Parrot

 


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Relevant Background: "Parrots (Psittaciformes), also known as psittacines (/ˈsɪtəsnz/),[1][2] are birds with a strong curved beak, upright stance, and clawed feet.[a] They are classified in four families that contain roughly 410 species in 101 genera, found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The four families are the Psittaculidae (Old World parrots), Psittacidae (African and New World parrots), Cacatuidae (cockatoos), and Strigopidae (New Zealand parrots). One-third of all parrot species are threatened by extinction, with a higher aggregate extinction risk (IUCN Red List Index) than any other comparable bird group.[3] Parrots have a generally pantropical distribution with several species inhabiting temperate regions as well. The greatest diversity of parrots is in South America[4] and Australasia.[5]

Parrots—along with ravens, crows, jays, and magpies—are among the most intelligent birds, and the ability of some species to imitate human speech enhances their popularity as pets. They form the most variably sized bird order in terms of length; many are vividly coloured and some, multi-coloured. Most parrots exhibit little or no sexual dimorphism in the visual spectrum.

The most important components of most parrots' diets are seeds, nuts, fruit, buds, and other plant material. A few species sometimes eat animals and carrion, while the lories and lorikeets are specialised for feeding on floral nectar and soft fruits. Almost all parrots nest in tree hollows (or nest boxes in captivity), and lay white eggs from which hatch altricial (helpless) young.

Trapping wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as huntinghabitat loss, and competition from invasive species, has diminished wild populations, with parrots being subjected to more exploitation than any other group of wild birds. As of 2021, about 50 million parrots (half of all parrots) live in captivity, with the vast majority of these living as pets in people's homes.[6] Measures taken to conserve the habitats of some high-profile charismatic species have also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the same ecosystems..." (Wikipedia)

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Relevant Material: "Relationship with humans

Pets



Parrots may not make good pets for most people because of their natural wild instincts such as screaming and chewing. Although parrots can be very affectionate and cute when immature, they often become aggressive when mature (partly due to mishandling and poor training) and may bite, causing serious injury.[102] For this reason, parrot rescue groups estimate that most parrots are surrendered and rehomed through at least five homes before reaching their permanent destinations or before dying prematurely from unintentional or intentional neglect and abuse. The parrots' ability to mimic human words and their bright colours and beauty prompt impulse buying from unsuspecting consumers. The domesticated budgerigar, a small parrot, is the most popular of all pet bird species.[103] In 1992, the newspaper USA Today published that 11 million pet birds were in the United States alone,[104] many of them parrots. Europeans kept birds matching the description of the rose-ringed parakeet (or called the ring-necked parrot), documented particularly in a first-century account by Pliny the Elder.[105] As they have been prized for thousands of years for their beauty and ability to talk, they have also often been misunderstood. For example, author Wolfgang de Grahl says in his 1987 book The Grey Parrot that some importers had parrots drink only coffee while they were shipped by boat, believing that pure water was detrimental and that their actions would increase survival rates during shipping.[106] Nowadays, it is commonly accepted that the caffeine in coffee is toxic to birds.[107]

Pet parrots may be kept in a cage or aviary; though generally, tame parrots should be allowed out regularly on a stand or gym. Depending on locality, parrots may be either wild-caught or be captive-bred, though in most areas without native parrots, pet parrots are captive-bred. Parrot species that are commonly kept as pets include conuresmacaws, amazon parrots, cockatoos, greys, lovebirdscockatielsbudgerigarscaiquesparakeets, and EclectusPionus, and Poicephalus species. Temperaments and personalities vary even within a species, just as with dog breeds. Grey parrots are thought to be excellent talkers, but not all grey parrots want to talk, though they have the capability to do so. Noise level, talking ability, cuddliness with people, and care needs can sometimes depend on how the bird is cared for and the attention he/she regularly receives.[108]


Parrots invariably require an enormous amount of attention, care, and intellectual stimulation to thrive, akin to that required by a three-year-old child, which many people find themselves unable to provide in the long term.[109] Parrots that are bred for pets may be hand-fed or otherwise accustomed to interacting with people from a young age to help ensure they become tame and trusting. However, even when hand fed, parrots revert to biting and aggression during hormonal surges and if mishandled or neglected.[110] Parrots are not low-maintenance pets; they require feeding, grooming, veterinary care, training, and environmental enrichment through the provision of toys, exercise, and social interaction (with other parrots or humans) for good health.[111]

