Parrots are one of the few kinds of birds that can be captured in the wild, taken into a house or aviary and soon become “one of the family.” They are popular as pets because they become affectionate and tame and can be taught to talk. Probably most of you have had some contact with parrots.
Some parrots not only mimic people with words plainly spoken but also learn how to use them. Some will call for certain foods by name or greet people with a loud “hello” or “good-bye.” Some have even been taught to call out the word “want” for something they want, as well as “no” when they don’t want what is being offered to them. However, teaching a parrot to talk takes a lot of patient training, and not all parrots can learn that much.
There are many varieties of parrots, ranging in size from the small, brilliantly colored lorikeets of Australia, which are about three inches long, to the largest, the hyacinth macaw of Brazil, which measures about forty inches from beak to the tip of its tail. These are a deep blue color all over, except for yellow eyes and a small yellow band across the neck.
The 315 species of parrots are found in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Philippines, southeastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand. About half of the species are found in Central and South America, as well as the tropical areas of the West Indies. None are natives of North America.
In their homelands, parrots prefer to nest in holes in dead trees, and with strong beaks and claws, they will enlarge holes that are not big enough. They usually cover the floors of these nests with small bits of wood or leaves. The burrowing parrot is an exception to the tree-nesting parrots. Large colonies of these dig burrows into cliffs close to one another and can make an awful noise when all are chattering or calling at the same time. Another, the night parrot of Australia, hollows out a nesting spot in the base of a clump of coarse, tall grass.
These remarkable birds are included in the opening Bible verse as it talks of wonders of God’s creation without number. He is the One who has provided so great a variety of wonders. Revelation 4:1111Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11) reminds us that all were created for His pleasure: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Next week we will take a look at some of the individual species of parrots and their distinguishing colors and habits.
(to be continued)
ML-05/16/2004