Parrots, which belong to the order Psittaciformes, are widely distributed throughout the world. These beautiful and intelligent birds can be found in temperate, subtropical and tropical zones, and are known to inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including forests, savannas, grasslands, and deserts.

With 2 families, 82 genera, and 358 species, the parrot family is one of the largest families in the bird order. While they are mainly found in tropical forests, some species have been known to extend into temperate regions in the southern hemisphere, and others are found on distant islands.

However, it is noteworthy that more parrots are found in Latin America and Oceania than in Africa and Asia.

These beautiful birds are loved by many people, which is evident by the stamps, websites, conservation societies, and sanctuaries dedicated to them.

In fact, parrots are used as a symbol of intelligence by humans. For example, in the Dominican Republic, the national bird is the macaw called The Sissero, which represents the independence and strength of this Central American island nation.

Parrots are also quick learners and can be trained to perform various tricks, making them popular bird 'showmen' in circuses, parks, and zoos. They are capable of learning skills such as carrying small flags, catching food, riding bicycles, pulling carts, and doing cartwheels, among others.

Furthermore, parrots have been closely associated with the development of human civilization and have become people's best companions and friends. During their long domestication, parrots have brought much joy to people and have even helped them to cure diseases.

However, as human civilization has expanded and industrialization has increased, the habitat of parrots has deteriorated, leading to a decline in their populations, and in some cases, species have become extinct or are close to extinction.

For instance, the owl parrot, the only nocturnal, ground-crawling bird of the parrot family, is endangered due to rats and skunks in its habitat in New Zealand.

Originally found in southern New Zealand, Sturt and other islands, this bird has few natural predators, but human activity has led to an increase in the population of rats and cats, which prey on the bird's eggs and chicks.

Similarly, the Tabby honeysuckle parrot, named after Tabouty Island in the South Pacific, has become extinct on this small island, it's ancestral home, due to predation by rats and cats.

Although these parrots have been living in their native habitat for thousands of years, the boats that brought pioneers and travelers to these islands have also brought rats and cats, leading to the demise of these beautiful birds.

In response to the threats faced by parrots, conservation organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund, have taken steps to preserve these birds.

For instance, the World Wildlife Fund has relocated surviving parrots to islands that are free of predators and out of the public domain.

However, despite these efforts, some species of parrots have already become extinct, and many more are endangered or threatened with extinction. As a result, we may only see these beautiful parrots in pictures and on stamps in the future.

Parrots are fascinating and intelligent birds that are widely distributed throughout the world. They have brought much joy to people and have become popular bird 'showmen.'

However, their habitats are under threat due to human activity, leading to the decline in their populations and the extinction of some species. As responsible stewards of the planet, we must take steps to protect these beautiful birds and ensure their survival for future generations.