include a strongly curved
bill, an upright stance, strong feets and clawed zygodactyl feet. Most
species are bright green in colour while others are of different
colours and some multicoloured species are also present in nature.
Cockatoo species vary in colour from white to black with a mobile
crest of feathers on top of their heads. Most parrots exhibit little
of no sexual dimorphism. Different species vary in their body length
also.Diet of parrot comprises seeds, fruits, buds and other plant
material while few species have been reported to feed on small insects
and small animals. Lories and lorikeets are famous for feeding on
nectar from flowers and soft fruits. Parrots make their nests in the
holes of trees and lay white coloured eggs from which emerge helpless,
altricial young ones. Parrots along with the ravens, jays, crows are
one of the most intelligent birds which are able to imitate human
voices and so are typically used as pets. Trapping of wild parrots for
pet trade, loss of habitat, hunting and competition with invasive
species have resulted in reduction of population of parrots. Some are
sharing the status of endangered.Origin of parrots is still a question
of dispute among the scientists. It is believed that they first
originated in Australasia but due to lack of enough fossils of birds
nothing can be siaud with surety. Europe if the first place where
fossils of parrots have been found. Phylogeny of parrots is still
under investigation. They are found on all tropical and subtropical
continents including Australia, and islands of Pacific Ocean, South
Asia, Southeast Asia, southern regions of North America, South America
and Africa. Some Caribbean and Pacific islands are homes of endemic
species. The present day species vary in their body size as well as
body weight.The most prominent physical characteristic of parrots is
the presence of strong, curved and broad bill. The upper mandible is
prominent and curved downwards. It is not attached to skull so
provides flexibility to the bill and helps in effective feeding. Lower
mandible is short with a sharp cutting edge. Tongue is also very
strong. Head large with eyes positioned sideways limiting binocular
vision but enhancing peripheral vision. The plumage of parrots is
prominently green but some species show good combination of different
colours also. Parrots have a strong direct flight. Majority of time is
passed in perching and climbing in trees. Bills are often used for
climbing. Ground parrots have a rolling gait.Parrots are known as
monogamous birds. They generally do not form territories. The pair
bond in them is strong and may continue till the next breeding season
after which they join large flocks. Studies have proved that they are
intelligent birds. They are known to imitate human voice. Parrots lack
vocal cords so sound is produced by expelling air across the mouth of
bifurcated trachea. Different types of sounds can be produced by
changing the depth and shape of trachea. Parrots and human friendship
is known since time immemorial. They are most frequently used as pets
due to their social and affectionate nature, intelligence, bright
colours and ability to imitate human voice. They are also present in
the zoos. May zoos are conducting the parrot conservation scheme. They
are also a part of trade.A large number of species have entered the
category of endangered. Proper steps may be taken so that spread of
disease may not occur in six thousand. Parrots are loving animals so
must be handled properly.