Parrot Fact Or Fiction

1. In some ways, parrots are as smart as 3-5 year old human children.

Fact

Fiction

FACT – Studies have shown that at least some species of parrots (most notably, African Greys) have intelligence levels similar to 3-5 year old human children. Dr. Pepperberg (mentioned in the answer to question 4) is a leading researcher in this field.

Explanation

FACT – Studies have shown that at least some species of parrots (most notably, African Greys) have intelligence levels similar to 3-5 year old human children. Dr. Pepperberg (mentioned in the answer to question 4) is a leading researcher in this field.

2. There are over 360 different species of parrots, and more than 90 of these species are endangered.

Fact

Fiction

The statement is a fact because it provides information that can be verified. It states that there are over 360 different species of parrots, and more than 90 of these species are endangered. This can be confirmed by researching the number of parrot species and their conservation status.

Explanation

The statement is a fact because it provides information that can be verified. It states that there are over 360 different species of parrots, and more than 90 of these species are endangered. This can be confirmed by researching the number of parrot species and their conservation status.

3. In captivity, some species of parrots can live to be 60 years old or more.

Fact

Fiction

FACT – Large, well-cared for pet parrots (such as macaws) can live more than 60 years.

Explanation

FACT – Large, well-cared for pet parrots (such as macaws) can live more than 60 years.

4. Chocolate is poisonous to parrots.

Fact

Fiction

FACT – NEVER feed a parrot chocolate!

Explanation

FACT – NEVER feed a parrot chocolate!

5. Some parrots understand the meaning of at least some of the words they're saying.

Fact

Fiction

FACT – Researcher Dr. Irene Pepperberg worked with Alex (an African Grey parrot) for about 30 years. Alex learned how to count, how to identify different objects, shapes and colours, and was starting to learn how to read. He certainly knew what he was saying! Many people who own parrots as pets have experienced their birds using speech in context.

Explanation

FACT – Researcher Dr. Irene Pepperberg worked with Alex (an African Grey parrot) for about 30 years. Alex learned how to count, how to identify different objects, shapes and colours, and was starting to learn how to read. He certainly knew what he was saying! Many people who own parrots as pets have experienced their birds using speech in context.

6. Parrots are very easy to care for as pets.

Fact

Fiction

FICTION – Parrots are very challenging to care for. They are extremely messy and many are extraordinarily noisy. They need a great deal of attention, special foods, lots of toys (which they love to destroy) and large cages. And, their lifespan can be as long – or longer - than that of humans. So, getting a pet parrot is a very big commitment!

Explanation

FICTION – Parrots are very challenging to care for. They are extremely messy and many are extraordinarily noisy. They need a great deal of attention, special foods, lots of toys (which they love to destroy) and large cages. And, their lifespan can be as long – or longer - than that of humans. So, getting a pet parrot is a very big commitment!

7. When kept as pets, all species of parrots should be fed a diet consisting mainly of bird seed.

Fact

Fiction

FICTION – Bird seed is high in fat. Most pet parrots should be fed pellets, along with fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts. In most cases, seed should only be fed occasionally as a special treat.

Explanation

FICTION – Bird seed is high in fat. Most pet parrots should be fed pellets, along with fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts. In most cases, seed should only be fed occasionally as a special treat.

8. Some species of parrots like to eat clay.

Fact

Fiction

FACT – In South America, many species of parrots eat the clay found on the riverbanks and cliffs along the Amazon River. Scientists believe the clay detoxifies poisons that the parrots ingest when eating certain unripe fruits and seeds.

Explanation

FACT – In South America, many species of parrots eat the clay found on the riverbanks and cliffs along the Amazon River. Scientists believe the clay detoxifies poisons that the parrots ingest when eating certain unripe fruits and seeds.

9. Parrots, like other birds, have feathers covering their bodies because they are cold-blooded.

Fact

Fiction

FICTION – Parrots are warm-blooded.

Explanation

FICTION – Parrots are warm-blooded.

10. In some species of parrots, the colour of the eye changes as the bird becomes an adult.

Fact

Fiction

FACT – For example, baby African Grey parrots have a dark grey to black iris when they are less than 6 months old. By the time they are 3-4 years old, the iris will have gradually turned yellow in colour.

Explanation

FACT – For example, baby African Grey parrots have a dark grey to black iris when they are less than 6 months old. By the time they are 3-4 years old, the iris will have gradually turned yellow in colour.

11. Only one of the species of parrots alive today is native to North America.

Fact

Fiction

FICTION – The Carolina Parakeet was once common in parts of North America. However, the last small flock was seen in Florida in 1920, and by 1939, the species had become extinct.

Explanation

FICTION – The Carolina Parakeet was once common in parts of North America. However, the last small flock was seen in Florida in 1920, and by 1939, the species had become extinct.

12. All species of parrots live in warm climates.

Fact

Fiction

FICTION – The Kea parrot lives in the snowy mountains of New Zealand.

Explanation

FICTION – The Kea parrot lives in the snowy mountains of New Zealand.

13. Some parrots sleep hanging upside down, like a bat.

Fact

Fiction

FACT – The Hanging Parrot got its name from its habit of sleeping hanging upside down, just like a bat.

Explanation

FACT – The Hanging Parrot got its name from its habit of sleeping hanging upside down, just like a bat.

14. Different species of parrots lay different coloured eggs.

Fact

Fiction

FICTION – All parrots lay white eggs.

Explanation

FICTION – All parrots lay white eggs.

15. All wild adult parrots can fly – this is how they avoid predators.

Fact

Fiction

FICTION – The flightless Kakapo lives in New Zealand, making its nest either on or under the ground. It avoids predators by being very well-camouflaged.

Explanation

FICTION – The flightless Kakapo lives in New Zealand, making its nest either on or under the ground. It avoids predators by being very well-camouflaged.