Some large parrot species, including large cockatoos, amazons, and macaws, have very long lifespans, with 80 years being reported,[112] and record ages of over 100.[113] Small parrots, such as lovebirds, hanging parrots, and budgies, have shorter lifespans up to 15–20 years.[114] Some parrot species can be quite loud, and many of the larger parrots can be destructive and require a very large cage, and a regular supply of new toys, branches, or other items to chew up.[108] The intelligence of parrots means they are quick to learn tricks and other behaviours—both good and bad—that get them what they want, such as attention or treats.[111]

The popularity, longevity, and intelligence of many of the larger kinds of pet parrots and their wild traits such as screaming, has led to many birds needing to be rehomed during the course of their long lifespans. A common problem is that large parrots that are cuddly and gentle as juveniles mature into intelligent, complex, often demanding adults who can outlive their owners, and can also become aggressive or even dangerous. Due to an increasing number of homeless parrots, they are being euthanised like dogs and cats, and parrot adoption centres and sanctuaries are becoming more common.[86]: 77–78  Parrots do not often do well in captivity, causing some parrots to go insane and develop repetitive behaviours, such as swaying and screaming, or they become riddled with intense fear. Feather destruction and self-mutilation, although not commonly seen in the wild, occur often in captivity.[115][116]

Some owners have offered their pet parrots mobile apps for entertainment.[117] Scientists Rébecca Kleinberger of Northeastern University and Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas of the University of Glasgow performed a pilot study to tailor apps to parrots' preferences. The birds tended to use rapid tongue movements to interact with screens, possibly mimicking movements used to manipulate seeds.[117] To motivate parrots participating in the pilot study, researchers used treats such as peanut butter, yoghurt and pine nuts; one bird responded better to "cheering and praise"....Different nations have different methods of handling internal and international trade." (Parrot - Wikipedia)

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Relevant Material: "The most expensive parrots often include endangered and rare species like the Hyacinth Macaw, Lear's Macaw, and Blue-Throated Macaw, with prices sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Other costly parrots are the large, striking Palm Cockatoo and the intelligent African Grey Parrot, whose value is driven by their intelligence, specific care needs, and regulatory limitations on their trade.

 
Highly Expensive Parrots
  • Hyacinth Macaw:
    As the largest parrot species, their striking cobalt-blue feathers and rarity due to being an endangered species make them highly sought after and expensive, potentially costing $7,000 to $40,000 or more. 
  • Lear's Macaw:
    This critically endangered, deep blue parrot from Brazil is incredibly rare and can fetch prices from $30,000 to $50,000 when available, requiring permits and strict care. 
  • With fewer than 500 remaining in the wild, these critically endangered birds are exclusive to Bolivia and are priced between $10,000 and $20,000. 
Expensive but More Available Parrots
  • Known for their unique look and drumming behavior, these striking black parrots are difficult to breed, making them more challenging and expensive to own, with some sources noting high prices. 
  • Valued for their extraordinary intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, these birds are in high demand, with prices typically ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, though highly trained individuals can sell for over $10,000. 
Factors Contributing to High Cost
  • Rarity and Conservation Status:
    Many of the most expensive parrots, like the Hyacinth Macaw and the Lear's Macaw, are endangered, and their trade is heavily regulated, driving up their cost and exclusivity. 
  • Intelligence and Mimicry:
    Parrots like the African Grey are highly valued for their exceptional cognitive abilities and their skill in mimicking human speech. 
  • Specific Care Needs:
    Some parrots require specialized diets, extensive space, social interaction, and training, which adds to the overall cost of ownership and contributes to their expense. 
  • Lifespan:
    The long lifespan of some parrots, such as the Eclectus Parrot which can live up to 70 years, contributes to the overall investment required. .." (Google) 
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  • Relevant Coverage
  • a) Travel & Health 
  • b) Personal Property Coverage 
  • c) Auto Insurance 
  • d) Liability Coverage, Business Liability 
  • e) Habitational and Commercial Insurance
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Relevant Coverage: 
A. Auto Insurance - Comprehensive (All perils) 
B. Liability Insurance 
C. Travel and Health Coverage 
D. Life Insurance
E. Life Jacket, panic button, anti-drowning bracelet, GPS Tracker
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