Tom Sondergaard, age 8, of St. Augustine, Fla., for his question:
ARE THERE MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF PARROTS?
There are about 315 different species of parrots in the world. Parrots are colorful birds that are found chiefly in the warm, tropical regions. They may be from about three inches to over three feet long.
All parrots are so alike in general build that they are easily recognized as parrots no matter what color they are. They have thick, hooked bills. Most are brightly colored.
Parrots are popular as pets because they become affectionate and tame and many can be taught to talk. They are noisy, sociable birds in the wilds and live chiefly in forested areas in lowlands and mountains. Some live in dry regions or in savannas, which are wooded plains.
About half of all the parrot species are found in Central and South America. One kind, the thick billed parrot, sometimes wanders as far north as southern Arizona and New Mexico.
The macaws of Central and South America are the largest parrots. They have long, pointed tails and brightly colored feathers.
True parrots are chunky and have square tails. Parakeets are small and most of them have pointed tails and green feathers.
Most of the cockatoos of Australia are white and have crests or tufts of long feathers on their heads. The lories of Australia have red or orange bills and bright feathers.
Some parrots are very unusual. New Zealand's owl parrot, which cannot fly, has an owllike face and olive green feathers. The kea parrot, also of New Zealand, will occasionally attack sheep and eat the fat surrounding the sheep's kidneys.
Most parrots live on a diet of buds, fruits, nuts and seeds. The kea and kaka of New Zealand will also eat grubs and worms. Lories eat the nectar and pollen they collect with their tongues. They have furry, rough tongues especially suited to this task.
All parrots lay round, white eggs in holes in trees, on the ground or in cracks in rocks.
Southeastern Asia has tiny hanging parrots which sleep hanging upside down like bats. New Guinea's pygmy parrots creep up tree trunks, using their stiff tails for support.
In captivity, parrots should be kept in cages large enough so that they can exercise. The cages should be clean and warm. They need water, fresh air and wholesome food to stay healthy.
The African gray parrot, gray with a red tail, and the green Amazon parrot of South America learn to talk easily. Patience is necessary to teach a bird to talk, however, because the words must be repeated many times.
Various distractions should be avoided while teaching the bird to talk.
Sometimes parrots carry a virus disease called ornithosis or psittacosis. This disease is sometimes called "parrot fever." It affects all kinds of birds and can be transmitted to human beings. Because of this disease, severe restrictions have been placed on the importation of parrots. All parrots must be examined by a health officer before being shipped to the United States.