Bird Resources

Contents

Species

Finch

Society Finch

Society finches make wonderful pets for bird lovers who appreciate their social nature, gentle disposition, and entertaining antics. Society finches are generally non-aggressive and can coexist peacefully with other small, friendly bird species. They are not known to be territorial ...
Derbyan parakeet; derbyan parrot

Derbyan Parakeet

The vibrant Derbyan parakeet, garbed in jewel tones with inky mustache feathering, inhabits Asia's highland forests. These medium-sized birds boast high intelligence and emotional sensitivities to match. As companions, these curious energetic birds needs plenty of healthy stimulation! ...
Scarlet-Chested Parakeet

Scarlet-Chested Parakeet

With brilliant rainbow plumage, the scarlet-chested parakeet captivates bird enthusiasts as an exquisite Aussie species. But behind the male's dazzling blue, red, and green hues lies an introverted yet gentle personality. Females charm with more subtle earthy tones of green ...
lineolated parakeet, linnie, barred parakeet

Lineolated Parakeet

With their gentle nature and comparably quieter vocalizations, lineolated parakeets have earned a reputation as one of the more easygoing small parrots. At rest, they strike a distinctive horizontal stance, heads aligned with tails - a mellow match to their ...
Bourke's parrot; Bourke's parakeet

Bourke’s Parrot

Bourke's parrots have a reputation for being one of the mellower of the parrot bunch in terms of vocalizations and attitude. They tend to be most quiet during the day and active at sunset and dawn. They are often referred ...
portrait of cockatiel, African grey parrot and conure

Parrot

You might think you know what a parrot is, but do you? Learn about parrot characteristics, behavior, care needs, and more. These feathered companions have more to offer than you might guess! ...
Goffin's Cockatoo

Goffin’s Cockatoo

Goffin's can also be a bit mischievous and can be quick learners. Don't be surprised to find that your Goffin's cockatoo quickly learns to open the cage after seeing you unlatch the lock ...
Vasa Parrot

Vasa Parrot

Among companion parrots, vasa parrots are the most peculiar in looks, with their truncated bodies and long necks. Vasas are active birds that need spacious accommodations as well as playtime with their people and toys to keep their inquisitive minds ...
Indian ring-necked parakeet

Psittacula

Psittacula are primarily green, with long tail feathers, and a ring of dark colored feathering around the neck. Psittacula are referred to as parakeets, but they are much larger than what many people think of with the word "parakeet." ...
Crimson Rosella

Crimson Rosella

The crimson rosella's colors are eye-catching, and its whistle sounds are equally enchanting ...
Crimson Rosella

Rosella

With their vibrant colors, rosellas are hard to overlook. A rosella will charm you with its whistles, too! ...
Golden-Mantled Rosella

Golden-Mantled Rosella

If you want a gorgeous bird for an aviary or habitat setting, or have the space in your home to give this bird the appropriate room, then the golden-mantled rosella might be the bird for you ...
Alexandrine parakeet

Alexandrine Parakeet

Loyal, playful and talkative are words used to describe the Alexandrine parakeet, which can also learn tricks and is inclined to show off its acrobat skills ...
Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus

Eclectus parrots look like they are straight out of a Dr. Seuss book! Their feathers have a fur-like appearance and their colors are bright red for females, and bright green with a 'candy corn' colored beak for males. Aside from ...
Hahn's Macaw

Hahn’s Macaw

A Hahn's macaw's personality is much like that of its larger macaw cousins — bold, fun, active — but in a more manageable size, which makes this parrot a popular companion ...
White-Capped Pionus

White-Capped Pionus

Don't overlook the white-capped Pionus parrot as an companion. While it might not demand your attention as other parrots do, a well-socialized white-capped Pionus can certainly be an outgoing and social family pet ...
Blue-Headed Pionus

Blue-Headed Pionus

Blue-headed Pionus can be laid-back, relatively quiet parrots, which makes them ideal for those who live in apartments ...
Blue-Headed Pionus

Pionus Parrot

The Pionus parrot is the best kept secret of the bird world. It’s got all of the good qualities of the popular companion species, with few of the negative aspects that often occur with parrots ...
Caique, white-bellied caique

Caique

Caiques have been called clowns of the bird world for good reason — the clown is a truly appropriate metaphor for this high-energy, medium-sized mischief maker. You haven't seen playful until you've seen a caique in action ...
Poicephalus

Senegal Parrot

With its yellow irises and blocky head, the Senegal parrot can have an intense look. But don't let its gaze fool you into thinking this bird is always uptight. Senegal parrots can be outgoing and playful and are the most ...
Poicephalus

Poicephalus

Poicephalus might not want to cuddle, but they can be playful and outgoing, and many certainly love to be petted ...
Meyer's Parrot

Meyer’s Parrot

The Meyer's parrot might prefer to watch things from afar instead of being the center of attention. This bird is happy sitting quietly on a perch, destroying a toy. Meyer's can be social, too, and tend to bond with everyone ...
Quaker Parakeet

Quaker Parakeet

It's a pity that quaker parakeets are outlawed in some cities and states because this social parrot's talking ability and intelligence rivals the much more expensive African grey and Amazon parrot ...
Pacific Parrotlet

Pacific Parrotlet

Pacific parrotlets are very spirited, and can become aggressive if left for too long without handling. Even though it is tiny, do not underestimate the strong beak – its bite is much stronger than a budgie. These pint-sized parrots don't ...
Pacific Parrotlet

Parrotlet

The parrotlet parrot might be small in size but it is big in personality. These pint-size parrots are bold and assertive, and they can learn to talk, too ...
ring-necked Dove

Dove

Doves are ideal for someone who wants a bird, but cannot accommodate the needs of a parrot (noise, one-on-one social interaction). Their interactions are fun to watch and some consider their cooing pleasant ...
Ring-Necked Dove

Ring-Necked Dove

A ring-necked dove can make a great pet for those looking for a companion bird with an easy-going nature, potential to be hand-tamed and gentleness. If you like the sound of cooing,this might be the bird for you! ...
Diamond Dove

Diamond Dove

For a dove species, the diamond dove is surprisingly small, but eye catching nevertheless, especially with its prominent red eye ring. Many find its soft cooing a pleasant alternative to a boisterous parrot ...
song canary

Song Canary

The song canary is one of the most popular in the canary group, and is typically sought out for its beautiful melodic song. As the name implies, song canaries are bred to sing, specifically male canaries. Female canaries vocalize mostly ...
red-factor canary

Red-Factor Canary

The red-factor canary's body-type appears to be just like the other canaries, but with one special trait – when fed a special diet, this canary's coloring can change ...
canary

Canary

The canary has been a favorite among bird keepers for hundreds of years, and has been bred into more than 200 breeds, much like dogs have, each breed prized for a particular skill or appearance ...
Red Lory

Red Lory

The red lory's playful personality and beautiful appearance make this high-energy parrot a favorite among bird fanciers and the more advanced pet bird owners alike ...
Rainbow Lory

Lory

The lory personality is intense, in general. This is not a shy species. The rainbow lory is bubbly and enthusiastic, the “coach” of the bird world, encouraging play whenever its favorite human is around ...
Rainbow Lory

Rainbow Lory

The rainbow lory is one of the most stunning and beautiful companion birds available today. Lories, in general, need more care and attention than your more common companion birds due to their highly specific dietary and housing requirements. However, they ...
Indian ring-necked parakeet

Indian Ring-Necked Parakeet

The Indian ring-necked parakeet is not a shy bird, and does best with an owner who appreciates an outgoing companion that is not afraid to demand what it wants! Indian ring-necks can also be quite talkative ...
Goffin's Cockatoo

Cockatoo

Pet cockatoos are often referred to as "velcro" birds because of their highly sociable nature and borderline obsessive need to be around the people in their lives. A cockatoo is a loving but demanding bird ...
cockatiel

Cockatiel

There's a reason why the cockatiel is one of the most popular companion birds — this slender Australian parrot can be both cuddly and bold. Cockatiels can also be curious and, at times, feisty. With a cockatiel in the house, you ...
Umbrella cockatoo

Umbrella Cockatoo

The umbrella cockatoo certainly makes a charming, affectionate pet, but it’s not for everyone. An umbrella cockatoo demands attention and needs an owner who can set boundaries ...
Moluccan cockatoo

Moluccan Cockatoo

Moluccans would like nothing more than to be sewn to your body 24 hours a day. They crave attention and love, and can become obsessive because of this trait ...
parakeet budgie

Budgie (Parakeet)

The budgie (parakeet) is often thought of as a "beginner bird," however, this social, outgoing little bird deserves just as much care and attention as larger parrots. Budgies are playful, love food and they can rival any parrot in terms ...
Zebra Finch

Finch

Finches are the perfect alternative for those wanting a feathered pet but not prepared to take on the challenges of caring for a parrot. Finches don't talk and are hands-off birds, but they delight their owners with their aerial antics ...
owl finch

Owl Finch

As their name suggests, owl finches look like little owls with their distinctive markings. These are curious and social little birds ...
Gouldian finch

Gouldian Finch

The Gouldian finch is prized primarily for its gorgeous plumage. This small bird is available in a variety of striking, vibrant colors ...
Zebra Finch

Zebra Finch

Zebra finches are the most popular finch species due to its availability and price. This cute, little striped finch has been kept in captivity for more than a 100 years ...
Fischer's lovebird in profile

Fischer’s Lovebird

The Fischer’s lovebird has plenty of energy and can be a loyal friend if interacted with regularly. While energetic, Fischer's tend to be gentler than other lovebird species, especially when in an aviary environment ...
peach-faced lovebird

Peach-Faced Lovebird

The popular peach-faced lovebird exudes a big personality in a small body. Peach faces love their playtime and positive interaction with their people. A peach-faced lovebird has a "busy beak" and might be inclined to tear up strips of paper ...
Fischer's lovebird

Lovebird

A lovebird might be one of the smaller parrot species available as a companion pet, but this bird is inquisitive and seemingly always on the go. As their name suggests, lovebirds are known for the loving, attentive bond they tend ...
orange-winged Amazon parrot

Orange-Winged Amazon Parrot

Orange wings can be spunky and outgoing, but they tend to be mellower and less talkative compared to other Amazons. Like most Amazon parrots, they are social eaters and will appreciate the opportunity to share in healthy meals with their ...
yellow-naped Amazon parrot

Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot

Their outgoing personalities make yellow-naped Amazons one of the more popular Amazon species. Yellow napes can be talkative and gravitate toward toys that challenge them both physically and mentally. They also enjoy plenty of interaction with their people ...
lilac-crowned Amazon parrot

Lilac-Crowned Amazon

The lilac-crowned Amazon is one of the smaller Amazon species and tends to have a smaller voice compared to the larger, more boisterous yellow-crowned and double yellow-headed Amazons. Lilac crowns can be loyal companions and, like most Amazons, have hearty ...
double yellow-headed Amazon parrot

Double Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrot

There's nothing shy about a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot. These birds are talkative, boisterous and inclined to burst out in song. Males are known for doing what is best described as a mach strut — tail feathers flared out, sliding across ...
yellow-naped Amazon parrot

Amazon Parrot

Amazon parrots are among the more popular medium-sized parrot species, which might have something to do with their gregarious personalities. They are often described as boisterous, playful, and outgoing — some even like to sing. Male Amazons have a reputation ...
scarlet macaw

Scarlet Macaw

The scarlet is a “sassy” bird, filled with energy and personality. It’s highly intelligent, as well as a capable escape artist ...
hyacinth macaw

Hyacinth Macaw

The hyacinth macaw stunning cobalt-blue coloring and massive size will cause anyone to pause and take notice. Bright yellow around the eyes and at the base and the corners of the beak makes the largest of the macaw species appear ...
green-winged macaw

Green-Winged Macaw

The green-winged macaw is among the largest macaw species. Its large beak can be intimidating, but this macaw has a reputation as a gentle giant ...
sun conure

Sun Conure

The sun conure is bold in both appearance and in personality. Suns are known for their vocalizing, which can be loud a times, as well as their playfulness and adventurous nature ...
jenday conure

Jenday Conure

Jenday conures have a reputation for being a little more laid back than other conures, but that's not to say that they don't enjoy and expect plenty of interaction with their people. Like most conures, they appreciate bird toys that ...
green-cheeked conure

Green-Cheeked Conure

Green-cheeked conures can be outgoing and comical, but they can also be a little shyer than other conures. These birds love their play and will appreciate a good rotation of toys and a spacious cage to run around ...
blue-crowned conure

Blue-Crowned Conure

The blue-crowned conure has a large vocabulary and high intelligence to match. This species is known as one of the better talkers in the conure family, though it can be a little difficult to understand ...
green-cheeked conure

Conure

Conures, which vary in size from small to medium, often charm people with their playfulness and inquisitive personalities. They generally like to be where the household activity is, which can include mealtime and hanging out with their favored people ...
blue-and-gold macaw

Blue-and-Gold Macaw

The blue-and-gold macaw is aptly named, with a gorgeous blue body and dark lemon-yellow chest, this is a bird that’s hard to miss. It also referred to as the blue-and-yellow macaw ...
green-winged macaw

Macaw

Macaws' big size and vibrant colors make them hard to overlook. These social birds can create a racket when they feel so inclined, and their clownish ways are sure to draw attention. Although their large beaks can be intimidating, a ...
African Grey parrot

African Grey Parrot

The African grey parrot's ability to talk and mimic sounds makes this medium-sized parrot a captivating companion. African grey owners often report that their greys oftentimes talk in context and seem very attuned to their people's emotions. The African grey ...

Latest Articles

crow, black bird

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African grey parrot, African grey, grey

Inide Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Being Sensitive to the World as Your Bird Sees It

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rose-winged parakeets, rose wings

Surprising Adaptations: Study Sheds Light On How City Birds Reacted to Covid-19

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duck, mallard

Avian Thermometers – How Birds Regulate Body Heat Through Legs & Beaks

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Flaco the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, owl

NYC Mourns Its Celebrity Owl Flaco After Sudden Tragedy

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Goffin's cockatoo in a cage

New Study Dives Into The Reasons Why Parrots Dunk Their Food

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Webinar: The Grey Way: Greys & Hormones Live Q&A

Webinar: The Grey Way: Greys & Hormones Live Q&A

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Webinar: Translating Parrot: Hormonal Parrots - Just the Facts!

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Avian Vet Insider: The Pressures of Being a Parrot - Hormones Made Me Do It!

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Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

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African grey parrot

The Story of Dr. Pepperberg & Alex the African Grey Turned Into A Play!

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg reflects on the upcoming play "Beyond Words," which dramatizes her remarkable 30-year research relationship with Alex, the infamous African grey parrot who took the world of animal behavior research by storm. Dr. Pepperberg ...
Eurasian eagle-owl

One Year Out, Flaco is Still Central Park’s Resilient Owl About Town

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Swainson's Thrush, song bird

Building Design Can Guide Birds to Safer Skies

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African grey parrot; African grey, grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Always Have a Back-Up Plan for Cold Weather!

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sun conure, sun parakeet

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight January 2024: The Sun Conures of Guyana

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Ultimate Avian Artworks? Lego® Macaw Build Kits Offer Fun & Decor

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Webinar: Phoenix Landing 2024 Wellness Retreat – A “Can’t Miss” for Bird Owners!

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Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

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Amazon parrot

Study Explores The Brain Pathways Of Parrots’ Vocal Abilities

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green jay

Green Jays Venture From the Tropics

The tropical green jay, a brightly plumed bird normally at home in Southern Mexico and parts of Central America, now appears to be on the move to the north to Texas. As winter weather softens with climate shifts, San Antonio ...
owl caught in Christmas tree

Family Discovers Young Owl in Christmas Tree

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The Holidays Bring A New Animated Film To The Screen With "Migration"

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blue-and-gold macaws in outdoor habitat

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Technology & Companion Animals

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Jennifer Cuhna and cockatoo Ellie

Ellie the Cockatoo Reads & Writes

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Scarlet macaw, scarlet parrot

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight December 2023: The Parrot Release Network

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Kittiwake seabird manmade ocean nest site

Innovative Ocean High-Rise Nests Help Endangered Birds

Danish firm Ørsted constructs offshore “birdscrapers” with observation blinds to monitor struggling species like the kittiwake up close. Their sci-fi seabird sanctuaries showcase compassionate environmental innovation ...
blue lorikeet; blue lory

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight November 2023: The Blue Lorikeet of the Cook Islands

This month’s Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to the Cook Islands, where Conservationist Luis Ortiz-Catedral recently conducted field research on the vulnerable Kurāmo'o lorikeet, also referred to as the blue lorikeet, on the tropical Cook Islands paradise of ...
black and white image of a dinosaur skeleton of a "terror bird"

Unearthing a Dinosaur Bird’s Tracks

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Webinar: Translating Parrot: Behavior 101 - Why Does My Parrot Do That?

Webinar: Translating Parrot: Behavior 101 – Why Does My Parrot Do That?

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Translating Parrot: The Challenges of the Green-cheeked Conure

Translating Parrot: The Challenges of the Green-cheeked Conure

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Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

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Webinar: Fun for the Holidays! Annual Pet Bird Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway – Special Time 11AM PST

Webinar: Fun for the Holidays! Annual Pet Bird Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway – Special Time 11AM PST

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 Wednesday, December 20th, for your ...
African grey parrot, grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: How Grey Parrots Produce Human Speech

Journey inside the avian vocal tract as Dr. Irene Pepperberg explains how African grey parrots miraculously produce human speech ...
Bird Names Changed to Welcome All Nature Lovers

Bird Names Changed to Welcome All Nature Lovers

The American Ornithological Society made a momentous decision - renaming over 70 North American birds to remove honorific references to controversial historical figures. Motivated by rising awareness of harmful biases, the AOS will eliminate commemorative common names that may perpetuate ...
trailer image for the documentary, "Black Cockatoo Crisis"

Documentary Sounds Alarm to Save Australia’s Disappearing Black Cockatoo

In just 20 years, Western Australia’s majestic black cockatoos could disappear completely. From 10,000 left, populations plummet as habitat loss and persecution from farmers decimate their numbers. One filmmaker's quest to save the critically endangered species offers a lifeline. Learn ...
Santa Marta conure, Santa Marta parakeet

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight October 2023: Colombia’s Santa Marta Conure

This month's Lafeber Global spotlight takes us to Colombia, where we learn how three organizations have banded together to expand local involvement to build shared stewardship for the endangered Santa Marta Conure. As habitat loss poses increased risk of declining ...
African grey parrot named Athena

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Athena’s Shock Over Her First Egg!

