Although there are many species of parrots they all share common characteristics including curved, strong beaks, zygodactyls feet, and an upright stance. Parrots are social birds, live in large groups and use various vocalizations to communicate. They can also mimic non-avian sounds making it seem as if they can speak or talk. The African Gray parrot is a popular species because it can mimic hundreds of sounds.

As omnivorous birds, they eat nuts, fruits, flowers, seeds, and some small creatures such as insects.

They have a lifespan that ranges from 10 to 60 years, depending on the species. Many species are monogamous and will woo their mates with vocalizations. Both the male and female take turns sitting on the eggs, which have an 18 to 30 day incubation period. The female cares for the hatched chicks while the male hunts for food. The age of maturity can range from 1 to 2 years with smaller species, or 3 to 4 years with the larger species.

Some species are highly endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting while others, who at one time were kept as pets and then set free, have developed thriving feral populations in foreign areas. One such example is the green parakeet, which now lives in several US states. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species continues to site the sale of wild-caught parrots as an illegal act.

Parrots can be found in Mexico, Central America, South America, Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia.