Parrots live in a variety of different environments, from deserts to rainforests; from bushland to suburban sprawl; from jungles to grasslands. They are adapted to their range of environments in a number of ways.
- Parrots have strong, curved beaks. These beaks are especially shaped to enable parrots to crack open hard shells of large seeds or nuts.
- Parrots have strong claws on their feet for gripping perches. Two of the toes face forwards and two face backwards. This gives them extra grip for climbing and it is one of the reasons why you will often see wild parrots in Australia hanging upside down on branches or swinging around telephone wires.
- Parrots are long-lived, with some species living up to 70 years.
- Like all birds, they have hollow bones and wings for flight, and the right pectoral muscles to give them the necessary "lift".
- Many parrots fly erratically, rather than smoothly. This is to enable easier escape from Birds of Prey such as hawks and falcons. Gliding and hovering birds of prey find it difficult to catch a parrot flying erratically through the air.
- Parrots have an acute sense of both hearing and sight. This is vital for helping them to escape from predators.
- Parrots can blend in with the brightly coloured fruit and flowers around their habitat.
