This article is intended to most emphatically convey some very important general characteristics and to instill respect and understanding for one of nature's great miracles: the Psittacine. Don't even dream of thinking that a parrot is "just a bird." Firstly, this would do an injustice to "just any bird" and secondly it is patently incorrect. There are very credible scholars who maintain that Psittacines are direct descendants of the Dinosaurs. That would give them one heck of a jump on the evolutionary ladder over most creatures. Their brain to body ratio is that of a human. Now the term "bird brain" assumes an all new meaning. It is also noteworthy that parrots do not process information in the manner mammals do. While mammals use the cerebral cortex, psittacines use the neostratium (Dr. Irene Pepperburg), to process information. They are literally dancing to a different drummer in a way that we can only try to fathom.

I have spent a large part of my life raising and in the company of many different bird species. Some are reputed to be among the smarter ones like jays and jackdaws. No other species even closely approaches the intelligence and intuitiveness of a parrot.

All parrots, some more than others, possess an astounding level of intelligence that is equal to that of a dolphin or a 4 year old child. Additionally, over thousands of years of evolution they have been programmed to act and react in a certain species specific way.

This evolutionary development includes a near unbelievable ability to sense moods and changing emotional nuances in their environment. While they probably cannot read our minds, they seem to be able to perceive changes in emotional atmospheres and they will react in their very own species specific way.

As a general observation and somewhat complicating this challenge are very important differences in the manner in which this reflects behavior. Each species and sub species has its very distinctive intrinsic behavior patterns. Among the Amazon parrots, for instance behavior tendencies are markedly different and range from basically docile to aggressive, depending on the sub species. Congo African Greys require a different approach than Timneh African Greys with the same holding true for Cockatoos, Macaws or any other New or Old World Parrot. There can only be one imperative: before getting a bird, decide which characteristics you are looking for, research, research, research--if possible, visit a responsible breeder and THEN make a final decision.

All too many people acquire a parrot with the same mind set in which they would buy a dog or a cat. Dogs, man's great companion and cats, charming and independent as they are, have been bred specifically promoting traits that make them suitable as man's companion. Parrots are basically wild animals who, with all their instincts very much intact, make a choice to give their trust. They demand very deliberate preparation and willingness for a commitment that can well last a lifetime. When there is no education on the subject, it is very likely that surprises will lurk in the wings, disenchantment and capitulation in the face of a bird that turned "mean" and whose very personality and behavior patterns remain very much a mystery, will inevitably follow.

Someone once characterized parrots as "children from another world" and with very good reason. We humans relate to each other through overt actions and our language. We rationalize our way into, through and out of relationships and we are largely unable to perceive differences in intellectual processes. If it is not within our paradigm, it is not perceivable. Many of us, beyond being unable to make serious commitments are unable to perceive that there is a creature, which in many ways is our equal and deserves to be treated that way. That is the great parrot tragedy.

This article is not meant to provide universal information about parrots. I am merely trying to draw a very wide outline in the hope to stimulate you, the reader, to do your homework BEFORE you get a parrot. PLEASE, believe me, it is vital for your and your new arrivalŐs happiness and the "Happy Ending" for both of you. And, remember, never buy an unweaned bird and never, never from a pet shop that is not reputable!