Parrots Temporal range: Eocene – Recent 54 mya – present
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Infraclass:	Neognathae
(unranked):	Psittacopasserae
Order:	Psittaciformes Wagler, 1830
Superfamilies
Cacatuoidea (cockatoos) Psittacoidea (true parrots) Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots)
Range of Parrots, all species (red)

Papagaio female, Brasil

Parrots are birds of the order Psittaciformes. There are about 372 species in 86 genera. They are found in most tropical and subtropical regions. The greatest diversity of parrots is found in South America and Australasia.

Parrots are intelligent birds. They have relatively large brains, they can learn, and they can use simple tools. Because some species have the ability to make sounds like human voices and have plumages with bright colors, many species are kept as pets. This includes some endangered and protected species.