When Athena the African grey parrot laid her very first egg, it took everyone by surprise - including Athena herself! As her caretaker and renowned animal cognition scientist Dr. Irene Pepperberg shares, Athena reacted with apparent shock. Athena's curious response ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: The Truth About Toxins

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: The Truth About Toxins

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Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

Get your avian health and care questions answered by renowned veterinarian Dr. Tom Tully in our live interactive webinar on Friday, November 17! Dr. Tully will share his extensive expertise to help bird owners provide the best care ...
African grey parrot, grey

After 3 Years Apart, Chatty Parrot Reunites with Family

After three agonizing years apart, a missing African grey parrot was finally reunited with his owner in France - all thanks to one miraculous stroke of luck and an unexpected connection. Learn the heartwarming story of Jako's unbelievable journey and ...
Red crown, Amazon parrot

Cities as Unlikely Havens: Red-Crowned Amazon Parrots Take to Urbanization

New research reveals an unexpected ray of hope for the endangered red-crowned Amazon parrot. A study found over 650 birds have relocated to urban areas of Southern Texas, finding favorable habitats in cities. Researchers believe suburban migration could save the ...
head and shoulder shot of Black Palm Cockatoo. Bird has large black beak, dark gray feathers and upright crest on head

Wild Palm Cockatoos Woo Mates With Improvised Drums

Male palm cockatoos in the wild put on an elaborate musical show to attract mates, reveals a fascinating new study. These charismatic Australian parrots perform an energetic mating dance while vocally serenading females. But the real surprise comes when they ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: Geriatrics - Is My Parrot a Senior & What Should I Do?

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: Geriatrics – Is My Parrot a Senior & What Should I Do?

Get valuable insights on senior bird care from avian vet Dr. Stephanie Lamb in this free webinar. Dr. Lamb will share tips on nutrition, common issues, and what to watch for in aging birds, using her expertise to help bird ...
Webinar: The Grey Way—The Older Grey 

Webinar: The Grey Way—The Older Grey 

Learn how to care for your aging African grey parrot in this free webinar with parrot expert Lisa Bono, focused on maximizing comfort and quality of life for older greys. Lisa will share insider tips on identifying age-related issues, determining ...
Webinar: Translating Parrot: Choosing, Adopting & Bringing Home An Older Parrot

Webinar: Translating Parrot: Choosing, Adopting & Bringing Home An Older Parrot

Join us October 20 with renowned parrot expert Pamela Clark and learn insider tips for adopting and caring for an older companion bird. Pamela will guide you through the process, from choosing the right age and species to integrating adopted ...
Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

Have a question about your bird's health?! Don't miss your chance to ask Dr. Tully a question about your bird's nutrition, care, and well-being, or simply tune in to learn more about maintaining good health in our avian companions in ...
chestnut-sided warbler, warbler

The Birder’s Curse of the “Nemesis Bird!”

Even the most dedicated birders have that one elusive species that manages to evade detection time and again. Referred to as a "nemesis" bird, this frustrating feathered foe repeatedly thwarts sighting attempts. While finding a nemesis bird can become an ...
Alala crow

Brave Conservationists Protect Maui’s Rare Birds from Raging Fires

When wildfires recently raged around Maui's Bird Conservation Center, staff bravely worked through the night to protect the facility's precious avian residents. As flames encroached within 150 feet, staff utilized hoses and extinguishers to safeguard the center, home to many ...
African grey parrot; African grey, grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Griffin & Athena’s Wild Weekend Getaway

Dr. Irene Pepperberg's latest blog takes us along on a chaotic parrot road trip! She recounts the comedy and challenges of a weekend getaway with her world-famous African grey parrots, Griffin and Athena. Finding exotic pet-friendly lodgings was just the ...
Translating Parrot: The Best Life - Tips & Essential Practices for Parrots of All Sizes

Translating Parrot: The Best Life – Tips & Essential Practices for Parrots of All Sizes

Don't miss our free live webinar on September 22 with renowned parrot expert Pamela Clark to gain invaluable, practical tips on understanding parrot behavior and providing the best care. This interactive session will help parrot owners of all levels learn ...
Kakapo parrot, flightless parrot

Unlocking the Kakapo’s Genetic Code: A New Approach to Conservation

The mysterious Kākāpō parrot teeters precariously close to extinction, with less than 250 left on earth. Now, scientists have cracked their genetic code, hoping DNA secrets can help save the species. By sequencing their genome, researchers gain insights to boost ...
sun conures, conures

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 ...
Hummingbird

Hummingbird Migration is Underway—How You Can Help!

Hummingbirds might be small, but they are certainly mighty when it comes to their feats of flight! You might be familiar with their zooming around plants and trees, but did you know that they also use those rapid wing beats ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: ExoticsCon - What's New in Avian Medicine?

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: ExoticsCon – What’s New in Avian Medicine?

Join us live September 15 for a special webinar with Dr. Stephanie Lamb as she gives us a recap of the recent ExoticsCon 2023, a veterinary conference focusing on Exotics Medicine. This is your chance to learn about the latest ...
Lisa Bono webinar November 10, 2023

Webinar: The Grey Way: Ask Lisa Anything About Greys!

There are many sides to African grey parrots—highly intelligent, capable of being brilliant mimickers, sometimes full of shenanigans...the list goes on and on. In this episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono will channel her years of experience living with ...
Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

Webinar: Ask the Vet with Dr. Tom Tully

Have a question about your bird's health?! Don't miss your chance to ask Dr. Tully a question about your bird's nutrition, care, and well-being, or simply tune in to learn more about maintaining good health in our avian companions in ...
African grey parrot, African grey, grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Delayed Gratification in African Grey Parrots

The infamous Marshmallow Test showed that young children who can delay gratification (waiting 15 minutes earned them an extra marshmallow) are more likely to succeed later in life. But can parrots also learn to delay gratification? In her latest blog, ...
great green macaw, green macaw

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight August 2023: Colombia’s Great Green Macaws

This month’s Lafeber Conservation Spotlight takes us to Colombia, where the Horizon Conservation Foundation has set its sights on increasing the numbers of Great Green Macaws in two of its native regions. A major initiative is to determine the macaws' ...
book cover for The Black Cockatoo with One Feather Blue

Children’s Book Aims to Help Glossy Black Cockatoos

The beautiful glossy black cockatoo, native to Australia, is threatened by habitat loss, and its population has declined significantly in recent years. Author Jodie McLeod has written a children's book that aims to raise awareness of the plight of the ...
orange-bellied parrot, orange belly

Call For Volunteers in Tasmania To Help Conserve Orange-bellied Parrots

Volunteers are a vital part of conservation efforts, including helping endangered birds like the orange-bellied parrot, which is critically endangered in its native Tasmania. If you’ve ever dreamed of putting up nest boxes and assisting researchers, a program offered by ...
Webinar: Translating Parrot: Cockatoos – Unraveling the Mysteries

Webinar: Translating Parrot: Cockatoos – Unraveling the Mysteries

Join us on August 4 for an exciting new Lafeber webinar series, "Translating Parrot," which focusses on Parrot Behavior & Wellness with Pamela Clark, a well-known author, speaker, IAABC Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant & retired CVT. In this episode, Pamela ...
Webinar: Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

Webinar: Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

Have a question about your bird's health?! Don't miss your chance to ask Dr. Tully a question about your bird's nutrition, care, well-being and other health-related topic in this interactive webinar on August 11! ...
Webinar: The Grey Way — But I Read It on the Internet! Part 1

Webinar: The Grey Way — But I Read It on the Internet! Part 1

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, presents Part 1 of her 2-part webinar on "But I read it on the Internet!" While there is a wealth of pet bird information to be found online, ...
Webinar: The Grey Way — But I Read It on the Internet! Part 2 

Webinar: The Grey Way — But I Read It on the Internet! Part 2 

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, presents Part 2 of her webinar on "But I read it on the Internet!" While there is a wealth of pet bird information to be found online, Lisa ...
Parrot Cares for Kittens Found in Nest Cavity

Parrot Cares for Kittens Found in Nest Cavity

When Brazilian farmer Josemar Milli and his wife rescued two Amazon chicks from the wild more than a decade ago, they didn’t foresee that one of those chicks would grow up to be a parrot mom to three kittens. As ...
African grey parrot, grey

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: UK Does National Parrot Awareness

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg offers a look at the first-ever Parrot Awareness Week recently held in the UK, an event that featured daily campaigns on parrot-centric topics, such as nutrition, healthcare, and health insurance coverage for feathered ...
pigeon

Police Department in India Has Special Feathered Communications “Officers”

The Odisha police department, which is in India’s eighth-largest state by area and 11th by population, has a special communications unit like no other—a squad of 149 carrier pigeons to help keep the lines of communication open between police stations ...
A Fascinating Look at the Darkest & The Brightest Birds

A Fascinating Look at the Darkest & The Brightest Birds

In a world of black and white, two birds stand out from the crowd. The Greater Superb Bird of Paradise is the blackest bird in the world, with feathers that absorb 99.95% of light. The Eurasian Woodcock, on the other ...
African grey parrots, Congo African grey parrots, grey parrots

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight June/July 2023: The Crucial Roles of IUCN & CITES

We depend on local communities, scientists, researchers, and international organizations to sound the alarm when a bird species is in trouble. Two organizations that are crucial to providing reliable information on endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species are the International Union ...
mini macaw parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Is Artificial Intelligence the New Dr. Dolittle? 

In her latest blog. Dr. Irene Pepperberg shares some of her takeaways after taking part in a Zoom meeting with members of the Earth Species Project, which uses AI to develop ways to understand nonhuman communication. Dr. Pepperberg discusses the ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Enrichment & Building Trust Through "Trick" Training

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Enrichment & Building Trust Through “Trick” Training

Sign up and tune in on Friday, July 14, for our latest webinar episode of Avian Insider with Dr. Stephanie Lamb. Dr. Lamb will discuss how teaching your bird simple behaviors or tricks not only offers enrichment and build trust ...
Webinar: Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

Webinar: Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

Have a question about your bird's health?! Don't miss your chance to ask Dr. Tully a question about your bird's nutrition, care, well-being and other health-related topic in this interactive webinar on July 21! ...
Webinar: NEW Series! Translating Parrot: Travel - Is it Right for Your Bird?

Webinar: NEW Series! Translating Parrot: Travel – Is it Right for Your Bird?

Join us on July 28 for an exciting new Lafeber webinar series, "Translating Parrot," which focusses on Parrot Behavior & Wellness with Pamela Clark, a well-known author, speaker, IAABC Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant & retired CVT. In her premiere episode, ...
birder, birding, Christian Cooper

National Geographic To Air New Birder Television Series with Extraordinary Birder

National Geographic is soon to launch a new birding series on Nat Geo Go (formerly referred to as National Geographic Channel) called “Extraordinary Birder” with NYC-based birder Christian Cooper. Cooper will share his love of birding with viewers as he ...
aerial view of mural featuring parrots on a home in England

UK House Exterior Completely Painted With Mural Of Parrots

As the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” One look at Gordon Squires’ home in the city of Peterborough, England, and it’s obvious that his heart and home belong to his love for his feathered family members. He ...
orange-bellied parrot chicks

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight May 2023: The Endangered Parrots of Australia

This month’s Lafeber Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to Australia, where the Difficult Bird Research Group (DBRG) is working to help conserve four at-risk parrot species: the orange-bellied parrot, the swift parrot, the superb parrot, and the palm cockatoo ...
red-tailed hawk, Pale Mel the red-tailed hawk

Famed NYC Red-tailed Hawk Known As Pale Male Has Died At Age 32

Central Park’s most famous hawk resident has passed away at age 32. Pale Male, aptly named by a bird watcher who noted his unusually light-colored head feathers, had been a park fixture since his park arrival in the early 1990s ...
African grey parrot; African grey; grey; Dr. Pepperberg's research lab

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: ZOOMing Amongst Parrots

Dr. Irene Pepperberg's research has helped to change the way we think about parrots and their intelligence— that parrots are capable of learning complex concepts and using language in a meaningful way. In her latest blog, she talks about her ...
cockatiel, a cockatiel named Ginger

Cockatiel’s Crooning Goes Viral in Mash-Up Video Duet

Musician David Scott, under the band named The Kiffness, has racked up millions of video views by using snippets of animal videos that have gone viral online in their own right and turning them into infectious songs. A crooning cockatiel ...
May 4th is Bird Day!

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 ...
Webinar: The Grey Way — My Bird Wants That! But Does Your Bird Need That?

Webinar: The Grey Way — My Bird Wants That! But Does Your Bird Need That?

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will go over pet bird products and foods that might not be in the best interest of your bird, no matter how much your bird, or you, might ...
Webinar: Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

Webinar: Ask the Vet 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 June 16! ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider — "Symptoms" & What They Might Mean

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider — “Symptoms” & What They Might Mean

Join us on June 23, when Dr. Lamb will discuss why a vet visit is in order whenever your bird exhibits any type of symptom, or change in behavior, appetite, or appearance. Sign up and find out why on June ...
Quaker Parakeet

Monk Parakeets Exhibit Social Standing Behaviors In New Study

A recently published study sheds new light on the pecking order in parrots and factors that might change flock dynamics. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati observed interactions among flocks of captive monk parakeets (also commonly referred to as quaker ...
African grey parrot; African grey, grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Toy Making—by a Parrot

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg dishes on African grey Griffin's preferences when it comes to foraging toys—or lack thereof. Unlike his flockmate Athena, African grey Griffin isn’t much of a toy lover. He prefers the basics like construction ...
grey-chested parakeet; grey-chested conure

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight April 2023: The Grey-Breasted Parakeet of Brazil

This month’s Lafeber Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to Brazil, home to the grey-breasted parakeet (Pyrrhura griseipectus). This beautiful species of conure is critically endangered, with its humid mountain forest range reduced to a mere 13% due to habitat ...
Webinar: The Grey Way—Bling that Cage!

Webinar: The Grey Way—Bling that Cage!

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will offer tips to help bird owners bling out their bird's cage. Sign up and tune in Friday, May 5, 2023! ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Free Feeding or Meals — What is Best for Parrots?

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Free Feeding or Meals — What is Best for Parrots?

Join us on May 12, when Dr. Lamb will tackle a new trend of feeding meals to parrots, where they only have access to food for each meal rather than free feeding (having food available at all times). Which is ...
Webinar Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM

Webinar Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM

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 May 19! ...
cockatiel

A Billy Joel Song Helps Bring Lost Cockatiel Home

One lucky cockatiel’s love for a Billy Joel song helped reunite him with his owner. See the unusual spot where this cockatiel, aptly named Joel, landed and how he made his way back home ...
geese, mallards, Canda geese, and a swan on and near the water with snow

Blossom The Widowed Goose Finds New Love

Blossom the goose was a lonesome “widow” wandering the grounds of Riverside Cemetery in Iowa after Bud, her partner of many years, passed away. To help the lonely goose, cemetery staff put the word out that they were seeking a ...
great green macaw

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight March 2023: The Great Green Macaws of Costa Rica

This month’s Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to Costa Rica, where the locals, who refer to themselves as “Titos” are deeply driven to protect their native lands and animals, including the majestic Great Green Macaw. Learn how María ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider— The Avian Musculoskeletal System

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider— The Avian Musculoskeletal System

Join us on April 14 to learn all about your bird's musculoskeletal system. Dr. Lamb's discussion will include the mechanics of flight and common problems she encounters in pet birds. She will cover fractures and how to deal with them, ...
Webinar: The Grey Way—An Owner’s Guide to an Avian Vet Visit

Webinar: The Grey Way—An Owner’s Guide to an Avian Vet Visit

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will offer tips to help bird owners prep their birds for a stress-free visit to the vet. Sign up and tune in Friday, April 21, 2023! ...
Webinar Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM

Webinar Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM

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 April 28 ...
African grey courtesy Dr. Irene Pepperberg

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Zoom Calls with African Greys Griffin & Athena

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg describes what it’s like to connect with African grey parrots Griffin and Athena over video call. She recounts that just like many people pivoted from in-person meetings to Zooming during COVID her cognitive ...
white parrot, umbrella cockatoo, 'too, cockatoo

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! ...
glossy black cockatoo

Australian Boy Fights To Help Save The Glossy Black Cockatoo

A 12-year-old from Australia has taken the initiative to help save the dwindling habitat of glossy black cockatoos from further land development. Spencer Hitchen, an avid photographer, has campaigned to stop new construction that impacts an expanse that contains some ...
Eurasian eagle-owl

Central Park Zoo’s Wayward Eurasian Owl Finds Itself at Home in NYC’s Central Park

Flaco, the male Eurasian eagle-owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, is showing that he can make it on his own after taking up residence in NYC’s Central Park. After eluding capture for two weeks, zoo officials are throwing ...
Avian Vet Insider: Pet Bird Hormones Top 10

Avian Vet Insider: Pet Bird Hormones Top 10

Spring will soon be here and along with it, pet bird enthusiasts might start to notice changes in their birds' behavior. Join us on March 17 to know what might be going on with your bird as Dr. Lamb gives ...
CANCELED Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

CANCELED 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 March 24 ...
Webinar: The Grey Way—African Grey Hormones Top 10

Webinar: The Grey Way—African Grey Hormones Top 10

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way—African Grey Hormones Top 10, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will help bird owners navigate their birds' hormones as we head into spring! Sign up and tune in Friday, March 31, 2023! ...
face of Goffin's cockatoo

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Tool Use in Parrots

Dr. Irene Pepperberg gives us her take on new research about tool use among Goffin's cockatoos. She talks about the propensity for tool use among other parrot species and the reasons why cockatoos might be more inclined to use tools ...
quaker parakeet

Can Parrots Recognize Each Other’s Voices?

