Changes

Parrots range in size from the small lovebirds at 6 inches to some 36-40 inches for the larger macaw species.  The heaviest species, the New Zealand [[kakapo]], weighs in at 9 pounds, nearly three times the weight of the largest macaw.   

Parrots range in size from the small lovebirds at 6 inches to some 36-40 inches for the larger macaw species.  The heaviest species, the New Zealand [[kakapo]], weighs in at 9 pounds, nearly three times the weight of the largest macaw.   

Parrots have an upright stance when perched; when not flying they move about in the trees using their hooked beak as a climbing aid.  On the ground they walk with a rolling gate.  Both feet are zygodactyl, i.e. two toes in front, two toes behind, a trait shared with [[owl]]s and [[woodpecker]]s.  Parrots further use one foot as a "hand" to hold and bring food to its mouth.

Parrots have an upright stance when perched; when not flying they move about in the trees using their hooked beak as a climbing aid.  On the ground they walk with a rolling gait.  Both feet are zygodactyl, i.e. two toes in front, two toes behind, a trait shared with [[owl]]s and [[woodpecker]]s.  Parrots further use one foot as a "hand" to hold and bring food to its mouth.

Parrot plumage is also unique in that the brilliant colors are not the result of diet; they are made directly within the feathers by a set of five pigments, or ''psittacofulvins'', a trait found in no other bird species<ref>http://creation.com/parrot-fashion</ref>.

Parrot plumage is also unique in that the brilliant colors are not the result of diet; they are made directly within the feathers by a set of five pigments, or ''psittacofulvins'', a trait found in no other bird species<ref>http://creation.com/parrot-fashion</ref>.