How to Choose the Right Homecoming Dresses for Your Body Type

How to Choose the Right Homecoming Dresses for Your Body Type

FORMAL DRESSES

Homecoming is right around the corner, and it's never too early to begin your search for the perfect dress. Unlike prom dresses, homecoming dresses are traditionally less formal and more fun, giving you the chance to select a homecoming dress that suits your personality - and your body type.

Homecoming gowns come in a wide array of styles, colors and types, which can be overwhelming, if you don't have a particular dress in mind. However, no matter what type of gown you prefer - empire waist, A-line gowns or a minidress, for example - your ideal homecoming dress should fit and flatter your body type.

Find a Flattering Homecoming Dress - Determine Your Body Type

Because not every homecoming dress will be flattering to each body type, you should begin your search for the perfect frock by first assessing your body shape. Stand in front of the mirror and evaluate your body - but whatever you do, don't spent time criticizing your body - you're perfect the way you are! Instead, evaluate your body objectively and use the information you learn to choose homecoming dresses that will enhance your best features.

Below we have put together a guide listing several body types and the homecoming dresses that work best for these shapes. Don't worry if you find that your features fit one, two, or three of these body types at once - each body is different. Simply choose the set of features that sound like they fit you the best!

Apple Shape

The "apple shape" body type is coined after a torso that is shaped like an apple, with a larger chest and slimmer hips. The shoulders may be broader, and the mid-section may be wider. For girls with this body type, choose dresses that skim the body, elongate the torso, and show off those legs!

We recommend choosing a homecoming dress with a V-neck or empire-line neckline to elongate the body and to detract from the natural waist lines. Dresses with belts cinched at the smallest part of the waist are also very attractive for the apple shape - additionally, empire dresses help to conceal or slim the mid-section, making the body look slimmer. And shorter homecoming dresses show off the apple shape's best assets - her legs! Choose a frock with a shorter hemline to accentuate the legs and to deter from the midsection.

Celebrities Who Share This Body Type: Jennifer Hudson, Elizabeth Hurley, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Homecoming Dresses for This Body Type: La Femme Prom Dress Style 17732; Tony Bowls Shorts Style TS21202

Pear Shape

The "pear shape" is defined by a pear-shaped torso, with a smaller upper body that elongates into a larger lower body. Girls with the pear shape body type typically have rounded hips and posteriors, with slim stomachs and small chests.

We recommend selecting a homecoming dress that detracts attention away from the hips and the thighs and accentuates the shoulders, the elongated torso and the flat stomach. The design should downplay the hips and add shape to the upper-body. Strapless homecoming dresses provide girls with this body type a chance to display their slender arms, particularly dress styles with ruffles on top, which provide the upper-body with extra shape. A-line styles also work particularly well with pear-shaped bodies.

Celebrities Who Share This Body Type: J-Lo, Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Shakira, Rihanna, Paris Hilton, America Ferrera, Nicki Minaj, Demi Lovato


Homecoming Dresses for This Body Type: Hannah S 27729 Cocktail Dress; La Femme Prom Dress Style 17058

FORMAL DRESSES

Hourglass Shape

Girls with this body shape have torsos with a slim mid-section and a similarly-proportioned upper and lower-body width. The hourglass figure is usually well-rounded in the hips, thighs and/or chest area, making girls with this shape extra-curvy. The trick? Choosing a homecoming dress that accentuates and balances the weight of the curves, without hiding the body shape.

We recommend selecting homecoming dresses that cinch at the waist to highlight the slim, narrow hourglass figure, and to shy away from baggy dresses that may hide or add weight to the body shape. Wrap dresses and fitted dresses are ideal for this body type, as well as dresses made from light-weight fabrics that skim the torso flatteringly, without adding weight.

Celebrities Who Share This Body Type: Drew Barrymore, Salma Hayek, Katherine Heigl, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Winslet, Mariah Carey

Homecoming Dresses for This Body Type: Black by Blush C093 Cocktail Dress; Terani H1216 Dress

Rectangle Shape

Girls with a rectangle-shaped body typically have a waist, hips and shoulders that are of similar width, with a slim torso and stomach, and often, a smaller chest. Because girls with this body type typically do not need to detract attention away from any body features, they can wear a variety of different styles to show off their slimmer legs and arms.