We know the voices of friends and family, but how well do parrots recognize each other’s “voices?” Fortunately, a biological survey undertaken by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, along with four scientists, gives us some insight ...
yellow-headed Amazon parrot

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight February 2023: Yellow-Headed Amazons of Belize

Yellow-headed Amazon parrots are fairly common as pet companions, but their wild counterparts are quickly declining in their native habitats. This month’s Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to Belize, where the Belize Bird Rescue (BBR), in close collaboration ...
Lego macaw parrot

Coming Soon! LEGO® Parrot Build Kit

Parrot aficionados can thank a LEGO® builder enthusiast for submitting their prototype for consideration of a mass-produced kit that has come fruition and will be available for purchase starting March 1, 2023. The kit is called LEGO Creator 3in1 Exotic ...
Amazon parrot

Adopting A Pet Bird Might Be Your Best Match

January is Adopt a Rescue Bird Month... although "re-homed bird" might be a better term, as not all birds in a need of a new home were in need of rescuing! There are many companion birds who need (and deserve!) ...
African greys, grey parrots

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Understanding & Using Human Speech

In her latest blog[, Dr. Irene Pepperberg talks about a less scientific category but nonetheless worthwhile one when it comes to wrapping our minds around parrot intelligence. The "by chance category," is filled primarily with anecdotes as opposed to behavior ...
Cape Parrot

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight January 2023: The Cape Parrot of South Africa

In December 2022, South Africa named the Cape parrot as its Parrot of the Year. This unusual and highly endangered species (Poicephalus robustus) inhabits isolated patches of forest in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Naal and Limopo areas of South Africa, the ...
Avian Vet Insider: Feather Disorders in Pet Birds – Special Time 11AM PST

Avian Vet Insider: Feather Disorders in Pet Birds – Special Time 11AM PST

Join us on February 10, when Dr. Lamb will discuss feather disorders in pet birds. Dr. Lamb will first explore the various problems that can occur with feathers. She will discuss infectious diseases, nutritional problems, odd disorders, and yes, even ...
Webinar: The Grey Way: Behavior - Why Understanding Instinct is the Key

Webinar: The Grey Way: Behavior – Why Understanding Instinct is the Key

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way—Why Understanding Instinct is the Key, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will help bird owners unravel the mysteries of parrot behavior! Sign up and tune in Friday, February 17, 2023! ...
Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

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 February 24 ...
Pigeon, war Pigeon

A Look Back at the Most Famous Pigeon of All

Thanks to their unique homing abilities, carrier pigeons were used during both the First and Second World Wars to transport messages back to their home coops behind the lines. Perhaps the most famous pigeon of all, Cher Ami, delivered a ...
Araripe Manakin, manakin

Spotlight On the Ultra-Rare Araripe Manakin

The critically endangered Araripe Manakin was first discovered in 1996. This striking rare bird is native to a small area of Brazil, where it faces threats from agriculture and other land development ...
white parrot, umbrella cockatoo, 'too, cockatoo

Pet Bird Owner Reporting Fuels New Study on Vocal Learning in Parrots

A new study fueled by parrot owner responses shows that many companion parrots use words in context and can even build phrases off of their vocabularies. The study conducted using a database of 900 pet parrots’ vocal abilities based on ...
cockatoo, umbrella cockatoo

Izzy the Cockatoo’s “I Love You” Melts Hearts

Izzy the 31-year-old umbrella cockatoo has gained fame via a TikTok video. Izzy’s simple “I love you” has garnered 270,000 views. After 30 years in a loving home, Izzy found her way into a Florida animal rescue and particularly into ...
African grey parrot, Congo grey, grey parrot

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Congo African Greys of Nigeria

This month’s Lafeber Conservation spotlight takes us to Nigeria, where conservationist Ifeanyi Ezenwa has turned his love for nature into becoming a conservationist to help African grey parrots in their native area ...
crow, American crow, black bird

Crows Are Even Smarter Than We Thought!

In the latest study to gauge Covid intelligence, crows outsmarted monkeys. Researchers discovered that crows are quite adept at the cognitive ability referred to as recursion—that is, they can distinguish paired elements within larger sequences, which was once thought to ...
migratory flock, migration, flying, flock, migratory birds

Advances in Bird Tracking Takes Flight & Offers New Insights

Tracking migratory birds has advanced far beyond the days of visual sightings recorded by ornithologists and dedicated bird watchers with eyes to the skies. See how a collaborative network using a central radio telemetry system is helping scientists and researchers ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider – Respiratory Disease in Pet Birds (Special Time 11AM PST)

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider – Respiratory Disease in Pet Birds (Special Time 11AM PST)

Join us on December 2, when Dr. Lamb will discuss common infectious diseases including aspergillosis and chlamydia that are known to classically affect the respiratory system. She will also cover allergic airway disease to bring more awareness to this disorder, ...
Webinar: Fun for the Holidays! Annual Pet Bird Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway

Webinar: Fun for the Holidays! Annual Pet Bird Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway

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 Tuesday, December 20th, for your ...
Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

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 December 16 ...
cockatoo

Gang Gang Cockatoos Benefit From the Australian “Twitchathon” Race

The Twitchathon, an annual birding competition in Australia, recently brought together birders from birdwatching groups near and far for a friendly competition broken down into different divisions to see which teams could identify the most birds in the given time ...
African grey parrot, grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Comparing Contrafreeloading in Kea & Grey Parrots

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg tells us about a study in which African greys Griffin and Athena, along with a few companion greys, were tested to see if they would work for food just for the fun of ...
Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Yellow-Naped Amazons of Guatemala

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Yellow-Naped Amazons of Guatemala

This month’s Lafeber Conservation spotlight takes us to Guatemala, where One Earth Conservation, an organization co-founded by LoraKim Joyner, DVM, and Gail Koelln, carries on the fight to save yellow-naped Amazons in their native region ...
Spooky Birds You Have to See to Believe

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 ...
Two green Amazon parrots cling to pet carrier and a white, green and yellow Caique parrot clings to a pet carrier

Saving Parrots From Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian leveled a bird sanctuary in Florida, but its dedicated owners, Will Paratino and his partner Lauren Stepp, find help—and the boats needed—to evacuate hundreds of parrots off their island home. See how Project Dynamo was hatched to get ...
African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Play Is the Thing—If It Is the Right Type!

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg talks about individual preferences when it comes to parrots and toys. She gives us a glimpse of African greys Griffin and Athena’s favorite toys and their play styles. From paper and spoons to ...
Webinar: The Grey Way—Planning a Parrot-centric Holiday!

Webinar: The Grey Way—Planning a Parrot-centric Holiday!

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will talk about all the ways you can cater to your pet birds and give them their own holiday fun and feasting! Sign up and tune in Friday, ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Holiday Hazards for Pet Birds (Special Time 11AM PST)

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Holiday Hazards for Pet Birds (Special Time 11AM PST)

In this free webinar, Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) will discuss holiday hazards for pet birds. Learn about some of the things to watch for and holiday-related cases that vets treat in this insider’s view of the holiday ...
Dr. Tully webinar

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 18 ...
budgie, parakeet head

For Parakeets, Smart Males Get the Females

What do birds look for in a mate? For female budgies, problem-solving ability appears to make males more attractive. From a revolutionary standpoint, it might serve birds well to opt for partners that show good foraging prowess. See the tricky ...
African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Alex’s Number Concepts—Part IV

In her last installment of "Alex's Number Series," Dr. Irene Pepperberg reveals Alex's numerical abilities that have yet to be demonstrated by any other nonhuman—quite a feat! Read on to find out how Alex the African grey parrot was the ...
Webinar: University Vet Insider—Experiences of an Exotics Pet Vet

Webinar: University Vet Insider—Experiences of an Exotics Pet Vet

Get a "bird veterinarian's eye view" as Joerg Mayer DVM, MS, DABVP(ECM), DECZM, DACZM joins us from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine where he works in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Zoological Medicine ...
Webinar: The Grey Way—Food Can Be Fun!

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! ...
Our 100th Webinar! Dr. Lamb Joins Us Live from Macaw Recovery Network in Costa Rica

Our 100th Webinar! Dr. Lamb Joins Us Live from Macaw Recovery Network in Costa Rica

Join us on October 21 for a very special webinar with Dr. Stephanie Lamb. Dr. Lamb kickstarted Lafeber's weekly webinar series back in 2020 and will help us celebrate our 100th webinar by broadcasting live from the field at the ...
CANCELLED Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

CANCELLED 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 October 28 ...
Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Timneh Grey Parrots in Sierra Leone, Africa

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Timneh Grey Parrots in Sierra Leone, Africa

This month’s Lafeber Conservation spotlight takes us to Sierra Leone, Africa, where the World Parrot Trust (WPT) is hard at work developing conservation strategies to help save endangered Timneh African grey parrots. This includes protecting their habit and protecting them ...
White budgie, white parakeet

The Man Who Sustained the Life of a Parakeet in an Egg

“I found a tiny budgie egg at a pet shop. If I could incubate it, would I be able to raise it? With these big human hands?" That’s the intriguing question posed at the beginning of the popular YouTube video ...
African grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Alex’s Number Abilities—Part III 

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg takes us back once again to her studies with Alex, her African grey protégé, and his impressive numerical abilities ...
image of white raptors in mid flight from the Audubon Photography contest 2022

The Beauty of Birds: The 2022 Audubon Photography Awards Winners Revealed

The Audubon Photography Award Winners for 2022 were recently revealed, and the images are stunning. In total 2,400 images of birds from across the U.S. and Canada were submitted, with photographers vying for one of eight coveted prizes across five ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Kidney Disease in Pet Birds

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Kidney Disease in Pet Birds

In this free webinar, Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), will talk about kidney disease in pet birds, such as common kidney problems, including various infectious causes, toxins, nutritional disorders, and metabolic disorders that lead to kidney damage. Sign ...
Webinar: The Grey Way: Exercise Your Parrot to Good Health

Webinar: The Grey Way: Exercise Your Parrot to Good Health

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will offer exercise tips and tricks for getting your flock up and moving! Sign up and tune in Friday, September 23! ...
Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

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 ...
wild birds at feeder

Study Of Salmonella in Urbanized Birds Offers Insight & Hope

Fresno State biology professor Dr. Tricia Van Laar found direction for her next research project in her own backyard when she came across a sick finch that later died. She not only set out to find the cause but it ...
Popular Wingspan Board Game To Offer Asia Expansion Set

Popular Wingspan Board Game To Offer Asia Expansion Set

In the card-driven board game Wingspan, players are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to their network of wildlife preserves. The newest offering from the creators of Wingspan is Asia Expansion, which ...
Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Scarlet Macaws of Tambopata, Perú

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Scarlet Macaws of Tambopata, Perú

This month’s Lafeber Conservation spotlight takes us to Perú, where the Macaw Society has been researching and advancing the conservation of the scarlet macaw (Ara macao macao) inside the Tambopata National Reserve, southeast Perú, for over 20 years ...
Webinar: The Grey Way: By the Numbers – Managing a Multi-Bird Household

Webinar: The Grey Way: By the Numbers – Managing a Multi-Bird Household

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will offer tips and tricks for managing a multi-bird household. Sign up and tune in Friday, August 12! ...
Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

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 August 19 ...
August 26, 2022 Webinar

Webinar: A Unique Learning Retreat for Pet Bird Owners

In this webinar, our special guests Lisa Bono, CPBC, Ann Brooks, and Dr. Susan Orosz will discuss education as the key to being the best bird steward. You will go behind the scenes at the most recent Phoenix Landing Wellness ...
chattering lory; lorikeet

Summer Heat & 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 ...
African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Alex’s Numerical Abilities — Part II

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg takes us back to when Alex, her African grey protégé, and his numerical abilities: The challenge this time required that Alex comprehend the auditorially presented symbolic numeral label (e.g. “6”) and use its ...
parrot chick

Study Shows That Baby Parrots Babble As Much As Human Babies

Parrots are already known for being among the best mimickers and vocal learners. Now a recent study sheds light on how parrot chicks incorporate a "practice makes perfect" routine early on in their development. Researchers in Venezuela tracked the vocalizations ...
Disabled Parrot Finds His Footing With Help From Dedicated Med Student

Disabled Parrot Finds His Footing With Help From Dedicated Med Student

Mumble, a blue Indian ring-necked parakeet, captured the hearts of over 2 million with a TikTok video documenting his first steps. Learn the back story of this special parrot who has overcome physical challenges since Day 1 ...
Spix's Macaw sitting on a tree branch

Rare Spix’s Macaws Reintroduced Back Into The Wild!

The last Spix's macaw sighting in the wild was over 20 years ago. But, thanks to an exciting reintroduction program, this critically endangered parrot is once again flying free in its native habitat. Eight adult Spix’s macaws have recently been ...
African grey parrot Alex sits on top of cage bars

Dr. Pepperberg’s Avian Cognition Lab Celebrates 45th Anniversary!

The Alex Foundation celebrates a special milestone this week — the 45th anniversary of when Dr. Irene Pepperberg began her groundbreaking collaboration with Alex the African grey! In this very special blog, Dr. Pepperberg takes us back to the early ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider — Liver Disease In Pet Birds

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider — Liver Disease In Pet Birds

In this free webinar, Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), will talk about liver disease in pet birds, such as common liver disorders, including fatty liver syndrome, liver infections, toxins, and cancer. She will also discuss which testing your ...
Webinar: Avian Bornavirus? Avian Ganglioneuritis?: One Last Q&A! – Special 2-Hour Webinar!

Webinar: Avian Bornavirus? Avian Ganglioneuritis?: One Last Q&A! – Special 2-Hour Webinar!

In this special, 2-hour webinar Susan Orosz Ph.D., DVM, DABVP (Avian), DECZM (Avian) and Bob Dahlhausen, DVM, will answer questions submitted by viewers during their last webinar on avian bornavirus(ABV) /avian ganglioneuritis(AGN). The doctors will then answer your questions related ...
Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

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 July 29 ...
yellow wild bird perched on stick chirping

The Studied Art Of Earbirding

When you think of the popular pastime of birding, images of folks with binoculars aimed up at a tree as they zero-in on a bird typically come to mind. However, there’s more to birding than what meets the eye. Earbirding ...
two lovebirds on branch

New Study Proves Parrots Employ The Use Of A Third Limb

As most parrot people know, our feathered companions use their beaks for more than just eating and shredding toys and destroying whatever else they might find. They also use it to get around. A recent study officially bestows parrots the ...
Webinar: Comprehensive Anatomy Research Project — New Findings To Advance Veterinary Medicine, Part 2

Webinar: Comprehensive Anatomy Research Project — New Findings To Advance Veterinary Medicine, Part 2

Dr. Echols will join us once again to give us an update on the Grey Parrot Anatomy Project, which aims to create an accurate physical and digital anatomy reference of the African grey parrot. He has some exciting new findings ...
Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

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 June 17 ...
Webinar: The Grey Way: Summer Safety — Keeping Pet Birds Safe In The Sun

Webinar: The Grey Way: Summer Safety — Keeping Pet Birds Safe In The Sun

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will give us an insider's view of a unique educational wellness retreat catering to pet bird stewards. Sign up and tune in Friday, June 10! ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: Nutraceuticals — Natural Medications for Pet Birds 

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: Nutraceuticals — Natural Medications for Pet Birds 

In this free webinar, Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), will talk about the use of natural supplements as medications for pet birds. Sign up and tune in on June 3! ...
blue Indian ring-necked parakeet perches on back of a chair

TikTok Sensation Hamlet The Indian Ringneck Brightens The Day

Hamlet the Indian ring-necked parakeet has become a viral sensation with his goofy antics and cartoonish vocalizations. See how this feathered TikTok star brightens the day for many ...
Dr Pepperberg nose to beak with African grey named Griffin

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Alex’s Numerical Abilities — Part I

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg talks about how African grey Alex didn't learn his numbers in the traditional sense, especially when compared to young children. Alex’s number studies were unique in many ways, which also allowed him to ...
wild great green macaw flying

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Great Green Macaws of Costa Rica

This month’s Lafeber Conservation spotlight takes us to Costa Rica, where the Macaw Recovery Network (MRN)is leading the charge to help increase the population numbers of the great green macaw. For a critically endangered species like the great greens, every ...
African grey parrot naps on t-stand

Lost African Grey Parrot’s Return Home Brings Joy To Her Special Human Friend

An unexpected event caused Precious the African grey parrot to take flight and vanish into the great outdoors. Two anxious days passed before Precious was reunited with her family. Precious is more than a family companion — she has become ...
Steller's sea-eagle bending forward on perch outside

The Bird-Watching Bracket — 64 Birds Whittled Down To One Winner

Which bird is the one birders want to see in the wild most in 2022? Bird Watching Magazine held a bracket contest to find out! ...
two African grey parrots eating a treat on a table

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Hatchday Celebrations — Updated!

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg emphasizes the mantra "happy lab equals happy parrots!" and the importance of celebrating milestones — both for the humans and the birds. This can be a challenge when working around revolving volunteer schedules ...
close up head and shoulder image of a perched cockatoo

New Study On Birds Links Large Brains With Longevity

A ground-breaking study undertaken by researchers at the Max Planck Society is the first to demonstrate a direct link between brain size and longevity. By creating a massive database, the research team was able to glean reliable estimates of the ...
Webinar: Pet Bird Housing: Interior Design — Setting Up The Cage For Action

Webinar: Pet Bird Housing: Interior Design — Setting Up The Cage For Action

Learn how to set up your bird's housing with enrichment and foraging opportunities. Our special guest, Ann Brooks, will offer tips for making the cage an active place for your bird to forage and play, as well as ways to ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: Common Medications Your Vet May Prescribe & Why

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: Common Medications Your Vet May Prescribe & Why

In this free webinar, Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), will talk about some of the most common medications that are prescribed for or administered to pet birds ...
***** POSTPONED ***** Webinar: Avian Bornavirus? Avian Ganglioneuritis?: One Last Q&A! Special 2 Hour Webinar

***** POSTPONED ***** Webinar: Avian Bornavirus? Avian Ganglioneuritis?: One Last Q&A! Special 2 Hour Webinar

In this special 2-hour webinar, Susan Orosz Ph.D., DVM, DABVP (Avian), DECZM (Avian), and Bob Dahlhausen, DVM, will answer questions that were submitted by viewers during their last webinar on Avian Bornavirus(ABV) /Avian Ganglioneuritis(AGN). The doctors will then answer your ...
African grey parrot standing on table in front of paint canvas

Echo The African Grey Parrot Is Zoo’s “Artist In Residence”

The Maryland Zoo has its very own artist in residence — Echo the African grey parrot. Parrots thrive when offered enrichment opportunities, which can include an assortment of toys, one-on-one interactions, foraging activities, trick training, and more. Echo's go-to activity ...
side view of perched Kea parrot

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: New Zealand Keas

This month’s Lafeber Conservation spotlight takes us to New Zealand, where the NZ Parrot Trust is leading the charge to help increase the population numbers of the curious and sometimes mischievous Kea parrot — the only mountain parrot species in ...
Exotic Birds Get Help In Ukraine Crisis

Exotic Birds Get Help In Ukraine Crisis

Poland-based veterinarian Aleksandra Kornelia Maj has gone to great lengths to help evacuees of the Ukraine region who are entering Poland with their pet parrots. Dr. Maj offers free veterinary care to refugee birds, as well as remote help ...
African grey parrot Alex

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Alex’s Communication Skills

In her latest Lafeber blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg shares Alex the African grey’s impressive grasp of words and his eagerness to expand his vocabulary. Learn more about Alex’s passion for learning, how his time in the lab differed from that ...
Webinar: Comprehensive Anatomy Research Project — New Findings To Advance Veterinary Medicine

Webinar: Comprehensive Anatomy Research Project — New Findings To Advance Veterinary Medicine

In this special follow-up webinar, Dr. Echols will give us an update on the Grey Parrot Anatomy Project, which aims to create an accurate physical and digital anatomy reference of the African grey parrot. He has some exciting new findings ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider — Cardiovascular Disease In Pet Birds, Part 2 (12 p.m. PDT)

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider — Cardiovascular Disease In Pet Birds, Part 2 (12 p.m. PDT)

In this free webinar, Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) will continue her talk about Cardiovascular Disease in pet birds, focusing on the questions that viewers submitted during Part 1 of this discussion. Find out the answers to these ...
Webinar: The Grey Way: Let's Talk Toys — Choosing Safe Toys

Webinar: The Grey Way: Let’s Talk Toys — Choosing Safe Toys

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will discuss how to choose the right type of toys for your birds. Sign up and tune in Friday, April 22, 2022! ...
Webinar: Ask The Vet With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM

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

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 April 29 ...
Animated YouTube Series Features Two Bickering Parakeets

Animated YouTube Series Features Two Bickering Parakeets

Those of us who share our homes with multiple birds know that bickering among the flock can be par for the course. Artist Greg Capin gives his own spin on the chatter among birds with his humorous animated YouTube series, ...
blue-and-gold macaws

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Urban Birds Project–Macaws In The City Of Campo Grande, Brazil

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to the metropolitan city of Campo Grande, Brazil, where the Instituto Arara Azul is helping wild blue & golds and other macaws thrive in the city. As human encroachment consumes many parrot species' native ...
Goffin's cockato

Cockatoos Learn To Golf In New Study

A new study by the Goffin Lab at the Messerli Research Institute in Vienna's University of Veterinary Medicine gives new meaning to the golf term "Birdie" — Goffin's cockatoos who know how to putt-putt to score a prized cashew reward ...
Avian Vet Insider: Parrots & Hormones — Is It Time For “The Talk”?

