There are 337 species in the parrot order and family, which includes macaws, cockatoos, lories, and lorikeets. Green is the predominant parrot color, making them so difficult to spot in the treetops, but many species sport rainbow hues. Parrots' bills are adapted for prying open hard nuts, chomping on fruits, and grinding seeds. Their legs are short and strong, and with their bills, help them clamber among branches. They also use their feet to lift food to their mouths, a rare habit among birds.
Some species build nests, but most lay eggs in tree hollows.
Often a parrot pair will begin preparing a nest site months before they actually nest. In most species, the female alone incubates the white eggs. Smaller hatchlings remain in the nest for three to four weeks, while large macaw chicks need three or four months to develop flight feathers. Due mainly to deforestation and the illegal pet trade, one in four parrot species is in danger of extinction. Great Green Macaw.