If you are searching for parrots on your next vacation, where should you go? It is a great question for those who love to view the rarest species of wild parrots in the world. In general, parrots tend to hibernate in the warmer areas of the earth. There are different species of wild parrots in Mexico, Australia, North America, South America, Central America and other parts of the world. As a matter of fact, these places hold the largest amount of species. Parrots are members of the Psittaciformes family. It includes over 390 species that include: cockatoos, macaws, parakeets and cockatiels. And while there are a large number of parrot species, all of them hold common traits. The birds have a curved beak with zygodactyl feet, meaning four feet, with two toes that point forward and two toes that point backward. So where can these birds be found? Read on to find out where you can vacation and see the most exotic and wild parrot species.
Mexico
You can come in walking distance with macaws and parrots at the Occidental at X-caret resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The animals can be seen strolling the grounds and are so friendly with the guests that they say hello. Also visit the XCaret Park which is adjacent to the resort to see more of a variety of species of parrots. The Occidental resort has its own entrance to the park and also offers discounted admission.
There are also several species of parrots that live in the Mexican Rain Forest. While visiting you may see a Red Lored Parrot, a scarlet macaw, a Mealy Parrot and a Military Macaw. Mexico has 22 species of parrots and is a great place for someone to vacation who wants to see different species of parrots. Some of the parrots in Mexico are involved in pet trading. These include: the lilac-crowned parrot, the white-fronted parrot, the orange -fronted parakeet and the Mexican parrotlet.
Australia
Parrots are bountiful in Australia and can be seen in areas that include: South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Brisbane and New South Wales. See species that include: Aru Red-Cheeked Parrots, Australian King Parrots, Australian Ringneck, Blue Bonnet Parrot, Bonnet Parrot, Bourke-s Parakeets, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Clonsury Parrot, Coxen’s Fig Parrot, Eclectus Parrots, King Parakeet, Grass Parakeet, and the Hooded Parrot. Australia is definitely the place to visit for birdwatching and seeing the most varied species of parrots. It is the home of about 17 percent of the world’s parrots. . Of the 390 species of parrots that inhabit the earth, 56 of those are in Australia. And while you can find parrots all over Australia, you can visit Sydney Australia and get a great vacation with a bonus of excellent bird watching. The greatest species in Sydney is the Sulphur-crested cockatoo, which you will often see flying over the city center.
North America
In the middle of San Francisco is a place called Telegraph Hill. It is a winding place of residences filled with flagrant flowers and many species of wild parrots. You can see them on the south side as they fly with their groups or sit in the trees.
The Embracadero is the eastern waterfront and roadway of the port of San Francisco, California. People say that you can walk south and see many parrots. If you want to live in the area, the city has the Embracadero Club Apartments, which would put you close to the parrots, while giving you a chance to go bird watching daily.
If you are visiting Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco, there is a great chance that you will see red masked parakeets, blue crowned parakeets, rose-ringed parakeets and/or yellow chevroned parakeets. These birds live in large numbers in the cities mentioned and can be seen in your daily walk in the parks.
Southern California is one of the best known places that the parrot species has flocked to within the last 50 years. These birds have migrated to the area because of the warm weather. Southern California wild parrots are descendants from those that were imported into the area before importing was banned. They are well established and are comfortable in the climate and exotic floral plant life that can be found in Southern California. With their personal origins a mystery, traveling to the Southern California area will allow you to see these vibrant and beautiful birds flying high above your head.
There have been over 20 species of parrots observed in the South Florida area. Large groups of yellow-chevroned parakeets, rose-ringed parakeets, monk parakeets and canary-ringed parakeets have been seen in the area. Miami is one place where you may find several species of parrots. Yellow-chevroned parakeets, Amazons and blue and yellow macaws have all been spotted in large numbers.
Visiting Hyde Park in Chicago, Illinois will give you the opportunity to see three species of parrots. The red-crowned parrot, green parakeet and the monk parakeet have been seen by those walking in the park. Many people were surprised to see these animals in the cooler area of Chicago, but parrots and their species are being seen across the country, in warmer and cooer places.
Wild parrot species have made their way from South America and are now being found in the United States. They migrated about 50 years ago and are now largely seen in places that include: Brooklyn, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut. These are considered colder places than one would expect these species to reside, but these parrots are showing that they are able to live in colder places when needed. From the historic Green Wood cemetery to Flatbush blocks in Brooklyn, these wild parrots have been there over 10 years and have made it clear that they are there to stay.
South America
The Forest of Catingaa located in Brazil is one place where they are working to help the Spix’s macaw to reintegrate with the other species of parrots located in South America. Brazil is leading the way in trying to save the Spix’s macaws who are nearing extinction. South America is the original land for the Spix’s macaws and Brazil is leading the way in bringing back as many species as possible.