Avian Vet Insider: Parrots & Hormones — Is It Time For “The Talk”?

In this free webinar, Dr. Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), will revisit a very important topic–hormones! How do you recognize hormonal behavior and what can you do about it? Can you cuddle your bird? Find out the answers to ...
Avian Bornavirus? Avian Ganglioneuritis? Your Questions Answered!

Avian Bornavirus? Avian Ganglioneuritis? Your Questions Answered!

In this webinar, our special guests, Susan Orosz Ph.D., DVM, DABVP (Avian), DECZM (Avian), and Bob Dahlhausen, DVM, will provide a brief review on Avian Bornavirus(ABV) /Avian Ganglioneuritis(AGN) and how it can affect various parrot species ...
Lisa Bono March 18 webinar

Webinar: The Grey Way: Greys & Hormones — Does My Grey Love Me Too Much?

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will walk us through the first signs of hormones and how to address hormonal behavior, as well as why it is important to know the sex of your ...
Dr. Tully webinar

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 March 25 ...
African grey, Grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Do My Parrots Enjoy Their Tasks & Training?

Dr. Irene Pepperberg addresses two questions she is often asked: Do her African grey parrots, Griffin and Athena, enjoy the tasks they are given in her cognitive behavior research lab, and are they afforded time in their day to just ...
cockatiel

Ollie The Cockatiel Takes On Epic Fundraising Trek Across New Zealand

Ollie the rescue cockatiel, with his colorful hand-knitted outfits, is off on an epic adventure. He and his human steward, Robyn Chappell, are trekking across New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail to raise awareness and money for the trail's maintenance. See ...
blue footed boobie bird

Texas Woman Sets Bird-Watching Record & Aims To Make Birding Safer For Women

In the birding community, a "big year" is a personal challenge to identify as many species of birds as possible by sight or sound, within a single calendar year and within a specific geographic area. Texas native Tiffany Kersten not ...
Amazon parrot

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 ...
Bogey The Cockatoo Thrives After New Procedure To Heal Chronic Cloacal Prolapse

Bogey The Cockatoo Thrives After New Procedure To Heal Chronic Cloacal Prolapse

Bogey, a 23-year-old umbrella cockatoo, is enjoying good health once again after undergoing a new procedure to alleviate persistent cloacal prolapse that plagued the 'too for 16 years ...
Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Echo — The Parrots & People Of Bonaire

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Echo — The Parrots & People Of Bonaire

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to a small island in the Caribbean — Bonaire, home to the yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot. The conservation group Echo is dedicated to ensuring a stable and growing population of this endangered parrot by reducing ...
Avian Vet Insider: Cardiovascular Disease In Pet Birds–Special Time 11 a.m. PST

Avian Vet Insider: Cardiovascular Disease In Pet Birds–Special Time 11 a.m. PST

In this episode of our Vet Insider webinar, Dr. Lamb will talk about cardiovascular disease in pet birds. Sign up today and tune in ton February 11 to find out how cardiovascular disease can affect companion birds and preventive measures ...
Webinar: The Grey Way: The Healthy Grey – Keeping Your Bird Healthy & Happy

Webinar: The Grey Way: The Healthy Grey – Keeping Your Bird Healthy & Happy

In this webinar episode, Lisa will discuss the steps we can take to create a healthy home environment for our birds, as well as why routine veterinarian exams are essential to maintaining our birds' optimal health. Sign up and join ...
Ask The Vet With Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

Ask The Vet 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 February 25 ...
aviary

Utah High School Is All About The Birds With Its Groundbreaking Aviary

The sky's the limit for learning about birds in this Utah high school, where students have the opportunity to learn about birds and participate in their daily care. Take a look inside the school's fledgling, one-of-its-kind aviary, and meet the ...
African grey parrots, grey parrots

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: The Parrots Hold Out For Bigger Treats

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg talks about the frustration — and amusement — of when the African grey parrots in her cognitive behavior research lab attempt to game the system by purposely withholding answers until they are offered ...
bird robot

Meet SNAG, The Flying Avian Robot

Many of us know parrotlets as one of the smallest parrot species, often referred to as “pocket parrots” in the world of companion parrots. Recently, these tiny dynamos were used as inspiration behind an innovative drone — essentially a flying ...
Winter Prep For Backyard Birding

Winter Prep For Backyard Birding

You can help the wild birds outside your home navigate the challenges of winter months by offering the basics: food, water, and a place to take shelter. Follow these tips to make the colder months easier for your feathered backyard ...
scarlet macaw

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Macaw Recovery Network In Costa Rica

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to Costa Rica, where the Macaw Recovery Network (MRN) and its teams of volunteers are monitoring and protecting the critically endangered great green macaw across Costa Rica, scarlet macaws in Guanacaste province, and the ...
African grey; parrot and toy

Companion Parrots Need Busy Work To Thrive

A new study that included an online survey of nearly 1,400 pet parrots representing 50 species shed light on abnormal parrot behaviors like biting cage bars, pacing in the cage, and pulling out feathers. Researchers from the University of Guelph, ...
cockatoo

Helping Australia’s Gang-Gang Cockatoos Bounce Back

The colorful and petite gang-gang cockatoo might soon be listed as a threatened species after Australia's recent bushfire disasters further reduced the cockatoo's population. To help counteract the gang-gang's declining numbers, Australia's Eurobodalla Shire Council is joining the effort to ...
African grey parrot Alex

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Yes, Our Birds Mean What They Say

The most common question Dr. Irene Pepperberg encounters is if parrots truly understand what they are saying. In her newest blog, Dr. Pepperberg offers some notable experiences with African greys Alex, Griffin, and Athena that might not hold up to ...
Dr. Stephanie Lamb with Amazon and African grey

Webinar: What’s Wrong With That Bird?!? Rare And Fascinating Avian Medicine Cases

In this episode of our Vet Insider webinar, Dr. Lamb will talk about some of the rare and fascinating cases that she has seen, which can end up helping other birds with the same illness or injury in the future ...
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 ...
webinar slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 December 17 ...
scarlet macaw art

Dazzling Scarlet Macaw Cross-Stitch Wins First Place

After 1,000 hours spread over 18 months, the self-taught Philip Brill used his cross-stitching skills to create a vibrant rendition of a scarlet macaw. His hard work paid off, with a first-place award at the St. Mary’s County Art Council’s ...
Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Guatemala & the Scarlet Macaw

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Guatemala & the Scarlet Macaw

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to Guatemala, where the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has strived to help macaws by building nesting sites, monitoring fledging rates to determine macaw population, and growing support from the surrounding community through education and ...
African grey parrots

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Parrots On The Move—Again!

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg talks about African greys Griffin and Athena's recent move into a spacious two-bedroom apartment. Surprisingly, the grey who typically doesn't like change seems to be adjusting quicker than their flockmate. Dr. Pepperberg gives ...
kea parrot on ground

Can Kea Parrots Pass a Virtual Reality Test?

See how six computer-savvy kea parrots fared when challenged with a series of tasks that were either entirely physical, entirely virtual, or a mixture of both ...
Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: The Familiar & The Rare—Bird Species Avian Vets Have Treated

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: The Familiar & 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, ...
Webinar: The Grey Way: Home for the Holidays! Pet Bird Safety Tips with Lisa Bono, CPBC

Webinar: The Grey Way: Home for the Holidays! Pet Bird Safety Tips with Lisa Bono, CPBC

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will offer tips and tricks for keeping your birds safe and sane during the upcoming holiday season. Sign up and tune in Friday, November 5, 2021! ...
Webinar: Ask The Vet: Q&A with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)

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 ...
cockatoo

Crafty Cockatoos Make Their Own Utensils

Researchers at the Tanimbar Goffin Lab, located in Indonesia, noticed that some wild cockatoos were able to extract seeds from fruit found on the ground. When they brought the fruit back to their lab for their captive cockatoos, they observed ...
blue-throated macaws

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Bolivia & the Blue-Throated Macaw

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to Bolivia, where CIESA-the Endangered Species Research Center is working toward establishing a breeding program to reintroduce blue-throated macaws back to the protected area of Gran Mojos–Loreto ...
webinar 65 slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 October 29 ...
webinar 64 slide promotes Dr. Orosz and Dr. Dahlhausen

Webinar: Avian Bornavirus Part 2- A Review & More with Dr. Susan Orosz & Dr. Robert Dahlhausen

Don't miss this follow-up webinar on Avian Bornavirus. Dr. Orosz will be joined by Dr. Dahlhausen. They'll start with a brief review of Avian Bornavirus(ABV) and expand on the information from the first ABV webinar, including more about diagnostic testing ...
webinar 63 slide promotes Dr. Lamb

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—Road Trip! An Insider’s View of a Veterinary Conference

In this webinar, Dr. Lamb will give us a behind-the-scenes look at the recent ExoticsCon—an annual Veterinary conference that brings Vets & Technicians from all aspects of Exotics Medicine together to share new findings and interesting cases. Sign up and ...
webinar 62 slide promotes Dr. Mayer

Webinar: University Vet Insider—Teaching, Treating & Research with Dr. Joerg Mayer

Get a "bird veterinarian's eye view" as Joerg Mayer DVM, MS, DABVP(ECM), DECZM, DACZM joins us from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine where he works in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital & Zoological Medicine ...
webinar 61 slide promotes Lisa Bono

Webinar: The Grey Way: Keeping it Clean–Tips & Techniques for Maintaining a Healthy Environment for Pet Birds with Lisa Bono, CPBC

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, will offer tips and tricks for keeping your bird's environment clean and healthy. Sign up and tune in Friday, October 1, 2021! ...
Kea parrot

Kea Parrot With a Broken Beak Finds Ingenious Way to Preen

A partially beak-less Kea parrot in New Zealand, affectionately referred to as Bruce, appears to know the importance of self-care. Ground-breaking scientific observation has shown that this special alpine parrot has taught himself to use tools, namely pebbles, for grooming ...
scarlet macaw in flight in blue sky

The Macaw Society’s “Foster Program” is Just One Way it Helps Macaws in the Wild

Since 1999, The Macaw Society (formally called the Tambopata Research Project) at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has been dedicated to the study of macaws in the wild, with 40 scientific papers and counting. The ...
African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Birds Do Not Like to be Tricked!

Dr. Irene Pepperberg explains the "treat substitution" trick, where a treat is moved from where the test subject assumes it should be or it is switched out with a less favored treat. Learn the reasons why birds and other prey ...
11 lovebirds perched on leafless branches in a tree

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: African Lovebirds

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to Africa, where conservationists are surveying the population distribution of lovebirds, as well as helping their numbers grow with the help of nest boxes ...
Lego Kakapo Parrot

The Kakapo Parrot Gets A Lego Likeness!

A new Lego build kit gives bird lovers the opportunity to create their own Kākāpō parrot. A Lego designer and passionate supporter of the threatened Kākāpō parrot and wanted to create awareness by offering the special build ...
webinar 59 slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing the routine bird exam

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider—The Lighter Side of Treating a Pet That Can Talk Back!

In this webinar, Dr. Lamb looks at the lighter side of clinic life. While she takes each case seriously, her sometimes talkative patients can bring some comic relief. We cover some very serious topics in these webinars, but this time ...
webinar 60 slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 24 ...
two sulfur-crested cockatoos opening lid of trash can at curb

Wild Cockatoos Teach Each Other The Art Of Bin Scavenging

Recent research in Australia shows that trash cans are more like large foraging toys to sulphur-crested cockatoos. When Richard Major of the Australian Museum happened up a cockatoo using its feet and beak to ply open a garbage can, he ...
Glossy Black Cockatoo pair on branch

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Glossy Black Cockatoos of Kangaroo Island

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to Australia’s Kangaroo Island, where glossy black cockatoos are still struggling to recover from the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires that raged through their natural habitat ...
scarlet macaw on perch by cake with 14 on top

Old Man: A Scarlet Macaw Turns 74

This parrot deserves a party! A scarlet macaw, aptly referred to as Old Man, recently celebrated his 74th birthday! ...
two African grey parrots eating leaf of chard

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Dealing with Picky Eaters

Parrots, like people, have their individualized tastes in food. This includes their own interpretations of what constitutes fresh produce, as well as the order in which food should be eaten. In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg dishes on African ...
webinar 53 slide promotes Lisa Bono discussing bird sitting, boarding, and travel

Webinar: The Grey Way: Time to Travel: Bird Sitter, Boarding or Hitting the Road? with Lisa Bono, CPBC

Join us for a free webinar on August 13 with Lisa Bono, a certified parrot behavior consultant specializing in African grey parrots, as she presents Episode 4 of The Grey Way, a Lafeber Pet Birds Webinar Series focusing on Congo ...
webinar 57 slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 August 20 ...
webinar 58 slide promotes August 27, 2021, webinar: Brooke Durham on wildlife rehab of parrots in SoCal

Webinar: Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release: Wildlife Rehabilitation of the Parrots of Southern California

Our August 27 webinar will feature Brooke Durham of the SoCal Parrot, a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility near San Diego, California. She will discuss the species they work with, as well as research and conservation efforts the organization is involved ...
extreme close up view of a vulture feather

Photographer Focuses On The Beauty Of Feathers

In his "featherscape" series, photographer James Henderson offers a unique close-up of feathers as he finds perfection in the imperfect parts of a feather ...
Virginia Rose, Founder of Birdability

Birdability Strives To Make Birding Accessible To All

Learn how retired teacher Virginia Rose discovered her passion for birding and her life-changing event that fueled her mission to make birding accessible to all, no matter what mobility challenges they may face ...
kea parrot, alpine parrot

Keas: Why These Alpine Parrots Took the Mountains

Once upon a time, kea parrots lived among humans in lower altitudes. However, they ultimately settled in New Zealand's mountainous habitat, namely because it was an area least disturbed by human activity. Discover how researchers recently came to this conclusion ...
red-tailed hawk baby in nest

Up Close: Hawk Family Builds Nest on Photographer’s Balcony

What happens when a red-tailed hawk family builds a nest on a New York City photographer's balcony? We get an up-close look at birds' incredible ability to persevere in urban environments ...
african grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: When Label Acquisition Hits a Snag

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg explains the concept of mutual exclusivity—how it pertains to children and how it can be applied to parrots ...
webinar 56 slide promotes Dr. Susan Orosz's discussion of Avian Bornavirus

Webinar: Avian Bornavirus: Common Signs and Treatments

Join us Friday, July 30, for a special webinar on Avian Bornavirus(ABV) and how it can affect various parrot species. Susan Orosz Ph.D., DVM, DABVP (Avian), DECZM (Avian) will discuss this complex neurologic disease, including symptoms and some therapies that ...
webinar 55 slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 July 23 ...
webinar 54 slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing the routine bird exam

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: The Routine Pet Bird Exam

Join us Friday, July 16 for Episode 2 of Avian Vet Insider: The Routine Pet Bird Exam. Dr, Lamb will discuss what to expect for your bird’s routine exam, and more! ...
screenshot of a bird from the app Find My Birds

Teen Turns Love of Birds Into a Game

Adam Dhalla, from Vancouver, B.C., isn't your typical video-gaming teen. He's a passionate birder who wants to introduce birding to his peers. He did just that by creating a mobile gaming app available for download on smartphones that gives players ...
blue and gold macaw flying

Juliet the Wild Blue & Gold Macaw Looks for Love in Rio Zoo’s Aviary

Rio’s last wild macaw, affectionately named Juliet, is looking for love by visiting the zoo's aviary ...
hyacinth macaws

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: The Pantanal of Brazil

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to Brazil, where the Instituto Arara Azul is fighting to save the majestic hyacinth macaw in its native Pantanal region ...
african grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: What Goes into Research Design

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg explains how, when working with parrots, designing and implementing seemingly simple experiments are never as easy as one might assume ...
webinar 50 slide promotes Chris Davis' discussion of pet bird behavior

Webinar: Heart to Heart: Pet Bird Behavior Q&A with Chris Davis

In this live webinar, Chris Davis will share a behavior case or problem and then field viewers' behavior-related questions. Join us June 4! ...
webinar 51 slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing common cases avian vets treat

Webinar: Avian Vet Insider: Most Common Cases Your Avian Vet Treats

In this free webinar, Dr. Lamb will describe the most common reasons that pet bird owners bring their bird to an Avian Vet. Tune in on June 11 ...
webinar 52 slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 June 18 ...
webinar 53 slide promotes Lisa Bono discussing bird sitting, boarding, and travel

CANCELLED – Webinar: The Grey Way—Time to Travel: Bird Sitter, Boarding or Hitting the Road?

