Avian Expert Articles

Laura Doering

Laura Doering is the former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine. She has authored a multitude of articles covering all aspects of pet birds and their care, and has had the opportunity to interview world-renowned avian behaviorists, veterinarians, aviculturists, researchers and conservationists.

Her journey in the bird world has taken her to the remote areas of Brazil to see hyacinth macaws in their native habitat, as well as on bird-watching trips to Spain, Puerto Rico and Mexico. She is especially thankful to have met so many passionate pet bird owners throughout her years at the helm of Bird Talk magazine.

Her interest in pet birds started at the age of 9, when she saved up her penny collection to buy Elvis, her cockatiel companion of 22 years. Little did she know then that her love of birds would some day lead to a career in which being chased by a cockatoo during a photo-shoot, having a 5-minute phone conversation with a reader’s African grey parrot, hand-wrestling a caique to get her pilfered ring back and having her work desk “re-decorated” by a visiting Amazon parrot were all just another day at the office. She has a degree in English from the University of California, Davis.

Articles by Laura:

How Birds Help Keep Our Planet in Balance

Celebrate Earth Day with a quick dive into how birds, from hummingbirds to parrots, quietly help keep our planet balanced and thriving.

blue robin eggs in nest

Move Over, Easter Bunny — Birds Do Eggs Best

Rabbits may get the Easter spotlight, but birds are the true egg artists.

Amazon parrot standing on a perch

A Happier You, A Happier Bird: Small Changes That Make A Big Difference

Simple life shifts can be a game changer for both you and your bird.

kea mountain parrot standing on stone

Winter Ready: A Look At Birds’ Feet

Discover how birds keep their feet warm in winter and how you can help your pet parrot stay cozy, too.

close up on head and shoulders of a dusky lory

Why Feathers Are Nature’s Finest Design

See how feathers combine beauty and function, making them nature’s ultimate design.

close up on head of a double yellowheaded Amazon parrot

Bird Words For Bird Nerds; Vol. 1

Level up your bird nerd game with fascinating words about birds.

close up profile on head of an African grey parrot

A Rainbow Remembrance For Our Birds

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is a heartfelt opportunity to honor the birds who enriched our lives.

close up on head of blue-fronted Amazon that is tilting head to the side

Group Chat: What Would You Call Your Parrots?

What’s in a name? Check out these fun, fitting group names for parrots to match their charm, chaos, and personality.

African grey parrot head profile

Photograph Your Bird Like A Pro

Learn how to safely and easily capture great photos of your feathered family member.

green-winged macaw on perch indoors

A Feather-Safe Fourth Of July

From sunshine to safety, make the Fourth stress-free for your bird.

closeup on head of male Eclectus parrot outdoors

Father Knows Nest: Meet Some Of Nature’s Best Bird Dads

Discover the surprising ways bird dads help raise their chicks.

Chestnut-Fronted Macaw leaning over while perched on a branch outdoors

Why Parrots Matter For A Healthier Planet

Explore three meaningful ways parrots help keep Earth’s ecosystems resilient, diverse, and thriving.

close up on head and shoulders of African grey parrot

Parrot Shenanigans: The Trickster Behaviors That Fool Us

Don’t be an April Fool! Your parrot might be tricking you at mealtime and beyond. Understand their clever antics to stay one step ahead.

sun conure climbing on bars of cage

6 Ways To Be Your Bird’s Best Companion

Discover six ways to support your bird, from safety checks to socialization, and ensure they thrive in your care!

Victims Of The Illegal Pet Trade: 113 Parrots Drowned

In sad turn of events last May, 113 parrots drowned after being thrown into the ocean. These birds deserved better, and their loss can serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.

bird of paradise

The Feathered World Of Romance

Some birds woo potential mates with dances, elaborate nest-building, and synchronized moves!

African grey parrot flying indoors

Flying Indoors? Tips To Keep Your Parrot Safe!

Discover essential tips for parrot-proofing your home, from securing windows and doors to creating safe flight zones, ensuring your free-flying parrot stays safe and healthy indoors.

Pesquet's parrot perched on branch outdoors

The Dracula Parrot — The Truth Behind Its Spooky Name

Meet the Dracula parrot, New Guinea’s goth-looking bird with bold black and red feathers and a vulture-like head. Are they anything like their spooky name suggests?

Hooded Pitohui, toxic bird

Explore The Spooky Side Of Birds This October: Toxic Terrors

It’s that spooky time of the year! Explore the eerie world of toxic birds, from the poisonous Hooded Pitohui to the quirky Northern Fulmar, as they reveal some of nature’s spookiest survival strategies.

Rare Night Parrot: New Colony Discovered!

An exciting discovery of a new colony Night Parrots gives hope to the survival of this ultra-rare and mysterious parrot found only in the arid parts of Australia and who comes out only at night. Once thought to be extinct, this previously unknown colony of 50 Night Parrots is a significant find.

conure perched on branch indoors

Pain In Parrots: What Parrot Parents Should Know

Parrots often hide signs of pain due to their natural instincts, making it crucial for owners to recognize subtle changes in behavior, posture, and routine to ensure their feathered companions stay healthy and pain-free.

close up on head of hyacinth macaw holding food in foot

Is Your Parrot Left-Footed?

Is your parrot left-footed or right-footed? In honor of International Left-Handers Day, let’s explore the fascinating world of foot preferences in parrots and other animals.

rainbow lorikeet perched on branch among blooms

The Roles Birds Play In Our Planet’s Health

In honor of Earth Day, let’s take a look at the many ways birds, including parrots, play vital roles in maintaining our planet’s healthy ecosystems.

two sun conures drinking from a bowl

Serving Up Fresh H2O: Water Wisdom For Bird Owners

Do you know if your feathered friend is getting enough clean, fresh water every day? Unlike dogs, birds sip water subtly throughout the day, so it’s easy to miss their intake. In this article, learn simple tips to keep your bird’s water supply contaminant-free and entice them to stay hydrated. We’ll cover optimal dish placement, frequency of changes, bath time drinking, and more ways to serve up healthy H2O for your bird.

Swainson's thrush perched on branch outside

May 4th Is Bird Day!

May 4 is “Bird Day” and is credited as being the oldest avian holiday. Let it be a reminder to take a moment to be in awe and appreciative of the birds around us, and learn of ways to help our local wild bird populations.

closeup on head of an umbrella cockatoo against green backdrop

Celebrate These Lesser-Known March Holidays With Your Bird

The month of March has some interesting lesser-known National Designation Days that seem especially apropos for pet bird enthusiasts. See what lesser-known holidays you can celebrate with your feathered companion this month!

Amazon parrot perched on person's hand inside a store

Adopting A Pet Bird Might Be Your Best Match

January is Adopt A Rescue Bird month, and these tips and facts help you share your life with a rescue bird should you decide to adopt.

head and neck of a shoebill stork looking directly at the camera with tall green grass in background

Spooky Birds You Have To See To Believe

Halloween is just around the corner, so let’s scare up some fun with a look at birds whose spooky style can be downright scary.

Webinar: The Grey Way—Food Can Be Fun!

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way—Food Can Be Fun, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will give her tips and tricks to get your bird to eat healthy foods! Sign up and tune in Friday, October 14, 2022!

Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

Don’t miss your chance to ask Dr. Tully a question about your bird’s health, nutrition, care, or behavior problem in this interactive webinar on September 30.

close up on head of a chattering lory that has wet feathers and beak is open

Summer Heat And Our Birds

Summer—that sizzling time of the year when we try to stay hydrated and perhaps indulge in water-dense foods like watermelon and other juicy fruits. When exposed to the summer heat, we might break out in a sweat and seek shade to cool our bodies down. What about our feathered friends…how do they stay cool? Here are some interesting facts about birds and heat, and tips for helping our feathered companions stay comfortable all summer long.

