[Fr. perroquet.] The type of a large group of tropical birds, of numerous species, noted for their beautiful color and powerful hooked and projecting bill, which is used for crushing seeds and fruits. Parrots use their bills as well as their claws in climbing trees, and use their feet to carry food to their mouths. Those usually kept as pets are the South American parrot, and the gray parrot, with scarlet tail, from West Africa. The latter is noted for its tame-ness, mischievousness, and power of imitating sounds. It is easily taught to whistle and to speak. Parrots live to a great age, instances being on record of these birds attaining an age of seventy or more years.