We recommend selecting a homecoming dress that creates curves and accentuates these features, including gowns with ruffles and details in the chest-area, layers and ruching or cinching on the sides. Sweetheart-topped homecoming dresses are also ideal for rectangle-shaped bodies, as this will add curves to the chest without adding extra weight to the stomach region.

Celebrities Who Share This Body Type: Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alexa Chung, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Ritchie, Cameron Diaz, Kiera Knightly, Reese Witherspoon

Homecoming Dresses for This Body Type: Jasz Couture 4719 Dress; Sherri Hill Prom Dress 8423

Wedge Shape

Girls with a wedge-shaped body type typically have a larger upper body, with smaller hips and waist. Wedge-shaped bodies may also have larger chests and wider shoulders, creating an inverted triangle shape from the shoulders to the waist.

Select a homecoming dress that accentuates the legs and the lower body, detracting from the broader upper-body. Homecoming dresses ideal for this body shape include fuller skirts, including higher-waisted skirts, and bottoms with bright colors. We recommend shying away from spaghetti-strap tops, boat-neckline tops, and other styles that may draw the attention back to the upper-body. The trick is to find a homecoming dress that draws the attention downward, towards the legs and the waistline.

Celebrities Who Share This Body Type: Audrina Patridge, Charlize Theron, Renee Zellweger, Jessica Simpson, Angelina Jolie

Homecoming Dresses for This Body Type: Jovani Dress 3591

Love Your Body

No matter what body shape you have, you should appreciate, accept and love the body you were born with. Each body shape features different, beautiful attributes, so don't obsess over trying to obtain "perfection" - it doesn't exist. Simply choose a homecoming dress that accentuates the fabulous features that you already have, and remember to have a fun, unforgettable homecoming!

Latest Trends in Women's Dresses

Latest Trends in Women's Dresses

Formal Dresses

The variety of women's dresses to choose from is a great blessing and a curse for us women. It's definitely a blessing because we have more choices to have that perfect fit for our body and the perfect dress for the occasion. It's also a curse because with so many choices, we couldn't make up our mind what to wear. So, how does one go about the process of selecting women's dresses for us? For me, I always want to check out the magazines for the latest trends and choose from those types. In this article I have gathered the latest trend of women's dresses for you to choose from. I hope this will help you in the process.  

Halter Dress
With knee-length or long dresses, halter neckline looks really chic and sexy. Especially for women who have broad shoulders, halter neckline dresses are perfect. Evening dresses with a halter neck are bound to leave people around you with envious looks on their faces. These patterns that incorporate the halter neckline are best suited for women with the perfectly toned back as well. A low back dress pattern will reveal the flirtatious side in you! Therefore, make sure you go all out to look your best and get that back and shoulders right in shape! Sexy halter evening dresses are bound to add more glitter and glamor to your evening! Just make sure to wear the right shoes with the dress, depending on the length of your dress. If your dress is above the knees, than wear prominent heels to highlight your legs.

Hanky Hem Evening Dress
These are surely one of the most sensual designs of all evening dress patterns. Hankie hem evening dresses have asymmetrical edges and often have the overall appearance of a scarf. The best part about these dresses is that you can get them in a single color or shades of different colors. With the hem falling into points, the dress seems light and airy; ultimately giving it a fun look. If you have wide hips or big thighs, hanky hem dresses will look fabulous on you. The idea behind these designer evening dresses is that you show some skin, without actually going overboard. Add accessories likes earrings and a bracelet, and you're ready to hit the town!


Strapless Dress
Strapless gowns form a very popular pattern for most dress designs. Women who have no issues to flaunt their skin can go in for the strapless evening dress without thinking much about it. The strapless dress patterns looks really good with flared or even fitting evening dresses. These can make you look elegant when worn with a flared or ruffled lower portion of the dress or it can turn you into a style diva if the dress is completely fitting with some shimmer on it! Pair the dress with a gorgeous necklace, a bracelet, and shoes. Depending on the length of the dress, you can either wear stilettos, wedge heels, pumps, or block heels.

Formal Dresses

Sequin Dress
Sequin dresses can make anyone look like a million bucks. You're not just looking shimmery, but this party dress actually can be worn for any season. Choose a dress that is just above your knees or knee-length (don't go below knee-length as it doesn't do the dress justice), that accentuates every part of your body. Although, while choosing sequin women's dresses, do keep the color and pattern in mind.