Amazon parrot perched on person's hand inside a store

Male Or Female? Your Bird’s Gender Goes Beyond Naming

Do you know your bird’s sex? Unlike cats and dogs, many popular parrot companions can be surprisingly hard to tell the difference between males and females by looking at them. Find out why knowing your bird’s sex can positively affect its health and well-being, and help you better understand your bird’s behaviors.

head shot of Lisa Bono with African grey parrot on either shoulder

Webinar: The Grey Way: Fun For The Holidays! Pet Bird Holiday Gift Guide

In this fun holiday webinar, Lisa Bono will showcase holiday-themed, custom-made toys for your pet birds! There will also be giveaways of toys and Lafeber products for some lucky viewers. Sign-up and tune in on December 10 for your chance to win!

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: The Familiar And The Rare—Bird Species Avian Vets Have Treated

In this episode of our Vet Insider webinar with Dr. Lamb, we’ll learn about the top 5 bird species she treats most often, and the top 5 rarest bird species she has treated. Find out what species are treated day-to-day, and how treating a rare species might be different. Sign up and tune in on November 12! [Note special time: 11:00 a.m.]

Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

Don’t miss your chance to ask Dr. Tully a question about your bird’s health, nutrition, care, or behavior problem in this interactive webinar on November 19.

side view of cockatiel on perch in cage

New Year, New Resolutions For You And Your Bird!

A new year is upon us, and with that comes new motivations for the 12 months ahead. We can use this time to think of ways we can make our lives and the lives of our feathered friends more enriched, less stressful, and healthier.

swallow flying against blue sky

Birds In The News: Parrot Feather Color Research Reveals Fascinating Finds And More

Add “birds” to your Google News alert topics–or simply search the word “bird” or “parrot” in Google to see what’s going on in the world of birds. Here are some recent “birds in the news” stories worth checking out.

close up on head of a double yellowheaded Amazon parrot

Get Work Done: Tips To Keep Your Bird Happily Distracted

As we hunker down at home to do our part in stopping the spread of the coronavirus, many of us might find ourselves in a conundrum: how exactly to get work done when our birds and other pets beckon nearby?

yellow-crowned Amazon parrot standing on perch with head tilted to side

Fun Things To Do With Your Bird At Home

To keep safe during the coronavirus pandemic, many of us face spending most of our time at home. But being stuck indoors can seem less burdensome if we look for a silver lining each day—one being the opportunity to have fun with the flock!

profile of head of a rainbow lorikeet

Lories And Lorikeets: Bold And Beautiful

Lories and lorikeets are beauties from the family Loriinae that boast some of the brightest plumage among parrots. Their personalities are also colorful, and their unique diet gives them plenty of energy to fuel their always on-the-go tendencies. Learn what else sets these vibrantly colored parrots apart.

Kakapo parrot perched in tree outdoors

Meet The Kakapo, The Lovable, Rotund Parrot With Peculiar Ways

How far would you travel for love? If you were a male kakapo parrot, you’d walk the equivalent of a 5K, as in over three miles (and that’s not counting the walk back)! A lovesick male kakapo parrot embarks on his long stroll each night during breeding season as he tries to beat out the competition for a female’s attention. Learn more about this adorable, rotund parrot with peculiar ways.

green-cheek conure walking on ground

New To Conures? Answers To Common Conure Questions

Are conures parrots? Do they talk? What size cage do they need? What food provides the best nutrition? Find the answer to these and other common questions about conures.

monk parrot or parakeet aka quaker parrot or parakeet walking

Four Parrot Behaviors That Might Baffle New Owners

Not only can parrots fly and have the ability to mimic human speech and sounds, but they are also capable of some seemingly perplexing behaviors that don’t fit the typical dog or cat pet mold. Here are four parrot behaviors that bird stewards are likely to encounter that might seem baffling at first.

kea parrot standing on pavement with beak open

Meet The Kea: New Zealand’s Naughty Alpine Parrot

Let’s talk about a parrot that might be scary to some people—one that can be carnivorous, resides where no other parrot dare ventures and, for fun, seems to enjoy wreaking havoc on the tourists who visit.

two zebra finches perched side by side on a branch

Birds In The News

Consider adding “birds” to your Google News alert topics. Doing so might just lead you to some fascinating finds. Here are some recent “birds in the news” stories worth checking out.

