Some species can be bred in captivity, and for thousands of years parrots have been popular as caged birds, acting as willing models for artists who wish to draw them from life. In ancient India, the parrot had the same sensual significance as the goose and was often pictured being ridden through the skies by the god of love.
Parrots are among the most intelligent and adaptable of birds, but some of the extraordinary feats of speech attributed to them are, no doubt, exaggerated. There was an early belief, never substantiated, that parrots could predict weather. It was thought that loud parrot squawking, foe example, meant it was going to rain.
There is a tale of an ancient parrot that had been reared in a South American tribe. After the tribe became extinct, the parrot remained the last creature on earth to use the language. A story from an eighteenth century writer tells of a grey parrot that was purchased by a cardinal of the church because the bird could recite the Apostle's Creed without an error. It was said this same bird dreamed aloud.
Wild parrots are found in South and Central America, southern Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands. The macaws are the largest members of the parrot family, which numbers over 300 living species. Parrots are the best climbers among birds. Two of their thick curving toes point forward and two point backward, giving them a strong grasp on a branch. They use their bills as a third foot to pull themselves along. These flint-hard bills are perfectly designed for the job of gouging, cracking, or hammering nuts or other hard objects. Parrots are unusually dexterous, able to use their feet like hands to grasp food while eating. They may be left footed or right footed.
Parrots have many winning qualities. While they can sometimes be moody and mischievous, domesticated parrots are usually affectionate and eager to please. There is little evidence to support the belief that the parrot knows what it is saying. It merely associates phrases with particular people and situations. Thus, the statement that "Polly wants a cracker" does not mean that Polly is really hungry.
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