History and Traditions of Dyngus Day

Dyngus Day is the Polish name given to Easter Monday. Filled with great Polish food, drink, music, and dance, this occasion is not one to be missed. In this article, we will discuss the history, legends, and the various traditions that make Dyngus Day such a special and fun day.
Traditions of Dyngus Day

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Did You Know?
In South Bend, Indiana, and its surrounding regions, Dyngus Day is celebrated elaborately each year. On this day, all bars in the area serve as bus stops, where revelers use the buses to barhop throughout the day.
Dyngus Day, also known as Śmigus-Dyngus Day, or Lany Poniedzialek, is a Slavic festive holiday steeped in symbolism, and celebrated across Poland and many Polish communities across the United States. It takes place on Easter Monday each year, after the serious period of Lent, and is considered as a fun and enjoyable occasion for people of all ages. In religious context, this day symbolizes the beginning of Catholicism in the Polish people. The meaning of Dyngus Day comes from the medieval word 'dingnus', which means worthy or suitable. It is a day of dancing, drinking beer, eating great Polish food, and a strange courting ritual, which brings people from all over in search of true love.

History of Dyngus Day
It is thought that the Poles who worshiped the pagan nature gods would gain the favor of nature spirits by pouring water and hitting themselves with pussy willows, to make themselves pure and worthy for the following year. Dyngus Day traditions can be dated back to 966 A.D., when the Polish Prince Mieszko I was baptized, signaling that all of Poland was now a Christian nation. The idea of purification through baptism was eventually turned into a fun event, where boys would soak girls with buckets of water. These traditions were also believed to be inspired by the wedding of the Lithuanian Duke Jagiello, and the Polish Queen Jadwiga, which involved a large number of baptisms on the Lithuanian side.

Another legend that is related to this festival is about a Polish Princess named Wanda. It is believed that the princess drowned herself in the river when she was being forced into marrying a man that she did not love. In honor of her memory, girls are to be soaked in water on Dyngus Day. This practice of pouring water is considered a spring rite of fertility, cleansing, and purity.

Traditions of Dyngus Day
Ceremonies and Rituals: Dyngus Day is also known as Wet Monday, as on this day it was a tradition for males to soak females whom they found attractive, with buckets of water, and as such, the more beautiful women would find themselves being drenched throughout the day. It is believed that the more a girl got drenched, the higher were her chances of getting married soon.

In earlier times, women were supposed to throw dishes back at the men on the next day as a tradition of retribution. However, in recent times, women just throw buckets of water at the men on the same day. Alternatively, girls can also hand over Easter eggs to the boys if they do not wish to be drenched. Following this, the soaking stalks of pussy willows are used to smack each other. This tradition is known as Smigus Dyngus. American-Polish people end these festivities with a polka dance.

According to an old tradition, any woman found sleeping in bed on the morning of Easter Monday could be swatted with pussy willow switches by the men, who would then proceed to take away her Easter eggs while chanting 'Dyngus, dyngus, po dwa jaja; nie chce chleba tylko jaja!' (Dyngus, dyngus, for two eggs; I don't want bread but eggs).

Another tradition is for the revelers to pull around a cart or wheelbarrow with a live or wooden rooster, and visiting homes in the locality, similar to the Trick-or-Treat tradition, to collect various items of food and drink. This practice has faded out of urban areas nowadays, and can be seen rarely in very rural places where the community is extremely close-knit.

Food: Traditional Dyngus Day food consists of a huge variety of Polish foods. The most popular dishes include sauerkraut, Polish sausages, pickled eggs, sweet and sour noodles, casseroles, bigos (Polish stew made of beef, pork, cabbage, and dates), kielbasa, meatballs, and pierogi - a type of steamed dumpling.
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In America, many Polish-American communities observe Dyngus Day. Buffalo, New York, is officially considered as the Dyngus Day capital of the nation. Here, one can find the highest number of festival venues, polka bands, and other Polish traditions. So, get yourself to any of the venues which hold this event, dance to polka tunes, drink some Polish beer, and thank the hosts for the wonderful time you had by saying 'Dziekuja' at the end of the day.

What is Fashion Forecasting and Why is it Important?