conure sitting on woman's shoulder

Celebrate Your Bird April 11

April 11 is National Pet Day — a day to shower your pet with some extra love!

sulphur-crested cockatoo standing on perch

Cockatiels Are Cockatoos, Too

You might have a cockatoo in your home without even knowing it! Yes, your diminutive cockatiel—the most popular pet bird in the US—is, in fact, related to the much larger cockatoos. When you take a closer look at the cockatiel, you’ll start to see the cockatoo connection.

head and should shot of a cockatoo facing the camera head-on

It’s Cold Outside! Tips To Keep Your Bird Safe And Warm

The Midwest is experiencing a rare “polar vortex” and the coldest weather in decades, which makes staying warm indoors is a must. Here are some tips to ensure that everyone, including our feathered family members, are safe and comfortable at home during this cold snap.

male green budgie and female blue budgie beak to beak

Female Budgies Prefer Puzzle-Solving Males And Other Bird-Centric News Stories

In this bird-centric news roundup, see the tricky way researchers got female budgies to ditch their preferred mates to those trained to solve puzzles, as well as learn as well as who packs a more powerful bite—T-Rex or finch? Also see how the engineering marvels of a birds’ feathers might one day inspire better adhesives and aerospace materials, and meet Alex the honking cockatiel, the viral sensation that saw his fame inexplicably explode across the internet.

close up on head of blue-fronted Amazon that is tilting head to the side

New Research: Secret To Parrot Intelligence? It’s In Their Genes

Check out what scientists are learning about parrot genes, as well as research on laughter being contagious among parrots, how parrots’ feathers evolved to be to so shiny and how some birds of prey are battling drones in their airspace in this look at this birds in the news compilation.

green male eclectus and red female eclectus outside

A Fun Look At “Spooktacular Parrots” This Halloween

It’s that spooky time of the year! Some parrot species seem to especially mesh with a Halloween theme. Here is a lighthearted look at parrot species that bring “trick or treat” up a notch.

face of blue-and-gold macaw eating

Foraging For Food Satisfies Parrots’ Appetites And Minds

Giving your feathered friend food is essential, but the way that you provide it matters, too! Will parrots work for their food? You would be surprised!

zebra finch perched on branch

Birds’ Amazing Physical Powers

If you’re a bird lover, you’ll especially find these bird-focused articles worth a read, as they showcase more bird superpowers!

plate of fried avocado slices with dipping sauce

Did Avocado Fumes Cause Bird’s Death?

As a healthy food for people, avocado is more popular than ever, and along with that comes an abundance of avocado recipes. Unfortunately, a recent bird death brings up the question, “Could fumes from frying an avocado be dangerous to pet birds?”

Amazon and African grey parrots perched on metal food bowls

Healthy Habits We Can Learn From Our Birds

Looking for some healthy habits to try in the year ahead? Good news! Chances are you have your very own health coach living with you right now — look no further than your feathered friend!

four Puerto Rican parrots in cage

Newsworthy Bird Stories

Do a Google news search with the key words “parrot” or “bird.” You might be treated to some fascinating and downright entertaining bird stories — perfect topics to read aloud to your pet bird!

budgie on perch in cage beside cuttlebone

Back-To-School Shopping For Your Pet Bird

End of summer means school is back in session; a time when stores are full of school essentials. See how some basic school supplies can help up your game when it comes to caring for your pet bird.

quaker (aka Monk) parakeet on a rope toy

Four Things You Should Never Do In Front Of Your Pet Bird

Four things you should never do in front of your bird (and one thing you should do!) to promote the health and happiness of your feathered pal.

Fictitious Birds Should Eat Healthy Too

The Minecraft video game had a parrot problem — the parrot characters were fed chocolate chip cookies! See which movie parrots were also fed no-no foods.

reed warbler perched on branch feeding a cuckoo in nest

Birds That Deceive To Get Ahead

The first day of April is notable mostly because that is the day of the year where pranks and deception rule the day. With that theme in mind, there are plenty of instances in nature where animals have evolved to be deceptive as a survival tactic. Here’s a look at bird species that use trickery to get ahead.

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