There are over 350 species of colorful birds in this order. They range in size from 4-40 inches. They have thick, hooked bills; zygodactyl feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward; and muscular tongues.

Most species eat seeds and fruits, but some species also eat insects. They are found in South America, Central America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. Most species live in forests in pairs or small groups.

There was once a species found in the southeastern United States, the Carolina parakeet, but it is now extinct. Some species in this order can mimic human speech.