There's something about which we all are alarmingly conscious about all time - fashion. Nobody wants to put a fuddy-duddy show anywhere as the ignominy that comes along with a faux pas is too much for the modish mortal to bear. Did you ever muse over as to why for some season a Bomber Jacket is plumped for than a Varsity Jacket? The answer is fashion forecasting. In this article, know what is fashion forecasting and its importance.

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In Simple Terms
Fashion forecasting is trend-driven and not fad-driven. It, thus, makes a tall order for the fashion forecasters to know if something is a mere flash in the pan or if something is worthwhile and there to stay in for long.

If you thought the trends du jour are all products of whims and fancies of fashion designers, then you have been cherishing a fallacy that will gain you scathing criticism from fashion deities. Every item that features on the runway (however grandiose or minutiae) is all preordained―right from the appropriate shade of a color to a specific print; a fashion trend is never a result of fortuity, but a systematic gleaning and compiling of information that is contingent on different fields and aspects. To put it simply, everything that you see, hear about, or wear is a result of diligent research and arduous efforts of the trend forecasters and analysts.

Understanding Fashion Forecasting

So, what is fashion forecasting actually? This doesn't involve any crystal ball or prophesy of any similar nature, but predictions purely made on observations pivoted on developments in:

Art
Design
Technology
Socioeconomics
Lifestyle
Food
Travel

This is along with understanding of demographic shifts and consumer behavior.

Hence, just knowing what is going to be 'en vogue' isn't adequate, and one must be perceptive about shifts in consumer preferences as well. The confluence of these developments are elements that help fashion forecasters get a wider, better, and clearer picture of trends that will emanate for a particular year.

Aspects of Fashion Forecasting

Fashion forecasting isn't just about focusing on the future, but looking back into trend archives as most of the emerging trends have their rootage in the past. While fashion forecasting hinges on the styles, key pieces, colors, in other words qualitative aspects of fashion, it does not overlook the quantitative aspects of it. After all, fashion is a business where numbers do matter.

Qualitative fashion forecasting happening at a buyer's end is all math, where he analyzes trends based on specific brands, target customers of the brands, decides the number of items per style and per color, and sets an overall goal for a brand or company to achieve.

Methodology employed for fashion forecasting are varied and different for every brand. Whatever be the modus operandi of buyers, it always starts with perusing magazines, scanning fashion literature, Internet, catwalks, street observations, traveling to fashion capitals of the world, attending trade shows, et al.

Importance of Fashion Trend Forecasting

Forecasting is an operative word in the retail world, for the very foundation of it is built and cemented by it. A successful fashion business is dictated by viability and appeal. So, what you see on the runway isn't just instinctual but real. A designer's collection would be a complete whimper if he/she misses on key pieces or season choices; a far cry from the bang he/she had anticipated. We just couldn't agree more with Karl Lagerfeld who remarked, "There's no fashion if nobody buys it."

Timing is incontrovertibly associated with a designer's or brand's success, and this is where fashion forecasting assumes a decisive role.

Be it a merchandiser, designer, buyer, retail executive or anyone involved in this capricious business of fashion, if he/she loses his mojo, they lose everything. While riding on the statistical data alone may seem normative (and it doesn't necessarily spell success), the real trick is about considering variables, and not basing your assumptions on a singular factor.
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Despite fashion being a ubiquitous phenomenon, it is not same for all. What appeals to the populace in the United States may not jibe with the aesthetic sensibilities of those in Asia. Hence, trends are modified as they reach different parts of the world.

What online shopping is all about?

What online shopping is all about?

FORMAL DRESSES

Online Shopping

The act of purchasing goods and services over the internet is known as online shopping. The shopping can be of any product and service that is available with one of the companies running its business through its website. Online Shopping is growing day by day as people will prefer it over visiting physical stores.

How online shopping is done

Online Shopping is quite easy task that involves few steps that needs to be followed

• Choose a product from the website of merchant or from any other e-commerce website.

• Add that product in the shopping cart.

• When the product is added to your shopping cart then login to your account on that website. If you don't have an account, then create one with the help of your email address or mobile number.

• After creating an account, log into your account.

• Add address details where you want the product to be delivered.

• Select the mode of payment from number of payment options and checkout. It shows the message your product has been ordered successfully and you will get a message on your registered mobile number and email address.