In this webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa discusses the options when planning a trip. How to choose a qualified bird sitter or boarding facility? Is taking your Grey with you an option? Preparing your Grey for a road ...
Penelope The Powerful Parrot book cover

“Penelope The Powerful Parrot” Aims to Help Families Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Brett Peppe is the author and Licensed Professional Counselor behind the well-received children’s book, "Penelope the Powerful Parrot." The book is designed to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and other potential traumas ...
two sparrows face each other on a branch outside

Cities Building Bird-Friendly Communities

To combat declining wild bird populations, some cities are making their landscapes more bird-friendly ...
African grey parrots in cage habitat

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Africa—Nigeria & the Democratic Republic of Congo

Africa is the native land to several old-world parrot species. This month we will look at the ongoing work to protect the Congo African grey in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These parrots are quite beloved and ...
African grey parrots celebrate hatch day

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: African Greys Griffin & Athena Celebrate Their Hatchdates

A Very Merry (Un-)Hatchday in CovidLand…. I felt that the title was appropriate, given that (a) everyone I know feels as though they have dropped down a "rabbit hole" this year, into a place as confusing as Alice’s Wonderland, and ...
black chicken

A Rare Bird—the All-Black Chicken

Meet the Ayem Cemani, an all-black chicken native to Indonesia’s island of Java. See why this rare bird is considered by many to be the most magnificent breed of chicken in the world ...
webinar 47 slide promotes update on wild parrots of Telegraph Hill

Webinar: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: Where Are They Now?

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill by Judy Irving (released in 2003) is a touching documentary that features the relationship between Mark Bittner and a flock of feral parrots that he feeds and interacts with within the Telegraph Hill area ...
webinar 48 slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing parrots that are picky eaters

Webinar: The Picky Parrot: Teach Your Pet Bird to Eat a Healthy Diet

If you have a picky eater, this webinar can be a game-changer when it comes to your bird's health! Dr. Lamb will offer tips and tricks to get your bird to try new foods. Sign-up and tune in on May ...
webinar 49 slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 May 21 ...
albatross sitting on chick in nest

World’s Oldest Wild Bird Raising Chicks at Age 70!

Wisdom the Laysan albatross is unique in more ways than one. She is the oldest known wild bird, having been banded by biologists in 1956. What makes her even more remarkable is that she has recently hatched and is rearing ...
webinar 43 slide promotes Lisa Bono discussing bird adoption

Webinar: The Grey Way: Adoption – A New Start with Lisa Bono, CPBC

Thinking of adopting an African grey parrot? Don't miss your chance to learn about the way of the grey with Lisa Bono, CPBC, a certified parrot behavior consultant specializing in African grey parrots. This free interactive webinar is on April ...
webinar 45 slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing what it takes to be avian vet

Webinar: Avian Medicine: What it Takes to be an Avian Veterinarian

Dr. Stephanie Lamb will share what it takes to become an Avian Vet and the specialized equipment needed in order to examine, diagnose and treat birds. If you've ever wondered what a veterinarian learns about exotics in Vet School here's ...
webinar 44 slide promotes Chris Davis' discussion of pet bird behavior

Webinar: Heart to Heart: Pet Bird Behavior Q&A with Chris Davis

In this live webinar, Chris Davis will share a behavior case or problem and then field viewers' behavior-related questions ...
webinar 46 slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 ...
two African grey parrots perching indoors

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: More on Individual Differences in Parrots

Dr. Irene Pepperberg talks about the individual preferences of the African grey parrots in her cognitive research lab. She also shares why personality differences among the flock oftentimes require using different approaches when it comes to training and testing ...
cockatoo on branch outside

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Indonesia

Lafeber’s latest Conservation Spotlight takes us to Indonesia, where The Indonesian Parrot Project (IPP) has spent the past 20 years supporting conservation efforts for many parrot species, including Moluccan cockatoos, Eclectus, various other cockatoos, great-billed parrots, and lorikeets ...
damaged beak on a parrot that's lying down

Prosthetic Beak Saves Injured Wild Parrot

An injured beak can severely impact a parrot's health—a missing beak can put a parrot in peril. Fortunately, this wild parrot got a second chance at life with the help of Paulo Roberto Martins Nunziata and veterinarian Maria Ângela Panelli ...
rainbow lorikeet (pied mutation) on ground

Spotting a Rare Beauty: Pied Mutation Rainbow Lorikeet

If you live in Australia, it's not unusual to spot native parrot species foraging in your yard. New South Wales resident Jayde Parrey, for one, is used to seeing rainbow lorikeets, but one member of a recent flock of 20 ...
African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Parrots & Vocal Learning

In her latest blog, Dr. Pepperberg explores parrots' aptitude for vocal learning, specifically how their propensity to be open-ended vocal learners means that, unlike most animal species, they are capable of learning new utterances their entire lives ...
webinar 42 slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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 interactice webinar ...
webinar 41 slide promotes Dr. Scott Echols discussing grey parrot anatomy project

Webinar: Grey Parrot Anatomy Project: An Update & Relevance to all Parrot Species

Dr. Echols will give us an update on the Grey Parrot Anatomy Project, which aims to create an accurate physical and digital anatomy reference of the African grey parrot ...
webinar 40 slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing avian reproduction

Webinar: Where do Baby Parrots Come From? A Veterinary View of Avian Reproduction

Get the lowdown on avian reproduction and associated health issues in this live webinar with Dr. Stephanie Lamb ...
webinar 39 slide promotes Chris Davis' discussion of pet bird behavior

Webinar: Heart to Heart: Pet Bird Behavior Q&A with Chris Davis

In this live webinar, Chris Davis will share a behavior case or problem and then field viewers' behavior-related questions ...
blue-and-gold macaws on tree

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight: Bolivia

Wild parrot conservation groups are working hard to protect a wide diversity of parrot species. Lafeber is committed to helping as well with our Global Parrot conservation grant. This month’s spotlight takes us to Bolivia, South America, where the Conservación ...
webinar 37 slide promotes Lisa Bono discussing African grey behavior

Webinar: The Grey Way—African Grey Behavior

Join us Friday, February 19 for a free, interactive webinar. Our guest, Lisa Bono, CPBC, owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot and an associate-certified parrot behavior consultant specializing in African grey parrots, will talk about African grey behavior and ...
webinar slide promotes Dr. Tom Tully's Ask The Vet

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

"Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)" webinar is back Friday, February 26! Dr. Tully will answer your questions about pet bird health, nutrition, care and behavior problems ...
snowy owl on perch

Rare Snowy Owl Lands in Central Park NYC

Central Park in New York City recently saw the return a fluffy white visitor after a 130-year hiatus—a majestical snowy owl! On January 27, a popular birder tweeted the arrival of a snowy owl hunkering down behind a fenced area ...
webinar 36 slide promotes Chris Davis' discussion of pet bird behavior

Webinar: Heart to Heart: Pet Bird Behavior Q&A with Chris Davis

In this live webinar, Chris Davis will share a behavior case or problem and then field viewers' behavior-related questions ...
wild bird perched on branch during snow

“Twitching” is Bird Watching at Its Extreme

There's birding, and then there's an extreme form of birding referred to as "twitching," where enthusiasts are willing to brave the elements, the costs and other obstacles to catch a glimpse of a rare bird in the wild. Learn the ...
webinar slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing sending parrot wrong signals

Webinar: Love is in the Air: Am I Sending My Parrot the Wrong Signals?

Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), will discuss the signals we send to our birds that can actually be hormonal triggers ...
African grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Some Parrots Dislike Uncertainty & Novelty

Some birds are inclined to be cautious and wary of new things, while others seem to exhibit an immediate curiosity, and still more land somewhere in between. In her latest blog, Dr. Pepperberg discusses the concept of neophobia (dislike of ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

"Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)" webinar is back Friday, January 29! Dr. Tully will answer your questions about pet bird health, nutrition, care and behavior problems ...
Starling Murmuration

Starling Murmurations: A Sight to Behold

A starling murmuration is a sight to behold. Those lucky to stumble upon a murmuration are witness to an aerial ballet of thousands of birds moving in unison, individual birds blending into a moving mass that appears to morph into ...
webinar 33 slide promotes Chris Davis' discussion of pet bird behavior

Webinar: Heart to Heart: Pet Bird Behavior Q&A with Chris Davis

In this live webinar, Chris Davis will share a behavior case or problem and then field viewers' behavior-related questions ...
African greys perched on bowl and perch

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Parrots & People—Relationships Built on Trust

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg dishes on how our feathered companions rely on their humans to not only provide the essentials such as food and water, but, in a broader aspect, a sense of security ...
webinar 32 slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing first aid for pet birds part 2

Webinar: Avian Emergency: First Aid for Your Pet Bird, Part 2

Dr. Lamb will walk us through basic first-aid skills we should all know, how to stabilize your bird until you can get it to the vet, and how to make your own first-aid kit for your birds. Tune in Friday January ...
robin wild bird

New Study Shows Birds Bring Happiness

A new study affirms what many of us bird enthusiasts already sense—wild birds give us an emotional boost. Seeing and hearing the variety of birds in our neighborhoods can make us happier, especially when we choose to engage with them ...
sun conure

New Year, New Resolutions for You & 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, ...
African greys Athena and Griffin

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Giving Thanks to the Caretakers

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg shares her thoughts on the past year as 2020 comes to a close. Despite the often daunting challenges many faced due to COVID, she writes about giving thanks to those in the animal ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

"Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)" webinar is back Friday, December 18! Dr. Tully will answer your questions about pet bird health, nutrition, care and behavior problems ...
Andrea Garcia holds up book as Amazons on perches watch

Parrots Help Bring Stories to Life

Andrea Garcia, a library aide in the Los Angeles area, has found parrots to be the perfect assistants when it comes to story time. Garcia hosts up to 32 Zoom virtual reading sessions a week for elementary school children ...
webinar 30 slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing pet bird health

Webinar: From Head to Tail – Visual Clues to Pet Bird Health

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to examine your bird from head to tail from avian veterinarian Stephanie Lamb ...
saw-whet owl wrapped in hat

Rocky the “Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Owl” Goes Home

The tiny Saw-whet owl rescued from the 75-foot-tall Norway spruce tree that was brought from upstate New York to Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center takes flight after being treated at a wildlife rehabilitation facility ...
Chris Davis

Webinar: Heart to Heart: Pet Bird Behavior Q&A with Chris Davis

In this live webinar, Chris Davis, CPBC, will share a behavior case or problem and then field viewers' behavior-related questions ...
budgie, parakeet head

Artist Leila Jeffreys Captivates with Stunning Bird Portraits

Leila Jeffreys is an artist from Australia who uses the tools of photography to create incredible portraitures of birds of all kinds The result is large prints that reveal immaculate details of the bird subject she is working with ...
webinar slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing first aid for pet birds

Webinar: Avian Emergency: First Aid for Your Pet Bird

Dr. Lamb will walk us through basic first-aid skills we should all know, how to stabilize your bird until you can get it to the vet, and how to make your own first-aid kit for your birds. Tune in Friday November ...
Thick-billed parrot in tree

Arizona Aims to Bring Back its Native Thick-Billed Parrot

The thick-billed parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) is the only surviving parrot species native to North America. This special parrot once thrived in its Arizona mountain habitat and was last seen in the wild there in 1938. It has since settled in ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

"Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)" webinar is back Friday, November 13! Dr. Tully will answer your questions about pet bird health, nutrition, care and behavior problems ...
face of African grey parrot

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Research Under COVID-Optimal Conditions

Dr. Irene Pepperberg gives us an update on how she is forging ahead despite that challenges posed by COVID-related social distancing requirements and the shutdown of her cognitive behavior research lab on the Harvard campus ...
Melissa Kauffman with Pionus parrot

Webinar: Let’s Talk Birds: A Bird Talk Magazine Reunion!

Here's your chance to go behind-the-scenes of the iconic magazine dedicated to the better care of pet birds. Our special guest Melissa Kauffman and host Laura Doering will talk about how Bird Talk's monthly issues came together and the tears ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

"Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)" webinar is back Friday, October 30! Dr. Tully will answer your questions about pet bird health, nutrition, care and behavior problems ...
rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

Birds in the News: Parrot Feather Color Research Reveals Fascinating Finds & 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 ...
Indian ringneck

Webinar: Bird Seeds Versus Pellets: What’s the Difference?

Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) will help clear up the confusion over seeds vs. pellets. Tune in Friday, October 23 ...
African grey parrot in front of computer

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Virtual Interactions with Our Parrots

Do parrots dig virtual interactions? Dr. Irene Pepperberg explains why parrots see things a bit different than us when it comes to digital platforms like Zoom, FaceTime and Skype ...
blue-and-gold macaw

Webinar: What Should I Feed? Nutritionally Balanced Diets are For the Birds!

Join us Friday, October 16, for a free webinar - What Should I Feed? Nutritionally Balanced Diets are For the Birds! ...
conure

Webinar: It’s Not All Talk: 6 Steps to Loving Communication with Your Bird & other Animals

Christine Davis, CPBC, and Dr. Ted Lafeber will share their step-by-step method of forming a stronger relationship with pet birds and all animals through loving communication. Tune in Friday! ...
macaw

Webinar: Tropical Surprise: Hint – It’s For the Birds!

This special webinar on Thursday, October 1st, features a surprise guest as well as a big announcement! One very lucky viewer will be randomly selected to win a prize, but you must be viewing live to win ...
Indian Ring-Necked Parakeet on hand

Bird Seeds Versus Pellets: What’s The Difference?

If you share your home with birds, you've likely heard that pellets or Nutri-Berries are better than seeds as a major portion of a bird's diet. What is the difference between seeds and pellets? ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

"Ask the Vet with Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian)" webinar is back Friday, September 25! Dr. Tully will answer your questions about pet bird health, nutrition, care and behavior problems ...
macaw eating Avi-Cake

Why Are Pellets Better Than Seeds For Pet Birds?

It's all about the nutrients. Find out what health problems can be avoided or minimized if you feed your bird pellets or Nutri-Berries instead of just seeds ...
conure

Celebrate National Pet Bird Day!

Dogs get their day, cats do too. Now it’s our feathered companions turn—September 17 is National Pet Bird Day. It's time to celebrate our birdie family members—here are some fun ideas to get you started! ...
three cockatiels on branch

Converting Parrots To Pellets Or Nutri-Berries In A Multi-Bird Home

If you share your life with more than one parrot and they're used to eating a mostly seed diet, use this inside info to help you convert your multi-bird household from seeds to a healthy diet of pellets or Nutri-Berries ...
Amazon parrot face

Webinar: Safety First!: Common & Hidden Dangers For Pet Birds

Join us for a free interactive webinar on Friday, September 18. Dr. Stephanie Lamb discusses common and hidden household dangers and steps to take to keep your bird out of harm's way ...
African grey parrot on man's shoulder

Artist & His African Grey Parrot Pair Up To Sculpt One-Of-Kind Pieces

A parrot’s penchant for chewing things up is nothing new. Think of all the cardboard and/or wood items your bird has destroyed throughout your time together! What is new is a famed artist turning a parrot’s “masterpiece of destruction” into ...
Iggy Pop's cockatoo posed in room that has couch, window, and guitar in behind the parrot

Iconic Musician & Cockatoo Put Their Fame To Good Use

Biggy Pop is not your average cockatoo. This 'too's companion is Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Iggy Pop, frontman for the influential punk band The Stooges. A fan of both Iggy Pop the rocker and Biggy Pop the ...
crane

The Impact of Light Pollution on Birds

The effects of light pollution—being exposed to artificial light at night—is shown to disrupt our circadian rhythms and potentially wreak havoc on our sleep-wake cycles. Artificial light also affects wildlife in ways many of us might never have imagined. See ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

Have questions about your pet bird's health or just want to learn more about the health of pet birds? Then join us August 28, 2020 for a Q&A webinar with Dr. Tom Tully ...
budgie and cockatiel sketch

Free Webinar: The Art Of The Bird — An Overview Of Small Pet Birds

Have a fondness for small birds? Join the small-bird celebration with our free webinar on Friday, August 21! Our special guest Diane Grindol, author of Bird Talk magazine’s popular “Small Birds” column as well as numerous other bird publications, will ...
African greys perched on bowl and perch

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Did Griffin Stealthily Steal Banana Slices?

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg points out the importance of paying attention to African greys Griffin and Athena's actions outside of formal cognitive behavior experiments. Case in point, Griffin's seemingly stealth maneuver to score more of a favorite ...
Dr Pepperberg nose to beak with African grey named Griffin

Special Webinar With Dr. Pepperberg Aims To Raise Funds For The Alex Foundation

Help raise funds for The Alex Foundation, and get an up-close look inside Dr. Irene Pepperberg's research lab this Sunday, August 23! This special webinar will take us inside the lab and give viewers the chance to ask Dr. Pepperberg ...
parrot face

Webinar: Fun With Foraging — How To Get Started & Fun Toy Ideas!

Join us for a free interactive webinar with Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice). You'll learn why foraging is an important part of a bird's day. Dr. Lamb will also share her tips and tricks to making foraging fun! ...
African grey parrot face

Webinar: “The Grey Way: Understanding The African Grey Parrot”

Join us this Friday for a free, interactive webinar. Our guest, Lisa Bono, CPBC, owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot and an associate-certified parrot behavior consultant specializing in African grey parrots, will present "The Grey Way: Understanding the African ...
African grey parrot on harness

Summer Safety

Many companion parrots enjoy spending time outdoors when the weather is nice as much as we do. What's more, exposure to natural sunlight can be great for your pet bird’s mental and physical health. However, before bringing your feathered friend ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

Dr. Tully will field questions from participants, so now’s your chance to ask a question about your pet bird’s health, or tune in to learn more about avian health in general ...
African grey parrot Alex

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: A Parrot’s Concept Of Same-Different

Dr. Pepperberg revisits a study done decades ago with Alex the African grey that has received renewed interest with recent studies done with children — how well do individuals understand the concept of same-different? ...
Dr. Heather Barron posed with parrot

Webinar: The Pros & Cons Of Alternative Medicine — What You Need To Know For Your Bird

Dr. Heather Barron will explore what is currently known about the herbal supplement industry, homeopathy, and other forms of alternative medicine, as well as discuss the pros and cons as presented in a review of the scientific literature ...
kakapo parrot

Sirocco The Kakapo Parrot Is Back In The Spotlight

Sirocco, the personable and friendly kakapo parrot, is back in the spotlight. New Zealand's national treasure and face of conservation is social media star, with 235,000 followers and counting ...
African grey parrot face

Vet Visit Prep: Reducing Stress For Everyone

Your bird depends on you for their care, which includes feeding nutritious foods, providing optimum housing and offering plenty of enrichment. Another important part of being a good bird steward is being prepared for vet visits ...
Dr. Joerg Mayer

Webinar: Boswell’s Journey — An Avian Cancer Survivor Story

Jörg Mayer, MS, DVM, DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), DECZM, DACZM, will share a heartwarming story about Boswell, the longest bird cancer survivor in avian history. Dr. Mayer will discuss his tailored treatment for Boswell, who was diagnosed with bone ...
Pionus parrot face

Webinar: To Board Or Not To Board — What Is Best For Your Parrot When You Travel?

