Parrots have strong, curved bills that they use for feeding on seeds. The top part of the bill (upper mandible) is broad with ridged edges and tapers to a sharp point. The lower mandible fits snuggly into it and has cutting edges. Because the upper mandible is loosely hinged (rather than fused) to the skull, it is highly moveable. Working together, the mandibles make a formidable tool for cracking hard nutshells and removing the seeds. Besides seeds, parrots may eat fruits, insects, nectar, leaves, or pollen. Their fleshy tongue loaded with touch receptors helps them move food into and around their mouths. Some parrots have touch receptors lining their bills as well, giving them an unusual ability, among birds, to manipulate their food. Both their bills and their grasping toes allow parrots to climb around in the treetops and hang onto branches while feeding.

Most birds fly. Wing feathers are spread out to increase surface area and generate lift like airplane wings. Soft contour feathers overlap rigid flight feathers to make a streamlined but firm surface. Stiff tail feathers are used to steer and break. Unlike an airplane, a bird flaps its wings to generate thrust for forward movement. A typical bird body is adapted for flight. Hand bones are fused together to support the flight feathers. A downward extension from the breastbone provides a place to anchor large chest muscles that power the wings. Bird bodies are surprisingly light, thanks to thin-walled, hollow bones. For strength, the hollow channels are filled with bony struts like the scaffolding of a building. Many birds also spend a lot of time standing and walking. Their pelvic girdle is strong, supporting the bird's weight on just two hind limbs.