Probably our most famous impression of parrots is the classic line, “Polly want a cracker?”, But like most species on Earth, there is not just one type of talking parrot. The Cape Parrot is just one of those varieties. However, it is the only one that has been making an impression in recent news.
Our Talking Bird Friends
For those unfamiliar with the bird species, the Cape Parrot is usually found in the South Africa area and is listed as endangered due to habitat loss. Currently the population of Cape Parrots is listed as less than 1,200 birds. Cape Parrot’s have mostly green plumage, and an intermingling of red, gold, silver, blue, orange, black, and brown colors in different parts of their body under a variety of conditions.
Is it new or is it old?
Recently, science has been aflutter with the press release to the public announcing that what we knew about the Cape Parrot is perhaps mistaken. The announcement came as a shock that the Cape Parrot was not a branch off of an existing species, but rather is a distinct one of its own. The study and all that it entails can be found in the PLOS One journal that was published on the 12th of August a few days ago.
What We Know So Far About the Cape Parrot
The findings on the Cape Parrot being a distinct species of its own came about when researchers found that the bird was a new species based on several factors. These factors include morphology, taxonomy, behavior, and ecological issues that may separate it from two other species it was grouped with before. The study underwent testing and validation using DNA testing. Results all confirm the initial impressions to put the Cape Parrot as a species of its own. What this means is that the Cape Parrot, listed as an endangered species, now a species of its own can perhaps have better conservation efforts put forth for its safeguarding. But also informs people the way we constantly reevaluate our knowledge of the world.