Our guest Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) will discuss boarding vs. home care and traveling with your bird. What are the benefits of boarding your bird, and what are the benefits of opting for home care when you need ...
African grey parrot

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Do Parrots Show Remorse?

When a prestigious behavior journal welcomed scientists to submit anecdotal observations of nonhuman actions that suggested possible comparisons with those of humans, a recent episode with African grey Griffin sprung to mind. Did Griffin show signs of remorse after delivering ...
Indian ringnecks outside window

Mumbai Musician’s Unexpected Biggest Fans — Wild Parrots

Mumbai-based musician Jatin Talukdar had two unexpected admirers when he began to play guitar and whistle out his window — two wild parrots ...
kea parrot on ground

Kea Parrots Excel At Statistics

A new study on kea parrots, New Zealand’s native alpine parrot species, shows just how smart these famously intelligent birds are. With favored treats at stake, keas demonstrated a keen ability to act on their sense of probability to get ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

Dr. Tully will field questions from participants, so now’s your chance to ask a question about your pet bird’s health, or tune in to learn more about avian health in general ...
cockatoo

Webinar: “Indoors Or Outdoors: What Is Right For Your Parrot?”

Join us for a live, interactive webinar on Friday, June 12. Our guest, Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) will talk about taking pet birds outdoors. What are the benefits and the potential risks to pet birds? ...
finished bird room with cages and play gyms

Making Space For The Parrots: Adding On A Bird Room

What makes the perfect bird room? Find out how one woman fulfilled a childhood dream and created a wonderful space for her companion birds ...
wild bird chick in grass

Webinar: If You Care, Leave It There: Helping Baby Wild Birds

Do you know what to do if you find a baby bird? Should you leave it alone? Is it safe to bring it home? Find the answers to these important questions and more by tuning in on Friday, June 5! ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

Webinar: Ask The Vet With Dr. Tom Tully

In this re-occurring webinar on the last Friday of each month, our special guest Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian) will discuss basic bird care and nutrition, and field questions from participants ...
macaw on floor

Webinar: Flight Mechanics & Ethical Concerns

Flight in companion parrots: freedom vs. safety. Dr. Todd Driggers will share this live, interactive webinar on flight in companion birds. Dr. Driggers has spent 25 years in practice evolving his understanding of flight and how and why we are ...
cockatoo face

Why You Should Rethink Allowing Your Parrot On The Floor

Understanding our birds instinctive and their learned behaviors and knowing how to work with them can serve us well in avoiding behavior issues. A “cute” behavior that may have encouraged by the caregiver in the beginning, can become a learned ...
grey-breasted parakeet; Pyrrhura parrot

Grey-Breasted Parakeets Winning Fight For Survival

An ambitious conservation project to help save the grey-breasted parakeet saw its first success with the hatching of three nestlings in 2010, which has now led to 130 hatchings per year! See what the secret to their success has been ...
African grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Can Parrots Win At The Shell Game?

How good are you at the “shell game”... can you follow an object that is shuffled around under shells or cups? Imagine being tested on your ability to track not just one colored object but four! Dr. Irene Pepperberg shares ...
cockatiel face

Webinar: “Pet Birds & Hormonal Behavior: Part 2!”

We are hosting a live follow-up webinar this Friday, May 15! Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) will offer more tips on dealing with hormonal behavior, and answer viewer questions. Don't miss "Pet Birds & Hormonal Behavior: Part 2!" ...
Carolina wren

Become A Backyard Birder

An increasing number of people have taken up birding as a way to feel connected with the world around us and expand their knowledge of nature. Now is the perfect time to become a birder. Many top bird-centric organizations are ...
Hahn's macaw with open beak

Webinar: “Spring Is In the Air: How To Deal With Your Pet Bird’s Hormonal Behavior!”

Our special guest Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), will discuss hormonal behavior in companion birds and offer tips to help bird owners navigate hormonal surges their feathered companions might display during certain times of the year ...
green-rumped parrotlet pair

Study Suggests Parrots Name Their Chicks

We give our babies names, but do parrots also “name” their young by using distinct chirps specific to an individual chick? One scientist decided to listen more closely to what might really be going on when birds chatter. He constructed ...
Thomas Tully, DVM

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

In this webinar, our special guest is Tom Tully, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM (Avian). He discusses basic bird care and nutrition, and he fields questions from participants ...
African greys eating treat on table

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Parrots Adapt During Coronavirus Lockdown

Dr. Irene Pepperberg fills us in on how African greys Griffin and Athena, as well as she and her staff, are handling their “new normal,” albeit hopefully a temporary one. She also dishes on how they found some creative ways ...
Dr Pepperberg nose to beak with African grey named Griffin

Webinar: “Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Life In The Time of Coronavirus”

In this webinar, Dr. Irene Pepperberg updates us on how her research at Harvard on cognitive behavior is progressing and how African greys Griffin and Athena are spending their days during the COVID-19 pandemic ...
greenwing macaw on perch

Bird People Share: “What do you wish you knew before getting a parrot?”

Life with a pet bird companion can certainly be a life of adventure. You have a feathered friend with the intelligence, and often the mischievousness, of a young child. A pet that might be inclined to talk back, or perform ...
graphic of the COVID-19 virus

Webinar: “COVID-19 And Pet Birds”

Join us for a live, interactive webinar hosted by Laura Doering, former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine. Our special guest Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, how it pertains to pet ...
Amazon parrot eating leaves from perch in cage

Fresh Foraging Ideas To Try

Offering our bird's foraging opportunities with pellets, Nutri-Berries, and healthy snacks is a great way to satisfy their work-for-food instincts. Other great foraging opportunities await with fresh, edible, non-toxic plants. In the wild, part of a bird's search for food ...
Amazon parrot face

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? ...
African grey parrot

Webinar “Tune In To Your Birds Daily Habits”

Webinar: "Tune In To Your Birds Daily Habits" Date: Friday, April 3, 2020 Time: 12:00 - 12:30pm PST (double-check your local time with this time zone converter) Join us for a live, interactive webinar hosted by Laura Doering, former editor ...
African grey parrot

Tune In To Your Bird’s Daily Habits

Many of us are having to stay home from work, school and other social activities to reduce the chances of coming into contact with and spreading the COVID-19 disease. Although this time of self-isolation may be challenging, it can also ...
Dr Pepperberg nose to beak with African grey named Griffin

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Life In The Time Of Coronavirus

What’s an academic science lab to do when e-mails from the administration start popping up stating in-person instruction was to cease immediately, followed by directives to vacate the campus in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis? What if said science ...
Amazon Parrot

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 ...
macaw head, side view

COVID-19 And Pet Birds

The COVID-19 pandemic is an emerging disease with many facts still unknown. If you have questions about how it might affect pets, here's what we know so far, with tips on keeping your pet birds safe ...
conure

Parrot Yells “Fire!” To Save Family

Louie the parrot did a miraculous thing when a fire began to rage in his home; he screeched "Fire!" for the first time and alerted his household to a raging fire. Read more about Louie, his life-saving act, and his ...
African grey portrait

Comparative Cognition — The Joys & Difficulties

A lot of planning goes into creating ways to test the parrots’ intelligence to see how they perform on tasks compared to the results of those undertaken by children and primates. But what happens when two hands are required to ...
head of cockatoo

Coughing Parrot?

Do parrots cough? Cough-like noises can indicate an underlying medical issue in our feathered companions. See how parrots’ coughs are different from ours, and when to call the vet ...
lory, lorikeet

Lories & Lorikeets: Bold & 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 ...
black wild bird

Online Birding Game Lets You Compete With Other Birders

Similar to Fantasy Sports, the virtual North American Big Year is a game for birding enthusiasts. And you can compete without leaving your home! ...
Kakapo parrot

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 ...
brush fire

Can Australia’s Wildlife Bounce Back After Devastating Wildfires?

The Australian wildfires of 2019-2020 have been particularly brutal in their devastation. How have Australia's birds fared, and what are the challenges to wildlife and habitat? ...
red-lored Amazon on perch showing incorrect colors

How To Switch Or Convert Your Bird From Seeds To Pellets: Case Studies

Want to switch your parrot from seeds to pellets? Learn what to expect and several methods to try. Because birds are individuals, a method that works for one bird might not work for another ...
Green-cheeked conure

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 ...
members of sun parakeet project

The Parakeet Rangers of Guyana

One Earth Conservation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization co-founded by Dr. LoraKim Joyner, who has worked in parrot conservation for over three decades. The organization encourages communities in Latin America to support and/or get involved in parrot conservation. Here Dr ...
African grey

A Test To See If Parrots Are Willing To Help Each Other

Are parrots willing to help a fellow parrot even though there appears to be nothing in it for them? A team of behavioral scientists put blue-headed macaws and African grey parrots to the test. See which of the two species ...
African grey parrots on play gym

Why A Routine Helps The Flock & The Caregiver

A daily routine can give companion parrots a sense of security — knowing what’s in the plan for the day means they can look forward to timely meals/snacks, out-of-cage time, social interaction, and clean cages. Get inspired by the way ...
African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Can African Greys Spot Which Container Holds More Liquid?

African grey parrots Athena and Griffin are tasked with the challenge of tracking the larger amount of liquid that is poured into various containers to test their grasp of the concept of "overconservation," where the experimenter starts with different amounts ...
cockatiel

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 ...
Eclectus and Indian-ringnecked

Family With Loss Turns Sadness Into A Thriving Sanctuary

The untimely death of a parrot was the inspiration behind the Prego Dalliance Sanctuary. Monika Sangar was a first-time parrot owner when her Eclectus died suddenly from a neurological disorder. Devasted, she vowed to help parrots in need, and the ...
Carolina Parakeet

DNA Study Points to the Likely Cause of the Carolina Parakeet’s Demise

The Carolina parakeet was native to North America but, sadly, became extinct a century ago. Scientists recently sequenced the parrot's genome obtained from a specimen that was originally collected by Catalan naturalist Marià Masferrer (1856-1923) to ascertain what likely led ...
African grey parrots

Friends or Frenemies—How Well Do Parrots Interact with Each Other?

For parrots in the wild, flock dynamics include bonded pairs, siblings, and flockmates who forage for food together, play together, or simply co-exist with one another (and, of course, help keep a lookout for predators). What about companion parrots? Will ...
pygmy parrot

Smallest of the Small: The Buff-Faced Pygmy Parrot

Did you know that there is a parrot smaller than a budgie and smaller than a parrotlet? In fact, it is almost as small as a hummingbird. Check out this profile of the buff-faced pygmy parrot, which measures in at ...
Amazon parrot

Parrot Behavior Consultants: Who They Are & How They Can Help

Life with a parrot companion can sometimes mean dealing with a situation that you don't quite understand or that might be causing discord in the home. A certified parrot behavior consultant can help. Learn what it takes to be certified, ...
blue-and-gold macaw

What’s Stressing Out Your Bird?

Are changes in your household stressing out your bird? See what might cause a companion bird to be overstimulated and why you should be a super sleuth to get to the bottom of the issue ...
African grey

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Vet Visits Are Essential

Dr. Pepperberg shares her experiences with taking African greys Griffin and Athena (and Alex before them) to the vet for their well-bird health checkups, which, with their verbal communication prowess, has led to some interesting vet interactions ...
head and shoulder of Kirtland's warbler

Kirtland’s Warbler Gets Some Habitat Help

Kirtland’s warbler population has seen its numbers increase with help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Michigan Audubon Society. These, and other conservation agencies, have worked together to create a massive forest habitat and to keep the ...
kea parrot on ground

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 ...
African grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: African Grey Athena’s Unexpected Health Issue

Dr. Pepperberg dishes on a recent health scare she experienced with African grey Athena. She gives us a first-hand account of dealing with Athena's sudden feather issues to remind us that seemingly minor or temporary changes in a parrot’s environment ...
rose-breasted cockatoo; galah cockatoo

Get To Know The Galah: The Pink ‘Too

What's pink, smart, playful, and a common sight in many neighborhoods across Australia? If you said rose-breasted cockatoo, or galah cockatoo, you are correct! See how they live in the wild as well as their reputation as feathered companions ...
four zebra finches perched on 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 ...
sulphur-crested cockatoo and its X-ray

‘Too Tough: Cockatoo Survives 5 Shots From Air Rifle

A sulphur-crested cockatoo rescued in the wild in Australia beats the odds and survives five bullet wounds, including one to the head. Find out more about this tough ‘too, aptly nicknamed Mr. Cocky as a show of his resilience ...
African grey

Be Inspired By These “Special-abled” Birds

Special-needs birds are perfect in the eyes of those who care for them. The stories of Cricket, Oscar, Emma Lynn, Igor and Ren, and Thumper and Sammy prove without a doubt that they are much more than just special-needs birds ...
California condor

A Push To Save The California Condor

The California Condor, North America’s largest bird, might be small in numbers, but it has strong support in the conservation community. The Peregrine Fund has worked tirelessly since the early '80s to increase the birds' wild populations, which includes introducing ...
African grey parrot Alex

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Vocal Turn-Taking In Parrots

Do birds take turns when conversing or is this a uniquely human skill? Dr. Irene Pepperberg addresses birds' use of "countersinging" and "duets" as forms of vocal communication ...
Birds Of America exhibit at John James Audubon Center

John James Audubon Center Brings “Birds of America” To Life

The John James Audubon Center pays homage to the renowned artist and environmentalist, and, perhaps most famously, author of "The Birds of America." See what's inside this new, interactive museum and nature facility that celebrates Audubon's arrival to the area ...
face of hyacinth macaw

Bird Species At Risk In The Amazon Fires

The Brazilian Amazon is burning at a record pace, with scientists recording more than 76,000 fires in Brazil so far this year, and many other parts of South America are ablaze. Sadly, the fires are likely taking a massive toll ...
parrots in cages

Moving With Your Bird? How To Reduce Stress For Everyone

Your house is all packed up, and you’ve hired movers to transport your belongings to your new abode. All that is left now is ensuring that you and your loved ones— including your feathered family members—arrive safely at your destination ...
artist drawing of extinct parrot Heracles inexpectatus

World’s Largest Known Parrot Dwarfs All Others

Here’s one parrot you probably couldn’t host on your shoulder, or your hand for that matter. Meet Heracles inexpectatus, the world’s largest species of parrot, recently discovered by palaeontologists in New Zealand. Standing at more than 3 feet tall, this ...
African grey parrot on shelf in cage

Let’s Talk About The Weather: Parrots & Rainstorms

Dr. Pepperberg dishes on how her birds, African greys Griffin and Athena, and Alex before them, have noticeably different reactions to inclement weather. She also reveals that some wild birds have a special pressure-sensitive organ that makes them particularly in ...
albino magpie

Albino Magpie At Home In Tasmania

Meet a unique albino magpie found out of the nest at the base of a tree, and now being cared for by Trowunna Wildlife Park in Tasmania. This little bird is unique not only in color but its fondness for ...
cover of book Bringing Back The Birds

Photographer Travels The Globe To Capture “Birdscapes”

In the '60s, a Chicago-based photographer by the name of Owen Deutsch worked in the fashion industry before retiring 20 years later in 1986 to pursue other successful endeavors. In 2002, Mr. Deutsch discovered birding as a hobby, and soon ...
macaw parrot on perch by painting it made

Parrots Who Paint!

Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City has its very own Picasso, but this one is of the feathered kind! Picasso is a 12-year-old blue-and-gold macaw with a fondness for creating her own paintings on canvas. See how this creative parrot ...
bald eagle in flight with red fox in talons

Winning Bird Photos

Since 2010, The National Audubon Society has held an annual Photography Awards, inviting aspiring and professional photographers to participate. Those who are patient might just capture a once-in-a-lifetime shot ...
African grey parrot

Do Parrots Understand What You Are Saying?

Can birds understand what their people are saying and/or understand what he or she is saying? Dr. Irene Pepperberg says the answer depends on the type of interactions parrots have with their owners. Discover how the way you interact with ...
cockatoo on woman's shoulder

From “Problem Parrot” to TV Star

In 2006, Moluccan cockatoo Rocky was on the verge of being euthanized due to aggressive behavior. Fortunately, Lara Joseph, an animal behavior consultant, adopted this special ’too and worked patiently to teach him positive ways to communicate. Now Rocky stars ...
Nicobar Pigeon

The Resplendent Nicobar Pigeon

Its unique appearance, gentle demeanor, and typical fearlessness of humans makes the Nicobar Pigeon a unique and beautiful bird. Discover where this colorful bird is native, why its wild population is on the decline, and how zoos around the world ...
African grey on perch by window

Pepperberg’s Lab: African Greys Get a Skyline View

Dr. Pepperberg takes us inside her Harvard lab, where African grey parrots Griffin and Athena call home. We also get a look at their cushy temporary quarters on the building’s eighth floor, complete with a breathtaking view of the Boston ...
Wingspan board game

A Game Perfect For Bird Enthusiasts

If you like board games and birds, then Wingspan is for you. The goal of this card-driven game is to discover and attract the best birds to your aviary ...
macaw portrait

A Look at How Parrots Talk

How can some birds mimic human speech so effortlessly? Parrots’ gift of gab is especially impressive given the fact that birds do not have lips! See how birds produce pitch and sound to replicate our sounds, as well as sounds ...
cockatoo portrait

Playing With Fire: Tobacco & Pet Birds

Tobacco use, including e-cigarettes and vaping, can adversely affect a bird’s health. You might be surprised by some of the sneaky ways tobacco use and its by-products­ can adversely affect a bird’s health—see what you can do about it ...
man by birdhouse on tree

Building A Legacy One Bluebird Nest Box At A Time

Check out this inspiring story of Al Larson, who has spent four decades building hundreds of nest boxes for Western and Mountain Bluebirds. His efforts have led a documentary that aims to inspire the next generation of bluebird conservationists ...
blue-and-gold macaw on perch with one wing outstretched

Devices Like Amazon Echo Give Parrots Music On Demand

Just as music moves us, it oftentimes moves our parrots, too. With technology like the Amazon Echo, Google Home and other AI devices, you practically have an in-home DJ at the ready. See how to use these devices to help ...
African grey parrot looking at keys

Pepperberg’s Lab: When Parrots Go “Off-Script”

Dr. Pepperberg’s work with parrots revolves around reproducing behaviors using scientific methods to attain statistical significance. Of course, parrots being parrots, there are plenty of incidents where one of her African greys says or does something that perfectly captures their ...
face of kakapo chick

Rare Kakapo Chick’s Life-Saving Surgery

A kakapo chick, one of the rarest birds and the world's heaviest parrot, receives lifesaving surgery at a veterinary hospital in a risky first-of-its-kind procedure ...
eyes and nose of a dog

Birds & Other Pets: Why You Need To Be On Guard

If you share your home with companions of both the feathered and furred kind, you might long to see your pets hang out together and be best friends. But before you do, these real-life situations prove that the hazards are ...
quaker parakeet

Give Your Bird Some “Gym Time”

It’s time to think outside the cage! Add some real-estate to your bird’s indoor habitat by way of a play gym. Play gyms offer companion parrots of all sizes and species the perfect place to get wild, to chill for ...
albino penguin with two regular penguins

Behold a Rare Albino Penguin!