Advantages of Online Shopping

Saves Time

One of the most important advantages of online shopping is that, it saves a large amount of time. One can purchase his/her shopping orders and instantly move to other important things with just a few clicks of mouse. It is not with the case of traditional method of shopping where you will waste so much of your time.

Convenience

One can do online shopping at any point time from anywhere, as it is open 24 hours a day. It can be done from your office, college or at any other place. It just requires a computing device connected with internet.

Information and Reviews

FORMAL DRESSES

E-commerce website provide detailed information about a product listed on the website for sale. In addition, one can also view reviews about that product from other people listed on their website and number of review websites.

Price and selection

The prices of products sold by shopping websites are low as compared to the prices in the market. In addition to that shopping websites run several discount offers on different occasions. One can compare the price amongst number of shopping websites for a single product and make a purchase from that which offers the least.

Cash on Delivery

There are many shopping websites that offer the option of cash on delivery for your online shopping. This option is quite convenient for a customer. It builds an individual's trust in the company.

How To Find The Best Online Deals Of The Day

How To Find The Best Online Deals Of The Day

FORMAL DRESSES

Today you will come across websites that offer daily deals for products at reduced prices for a short span of time. With plenty of such websites offering great daily deals it is a chance for online shoppers to make some real savings and acquire their favorite products at subsidized prices. One of the most lucrative benefits is that people can find inexpensive deals and save large amount of money. All the deals are legitimate and highly admired by online shoppers.

When you are looking for gifts for family and friends then searching for items on these sites can provide you with some terrific gifts. For people with large family but not necessarily a disposable income to buy gifts for everyone, can visit these sites and buy to their hearts content. These sites can be extremely beneficial as you find online deals of the day which provide you with gifts that could be bought way in advance and put away for future use. Internet shopping is proving as a commendable resource that provides for hundreds of shoppers within considerably limited means. Items reaching your doorstep in a short period are one of the biggest advantages.

You can avoid the crowds and frantic shoppers as well as rude staff at local stores. Overstock daily deals come as a fresh inventory for internet shoppers as it is easier way to buy items that are overpriced in brick in mortar shops. Moreover it is more fun way to search for deals and while browsing through these sites you never know that items found in these way can prove rewarding. It is possible to land on certain items that are never found in market due to shortage or excessive demand. Coming across numerous items such as exceptional women jewelry can be tremendously exciting.

FORMAL DRESSES

However the items on these sites are available for a limited period so it is essential to be prompt and make decision on time. Daily deals is a wonderful way to save money provided you are approaching specifically reliable site that is well informed and sure to read the acceptable print. With daily deals you can visit new restaurants and try out new cuisines.

Seasonal deals are an enormous temptation to the shoppers at online premise. There is a lot to benefit while shopping on these websites during particular seasons and especially during holiday season. You are free to exchange gifts for birthdays, anniversaries the actual holidays such as New Year's Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, and various others.

Facts About Parrots

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Parrots happen to be some of the most colorful and attractive bird species in the animal kingdom. With this article, I wish to give you a glimpse of some crucial facts and interesting features of these birds.
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Fact about parrots
Birds of the same feather, flock together!
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This proverb often sets me imagining a huge flock of green colored parrots and multicolored macaws on some of the highest branches of trees during the spring season. Although these parrots make really loud noise, their huge flocks can look really attractive. Let us understand these beautiful creatures in a little more detail.

Parrot Families

Parrots can be classified under the order Psittaciformes of Animalia Kingdom. The current research shows that, some 372 species of approximately 86 genera of parrots exist as of today. There are three broad superfamilies in which parrots are classified. Let us have a look at them.


Psittacoidea

This superfamily is often quoted to be the 'True Parrots'. This is because, geographically, they happen to be most widely spread.
Species under this superfamily are prominently found in countries of the southern hemisphere such as India and Australia. They are also found in the United States, Polynesia, South and Central America, Western Africa and countries of Southeast Asia.
Common varieties include the regularly found green parrots, macaws, lorikeets, lorries, parakeets, etc.

