Adam Batchelor, age 12, of Bowling Green, Ohio,. for his question:

HOW MANY KINDS OF PARROTS ARE THERE?

Parrots are found chiefly in the warm, tropical regions. There are about 315 species of parrots in the large family of colorful birds.

Parrots may be from about three inches to over three feet long. They are so alike in general build that they are easily recognized as parrots no matter what color they are. Most parrots are brightly colored and have thick, hooked bills.

Parrots are noisy, sociable birds that live chiefly in forested areas in lowlands and mountains. Some live in savannas or lightly wooded plains while others live in dry regions.

About half of all the species are found in Central and South America.

Most parrots live on a diet of buds, fruits, nuts and seeds. The kea and kaka of New Zealand also eat grubs and worms.

All parrots lay round, white eggs. They lay the eggs in holes in trees, on the ground in cracks in rocks or in holes dug in termite nests.

Parrots are popular pets because they become affectionate and tame and can also be taught to talk. In captivity, parrots should be kept in cages large enough so that they can exercise. The cages should be clean and warm.

Parrots need fresh 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 necesary to teach a bird to talk, because the words must be repeated many times. Avoid distraction while teaching the bird.

Parrots may carry the virus disease psittacocis, or ornithosis. 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 the United States.

One kind of Central American parrot, 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.

Most of the cockatoos of Australia are white and have crests on their heads. Crests are tufts of long feathers.

True parrots are chunky and have square tails.

The lories of Austrialia have red or orange bills and bright feathers.

Parakeets are small and most of them have pointed tails and green feathers.

New Zealand's owl parrot, which cannot fly, has an owllike face and olive green feathers. Also from New Zealand is the kea parrot that will occasionally attack sheep.

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.