Iguana parrot

The Iguana Parrot was the pet of a Pirate Captain.

History
It was first seen at the side of the Pirate Captain, and later got into a fight with Momo. It later accidentally alerted Zuko that the pirates had snuck aboard his ship, and that something was something going on, and flew away before the ship subsequently exploded.

Anatomy
The Reptile Bird resembles a cross between a green parrot and an iguana. This creature has feathers and is capable of flight, but has many reptilian characteristics as well. It has a parrot-like beak and a feathered tail, but its wings end in claws and it moves on all four limbs when it chooses not to fly. Its feet also seem to lack the reversed toe characteristic of all modern birds, giving it a more reptilian appearance. The green parrot also has a small dorsal fin on its back.

Connection
The earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx, shares many characteristics with the Iguana Parrot in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Its loyalty to a pirate whose shoulder it sits on is similar to the classic pirate's parrot. This seems to be a parody of real parrots from when Blackbeard existed.

Behavior
The Iguana Parrot is a favorite pet of sailors and pirates. This flying reptile is temperamental and loyal only to the person on whose shoulder it perches.

Trivia

 * It has long been thought that birds evolved from dinosaurs, and possible links between the two have been studied intensely.
 * "The Waterbending Master" with "Avatar Extras" bonus commentary states that although it is more commonly known as a Reptile Bird, the creature's proper name is Iguana Parrot.