Fun Parrot Facts for Kids

There are around 372 different parrot species.

Most parrots live in tropical areas.

Parrots have curved bills (beaks), strong legs and clawed feet.

Parrots are often brightly coloured.

Parrots are believed to be one of the most intelligent bird species.

Some species are known for imitating human voices.

Most parrot species rely on seeds as food. Others may eat fruit, nectar, flowers or small insects.

Parrots such as the budgerigar (budgie) and cockatiel are popular as pets.

Some parrot species can live for over 80 years.

There are 21 different species of cockatoo.

Cockatoos usually have black, grey or white plumage (feathers).

New Zealand is home to some very unique parrots including the kea, kaka and kakapo.

Keas are large, intelligent parrots that live in alpine areas of New Zealand’s South Island. They are the world’s only alpine parrot and are known for their curious and sometimes cheeky behaviour near ski fields where they like to investigate bags, steal small items and damage cars.

Kakapos are critically endangered flightless parrots, as of 2010 only around 130 are known to exist. They are active at night (nocturnal) and feed on a range of seeds, fruit, plants and pollen. Kakapos are also the world’s heaviest parrot.

The flag of Dominica features the sisserou parrot.