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Did you know?
- The largest parrot in Australia is the Palm Cockatoo!
- The smallest parrot in Australia is the Double-eyed Fig Parrot!
- In the same way that humans are either right- or left-handed, parrots have a foot preference - most species of parrot are left-footed!
- There is at least one species of parrot that uses tools. The Palm Cockatoo has a unique display where the bird rubs a large stick against a hollow branch or tree - creating a loud noise that can be heard up to 100 meters away!
- Many parrot species, including the Sulfur-crested Cockatoo, exhibit a complex behavior: while the group is foraging on the soil, a few individuals stay on guard on the nearby trees and in case of danger, they signal the danger with powerful, raucous calls. This type of behavior is usually found in intelligent mammals!
- The first accurate written reference to a parrot is frequently credited to the Greek historian Ctesias, of the 5th century BC, who described clearly what is now called the Blossom-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) of India!
- Parrots tend to be vegetarian - though they are also known to supplement their diet with insects and larvae. The smaller species tend to feed on grass seeds, berries, fruits, and the juices of blossoms; the larger forms obtain fruits and nuts from trees and bulbs, tubers, and roots from the ground!
- As of 1998, ten species of parrot had become extinct, with habitat destruction being their biggest threat!
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Australian King Parrot
using her left foot |
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| Sulphur-crested Cockatoo |
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