More Bird Products Links Parrot, name applied to any of about 340 species of brightly colored birds that make up the parrot family. Groups of parrots that have their own common names include the cockatoos, lories, lovebirds, macaws, and parakeets.
Most parrots are tropical, with only a few species reaching northern and southern temperate areas.
The areas of greatest diversity include South America, Australia, and New Guinea and adjacent islands. Relatively few species inhabit Africa or mainland Asia. The Australian budgerigar, also known as the grass parakeet is a popular pet bird. The sulfur-crested cockatoo is related to parakeets, parrots, lorikeets, and macaws. It is distinguished from other members of the family by its brilliant white plumage and yellow head crest.