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ParrotsMany types of Parrots are kept as pets , particularly conures , macaws , Amazons , cockatoos , African Greys , lovebirds , Cockatiels , Budgerigars , eclectus ,and parakeets , because of their varied colouration or their ability to imitate human speech. The popularity of parrots as pets has led to a thriving - and often illegal - trade in the parrots, and some species are now threatened with extinction. Parrots can be found in most warm regions of the world, including India , southeast Asia and west Africa . Along with crows , ravens , and jays (family Corvidae ), parrots are considered the most intelligent of birds. In Animal Planet's program "Most Extreme Animals: Smartest", parrots were ranked #1 as the world's smartest animals. Not only have parrots demonstrated intelligence through scientific testing of their language using ability, but some species of parrot such as the Kea are also highly skilled at using tools and solving puzzles. Some parrot species, including cockatoos, Amazon parrots, African Grey Parrots and the larger macaws, have very long life-spans of up to 80 years. Today, many African Grey parrots are hand reared by breeders for the pet trade and they make wonderful and very affectionate companion parrots ; however, because they can be unpredictable at times, they may not be compatible with small children. African grey parrots are particularly noted for their cognitive abilities, which are believed to have evolved as a consequence of their history of cooperative feeding on the ground in central Africa. While parrots have the distinction of being able to mimic human speech, studies with the African Grey Parrot have shown that some are able to associate words with their meanings and form simple sentences. African Grey parrots, like most pet parrots, are very high-maintenance pets, as they require a great deal of personal attention. African Grey parrots are very strong and they can bite with their powerful beaks. African Grey parrots' lifespans are up to about 50 years (or more) in captivity. Escaped parrots of several species have proved surprisingly hardy in adapting to conditions in Europe and North America. Several species of parrots, including Red-lored Parrots ( Amazona autumnalis ), Lilac-crowned Parrots ( Amazona finschi ), and Yellow-chevroned Parakeets ( Brotogeris chiriri ), have become well established in Southern California and a population of mainly Red-masked or Cherry-headed Parakeet/Conure, a female Mitred Parakeet /Conure, and hybrids of those species lives in the area of Telegraph Hill in San Francisco . As one of the few temperate-zone parrots, the Monk Parakeet is more able than most to survive cold climates, and colonies exist as far north as New York City , Chicago , Cincinnati , and communities in coastal Rhode Island and Connecticut . The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species ( CITES ) has made trade, import and export of all wild caught parrot species illegal; the highly endangered species are on the CITES appendix 1 list and all of the other parrot species are on the CITES appendix 2 list of vulnerable species. Stumble It! • Submit To Netscape • del.icio.us • Y! MyWeb |
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