Parrot facts

[EnglishCat]

By Alyson Burgess, About.com

The practice of keeping birds has been around for centuries. The knowledge that we have accumulated up to this point on our feathered friends has brought to light many fascinating and sometimes amusing facts about the birds that we share our lives with. Check out a few of these amazing parrot facts that are sure to inspire interest and appreciation for your pet -- as well as a few laughs.

According to the BBC, the oldest parrot on record is a Blue and Gold Macaw named Charlie. Charlie is reported to have been owned by Winston Churchill, and is believed to be 104 years of age.

There are over 350 species of parrots in the world.

The smallest parrot species are the Pygmy Parrots, who average at about 8cm in length.

The largest of the parrot species is the Hyacinth Macaw, which can grow to a length of about 40 inches from the beak to the end of the tailfeathers.

The only species of parrot that builds a nest is the Quaker Parrot. The Quakers link their nests together to form structures akin to "bird condominiums". These nests can reach weights greater than 200 lbs.

[rhtwist]

Thanks EC for more interesting info about the animal world. I didn't as usual, know something. That is that the quaker parrot is the only one that makes nests. Since they been released into South Florida they grown to such a large population that on Pines Boulevard, a 6 lane main thoroughfare, on all of the metal streetlight posts, they've built giant nests. Very interesting as Agent Smart would say.
Twist

[Lissi]

Thanks EC. I look forward to your wonderful facts. There always very interesting.

[Mark-D]

Fascinating.....I have always wanted a parrot, they seem to have such unique personalities. Closest I have come is a Conure(kind of a parrot light)...maybe someday I'll bite the bullet and bring one home.