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EARTH
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Many families have
expanded from the original order over the millions of years but modern parrots,
can be divided into three families; Cacatuidae, Loriidae and Psittacidae.
Due to the age of this order and the expansive geological processes that have
separated the lineages, there are considerable genetic differences between the
three families of birds. The modern living families are speculated to have
separated during the later stages of Gondwanaland division from the after the
Late Cretaceous 65 to 50 million years ago. Previous studies using
mitochondrial
Native to only
These
birds have a wide dispersal encompassing all tropical and subtropical regions and comprise of
over 10 genera and over 60 separate species. The
lorikeets
family Loriidae shall be
classified
as a separate group from Psittacidae, purely
for a easier grouping system, although it is acknowledged the
speculation
behind such classification. Mainly fruit and nector eaters, these
birds are thought to have diverged extensively over the Holocene
epoch. 
The
largest of
the parrot families, often referred to as true parrots. Comprising of
over 60 genera and at least
300 species. Inhabiting vast spans of area
including the Southern Europe, North and South America, Australia, Asia
and the
Caribbean. African Greys, Macaws and Rosellas are in this family but
the main diversity occurs within the Amazona Genus, with over 35
species. Charateristics include multi coloured plumage and vocal
talents. Very
little scientific research has been explored in this family
regarding their evolutionary relationships.