Brazil’s Pantanal Wetlands
If you are visiting these wetlands to look for wildlife, you will probably run into the habitat for the hyacinth macaw. It is the largest macaw in the world. With a growth of 3 feet in length and a color of stunning cobalt blue, this is an unbelievable site that any real birdwatcher wants to see. The hyacinth macaw is an endangered species and is confined to this region. Their wing spread is 3 feet in length and their beaks are able to crack nuts that would be enviable to a hammer.
Central America
Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rico is one of the best destinations to see all species of parrots. You can kayak, boat or canoe around the park and do your birdwatching in one place. Spend your day at the national Park and see up close many varieties of parrots. Visit the beaches and lagoons, canals and rivers of the park and see these animals in their natural habitats.
Peru
The Amazon Rain Forest in Southern Peru
The rain forest is home to many different species of parrots. It is home to many macaws, parakeets and parrotlets. These birds will often live in the rainforests during the winter and then return to cooler regions during the spring and summer. While the Amazon rain forest must be visited under the most extreme safety precautions like being vaccinated before going, there are avid and adventurous birdwatchers who visit yearly.
Tambopata National Reserve
The Colorado clay lick located inside the natural reserve is a guaranteed place to see the blue and yellow macaws, scarlet macaws and several species of parrots, . They are in heavy population there and in most clay licks within Peru. Tambopata National Reserve is south of the Madre de Dios river in the Tambopata province. The area is forested hills and plains that are 200 to 400 meters above sea level. Birdwatching is a great way to spend some time in this area.
Manu National Park
Located in southern Peru and near the Madre de Dios and Cusco, the park is known for birdwatching parakeets, parrots and and rainbow colored macaws. There are seven species of the macaw found in the park that include: the scarlet macaw and the blue and gold macaw. The park is known for night hiking which is a favorite for visitors who want to be more adventurous.
Africa
There are six parrots that are specific to the African region, including the mainland of Madagascar and Mauritius. These include: The Cape Parrot which is a large South African parrot. It lives in the east and south regions of Africa near the yellowwood trees. The Echo Parakeet is another species within Africa. It is found in Mauritius and is the world’s rarest parrot species. There were only 20 of them counted in the 1980’s. The parrots have been brought back with a breeding program, but only 750 are known to be in the wild. The Grey Parrot aka known as The African Grey Parrot or The Congo Grey Parrot are found in West Africa on the Ivory Coast, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Tanzania. Lovebirds are also apart of the parrot family and found in Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa. The Rose Ringed Parakeet aka Ring Necked Parakeet can be found in Central Africa Senegal in the west to Sudan and Egypt in the east. The Timmeh Parrots can be found in the Ivory Coast, Mali, Sierra-Leona and the savannas of West Africa.
Asia
Hanging parrots are something for a birdwatching vacationer to behold. These small parrots can be found in tropical southern Asia hanging upside down from tree branches while eating their favorite fruits and nectar. They are only 5 inches long, green, short tailed wonders. They often sleep upside down as well.
India
There are 15 species of parrots known in India. They include: The Rainbow Lorikeet which is native to Australia, the rose ringed parakeet which is native to Africa and Asia, The African Grey Parrots which is native to Africa, The Blue and Yellow Macaw which is native to South America, The Budgerigar which is native to Australia, The Caique which is native to Brazil, The Eclectus which is native to Northeastern Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Sumba, Amazon Parrots which are native to Caribbean, Mexico, and South America, Moluccan Cockatoo which is native to Indonesia, The Sulfur Cockatoo which is native to Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia, Alexandrine Parakeet which is native to Pakistan, Nepal and India,
The Galah parrot which is native to Australia, The Cockatiel which is native to Australia, The Sun Corn Parrot which is native to Northeastern South America and The Lovebird which is native to Madagascar and Africa.
There are over 390 parrot species in the world. Most parrots are found in tree hollows, where the female will lay her eggs. There are also many who are sedentary and confined to one region. Take some time and map out vacation spots where you can enjoy the art of birdwatching for every species available. From Australia where many of the species can be found to other vacation spots around the world, these birds have become the staple for birdwatching lovers. The more you learn about the parrot family, the more intriguing they become. With varied colors and make up, they are becoming more visible in places around the country. And while they normally habitat in warmer places like South Florida, Southern California and the Caribbean, they have also been seen in much colder places like Chicago, Illinois and New York. Parrots, macaws, parakeets, cockatiels and cockatoos originated in South America and other parts of the world outside the United States, but have grown to be loved as pets in homes across the country, but make sure to always check out the parrot price before purchasing. Mount Pleasant, South Carolina has had World Parrot Day since 2008 on the dates May 30 – May 31 to raise national awareness of threats to captive and wild parrots.