Parrots have been kept as pets since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
With their high intelligence and entertaining antics, their owners fall for them quickly as they can brighten-up anyone's day.
Multi-colored and magnificent, Psittacines (their other known name) are native to the tropical forests around the globe.
  It may seem like it, but parrot care is no easy task.
These are highly sensitive birds that are used to shrieking and socializing in the wild, so you can forget about adopting one of the bigger kinds like the Macaw or Amazon if you live alone in a small apartment.
Do some thorough research first and learn basic parrot info to help you in deciding whether you're ready for one of the bigger species or if a group of smaller ones are for you.
  What was that you ask? That's right- smaller parrots.
You'd be surprised about the fact that finches, parakeets, and lovebirds are a sub-species of parrots.
New Guinea's Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot is the smallest at around 8 centimeters in length and the largest is the Hyacinth Macaw native to the lush forests of South America.
This stunning bird can grow to over a meter long.
  One thing that Psittaformes (scientific name of parrots) share is striking, multi-colored plumage that at times appears iridescent.
The breath-taking combination of bright green, yellow, shades and patches of red and blue are really a sight to behold.
Maybe the only exception is the African Grey Parrot which is no less graceful.
In fact, it is the most known for being the smartest and most talkative and thus has been a favorite of parrot lovers for ages.
The Yellow-Headed Amazon comes a close second to the African Grey in terms of its proficiency at imitating human speech.
Its body is mostly bright-green with yellow plumage on the upper and lower extremities.
  Although graceful and majestic in flight, parrots have a clumsy walk because of their short, stout legs which are actually quite powerful.
Parrots use these to pick-up objects- fruit, toys, sticks, etc.
As such, parrots can also be trained to pick fetch things with their feet.
  Indeed, it's quite the experience having a parrot in your home; living with one will give you lots of wonderful moments and happy memories.
Parrot care is not a matter that should be taken lightly and one has to have the time and commitment to constantly train and interact with these gorgeous birds if you ever decide to adopt one (or several) as a pet.