World Parrot Day – 31st May
World Parrot Day – 31st May
World Parrot Day, celebrated on May 31, is a day that celebrates the parrot as a phenomenon. The order Psittaciformes includes 398 species of parrots divided into 92 genera. Parrots have a generally pantropical distribution with several species inhabiting temperate regions in the Southern Hemisphere, as well. The greatest diversity of parrots is in South America and Australasia.
Characteristic features of parrots include a strong, curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl (having two toes pointing forward and two backward) feet. Many parrots are vividly colored, and some are multi-colored. Most parrots exhibit little or no sexual dimorphism in the visual spectrum. They form the most variably sized bird order in terms of length.
The most important components of most parrots’ diets are seeds, nuts, fruit, buds, and other plant material. A few species sometimes eat insects and carrion, while the lories and lorikeets are specialized for feeding on floral nectar and soft fruits. Almost all parrots nest in tree hollows and lay white eggs from which hatch altricial young.Parrots are monogamous in nature, which means after they find a mate, they usually stay with each other for the lifetime.
Parrots of many kinds have been long transported to zoos and private collections. The qualities of parrots, especially the ability of many species to imitate human sounds, make them popular as pets. The African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus) and some species of amazons (Amazona) from the New World tropics are particularly good mimics. There is no evidence to suggest, however, that talking parrots realize what they are saying. Another appealing attribute of parrots is their display of affection, not only to others of their own species but also to humans.
One-third of all parrot species are threatened by extinction, with higher aggregate extinction risk (IUCN Red List Index) than any other comparable bird group. Habitat loss, climate change and wildlife trade are the main threats to parrots. The scarlet macaw and military macaw are listed as endangered.
There are five species of parrots in Sri Lanka; The Blossom-headed or Plum-headed parakeet ( Psittacula cyanocephala ), Leyard’s parakeet or Emerald collared parakeet ( Psittacula calthrope – endemic to Sri Lanka ), Rose-ringed parakeet ( Psittacala krameri ), Ceylon large parakeet ( Labu girawa- Psitticula eupatria ), The Ceylon lorikeet ( Loryculus beryllinus ).
– Source: Internet –