The parrot has a special place among the most beautiful birds in the world. It has the ability to imitate the human voice and utter certain words. It is clear from the study of the ancient literary work such as Gira Sandeshaya that this wonderful bird has been given special attention culturally since ancient times.
According to studies conducted in different countries, there are around 400 species of parrots. Parrots are common in tropical and subtropical countries. They are divided into three main groups by international studies: ‘true parrots’, ‘cockatoos’ and ‘New Zealand parrots’. It has been found in the same studies that about one-third of all these parrot species are threatened with extinction.
Parrots are in abundance in tropical and subtropical regions such as Australia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central America and South America. Some Caribbean and Pacific islands also have their own species of parrots.
According to zoologists, the highest number of parrot species ever identified is from South America. Parrots of any species have strong beaks and in addition, their feet and claws are somewhat stronger than those of other birds. Many parrots come in a variety of vibrant colours, but it is not possible to distinguish the sex of parrots based on these colours.
Parrots in Sri Lanka
About five species of parrots are found in Sri Lanka, of which two are endemic. Although some people breed gray parrots at home due to ignorance, it is prohibited by law and the parrot species is listed as endangered.
Rose-ringed Parakeet, also known as Maala Girawa is another parrot species that can be found in Sri Lanka. A full-grown parrot of this species is about 40 cm long, including the length of the plumage. According to the colour of the necklace-like feature that can be seen on their necks, there is a possibility to distinguish those parrots sexually. This feature is not visible in females and cubs and sometimes a gray colour section is barely visible.
Considering the food pattern of parrots, their main food can be identified as nuts, fruits and other plant materials. The strong beaks of parrots have made it possible to remove the shell of various nuts and eat them. Even when eating fruits, parrots are accustomed to eat the rest with great care, leaving the seed behind.
In addition, parrots living in countries such as America, Africa and Papua New Guinea have been found to eat different types of clay. Almost all species of parrots make their habitats in natural or artificial cavities in trees, and these habitats are often located in very high places in trees.
In comparison with other bird species, parrots can be identified as one of the most intelligent bird species and the ability of parrots to imitate human voice and utter certain words has been able to increase their demand as pets. Parrots are now threatened with extinction at a faster rate than any other bird species due to the capture of parrots as pets.
Literature
Throughout the world, parrots are considered culturally significant for a variety of reasons. A parrot is mentioned as the messenger of the Gira Sandesha, which was sent to King Parakramabahu VI. In the mission at the beginning of it, many special characteristics of the parrots have been mentioned by the author.
According to Hindu mythology, the parrot is the vehicle of Lord Kama and Goddess Rati. Accordingly, Lord Kama comes to visit Cupid in the parrot vehicle. It is mentioned in ancient literary work that a parrot hangs on the right hand of Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai and on the left shoulder of Goddess Saraswati. Sukha, the son of Vyasa in Hindu literature, is also depicted with a parrot face.
Parrots were used for one aspect of Indian astrology, and a special deck of cards is used for that. When the deck of cards is brought close to the parrot in the cage, it will select one of them and predictions will be made based on that. Parrot figures are also seen among the paintings and carvings in historical places in Sri Lanka. Old lamps made in the shape of a parrot have also been found.
Stories in Buddhist literature also mention parrots. In Sati Kumbha Jataka Story, two parrots belonging to the same family fell into a place where a herd of rogues stayed and a hermitage where ascetics lived. It is said that the parrot that grew up with the flock of thieves behaved very rudely saying harsh words, and the other parrot was gentle who spoke sweet words due to the association of ascetics.