The order of parrots comprises about 350 species with about 850 subspecies. Rowley distinguishes between two families, the parrots proper and the cockatoos.
All parrots have the upright posture and the strong beak in common. They feed on seeds, berries, fruits, flowers and buds as well as roots.
Parrots are easy to distinguish externally from other birds. The most striking features are probably the colourful plumage and the often pronounced talent for imitation.