Old World Parrots

Old World parrots are a varied group of birds native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania. They are different from their New World relatives in small ways, such as the shape of their skulls. This group includes ring-necked parakeets, lovebirds, lorikeets, fig parrots, and hanging parrots, among others. These birds have the typical parrot-shaped beak and feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, but they vary a lot in size. Some are very small, like hanging parrots, while others are much larger, such as Alexandrine parakeets. Their feathers come in many colours, from bright greens and blues to softer greys and pinks, depending on the type. Old World parrots live in many different places, including tropical rainforests, woodlands, dry grasslands, and city parks. Some species have even formed wild populations in cooler areas, like Britain, where ring-necked parakeets now breed successfully. Most of these parrots are social and gather in groups outside of the breeding season. They mainly eat seeds, fruits, nectar, and flowers.