Scientific Classification

Psittacidae
Psittacinae
Arinae
Psittrichasiidae
Psittrichasinae
Coracopsinae
Psittaculidae
Platycercinae
Agapornithinae
Psittacellinae
Psittaculinae
Loriinae



Cacatuoidea

This superfamily is known to comprise birds commonly known to us as Cockatoos. There are approximately 21 species in this superfamily.
The Cockatoo word is said to have been derived from an Indonesian word which most probably means parrot.
These birds are native to regions such as Australia, Tasmania, Indonesia, Solomon Islands and Philippines.
Some of the well-known varieties include the palm cockatoo, Major Mitchell's cockatoo, Sulphur-crested cockatoo, Gang gang cockatoo, Salmon-crested cockatoo, Blue-eyed cockatoo etc.

Scientific Classification

Nymphicinae
Nymphicus
Calyptorhynchinae
Calyptorhynchus
Cacatuinae
Probosciger
Callocephalon
Eolophus
Lophochroa
Cacatua



Strigopoidea

This superfamily of parrots is native to the island country of New Zealand. A couple of species were previously found on islands surrounding Australia and New Zealand as well.
This superfamily is composed of three genera of parrots, out of which the Nelepsittacus genus has been declared as completely extinct. Most of the species in the remaining two genera are either near extinction or highly endangered.

Scientific Classification

Nestor
Nestor notabilis
Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis
Nestor meridionalis meridionalis
Nestor productus (extinct)
Nestor sp (extinct)
Strigops
Strigops habroptila
Nelepsittacus
Nelepsittacus daphneleeae
Nelepsittacus donmertoni
Nelepsittacus minimus
Nelepsittacus spec



Physical Features

Most parrots have some common physical features like strong curvy beaks, zygodactyl claws and a straight posture. Green happens to be their primary color, with variations in shades as per different sub species. There are several species which have starkly contrasting and beautiful plumage in bright shades of red, green, blue and yellow. Parrots are also found in neutral shades of white, black and gray. Some species from cockatoo family are known for their attractive crests. Shape and length of feathers is likely to vary in different varieties of parrots. With the exception of Eclectus parrots and cockatoo families, there is no sexual dimorphism in parrots.

Life Span

Here is a list of some popular parrot species along with their average life expectancy. In actual cases, the birds' life span may vary depending upon their health and conditions of their habitat.

Parakeets: 10 to 18 years
Macaws: 50 to more than 100 years
Eclectus Parrots : 65 to 80 years
Cockatoos: 40 to 65 years
Lorikeets: 10 to 25 years
Lovebirds: 15 to 25 years
African Grays: 45 to 65 years
Canaries: 12 to 15 years
Amazon: 55 to 70 years
Finches: 5 to 10 years

Natural Habitat

Historically, parrots are known to originate in the southern supercontinent of Gondwanaland. Even today, most parrot species are found in the warmer tropical regions of the world. A few exceptional varieties can be found in temperate regions as well.
Parrots are known to live in large parrot colonies or groups. They make their nests in hollows of large trees that offer plenty of green foliage and abundance of fruits and seeds. Only the Monk Parakeet and five species of Agapornis lovebirds actually build nests in trees. Three Australian and New Zealand parrots nest on the ground itself. Today, due to rampant deforestation, parrots are losing their natural habitat and are forced to seek shelter in crowded urban areas. It is a sad sight to see the parrots making their colonies in nooks under roofs of houses and recesses in the walls.

Food Preferences

Parrots are primarily herbivores. Typically, they are known to feed on seeds, nuts, fruit flesh and nectar from flowers. Seeds form such an integral part of their diet, that parrots have learned to remove seed coats and other fruit parts that contain protective poisons, prior to ingestion. Several species in America, Southeast Asia and Africa eat clay, which soaks up toxic compounds from their gut. A parrot may feed on fruits such as guavas, apples, bananas, raw mangoes, cherries, plums, etc. Some varieties of parrots found in India are known to feed on chillies. A few are also known to prey on small insects and creatures.

Mating and Reproduction

Most species of parrots are known to form monogamous pairs with their mating companions, right after they attain sexual maturity. Parrots are known to prefer warmer seasons for their reproduction. For those, who have parrots as pets, both males and females start becoming territorial as soon as the mating season begins. Parrots are known to become very noisy and bite hands of their caretakers during this time. They may start displaying their attractive feathers, along with eye flashing, crest and tail flashing etc.
Once a female lays her eggs, she incubates them for approximately 28 days till they hatch. Egg colors can range from pure white to shades of gray. The size of eggs varies for every parrot species.

