Parrot
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
| Parrot |
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| Scientific Classification |
| Genera |
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Subfamily Loriinae
Subfamily Psittrichadini
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| Endangered Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata). |
The parrot is one of the many beautiful animals given to us by God. It is a medium sized order with 360 species and 80 genera belonging to the taxonomic order Psittaciformes. They are best known as perching pet birds with extraordinarily brilliant and diverse colors, and the ability to mimic human sounds and speech. They include the more common parrots such as the Cockatoo or Parakeet, or the little known Lory.
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Anatomy
The parrot is a very colorful bird that ranges in size from eight to ten centimeters to one meter. One thing that separates this bird from the others in its class, is its jaw. The upper mandible is hinged at the joining to the skull. This gives the parrot move mobility than the other birds. It is very common for birds to have many vertebrae in their necks, but the parrot only has nine. Although this enables them to turn their neck in certain ways, it does not affect the way it eats. The tongue also has an important role in the makeup of the parrots anatomy. It is very thick and muscular allowing the bird to capture its food. Some of the species of parrot even have a long thin tongue used for collecting nectar and pollen from flowers.[1] Some other characteristics that make this bird so unique are its curved bill, upright stance, strong legs, and clawed feet. In unison, these equipped the parrot to live life to the fullest. The most noticeable part of the parrot is it s colorful coat. It is primarily green with many bright accenting colors. The diversity of colors really makes this bird stand out.
Reproduction
Most parrots are monogamous, meaning that they form strong bonds which can last for life. Acts such as preening are used to maintain this bond between the two birds. As a result of the monogamous, the parrots remain close even after the breeding season has come to an end.[2] Once the two mates have found each other, the female will lay two to three eggs. This amount is normal, but up to five can be laid at one time. Like most birds, the parrot's eggs are white ans spherical. The time that it takes for the egg to hatch, young to fledge, or grow fathers, and reach sexual maturity varies greatly among species. Normally, the larger the bird, the longer time period it will take. Once the eggs have hatched, they remain in the nest for weeks, and rely upon the parents for food and protection. Parrot young are born altricial, meaning they have no feathers and no sense of readiness for what the world will hold. Although they may leave the nest after a few weeks, it is not uncommon for the young to still be fed by the parents.[3] Being a bird that can be a pet, there are some questions that have came about among owners. They have noticed their parrot rubbing their hands or leg. Researchers have found that this act is the parrot attempting to initiate copulation. It is an act that the parrot may display when removed from their partner.
Ecology
Most parrots live in the tropics and the Southern hemisphere. The majority of all occupy Australia and South America. Their houses are rather simple, usually being nests inside holes in trees. They can be very bare, but some are also very thought out. If a parrot does chooses to make a nice nest, they can transport the materials needed by stuffing them into the feathers on their rumps. The more rustic nests can be lined with wood chips that the bird has made. They live in small groups or single pairs or families. Their diet consists of fruit and seeds. Some, however, eat insects and nectar as well.[4] Something that is unknown to many, is the fact that parrots do not like to share their food. You can hear their shrieks as they try and scavenge among the forests for their next meal.[5]
Interesting Facts
The parrot is a bird of many wonders. It has many unique abilities which can go unnoticed in our busy lives. Parrots are zygodactyle, meaning they have four toes on each foot. Two of these toes point forward, and two point backwards. They are also left and right handed. This is possible because in the process of eating they hold their food in one foot and balance with the other. Another fact which is very interesting is the parrots vocals. This is something that we do know very well about in domesticated parrots. For wild parrots it is common for their vocalizations to be heard up to one mile away. These loud calls are used for finding food, and even showing territory. Wild parrots like the Macaw ans Cockatoo can fly up to five hundred miles in one day searching for food. The parrot can also live up to seventy-five years. This is a very long time for a bird, and it can very between each parrot depending on their size.[6]
Gallery
 Red Lory |
 Rainbow Lorikeet |
 Common-name |
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References
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