Although there are a few exceptions, parrots are monogamous breeders which nest in cavities and hold no territories other than their nesting sites. The pair bonds of the parrots and cockatoos are strong and the pair will remain close even during the non-breeding season, even if they join larger flocks.

As with many birds pair bond formation is preceded by courtship displays; these are relatively simple in the case of cockatoos.

In Psittacidae parrots common breeding displays, usually undertaken by the male, include slow deliberate steps known as a "parade" or "stately walk" and the "eye-blaze", where the pupil of the eye constricts to reveal the edge of the iris.

Allopreening is used by the pair to help maintain the bond. Cooperative breeding, where birds other than the breeding pair help the pair raise the young and is common in some bird families, is extremely rare in parrots, and has only unambiguously been demonstrated in the Golden Parakeet (which may also exhibit polyamorous or group breeding system with multiple females contributing to the clutch).


Only the Monk Parakeet and five species of Agapornis lovebird build nests in trees, and three Australian and New Zealand ground parrots nest on the ground.

All other parrots and cockatoos nest in cavities, either tree hollows or cavities dug into cliffs, banks or the ground. The use of holes in cliffs is more common in the Americas. many species will use termite nests, possibly as it reduces the conspicuousness of the nesting site or because it creates favourable microclimates.

In most cases both species will participate in the nest excavation. The length of the burrow varies with species, but is usually between 0.5–2 m in length. The nests of cockatoos are often lined with sticks, wood chips and other plant material. In the larger species of parrot and cockatoo the availability of nesting holes can be limited and this can lead to intense competition for them both within the species and between species, as well as with other bird families.

The intensity of this competition can limit breeding success in some cases. Some species are colonial, with the Burrowing Parrot nesting in colonies up to 70,000 strong. Coloniality is not as common in parrots as might be expected, possibly because most species adopt old cavities rather that excavate their own.

Parrots, also known as psittacines (pronounced /ˈsɪtəsaɪnz/),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 (New Zealand parrots).


Parrots have a pan-tropical distribution with several species inhabiting the temperate Southern Hemisphere as well. The greatest diversity of parrots is found in South America and Australasia. Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet.

Most parrots are predominantly green, with other bright colors, and some species are multi-colored. Cockatoo species range from mostly white to mostly black, and have a mobile crest of feathers on the top of their heads. Most parrots are monomorphic or minimally sexually dimorphic. They are the most variably sized bird order in terms of length.

The most important components of most parrots' diets are seeds, nuts, fruit, buds and other plant material, and a few species also eat insects and small animals, and the lories and lorikeets are specialised to feed on nectar from flowers, and soft fruits. Almost all parrots nest in tree holes (or nestboxes in captivity), and lay white eggs from which emerge altricial (helpless) young.

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 pets.

Trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as other hunting, habitat loss and competition from invasive species, have diminished wild populations, and parrots have been subjected to more exploitation than any other group of birds. Recent conservation measures to conserve the habitats of some of the high-profile charismatic parrot species has also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the ecosystem.

Ornithologists usually classify the Eclectus Parrot as a member of tribe Psittaculini in the Psittacidae family of order Psittaciformes. However, some recent thought indicates that there is a great deal of commonality between the Eclectus Parrot and the Loriinae tribe.

The Eclectus Parrot is the most sexually dimorphic of all the parrot species. The contrast between the brilliant emerald green plumage of the male and the deep red/purple plumage of the female is so marked that the two birds were, until the early 20th century, considered to be different species.

It is thought that there are nine (possibly ten) subspecies of Eclectus Parrots, with differences in size and coloring. In captivity, some of the most common subspecies are the Solomon Island, the Vosmaeri, and the New Guinea Red-sided.

• Grand Eclectus (Eclectus roratus roratus)
• Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis)
• New Guinea Red-sided Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus polychloros)
• Australian Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus macgillivrayi)
• Vosmaer's Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus vosmaeri) - sometimes called the Vos Eclectus
• Aru Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus aruensis)
• Westerman's Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus westermani) – doubtfully valid.
• Sumba Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus cornelia)
• Tanimbar Islands Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus riedeli)
• Biak Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus biaki)

Although the Eclectus Parrot is the only extant species in the genus Eclectus, fossil remains of another species, Oceanic Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus infectus), have been found in archaeological sites in the islands of Tonga and Vanuatu (Steadman 2006). The species presumably existed in Fiji as well. E. infectus had proportionally smaller wings than the Eclectus Parrot. The species went extinct after the arrival of man 3000 years ago, presumably due to human-caused factors (habitat loss, introduced species).