Extinct Sub species

Several parrot species around the world are endangered or have even become extinct. One reason for their extinction is high levels of poaching by bird collectors. Here is a list of some prominent parrot species that no longer exist.

Black-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus zealandicus)
Broad-billed Parrot (Lophopsittacus mauritianus)
Cebu Hanging Parrot (Philippensis chrysonotus)
Cuban Macaw (Ara tricolor)
Carolina Parakeet (Conuropsis carolinensis)
Chatham Kaka (Nestor sp)
Conquered Lori (Vini vidivici)
Dominican Green-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara atwoodi)
Guadeloupe Parrot (Amazona violacea)
Guadeloupe Parakeet (Aratinga labati)
Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus)
Jamaican Red Macaw (Ara gossei)
Jamaican Green and Yellow Macaw (Ara erythrocephala)
Lesser Antillean Macaw (Ara guadeloupensis)
Mauritius Gray Parrot (Lophopsittacus bensoni)
Martinique Parrot (Amazona martincana)
Mascarene Parrot (Mascarinus mascarinus)
Norfolk Island Kaka (Nestor productus)
Newton's Parakeet (Psittacula exsul)
New Caledonian Lorikeet (Charmosyna diadema)
Paradise Parrot (Psephotus pulcherrimus)
Rodrigues Parrot (Necropsittacus rodericanus)
Rufous-Tailed Parrot (Sumatranus heterurus)
Seychelles Parakeet (Psittacula wardi)
Society Parakeet (Cyanoramphus ulietanus)

World Famous Parrots

There have been several parrots throughout history, that were favorite pets of some of the most influential people in the world. There was an African gray parrot named Lory owned by Queen Victoria, that could effortlessly sing "God save the Queen' or Martha Washington's (former first lady of United States) pet parrot called Polly. However, I feel the need to mention two other parrots in a little more detail.

Alex (1976 to 2007)
This African Gray parrot was owned by American psychologist Irene Pepperberg. His name being an acronym, actually stands for Avian Learning Experiment. As per Pepperberg's study, Alex had the intelligence level of a five years old kid and emotion level of a two years old toddler. He had a very high level of intelligence, almost comparable to primates. Alex had a talent with using words and mimicking language used by people around him. He had a vocabulary of about 150 words and could correct people if they made errors while speaking. He could do basic levels of logical reasoning and numerical cognition. Alex had a talent for identification of objects, shapes and colors too. He helped Pepperberg by training and guiding his successors.

Poll (dates of hatching and death not available)
This particular African Gray parrot was owned by Andrew Jackson, the ex- President of the United States. Poll could mimic words and communicate in two languages, English as well as Spanish. While grasping words, Poll is said to have learned several offensive words too. It is said that Poll blurted out several such words during the funeral service of his master, which offended several mourners. Today, Poll's voice has been recreated and used in audio tours of The Hermitage Mansion, the last residence and museum depicting Andrew Jackson and his family.

Parrot Trivia

Parrots are some of the most intelligent birds. This is because their brain to body ratio is almost equal to higher level mammals. Experiments show that parrots are capable of identifying objects and remembering names. These birds were even used as spies and messengers during olden times due to their sharp memories.
The Macaws have an exceptional capacity to learn and mimic human speech. They do not possess any vocal cords like human beings. Instead, they have developed a knack for changing the shape of their trachea to control the passage of air through their respiratory system. This helps them to create sounds that resemble human speech. On account of this, they are popularly known as the talking parrots. This also makes them some of the most entertaining pets and companions.
They are able to exert tremendous biting pressure. Parrots that eat seeds have strong tongues, which they use to manipulate seeds, or position nuts in their bills.
The Cockatoos have a mobile crest of feathers on top of their heads. It is used as a means to attract females during the mating season.
Most parrots can climb tree canopies when they are not flying. They use their bills for gripping the branches or other supports with their beaks. They frequently walk with a rolling gait on the ground.
The Macaws are some of largest parrots in the world, while the lovebirds and pygmy parrots are some of the smallest parrot species.
Prom-Dresses
A disturbing fact is that, parrots are highly endangered. This is mostly due to the hunting of wild parrots for pet trade, as well as habitat loss and competition from invasive species. At present, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has placed a ban on sale of any wild species.