Parrot

Parrots are one of the most famous colorful bird pets in the world. They consist of more than 300 species in the wilderness with size and color variances from one specie to another. The are considered the most common birds that are spread throughout the world and are easily identified through their beautiful vivid colors, crests and curved beaks. They are commonly found in continents of Asia, America, Africa and Australia.

he parrot family are classified into two which consist of the true parrots named Psittacidae and the cockatoos which are named Cacatuidae. What we are into right now are the “true parrots” which are commonly or simply called as "Parrots". These birds naturally stand in a sturdy upright position. They have very strong feet and curved bills which easily make them easy to be identified from other birds.

An Eclectus Parrot in Cebu Zoo.

Most parrots usually eat seeds. Some of them feed on fruits, nuts,small insects and leaves.
Parrot are also among of the most intelligent birds since they can imitate and mimic distinct sounds, words and human voices.
 

These birds  are highly considered to be one of the best pet for animal lovers. They can amuse grown ups and children with an exceptional number of acrobatic skills like riding a small bicycle, walking through wires and identify shapes and colors.

Parrot birds naturally does not go on the wild alone and normally fly in pairs. They love to be with a mate especially in captivity. They nests on cavities of trees and cliffs on the wild. The number of eggs they lay varies according to specie ranging from 2 to 6 per nesting period with an incubation period of 17 to 35 days.

It is wise to have parrot in pairs if you are planning to be a parrot owner.

You can consider Cebu Zoo a parrot sanctuary since several specie of this birds are  kept in captivity.

 

An actual photo of a parrot in Cebu Zoo.

Black Parrot

Perroquet Noir as what this bird is called in French. The Black Parrot is completely covered with black feathers all over its body. As they grow older, shades of grey on their feathers can be visible. Scientifically called Coracopsis nigra, this rare Parrot can be found in Asia which is believed to have originated in Madagascar. This bird produces flute like whistle sounds and shrieking calls when being alarmed or excited. This elegant bird is also is famously called as the Lesser Vasa Parrot

Black Parrots found their habitat on evergreen forests and mangrove swamps near river banks and feed on seeds and fruits especially berries and mangoes. Adults grow up to 14 inches in length and weighs up to 350 grams. The Juvenile are paler than the adults and feathers on tails are colored pale grey.  During the every second month of the year, the Black Parrot mates and go to courtship. During this time, females often shed feathers on their head and the males' beak turn into white.

A Black Parrot caged in Cebu Zoo

They build their nests in the hollows of trees and lay eggs for only 14 days which is far shorter than other parrots.

Life expectancy of the black parrot could last up to 80 years whether on cage or on the wild. They have a special characteristic that can endure going alone on a cage for a lifetime without having a partner.

On the entrance of Cebu Zoo, a sight of a black parrot will welcome you. According to zookeepers, the bird is believed to be more than 50 years old and is still healthy on its cage.

A close view of the Bird