Diet

The diet of the eclectus in the wild consists of mainly fruits, unripe nuts, flower and leaf buds, and some seeds. Two favorite fruits are the pomegranate and the papaya (pawpaw) with seeds. In captivity, they will eat most fruits including mangos, figs, guavas, bananas, any melons, stone fruits (peaches etc), grapes, citrus fruits, pears and apples. The eclectus has an unusually long digestive tract and this is why it requires such a high fiber diet.

Eclectus parrots are one of the more popular birds kept in captivity, as either parent or hand reared. Unlike many other species of parrot they are relatively easy to breed yet difficult to hand feed. Eclectus in captivity require vegetables high in beta-carotene, such as lightly cooked sweet potato, fresh broccoli clumps, and fresh corn on the cob.

Fresh greens such as endive or commercial dandelion are a very important in providing calcium and other nutrients. As with all pet birds, they should not be fed avocado, chocolate, or high fat junk foods such as French fries or commercially processed human foods such as pizza. Parrots are unable to digest the lactose in milk.

Spray millet is one of the seed items they enjoy, though the Eclectus diet should typically contain much less seed than other birds. A variety of soaked and cooked beans and legumes, along with brown rice, provided in limited amounts help provide protein. Nuts and seeds provide vitamin E, but should be limited in order to avoid too much fat in the diet, as Eclectus parrots can become obese.

The captive Eclectus can be susceptible to muscle spasms known as toe-tapping and wing flipping, the causes of which are not clear. These movements have not been observed in the wild. Potential causes include calcium deficiency, consumption of pellets or other foods that are overly fortified or artificially colored, or even simple dehydration. Fortified or artificial foods may also cause allergic reactions in some individuals, including severe itchiness leading to feather and skin damage.

The Indian Ringneck Parakeet is a subspecies of the rose ringed parakeet also known as the Ringneck Parakeet. The Indian Ringneck is a very outgoing tropical parakeet native to Southern India where they are found in large flocks.

Indian Ringneck Parrots can be indentified by a black ring that runs under the chin and upwards toward the cheeks and forms only in mature male birds, about three years old.

While there are many color mutations which makes owning and breeding Indian Ringnecks fun and interesting, the normal coloring is a green color with the back of its head having a blue tint and its lower abdomen a lighter green.

The tail feathers are bluish down the center of the tail and are generally tipped with a yellow green. The upper mandible of the beak is an orangey-red and the lower mandible is black.

Indian Ringneck Parakeets are extremely social birds that have an abundance of energy. They love flying, chewing and making lots and lots of noise. These are not birds for the weak at heart. To own an Indian Ringneck is to love one though it is highly recommended that you spend some time around one before you head to the pet store and purchase one. They are plentiful in pet stores and easily purchased, however it is the rush to buy that makes the Indian Ringneck parakeet a frequently re-homed bird.

Most parakeets breed for life; however the Indian Ringneck isn't most parakeets. That being said, they do breed easily. Each female lays two to six eggs. The incubation time is between 22 and 24 days and the young are independent at about six to seven weeks.

One of the common mistakes new owners make is not buying a cage that is large enough or tall enough for this sizeable bird with a long tail. Tip to tail they generally measure 16 inches and need plenty of space to move around and exercise in their cages. They also benefit from a daily shower or misting to keep their lovely feathers clean and shiny. Basic care and feeding consist of providing them fresh food and water daily and a weekly cleaning of their cage including cleaning and sanitizing all toys.

Speaking of toys, the Indian Ringneck is a chewer with a beak that is surprisingly strong. Provide your parakeet plenty of durable, chewable toys to keep them busy and your home free of destruction. Feeding your Indian Ringneck plenty of fresh fruits and veggies including berries, seeds, nuts and pellets will give them the nutrition they need.

The Indian Ringneck is considered a good family bird because they do not generally bond with one caretaker and instead become fond of all members of a family. They're incredibly good talkers and can learn a vocabulary of up to 250 words! Due to their incredible intelligence it is strongly recommended to provide your parakeet with plenty of mentally stimulating toys of all shapes, colors, sizes and materials. Toys that challenge them to solve a puzzle are particularly good.

It is also extremely important to spend time training your young Indian Ringneck Parakeet. Teaching them basic commands like step up and step down are helpful in the day to day routines, training also helps to curb any bad behaviors that creep up during sexual maturity. The most common of which is screaming. As they reach sexual maturity, like a typical teenager, they like to push the limits of your patience.

