Rudy Gerard, age 8, of Gainesville, Fla., for his question:
HOW MANY KINDS OF PARROTS ARE THERE?
A parrot is a colorful bird that is usually found in warm, tropical regions. There are about 315 different species of parrots in the world, with about half of the types being found in Central and South America.
Parrots are popular as pets because they become affectionate and tame, and also because some of them can be taught to talk. Parrots may be from three inches long to over three feet long.
Most of the varieties of parrots are alike in general build. Most of them are brightly colored and have thick, hooked beaks.
Parrots are noisy, sociable birds that live chiefly in forested areas in lowlands and mountains. Some live in savannas, which are lightly wooded plains. Others seek out dry areas where they like to live.
The macaws of Central and South America are the largest parrots. They have long, pointed tails and brightly colored feathers.
Most cockatoos of Australia are white and have crests, or tufts of long feathers on their heads.
Parakeets are small parrots and most of them have pointed tails and green feathers.
Most parrots live on a diet of buds, fruits, nuts and seeds. One type in New Zealand, the kea, eats, grubs and worms.
Lories eat the nectar and pollen they collect with their tongues. They have furry, rough tongues especially suited to this task. Lories come from Australia and have red or orange bills.
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.
In captivity, parrots should be kept in cages that are large enough so that the birds can get some exercise. The cages should be kept clean and warm.
In captivity, parrots need fresh water, fresh air and wholesome food.
The African gray parrot, gray with a red tail, and the green Amazon parrot of South America are the two birds that can easily be taught to speak. Patience is necessary to teach a bird to talk because the words must be repeated many times. It is important to avoid distractions while teaching a bird to talk.
Some parrots carry the virus disease psittacosis, or ornithosis. This disease is sometimes called "parrot fever." It affects all kinds of birds and can be transmitted to human beings.
Because of parrot fever, severe restrictions have been placed on the importation of parrots. All parrots must be examined by a health officer before being shipped into the United States.