A one-of-a-kind albino penguin recently made its media debut at Poland’s Gdańsk Zoo. Meet the extremely rare snow-white African penguin chick and see how it is fairing with its penguin family ...
African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: When Favored Treats Aren’t Enough

What happens when a parrot is asked to repeat a task over and over …will the prospect of receiving a favorite treat be enough to keep him going? Or do parrots, even when lavishly rewarded, reach their boiling point? See ...
chicks in nest

Create a Hospitable Backyard Bird Habitat

Spring brings a bustle of action from the wildlife right outside our front doors—including birds busily building nests. Now is the perfect time to give your yard a spring makeover to create a sanctuary for wild birds to raise their ...
Jenday Conure

Celebrate Your Bird April 11

April 11 is National Pet Day — a day to shower your pet with some extra love! ...
male Eclectus close-up

Car Safety: Why Your Bird Needs to “Buckle Up”

Should Polly Ride Shotgun? The term “distracted driving” conjures up thoughts of some obvious culprits – texting, talking on the phone, eating, etc. We must also consider driving with a feathered passenger – or other pet(s) – as a potential ...
blue and gold macaws

Emotional Like Us: Parrots & Jealousy

As humans, we display a wide array of emotions that reveal our states of mind. It’s quite a sight to witness happiness in full bloom, and equally dismaying to see sadness in action. Of course, those are only two in ...
African grey headshot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Why Study Parrot Cognition?

Studies of nonhuman cognition have made, and continue to make, major contributions to our understanding of the origins and evolution of human cognitive processes, and much more. Parrot cognition studies in particular have a positive impact on pet bird care, ...
male normal gray cockatiel

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, ...
blue-and-gold macaw face

Why Parrots Dance & The Music Genre Most Birds Hate

Humans aren't the only animals who like to get their groove on. Many pet bird enthusiasts can attest to the fact that music brings out the moves in their feathered friend. And just like us, studies point to the notion ...
taxidermied passenger pigeon in museum display

Can “De-Extinction” Bring the Passenger Pigeon Back?

Martha, the last passenger pigeon died in the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914. Now, some 105 years later, scientists involved in a project titled “The Great Passenger Pigeon Comeback” hope to use CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat) technology to ...
African grey

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Mutual Exclusivity In Parrots — A Special Case Of Inference

Dr. Irene Pepperberg tests African grey parrot Griffin's cognitive skills, going beyond the concept of “inference by exclusion” to the trickier concept of mutual exclusivity (ME). Would Griffin understand that an object could, for example, be both “green” and “wool,” ...
close up head and shoulder image of a perched cockatoo

It’s Cold Outside! Tips to Keep Your Bird Safe & 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 ...
red-crowned Amazon parrot

Red-Crowned Amazon Parrots Thrive in Los Angeles

Burgeoning populations of feral red-crowned Amazons in Los Angeles inspired Conservation ecologists at UCLA to launch “Urban Ark to help city-dwelling birds adapt and thrive ...
kea parrot on ground

Meet the Kea: The “Mountain Parrot”

The Kea parrot of New Zealand fascinates many scientists with its high intelligence and choice of habitat. But the Kea is threatened and perhaps faces extinction ...
two budgies (parakeets) beak to beak

Female Budgies Prefer Puzzle-Solving Males & 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 ...
blue macaw bathing

Birds & Bathing

For birds and humans alike, bathing is one of the essential elements of day-to-day living. And like us, some birds like it, and some tolerate it—some even hate it. If you peruse YouTube, you’ll find more than a few videos ...
yellow crown amazon parrot

How Good is a Parrot’s Long-Term Memory?

How well do parrots remember situations, other parrots, and people over the course of their long lives? Dr. Pepperberg, gives us a rundown on research that points to parrots as having brain areas that function in ways similar to the ...
starlings in flight creating murmuration

In Sync: Starlings’ Mesmerizing Murmuration

Chances are, you’ve witnessed a murmuration of starlings. A murmuration is when a mass of starlings fly in a coordinated manner in what appears to be a moving black cloud. Discover how these birds are able to be so in ...
African Grey Parrot on a perch looks at two differenty sized and colored plastic cups

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Putting Parrots’ Inferential Knowledge To The Test

When her colleagues at Harvard questioned Dr. Irene Pepperberg's 2-cup test success that showed parrots are capable of inferential knowledge to make decisions, Pepperberg and students at her cognitive behavior research lab upped the ante from the 2-cup test to ...
head shot of blue-fronted Amazon parrot

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 ...
cockatoo on ground

Cockatoo Survives Storm & Wins the Hearts of Many

This tough cockatoo’s miraculous survival from a tumultuous rainstorm storm surprises the Australian farmer who thought the bird for dead and garners a swell of well-wishers from around the globe ...
caique portrait

Could a Pet Parrot Be Happy in Captivity?

Is it possible for a pet parrot to be as happy in captivity as they would be in the wild? Is parrot ownership more like prison … or could it be like a happy, perpetual childhood experience? As a bird ...
African grey parrot

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Fish &  Parrots  Outperform Apes & Monkeys

If you put parrots (specifically, African grey parrots), fish, monkeys and apes to the test on who could figure the fastest way to procure two rewards instead of one, who would come out on top? Dr. Pepperberg and friends of ...
sulphur-crested cockatoo

Cockatoo “Retires” From The Limelight At Age 82

Frosty, an 82-year-old sulphur-crested cockatoo, recently retired from entertaining audiences at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Learn more about this special 'too who was part of the original "jail birds" trained at Folsom State Prison, and for 40-plus years wowed audiences ...
male normal gray cockatiel

New Bird? 5 Ways To Get Off To A Great Start

Have a new bird, or know someone about to welcome a bird into his or her life? Setting a bird up for success as a companion pet has a lot to do with the right interactions. Learn what you should ...
bird on a fence

Make Your Love Of Birds Count

Make your love of birds count this November. Project FeederWatch invites bird fans to partake by watching birds at their feeders for two designated days per week. See what to be on lookout for and how your participation can help ...
Male eclectus

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 ...
head of cockatoo

Teach Your Bird to Communicate “Yes” and “No”

We like to make our own choices when it comes to what we eat, what we do for entertainment and everything in between. What if we could extend this power to our parrots — give them the ability to communicate ...
african grey training

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: African Grey Parrots Show Self-Control

Grey parrots may sometimes be impulsive—think about how often you may have had to give your bird multiple timeouts for the same behavior (like chewing on your sunglasses) in a very short time period. However, my students and I have ...
new jersey Audubon event poster

Bird-Watching & Conservation Go Hand-In-Hand

Annual bird-watching events contribute greatly to our understanding and observation of birds in their natural habitats. Long-established birding events, as well as new events popping up throughout the year, are valuable in that they help foster interest in our native ...
Audobon Photo award

Young Photographer’s Impressive Win at Audubon’s Bird Photo Contest

Be inspired by a young photographer whose flair for capturing birds’ natural beauty has garnered him recognition in the prestigious Audubon photography awards ...
African grey portrait

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Why Parrots Play Favorites

Dr. Pepperberg notes that she and her staff at her cognitive behavior research lab haven’t noticed a one-person tendency among her flock of birds; but she has experienced the avian equivalent of the “cold shoulder” from time to time. Get ...
Spix's Macaw sitting on a tree branch

Spix’s Macaw Among The Many Bird Species Now Extinct In The Wild

Unfortunately, the prolonged efforts of conservationists simply aren’t enough to prevent the disappearance of many of our bird species. Recently, eight species of bird were recently added to the "extinct in the wild" list — including the Spix’s macaw ...
blue and gold macaw

Parrots Blush To Communicate

Feathers are for flying, but did you know that birds might also use their feathers and blush to visually communicate with other birds as well as their human caretakers? ...
red macaw

A Buried Mystery: Researchers Discover An Ancient Macaw Breeding Facility

Archaeologists are uncovering an exciting find on northern Mexico — an ancient scarlet macaw breeding facility, which may suggest the existence of an ancient bird trade in the southwest area of the United States ...
African grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: When Parrots Speak Their Mind…Or Not

If you are the director of a world-famous animal cognitive behavior research lab, what do you do when your feathered diva doesn’t follow directions? Dr. Irene Pepperberg and her assistants start by having African grey Athena watch her flockmate Griffin ...
African greys on beach set

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Fun Fundraising Featuring The Parrots

Devising new ways to test parrots' cognitive skills is the exciting part of Dr. Irene Pepperberg and her staff's work. The challenging part is finding the exact words to sum up a study — and the even more challenging part ...
Canada Goose above a lake

Secret to Birds’ Amazing “GPS” Abilities

Science has long wondered how birds navigate; essentially what drives their internal compass? Recent research sheds light on birds’ amazing navigational abilities — namely the discovery that they can see magnetic fields ...
scarlet macaw in flight in blue sky

Scarlet Macaws Soar Once Again In Mexico

Of Mexico’s more than 40 protected biosphere reserves, the Tuxlas region of Veracruz, Mexico, is one devoted to the re-introductions of scarlet macaws back into the wild, with the hope that these majestic parrots will once again thrive in their ...
African grey parrot given choice of cups with rewards

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Do Parrots Understand “Process of Elimination?”

Process of elimination and inference are two powers of reasoning, and Dr. Pepperberg conducted fascinating tests to determine the existence of inference in African greys ...
fairy wren chirping on a branch

Wild Birds Become Each Others “Wingmen” To Survive

Wild birds of differing species cooperate with each other to enhance the safety of their families over long periods of time ...
face of blue-and-gold macaw eating

Foraging For Food Satisfies Parrots’ Appetites & 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! ...
cape parrot in a tree

Saving The Cape Parrot

With less than 2,000 left in the wild, the survival of the Cape parrot might depend on the Cape Parrot Project and people who fight for this species ...
logo for Cornell Global Big Day

Everyone Counts On This Birding Day

Global Big Day provides amazing data on birds in the wild, thanks to the efforts of thousands of volunteers collecting data. Find out which country topped the list with the most species in 2018! ...
Dr Pepperberg and African grey parrot

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Do Parrots Engage In Cooperative Behavior?

Will African grey parrots share food or ask humans for help? The latest experiments at Dr. Pepperberg's lab give some interesting answers! ...
Indian ring-neck parakeets

The Birdman of Chennai

Be amazed by the incredible response one man created when he began feeding two Indian ring-necked parakeets after a tsunami devastated the area ...
house sparrow singing on fence

Backyard Birds Help Boost Mood

How often are you soothed and comforted by watching birds arrive in your backyard? Anxiety and stress levels can be significantly reduced with access to more natural day to day occurrences of bird watching capability ...
Dr. Irene Pepperberg posed with two others

Parrots In Need & War Veterans Bond At Serenity Park

My topic this month is quite a bit different than usual. Rather than a report of the activities of the parrots in the Pepperberg Lab, it revolves around a visit I took to a very interesting place just about two ...
Zebra Finch standing on floor

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! ...
satellite view of Cyclone Marcus

Cyclone’s Affect On Migratory Birds

A storm like a cyclone can heavily disrupt the migration of birds by leading them off course and potentially creating a situation that could be catastrophic to a flock ...
African grey parrot on a perch

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Do Parrots Understand Probability?

To test a parrot's ability to understand probability, Dr. Irene Pepperberg's cognitive behavior research lab recently presented African grey parrot Griffin with a task similar to what a 6-8 year-old child might be tasked to do — using three of ...
silkie chickens, chickens

Meet The Silkie Chicken

The Silkie chicken is known for its fluffy plumage, which is said to feel like silk and satin. Add together its other unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot— not to ...
African grey, grey parrot, African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Research Lab: “What’s Mine is Mine and What’s Yours is Mine”

“What’s mine is mine and what’s your is mine.” Does this sum up your feathered friend's antics? Dr. Irene Pepperberg explains not only how this parrot quirk is based on natural behavior, but she also shares how we can use ...
avocado, fried avocado, avocado fumes

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 ...
African grey, African grey parrot, grey parrot

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: African Grey Griffin Speaks His Mind

As companion animals, parrots are unique in that they can use human language to verbally communicate with us. Dr. Irene Pepperberg knows first-hand the advantages of working with such communicative subjects. African grey Griffin, for example, can verbalize requests to ...
Green-winged macaw and cockatoo, red macaw, cockatoo

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! ...
african grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Prepping For A Film Crew Visit

Inviting a film crew into a research lab devoted to the study of cognitive behavior in parrots involves not only prepping the lab, but the parrots and the filmmakers. Dr. Irene Pepperberg shares her account of having a film crew ...
Galapagos finch

Darwin’s Finches Continue to Evolve

Darwin's Finches of the Galapagos Islands are giving scientists the unique and amazing chance to watch evolution in progress, all in a single lifetime! ...
African grey parrot being shown red triangle block

How Dr. Pepperberg Chooses What Topics To Study

The inspirations for topics of Dr. Pepperberg's African grey studies come from many different sources, and all add up to fascinating information being revealed ...
Alala crow

Meet Hawaii’s Crow

Conservationists are working hard to save Hawaii's endangered crow, the Alala, which disappeared from the wild years ago. Captive breeding offers hope that one day Alalas will fly free again, and a major step to that happened recently ...
African grey parrot Athena drinking grape juice from tiny cup

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Parrots’ Cognitive Abilities Put To The Liquid Test

After a certain age, children are able to understand conservation of amounts. Can birds also understand that a change in shape might not change the amount? ...
hummingbirds eating from feeder

Hummingbirds Inspire

Learn how an assistant researcher became a hummingbird whisperer. She shares her tips to keep hummingbirds healthy and happy ...
Blue fronted Amazon eating

Dr. Pepperberg Dishes: Will Parrots Work For Food?

Studies point to an interesting fact: Working for food rewards parrots with more than just food to eat. Find out what this means ...
African grey Parrot

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! ...
Bird on a hammock

San Francisco Bird Hotel Caters to Feathered Clientele

It's no surprise that dogs and cats have fancy spas and boarding facilities to cater to their every need, but birds? The San Francisco Bird Hotel offers just that — a spa and resort built just for the birds. See ...
Hurricane Harvey Water Damage

Lafeber Helps Birds Displaced by Recent Hurricanes

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey still affects many Texans, including some pet bird owners. Read a first-hand account of flooding in a Houston home, and how Lafeber Company and a circle of donors are helping by sending bird food ...
blue crowned conure

Reap The Benefits Of Joining A Bird Club

Joining a bird club makes you part of a community that shares info about bird care, bird health, bird behavior, and more! ...
close up of yellow budgie / parakeet

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 ...
African grey parrot being shown red triangle block

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: African Grey Athena’s Antics

Our youngest bird, Athena, can present some interesting challenges to our research. We sometimes joke that she doesn’t have an “off switch.” ...
African grey parrot Athena drinking grape juice from tiny cup

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Catering to Parrots’ Tastes

Dr. Pepperberg reveals some unconventional, and unsung, activities needed to get data from the African grey parrots in her lab ...
Gentoo Penguins, adult looks down at chick by feet

Audubon Celebrates Birds

Winners of the eighth annual Audubon Photography Awards are here! Check out snuggly penguins, a crashing owl, and many more incredible photos of birds! ...
quaker parrot playing peering between rope perch and colorful bird 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 ...
man holds framed sign for Guinness World Record For Aviary With Most Bird Species

Guinness World Record For Aviary With Most Bird Species

The Shuka Vana Bird Home in India earned a Guinness World Record as the one aviary in the world with the most bird species at a single location ...
face of African grey parrot

Why Parrots Are So Smart

In recent decades, studies are revealing how birds' brains work. Learn how their brains are similar and different from mammal brains, and how different bird types have different brains ...
two crystal cockatoo figurines

Bird Art On The Auction Block

If you're an art-loving bird enthusiast, an auction house is one avenue for scoring an endearing work of bird art. Parrot-inspired sculptures range from inexpensive to extravagant ...
African grey parrot being shown red triangle block

Pepperberg’s Parrots Surprise With Word Choices

The talkative African grey parrots Dr. Pepperberg works with in her research lab communicate in English, and sometimes they surprise lab staff. See why! ...
Macaw showing hearts in Minecraft game

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 ...
Wall mural at Cornell depicts avian history

Bird Mural Depicts Avian History

Be amazed by the huge bird mural at Cornell University. It depicts birds across the world in their true sizes, and a website lets you interact with it ...
Exercise device for Parrots

Inside Pepperberg’s Lab: Getting Parrots To Exercise

Exercise is particularly important for our parrots, as most conditions in captivity are extremely different from the lives they live in the wild ...
close up of cockatiel face

Psittacosis: What Bird Owners Need To Know

Psittacosis is a disease that can be transmitted to people from birds and vice versa, so learn all you can to protect your bird from it ...
Desert Cardinal on a tree branch

The Desert Cardinal: Beauty In the Desert

Do male and female Desert Cardinals differ in looks? Learn this and other fun facts about this lesser-known, southern counterpart to the Northern Cardinal ...
African grey parrot on a perch

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Parrot Picture Day

Dr. Pepperberg gives a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of getting parrots to pose during photo shoots, where props and distractions abound ...
Reed warbler cuckoo feeding a much larger chick

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 ...
Juvenile Macaws in a yellow carrier

Genetic Engineering: New Hope For Rare Species?