This 'testing' often includes charging, biting, and lunging at you to fake a bite. If you react to these early tests by screaming or pulling your hand away, you unintentionally reinforce this behavior. Instead train yourself to not react and instead hold your ground. If they don't get a reaction from you, the behavior will decline. Of course training helps to eliminate the biting behavior too.

What makes a perfect Indian Ringneck Parakeet? If allowed to interact with the family on a daily basis, given proper nutrition, sleep and caging environment as well as plenty of toys to keep them busy when you're gone and a good dose of regular training, you'll likely have a perfect parakeet, one that will become an ideal family companion for many years to come.

• Amazon parrots are native to South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Most Amazon parrots are green with varying amounts of contrasting color patches. The colors can be clear and bright depending on the species.
  
• 
  Amazons have excellent vocal abilities and are one of the best speaking of all birds. They are extremely loyal and make loving companions, however, some Amazons can become aggressive during mating season.
• • Amazon parrots require a lot of attention and stimulating activities to keep from being bored. If left alone for too long without toys or companionship, they may become destructive to themselves, occasionally plucking out their own feathers.

• 1. 27 Species
  2. Lifespan: 40 to 80 years
  3. Talking ability: Excellent
  4. Noise level: High
  5. Compatibility: They mix well with other parrots, especially conures
  6. Sexing: DNA or Surgical

• Health

  Amazon parrots love food and have a tendency to become overweight. Amazons often eat out of boredom, necessitating the need for several toys and cage activities. The Amazon's lifespan is 40-80 years, depending on the species, but obesity can drastically reduce the Amazons life by 70 percent.

  Amazons should be allowed to bathe regularly to prevent musky odors and promote healthy skin and feathers.

• Species
  

  Blue-fronted Amazon Lilac-crowned Amazon Red-lored Amazon Festive Amazon Yellow-faced Amazon Yellow-shouldered amazon Yellow-naped Amazon Orange-winged Amazon Mealy Amazon Double Yellow-headed Amazon

You walk by a bird shop, or visit the aviary at the zoo, and there may be several types of parrots. You study them, and begin to wonder, “What types of parrots are there anyway? How many types of parrots are there?”

Actually, there are more than 350 parrot types when you consider every species and sub-species in the group. Many of the most common parrot types are from Australasia and the tropics.

Parrot Families

All parrots, of whatever parrot types or breeds they are, belong to the scientific order Psittaciformes. That scientific order is further broken down into two different parrot families: Cacatuidae and Psittacidae.

The Cacatuidae family includes only the Cockatoo, a bird that is native to Australia and islands near that continent.

The second parrot family, the Psittacidae, includes all of the true parrot types.

Cockatoos

To most people, the cockatoo is a large white parrot with a feathered head crest that it can lift high in regal splendor. That is, however, only one of the parrot types in this family. There are 21 different cockatoos, and not every one is white.

1. The palm cockatoo is mostly dark gray, with red cheek patches below the eyes – cheek patches that change to a deeper red when the bird becomes excited or alarmed.

2. The male gang-gang cockatoo is dark gray with a cherry red head and red crest. This parrot type is often called the red-headed cockatoo.

3. The Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is often called a pink cockatoo due to its soft pastel pink shade.

4. The cockatiel’s plumage is mid-grey on top, lighter grey underneath. It has an orange cheek patch, and a prominent white blaze on its wings. It has a much longer tail than the other cockatoos have.

So Cockatoos are not always a white parrot type, and not all cockatoos are the same in build.

True Parrots

This family includes all of the other commonly-known parrot types. The list that follows is not intended to be exhaustive, but in this family, you will find parrot types such as these:

1. African Greys: This is said to be the most intelligent of all the parrot types. A large gray parrot with a red tail, some of these bird have vocabularies approaching 1,000 words or more.

2. Amazons: This popular parrot type includes about 27 sub-types. Most are large, affectionate, and predominantly green.

3. Budgies: Officially known as a parakeet or budgerigar, this parrot type is small and colorful. It is one of the most popular parrot pets.

4. Conures: This parrot type seems to be a group of large parakeets. With long tails and strong beaks, these “clowns” come in a variety of colors.

5. Eclectus: Eclectus Parrots are unusual in their coloring. On the one hand, males are bright green, with beaks like bright candy corn, tails and wings of blue or red. Females, on the other hand, have red heads, blue breasts, and the same red or blue wings and tails. In place of the candy corn look, they have black beaks.

6. Lovebirds: Lovebirds are a small, stocky parrot type – among the smallest in the world. Many are green, sometimes with red faces or eye rings.

