These belong to an order of birds that includes about 350 species which are usually grouped into two families: the Cacatuidae (cockatoo), and the Psittacidae (parrots). All members of the order have a generally erect stance and a characteristic curved beak shape with the upper mandible having slight mobility in the joint with the skull. All parrots are zygodactyl, with two toes at the front of each foot and two at the back, and all parrot eggs are white in color. Parrots can be found in most warm regions of the world, including India, southeast Asia, Southern regions of North America, South America and west Africa. By far the greatest number of parrot species come from Australasia, South America, and Central America. No parrot’s natural range currently extends into the United States, although the Carolina Parakeet and Thick-billed Parrot once ranged into southern states. |
