Where parrots live might surprise you. Seeing parrots in cages is the usual situation, but what about some of the places they live in the wild? Many people are not aware of these intelligent birds’ habitat in the wild, or some of the strange places they reside. That said, what are the places that serve as habitats for parrots?
A great majority of parrots species live in Australia, South America, and Central America. They nest in the deciduous trees in rainforests and areas with a tropical climate. Parrots also build nests in tree cavities, caves, banks, and cliff sides.
Where Parrots Live
There are 350 species of parrots. While there is vast diversity among these species, there are still notable similarities. All parrot species have curved beaks and four toes on each foot, with two pointing forward and two backward.
Additionally, parrots are extremely popular as pets. So, you will often see them in houses living in cages. But where do parrots live in the wild?
Where In The Wild Do Parrots Live?
According to National Geographic, “Parrots are found in warm climates all over most of the world.” You can find most species in the Southern Hemisphere.
However, some parrot species do not like the warm weather. There are species, such as the thick-billed parrot and maroon-fronted parrot, that live in cold weather.
That said, these are the top three places where parrots live:
- Australia
- South America
- Central America (source)
1. Australia
Fifty-six species of parrots live in Australia. These species include
- budgerigars
- lorikeets
- rosellas
- cockatoos
- ringnecks
Moreover, the most common species in the said country is the rainbow lorikeet. (source)
2. South America
Thirty-five parrots species thrive in the wilds of South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. These parrots comprise the genus Amazona. These parrots vary in size and have short and square tails. But one thing in common is that they have strong beaks that they use for eating hard-shelled nuts and seeds. (source)
3. Central America
Central America has 14 species of parrots, most of which live in Nicaragua’s wilds. That includes the family Psittacidae, comprised of macaws, parakeets, and amazons.
Additionally, most of these parrot species live in the humid Caribbean side of Nicaragua. (source)
What Is Parrot Shelter?
While a parrot’s natural habitat is wild, domesticated species thrive in captivity. You can find such parrots in shelters.
A parrot shelter or aviary is where people bring rescue parrots who need rehabilitation. Parrots are nursed to health, fed, and cared for in these places. Once these parrots are healthy and strong enough to thrive alone, the parrot gets to return to forests to live freely.
In addition, parrot shelters can be a building in a zoo or a place where people keep parrots that people can adopt. A parrot shelter also rescues parrots reported to be neglected or abused by its owner.
That said, an aviary is a shelter and a rescue place for these intelligent birds.
What Trees Do Parrots Live In?
Parrots are charismatic birds with colorful feathers, charming attitudes, and playful personalities. As mentioned, places with tropical climates are where parrots live.
Parrots are likely to take shelter in wide-leafed deciduous trees and bright tropical plants in the wild.
Additionally, parrots are secondary nesters. That means they make their nests within caves, tree cavities, banks, and cliff sides. They sometimes line these places with nesting materials, which allows them to insulate their eggs. But most of the time, they leave their chosen nesting place untouched and live there as it is.
Some parrots species also nest in ant and termite nests. Others nest on the ground where they make complex nesting areas to keep their young safe. (source)
Do Parrots Live In The Jungle?
Parrots are one of the most recognizable groups of birds in the world due to their colorful plumage and ability to mimic words. They make prominent sounds, which they use to communicate with their flocks.
Moreover, parrots are prominent in rainforests and places with warm climates. You can also find parrot species in savannas and woodlands, while others are in lowlands or areas near sea level. (source)
Where Do Parrots Nest?
Parrots make nests in different areas in the forest. These nests serve as protective places, shielding them from heat, cold, rain, and even predators. The nests also protect their eggs and young from anything harmful to them.
That said, here are the places where parrots nest:
| Tree Cavities | While birds hollow out tree barks to make cavities, parrots do not have such abilities. For this reason, they find empty tree cavities that they can use for nesting. |
| Ground | Some parrots make complex nests on the ground instead of creating one in trees. These nests are where parrots live, lay eggs, and raise their young. |
| Cliff Sides, Caves, And Banks | Parrots sometimes line cliff sides, banks, and caves with nesting materials to make a warm home. These nesting materials also serve as protection to their eggs. |
| Termite Mounds | Another odd place where parrots live is termite mounds. For instance, hooded and golden-shouldered parrots use their beaks to invade termite mounds. Parrots break away the moist coats and dirt on the mounds before nesting on them. (source) |
What Do Parrots Eat?
Parrots are omnivorous animals. Meaning they can eat both vegetation and meat. A parrot’s diet consists of flowers, fruits, seeds, and small insects. They can also feed on seeds and nuts since they have strong beaks, quickly opening nutshells.
There are also species of parrots that have long beaks. These species use their beaks to dig out insects from the ground and make them their meal. (source)
Final Thoughts On Parrot Habitats
Parrots thrive in places with a tropical climate, though there are species that prefer cold areas. While parrots live in countless areas, you can find most species in Australia and South and Central America. They are prominent in rainforests, where they nest in trees and tree cavities and caves and cliff sides.
Additionally, parrots feed on small insects, flowers, fruits, and tiny seeds.
- “Shared Traits,” Parrots. National Geographic
- “Parrots.” NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment.
- “List Of Amazon Parrots.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
- “Nicaragua Parrot Survey.” George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center. accessed February 7, 2022.
- Catherine A. Toft, Timothy F. Wright, Parrots of the Wild: A Natural History of the World’s Most Captivating Birds. China: University Of California Press, 2015.
- William Rice, Endangered Animals of the Jungle 6-Pack. Huntington: Teacher Created Materials Publishing. 50
- Matt Cameron, Parrots: The Animal Answer Guide. USA: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012.
- Ruth Owen, Parrots. USA: Windmill Books, 2012.