7. Macaws: Native to South America, this is the largest parrot type in wingspan and length. The blue and gold macaw is especially beautiful.

8. Parrotlets: These may look like parakeets at first glance, but this small parrot type has a broader body and tail than the parakeet.

9. Pionus: There are many parrot types under the name Pionus parrot, and this larger, quieter parrot comes in many varieties of color.

10. Quakers: This parrot type is often called a Monk Parrot or Grey-breasted Parakeet. It is a name that comes from facial feathering that resembles an old-fashioned Quaker costume.

There are many more parrot types than this article can list or discuss, even in a surface manner. You will find muc more information in your library or bookstore.

Best Parrot Types for Children’s Pets

A final question is this: “What types of parrots are there that would make good children’s pets?”

Many children are drawn to large parrots because of their colors or their reputation for talking well, but the large parrot types are not good pets for children. They require firm handling and training, and do well as pets only when the owner has had experience first with smaller parrots.

The best parrot type for a child’s pet is the Budgerigar, aka budgie or parakeet. The small Budgerigar requires the least amount of care, and is easily trained to talk and do tricks. Budgies that are young, or those that have no cage mate, will learn most readily.

Have you ever heard that having a parrot is a lot like having a two-year-old child? What do you suppose it's like if you actually have a two-year-old child and a parrot? Or a child of any age for that matter?

It's hard enough having just kids or just parrots. Mixing them takes things to a whole new level that can be on shaky ground.


As, parents we are responsible for kids and birds co-existing without un-due stress to anyone

You can't count on children to know their limits where birds are concerned. We all want to think that if a child gets bitten, he won't bother the bird any more. But, kids don't think that way. In fact, it's not even enough to tell them "hands off." Something that's off-limits just becomes more appealing. A child may be able to play just fine with the dog and cat, but have a hard time understanding why their pet parrot is different. It's not that they can't ever be around the bird, but there should be rules for everyone's safety.

Many pet parrots don't interact well with children, especially younger kids or those that are really wiggly, noisy or nervous. Calm, patient older kids, usually ten and up, tend to get along better, but even then there are factors that might make the situation dicey including:

- Children move differently, talk differently and give off completely different "vibes" than teens or adults.
- A 10-year-old's attention spans are shorter and they get frustrated more easily.

Parrots react to these differences with hesitation and possibly fear. Your pet parrot is more likely to bite or scream under these circumstances. For some birds, just seeing a child sets them off, even if the child has done nothing to warrant a harsh reaction. This is when you really need to be careful.

Having a pet parrot is NOT all gloom and doom

With the right bird, and some lessons for the kids about how to behave, everyone can get along fine. Many of our own experiences with birds started when we got our first budgie or cockatiel while we were in grade school. There's no need to deny a child this opportunity, but it should be done responsibly.

If you have a bossy Moluccan cockatoo with a hair-trigger temper, you can easily see where things might go wrong. But what if you have a friendly, happy-go-lucky conure or a shy and gentle African grey? How do you know where to set the limits? Obviously a more laid-back bird allows for more possibilities, but what tends to make it or break it is your child's personality and what you can expect from him or her.

Here are my top 7 tips to help your kids keep safe around your pet parrot

1. First and foremost, teach your kids that the pet parrot is part of the family.
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2. Only allow your children to interact with the bird under certain conditions. Such restrictions might be that an adult must be present and the bird can't be picked up without permission.

3. Make sure your kids can understand that as they get older, they will gain more access to the bird. At some point, you may decide your child is ready to have his or her own bird.

4. If all has gone well with the family bird, and you stick to the more kid-friendly varieties—budgies and cockatiels are your best bet—then give it some consideration.

5. The older the child, the more bird-care responsibilities they can have. Even a young child can help with some of the cleaning and feeding chores, but under no circumstances should a child be the main person handling this stuff. An adult or mature-minded teenager must make sure that the bird gets fed, watered and cleaned up after, especially if a child has his or her own bird.

6. Do NOT punish the bird for your kids' behavior. Kids can forget, even the more responsible ones, and it wouldn't take long for a bird to succumb to neglectful care. Please don't think it's a good lesson about the consequences of being irresponsible by letting your child's pet parrot die. This is NOT a good way to prove a point.

7. Take the bird away if it's not being cared for properly. This teaches consequences without punishing the bird.

You want your child's memories of parrots to be happy ones. After all, you may be contributing to the next generation of parrot lovers. The parrots are going to need them!