Parrots are among the ancient group of birds of the order Psittaciformes that originated from the Australian and South American Region, according to the studies that examined biological diversity and psittaciform DNA.
Parrot Origin & Evolution
The oldest known parrot fossil, a humerus bone from psittaciform was discovered in Denmark, approximately 55 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch. Other notable fossil Psittaciformes were found in Siberia’s Lake Baikal region about 18 million years ago, and a cockatoo fossil from Queensland was found in the same period.
Despite great diversification, parrots of all sizes and colors remain remarkably similar. Interestingly, parrots share some characteristics with dinosaurs. So,
Did Parrots Evolve From Dinosaurs?
Yes! According to research studies, parrots are descended from a dinosaur group called theropods. Theropods were carnivorous dinosaurs found on earth for the first time over 200 million years ago. With time, they scaled down in size, lost their teeth and their arms transformed into wings.
Many palaeontologists called all modern birds, including parrots, “living dinosaurs.” This is because the first birds appeared on earth around 100 million years ago. Although their appearance and characteristics changed over time, the dinosaur-like features are still identifiable.
Parrot Biology
Parrots have the same anatomy despite size differences between 350 species. They also possess distant features, including high intelligence, large, downward-curving beaks, and feet.
Parrots are not heavy birds in relation to their size. Their tongue is strong and large. Most have the power to fly, but many lost their ability to fly once they came to live on oceanic islands.
In addition, they have large, rounded and short necks with colored feathers. Most of them have green feathers, but many have blue, red and yellow. They range from 3.5 inches (9-centimetre) to the 3.3-foot (1-meter) in length.
Parrots are highly adapted to live in trees. Their beak and feet are dexterous and help in climbing.
Parrot Characteristics
Psittacines are birds that belong to the order of psittaciforms. They commonly include budgies, cockatiels, lories, cockatoos, amazons, senegals, lovebirds, and African Greys.
In general there are three families of birds with 360 species in 80 genera. These are:
- Loriidae – Lories & Lorikeets
- Psittacidae – Parrots & Parakeets
- Cacatuidae – Cocatoos & Cocatiels
Physical Characteristics
Psittacines that set themselves different from the other two bird families are as follows:
- Strong beak (maxilla) that has a flexible attachment with the skull. Psittacines use the beak for locomotion and prehension (holding objects)
- Zygodactyl toes (point forward & 2 points back). The toe positioning aids for climbing and prehension. Their zygodactyl toes made them the only birds that hold their food in one foot to eat
Parrot Behaviour
Parrots’ behaviour is self-explanatory – actions like bathing, climbing, flying and feeding. But, other movements and body language require little homework from your side as a pet owner if you want to understand what your parrot is saying fully.
Let’s see at those movements in a nutshell.
Beaks
- Grinding & Clicking
It is a sign of contentment. Parrots usually make this sound in the evening as they are ready to settle down.
- Jousting
This behaviour shows they are simply playing. If real anger is involved, parrots will do more flapping and squawking.
- Chattering
It is a sign of contentment or practice of learning to talk. Chattering can be a sign of attention seeking.
- Wiping
Parrots wipe their beak after eating, especially if the food is wet. Some parrots may wipe their wet beaks to mark the territory.
- Growling
Parrots do growling to show their anger. If they do so, examine their environment and remove anything bothering them.
- Chewing
Chewing is parrots’ natural instinct, where they use the “power of the beak” to chew wooden toys, egg boxes, and nesting holes.
- Tongue-clicking
Tongue-clicking is a gesture of entertaining herself or asking to be picked up or petted.
Feathers
- Ruffled Feathers
Parrots ruffle their feathers during the preening process. This helps to remove feather dust and return feathers to their normal position.
- Fluffing
Parrots fluff their feathers to relieve tension. Sometimes they fluff when they feel cold. However, if their feathers remain fluffed, it may be a sign of illness.
- Crest
Parrots such as cockatoos and cockatiels have an expressive crest. Parrots show different behaviours with their crest. Let’s have a look:
- Crest Held Back – Indicates a feeling of relaxation
- Crest Held Very High – Indicates a feeling of fear or great excitement
- Flat Crest – Feeling of aggression
- Quivering
Quivering behaviour shows that the parrot is frightened or excited. It may show their breeding behaviour.
Tail
- Tail Flipping
Tail flipping is a sign of excitement and happiness. Parrots usually flip their tail when they feel happy to see you, or playing with the toys.
- Tail Fanning
Feathers tail fanning is a sign f aggression or anger. Spreading tail feathers exhibit the parrot’s strength and vitality.
- Tail Bobbing
Parrots bob their tail when they catch their breath after a hard exercise. However, if they bob their tail when exercise is not taking place, it is a sign of illness, and you need to consult the vet.
- Tail Wagging
Parrot tail wagging expresses two feelings: the parrot is happy to see you, or he is about to poo.
Wings
- Drooping
If the parrot has just bathed, wings drooping means he is drying himself. However, if he is not wet, then drooping is a sign of illness or exhaustion.
- Flapping
Flapping without attempting to fly, expresses the following three feelings:
- Spot of morning
- Post-nap exercise
- Seeking attention
- State of Happiness
- Lifting
Lifting is used to cool down or simply be a gentle stretch
Favorable Foods for Parrots
Parrots feed on various fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and insects. A good diet should include a mix of commercial pellets supplemented with fresh vegetables and fruit – including dark leafy greens like spinach or kale – as well as occasional treats like cooked eggs or nuts. Other foods that make good additions to your parrot’s diet include fresh water, cooked beans, and small amounts of whole grains.
It’s important to remember that variety is key when it comes to feeding your parrot!
Important note: Different species of parrots have different dietary needs, so owners must research the specific needs of their individual bird.
However, favorable generic food items for parrots are as follows:
Fruits:
- Seasonal Fruits
- Apple (Exclude Apple Seeds)
- Guava
- Watermelons
- Mango
- Grapes
- Banana
- Pomegranate
- Papaya
- Persimmon
Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Soaked Chickpeas
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Corn
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Kale
- Pumpkin
- Bell Pepper
- Beets
- Okra
- Winter Squash
- Mushrooms
Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Peanuts
- Wheat Seeds
- Paddy Seeds
- Pearl Millet Seeds
- Germinating Sprouts
What Do Parrots Drink?
Water is the only drink that parrots love to drink. The water in the cage is advised to change twice a day. You can give fruit juices to your parrot as well. But keep in mind to avoid too many sweet drinks and carbonated drinks.
Toxic Food to Avoid Giving Parrots
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Cassava (tapioca)
- Caffeine
- Dairy products
- Onion, garlic, scallions
- Meat
- Mushrooms
- Chocolate or cocoa
- Peanuts
- Fruit seeds and pits
- Uncooked beans
- Food intended for humans
Wild Food, Your Parrot, Can Eat
- Chickweed
- Dandelions
- Sow thistle
- Blackberries
- Sloes
- Hawthorn berries
- Plantain
- Fat hen plant
- Cotoneaster berries
Signs Your Parrot Has the Right Diet
Simple daily observation: an active posture, bright eyes, and shiny feathers indicate that a bird has recently dined well.
A scale is beneficial for weekly weighing. For more than ten years, my Greys have maintained the same weight, give or take a few grams. The bird is likely overweight if there is fat on each side of the breastbone.
Take Away
This article examines parrots, their Origin & Evolution in detail. It also explores parrots’ characteristics, behaviour, and food items. Share your views in the comments. Good Day 🙂
I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!