This is used to break open seeds and nuts, which is a main part of their diet. The Lorikeets have a longer and more slender beak with a brush-like tongue which they use to remove nectar from flowers and fruits. Parrots are zygodactylous, which means that they have two toes facing forward and two facing backward. This arrangement allows them to pick up food and other objects for observation and is also useful for preening, or cleaning themselves. They are the only birds that are able to pick up food and bring it to their mouths.
Parrots are intensely social birds, and most feed, travel, roost and socialize in noisy flocks.
They often choose a mate for life, a life which can be many decades long in the wild. Except for lovebirds and monk parakeets, parrots generally don't bother to make elaborate nests. Instead, they simply line tree cavities, logs, burrows, or other ready-made cavities with wood chips, twigs, or other simple items. The bright colors of the parrots actually help to camouflage them in the wild. Parrots are able to see colors, and this helps the birds to distinguish members of their own species.