Discover how emerging biological and preservation technologies currently being developed might be a way of saving endangered species ...
Northern Lapwing walking on the shore

Birds for St. Patrick’s Day

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17 each year, here’s a look at one popular bird in Ireland – the Northern lapwing ‑ as well as some parrots whose plumage will make us all green with ...
Congo African Grey Parrot on a cage

How Dr. Pepperberg Taught Parrots To Use Speech Appropriately

Early on in her behavioral research with Alex the African grey, Dr. Irene Pepperberg began incorporating what she refers to as the model/rival (M/R) system to teach a parrot how to speak and how to use speech appropriately, which also ...
red-crested turaco (Tauraco erythrolophus) standing on wall

More Birds With Dr. Seuss-Like Looks

For the most part, Dr. Seuss’s birds look familiar, but their feathers and shapes are best described as otherworldly. We’ve previously shared some real-life birds that look like they belong in a Dr. Seuss book, here are some more fantastical ...
Dr Pepperberg nose to beak with African grey named Griffin

Parrots Find Creative Ways To Delay Bedtime

With cognitive abilities matching that of a 5-6 year old, African grey parrots can likewise come up with some creative distractions to delay bedtime. This month, Dr. Pepperberg gives us a look back at the bedtime antics of Alex the ...
Orange-bellied Parrot on a branch

Hatching Success for Orange-Bellied Parrots

With its wild population numbers critically low, the orange-bellied parrot, one of Australia's rarest birds, stands on the brink of extinction. Fortunately, the Healsville Sanctuary, which spans over 74 acres of native Australian landscape, had one of its most successful ...
mini macaw, yellow collared macaw, macaw parrot

Inside The Mighty Avian Heart

A bird's cardiovascular system must provide adequate delivery of oxygen to vascular beds that are taxed by extreme metabolic demands ...
Blue fronted Amazon eating

What Is a Geriatric Parrot?

What exactly defines a “geriatric” bird? Discover the physiological signs of aging in birds and the steps to take to help ward off the afflictions associated with advanced age as well as see what studies reveal on birds’ secret to ...
African grey parrot on a perch

Parrots Can Play Mind Games

Research with parrots leads to some unexpected results. Some pleasant, like learning words that weren't trained, and some unpleasant, like acting out ...
The Macaw Project Poster

“The Macaw Project” Documentary Takes Flight

Crowdfunding on the internet made The Macaw Project documentary possible. Watch it to find out the dangers faced by macaws in the wild ...
Pacific parrotlet wearing goggles

Physics of Bird Flight Inspire Scientists

Scientists created a special flight test for a trained Pacific parrotlet, and they learned surprising things about how birds fly ...
Caroline Efstathion crouching on ground holding parrot chick in towel

Parrot Conservation Surprise Challenge: Bees

When Dr. Caroline Efstathion learned that a major problem for parrots in South America and Africa is Africanized honey bees taking over their nesting cavities, she seized the opportunity to combine her passion for parrots and knowledge of entomology to ...
Night Parrot on ground in a bush

The Night Parrot: Nocturnal Rarity

Recently, a few people with a passion for finding the rare Night Parrot of Australia have documented proof of its existence, ending rumors of its extinction ...
close up of a standing Feather Duster Budgie with curly, yellow feathers covering entire body except for beak

Feather Duster Budgies

The Feather Duster Budgie is a mutation that might make you doubt a bird is inside all the curly, overgrown feathers ...
two cockatoos flying free in blue sky

Flight & Exercises To Keep Your Bird Moving

To truly be healthy and fit, our birds need regular exercise in addition to a wholesome and balanced diet. Of course, for birds, flying is the optimal form of exercise. But is free flight a safe option for every companion ...
African Grey Parrot on a perch looks at two differenty sized and colored plastic cups

Day in the Life of Pepperberg’s Parrots

Curious to know what an average day is like in Dr. Irene Pepperberg's research lab on the Harvard campus? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of African greys Griffin and Athena! ...
scarlet macaw flying in blue sky

Free Flight: Lessons from ExoticsCon

One trending topic among avian veterinarians is the correlation between flight and bird health. Specifically, having a companion bird fly can help maintain cardiac, vascular, muscular, and mental health ...
Vampire finch perched on a bird

Vampire Finches & Ghost Birds

October is the spooky time of the year, so it is befitting to learn about two peculiar topics related to the world of birds: vampire finches and ghost birds. Yes, there is a finch that drinks blood, but humans need ...
African Grey Parrot getting head scritches

Dr. Pepperberg Dishes On Parrots & Preening

Parrots often solicit humans by putting their heads down and rubbing against their humans’ fingers; some will even learn to request “Tickle,” “Scritch,” or “Scratch.” Despite being subjects of scientific study, the birds in my lab are no exception, and ...
Spix's Macaw sitting on a tree branch

Presley the Spix’s Macaw Legacy

Revisit the remarkable story of Presley, the rare Spix’s macaw found living as a pet parrot in Colorado and then repatriated to Brazil to help save his species from the brink of extinction. Presley passed away in 2014 but scientists ...
Dr. Scott Echols stands with Drs. Nico Schoemaker and Yvonne Van Zeeland at the Lafeber booth at ExoticsCon in Portland, Oregon.

Bird Vets Flock To Portland For ExoticsCon 2016

Exotic medicine was in the spotlight recently when the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) met in Portland for ExoticsCon 2016. One trend seen among avian ...
The world's oldest Cockatoo on bottom of cage eating a treat

The World’s Oldest Cockatoo Passes Away: Celebrating Cookie

The Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo – and countless fans near and far ‑ are mourning the loss the zoo’s most beloved and well-known resident, Cookie, the 83-year-old Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, who passed away on August 27, 2016. Cookie was certified ...
head profile shot of African grey parrot

New Pepperberg Parrot Research: Recognizing 2d Objects

Dr. Irene Pepperberg, who famously worked with Alex the African grey parrot on documenting parrot intelligence, recently released new research focused on results of her work with African grey parrot Griffin ...
four Zebra Finches sitting on a branch

Finches Talk To Their Eggs & Other Fascinating Bird News

Check out these intriguing bird-centric stories, which range from parrots playing video games to zebra finches telling their eggs when to hatch to how the males of a bird species called the southern pied babble favor their own biological male ...
Hyancinth sitting at entrance to a tree cavity

Beyond the Olympics: Birding in Brazil

Brazil boasts over 1,825 species with others being discovered or named continually. Brazil is considered one of the planet’s richest centers of biodiversity and represents 60% of the species found on the South American continent! As you root for our ...
macaw hanging upside down from wire wall in aviary

From Pub To Parrot Aviary & Zoo

Andy Cowell and his wife found a way to help more homeless animals than ever before by taking over a closed down, historic pub to make it a zoo and aviary ...
head shot of yellow and blue macaw

Complex Intelligence Defines Bird Brained

It appears that the part of the brain that corresponds to the forebrain, the pallium in birds, has a much higher concentration of neurons or the brain cells packed in the same amount of space than many primates ...
Spix's Macaw sitting on a tree branch

Wild Spix Macaw Sighting

One of the rarest and most endangered parrots, the Spix macaw, was recently spotted in in its native Brazil. With a population estimated to be less than 100, all of which are in captivity, this exciting discovery of a Spix ...
golden firework exploding in night sky

A Safe & Sane Fourth of July For Your Bird

If your bird startles at the sound of a slammed door, car alarm or other loud, unexpected noise, the Fourth of July might not be the easiest holiday for your feathered friend to handle. Here are some preemptive steps to ...
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo walking

Pet Parrots & Ground Foraging

Parrots in the wild spend good part of the day on foot looking for items to munch. And so it stands to reason that the parrots in our homes might also enjoy walking on their own two feet to see ...
Rosemary Low standing with Susan Orosz in a room with a brick wall, painting and furniture

Rosemary Low Teaches Us Parrot Enrichment

Get to know Rosemary Low, British aviculturist, ornithologist and conservationist. Plus, learn her tips for presenting fresh food and foraging to parrots ...
head shot of a Bald eagle with an artificial beak

3D Technology Offers New Lease On Life

Not too long ago, a bird with a broken-off beak or a tortoise with a destroyed shell would have a poor prognosis. Fortunately, advances in science and technology are giving us creative options for helping sick and injured animals ...
Congo African Grey parrot outside on hand; parrot wears leash

Parrots As Service Animals

Parrots offer support to owners with special emotional needs, so could parrots someday be recognized as service animals? ...
Blue herring standing on a perch outside

Bird Conservation Yesterday & Today

It is time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty, which essentially put bird conservation in motion in the United States and changed how we treat our native birds ...
boy with long hair wearing long-sleeved gray shirt holds a caique in hand indoors

U.K. Boy Raises Money For Parrots

An 11-year-old boy in England gets help from his caique to deal with his autism, and he found a unique way to help both needy parrots and cancer patients ...
Sun Conure perched on cage with on foot holding up food to beak

Lost Conure Lands On TV Reporter

Lola the sun conure flew off, making her owner frantic to find her. A happy reunion followed after Lola mistook a TV reporter for her owner and got on TV ...
Iggy Pop's cockatoo posed in room that has couch, window, and guitar in behind the parrot

Rockstar Cockatoo

It's not everyday that a parrot's Instagram account garners 14,000 fans in just a month's time. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Iggy Pop, frontman for the influential proto-punk band The Stooges, recently created an Instagram account for his ...
African grey parrot

Rethinking What “Bird Brained” Means

Find out how some birds evolved to be more intelligent than we humans initially thought ...
Cockatiel perched in a cage

Transform Your Bird’s Cage From Drab to Fab

Dog and cat owners have to deal with shed fur. For pet-bird owners, it’s the challenge of cage fallout — namely food, toys and shed feathers ...
1 day old African grey chick with eyes close being held up by someone's fingers; no feathers but it does have fuzz

An Egg’s Incredible Journey

From the ovaries to ovulation, trace the path of a bird egg and what happens at each stage to result in the fragile casing of new life ...
head and shoulder shot of Victoria Crowned Pigeon. Bird hsa blue feathers of varying hues, a red eye, blue beak and a blue head crest of feathers that look like tiny, open fans

Real Birds That Look Like A Dr. Seuss Character

Dr. Seuss's books are filled with an assortment of animal characters — including birds — drawn in a distinct Seuss style. Here are some spectacular real-life bird species that look like they belong in a Dr. Seuss book! ...
quaker parrot playing peering between rope perch and colorful bird toy

Be Your Bird’s “Wingman”

Are you good at providing support when your bird is around other people, be it visitors to the home or even among household members who might not have as strong a bond with your bird? Here are five signs of ...
head shot of yellow and blue macaw

“Healthy” Foods Your Bird Should Stop Eating Today

Many of the foods we think are healthy aren't 100% so. In fact, some start to creep into to the unhealthy category if we overindulge. When we offer some of these seemingly healthy foods to our birds we might be ...
head and shoulder shot of a Bald Eagle

How America’s Bird Came To Be

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson all wanted a say in in creating a seal that would represent the newly founded United States of America. That honor, of course, ultimately went to the bald eagle … but why did ...
Sun Conure

A Healthy Year Ahead For Your Pet Bird

This is the time of year to make New Year’s resolutions and many involve fitness and health. So what about your bird friend? What type of resolution for them? We want them to be fit and healthy as well, so ...
close up of Goffin's Cockatoo biting its talon

Tech Gadgets for Pet Bird Owners

Did you get one of the top-selling tech holiday gifts this season? Big box retailer Best Buy did a consumer survey of the most sought-after tech gadgets, which range from iPads to GoPros. Following is a sampling of top gadgets ...
close up of face of Vasa parrot, black parrot

How Smart Are Parrots? They Use Tools Too!

Research on Vasa parrots from the University of York and University of St. Andrews that point to the first documentation of nonhuman use of tools for grinding, and one of only a few reports of nonhuman animals sharing tools directly ...
Blue Jay on a snowy branch

The Christmas Bird Count

The annual Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 and provides important information on wild bird population trends. And you can volunteer to be part of it! ...
Two Wild Turkeys stand together among tall plants and fallen leaves

Fill Up On Turkey Trivia

Turkeys rule the month of November, but there’s more to this magnificent bird than being the main course! Learn what foods attract wild turkeys and get your fill on other turkey trivia ...
blue crowned conure

Protect Your Pet Bird From Mold

Ventilation, heat, humidity, cleanliness and other factors affect the possibility that your bird might suffer a respiratory infection caused by mold ...
Military macaw sitting on a branch

Macaws Get U.S. Fish & Wildlife Protection

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service adds two species of macaw to its list of endangered species. Each has 13,000 individuals or less left in the wild ...
head shot of blue-fronted Amazon parrot

Do Parrots Get Depressed?

Behavior offers clues on your bird's mental state. Lack of appetite, feather picking, and changing habits might indicate an emotional struggle ...
lovebird

Budgies, Cockatiels & Lovebirds Are Parrots Too!

Here's a look at some common small bird myths and facts ...
budgie parakeet on branch; inset shows diagram of brain

Why Parrots Can Talk

From budgerigars to African Greys to macaws, nine parrot species in a university study reveal why certain bird species are better at imitating sounds than other birds. Hint: It's got a lot to do with the structure of the brain ...
Toucan with a 3D Printed Beak standing in cage

A Printed Prosthetic For A Damaged Beak

A brave toucan named Tieta can eat again thanks a special collaboration between the South American wildlife management group Instituto Vida Livre and three Brazilian universities determined to give her a new start in life. See what her 3D printable ...
group of people at ExoticsCon 2015

Avian Vets Flock To ExoticsCon

Exotic medicine’s super powers — the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV), Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) and the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) — gathered in San Antonio for ExoticsCon 2015 ...
cockatiel perched on finger

A Longer Life For Your Pet Bird

Three simple steps help you to help your bird enjoy a longer, healthier life with you ...
head shot of Dr. T.J. Lafeber Sr.

How Lafeber’s Helping Hands Changed Avian Medicine

Meet the man who — with budgie in hand — inspired up-and-coming veterinarians to take an interest in avian medicine and helped turn the veterinary world’s focus to avian medicine ...
A grebe getting cleaned

A Firsthand Look At A Seabird Rescue

When Internal Bird Rescue got the call that 50 seabirds were in distress in the San Francisco Bay, they were soon tasked with saving cold, wet birds that suffered from a mysterious feather contamination. See the life-saving tactics rescuers quickly ...
Dr. sue Horton poses with cockatiel on her finger

See What Sets Bird Hospitals Apart

Susan Horton, DVM, takes us on a tour of her labor of love — the recently opened Chicago Exotics Hospital ...
Black headed Caique perch in a cage

5 Ways You Freak Your Pet Bird Out

If you don't understand the instincts, needs, and anatomy of your parrot friend, problems can quickly arise. Interrupting your bird's snooze time or switching food abruptly are just two ways you can ruin your bird's day. Learn what not to ...
head shot of blue-fronted Amazon parrot

Vaccines & Pet Birds

Do pet birds need vaccines? See what the latest avian research reveals ...
head and shoulder shot of yellow-naped Amazon parrot

10 Things Bird Owners Do That Others Find Baffling

Life with a feathered companion calls for doing things a bit differently, which non-bird people might find baffling. Here are 10 Things Bird Owners Do That Others Will Never Understand ...
African Grey Parrot

Avian Medicine Gets The Spotlight In Paris

Dr. Susan Orosz reports on some exciting developments in avian medicine at the second International Conference for Avian, Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine (ICARE) conference recently held in Paris ...
Macaws and Amazon parrots share a clay lick at the Tambopata National Reserve, Peru

Adventure Awaits: Bird-Watching Tours

From South America and Central America to Africa and Indonesia — and just about everywhere in between — there are hundreds of bird-watching tours to choose from and each offers a unique adventure in birding. Here’s a glimpse of a ...
Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo in a pet store

Blast From The Past Pet Bird Products

From colorful assortments of toys and playgyms to healthy diets and treats, there are plenty of bird-centric offerings to choose from to meet your bird's many needs. Here's a fun look at "off the beaten path" bird products from years ...
double yellow headed Amazon parrot

Healthy Gut, Healthier Bird

Good digestive health can hinge on the balance of good microbes vs. bad microbes, with a balanced immune system at stake. See what researchers at Texas A&M found when they compared the microbiome of wild parrots with that of companion ...
Audubon Photography Award 2013

Capturing The Beauty of Birds

One of the many ways that we appreciate our birds of nature is by photography of them in the wild. Since 2010, The National Audubon Society has held an annual Photography Awards, inviting aspiring photographers to participate, namely those who ...
Psittacus erithacus gray parrot sitting on a perch

Spring Cleaning Tips For Bird Owners

Check out these easy “Spring Clean” tips and tricks every pet bird enthusiast should try ...
Half sider parakeet in a cage

A Unique Feather Color Mutation

Perhaps you’ve seen a “mash-up” video, where two or more recordings/elements are blended to create a new version. Nature has its own type of “mash-up” that can happen during the early embryonic stages of chick development. The result of this ...
quaker parakeet, quaker parrot, monk parakeet, monk parrot

Types of Parrot Play

Every bird has a play personality — from explorer to destroyer, and many more. Knowing your bird's style of play can help you zero in on the types of toys and interactions your bird enjoys most ...
parrot flapping wings

Pet Bird Home Hazards

Looking for a reason to update some of your home furnishings? Here are a few suggestions for swapping out potentially dangerous household furnishings with more bird-friendly designs ...
Blue fronted Amazon eating

Nutri-Berries vs. Standard Avian Diets

In the 25 years that Lafeber’s Nutri-Berries have been part of the food spectrum for parrots, more and more pet bird enthusiasts have offered them as a surefire way to get their birds on the path to good nutrition. You ...
Photo of the Pionus Parrot

5 Ways Parrots Rule Our Roosts

With a parrot you have a pet companion with the intelligence — and the mischievousness — of a young child, which can make for an interesting family dynamic. Here’s lighthearted look at the ways our feathered friends can rule our ...
Princess-of-Wales Parakeet standing on floor

Meet The Princess of Wales Parakeet

Not too many parrots have royal titles, which is just one way the Princess of Wales Parakeet (Polyteles alexandrae) stands out. This medium-sized, pastel-colored parrot with a long tail is native to Australia and is named after a real princess ...
Congo African Grey Parrot on a cage

Bird Brains are Not that Simple!

Check out this scientific look at the mind of parrots, and learn a whole new meaning for “birdbrain.” ...
Goffin's cockatoo in a cage

Fun Days To Celebrate With Your Pet Bird

Just about every week of every month has a special day of recognition for a specific group, cause or theme — the topics of which range from serious to silly; here are some interesting lesser-known National Designation Days that seem ...
Toucan missing bill

New Technology Allows For A “Printable” Beak

The future of 3D printing is quite exciting — and it can even help our feathered friends. In fact, 3D printing might just be a lifesaver for this friendly toucan! ...
Two blue and gold macaws on a branch

How Feathers Color Our World

Colors give off psychological properties that can affect the way we feel. Read more about how birds’ colors grab our attention ...
close up of budgie / parakeet on finger

Small Birds Do Talk!

Bigger birds aren’t the only ones talking. In fact, some of the smaller parrots are capable of mimicking human speech and can even amass impressive vocabularies. Here’s a look at some of the tiny talkers of the pet bird world ...
Two green winged macaws in the wild

Parrot Breeding Biology In The Wild & In The Home

Knowing what in-home conditions can inadvertently mimic breeding season in the wild can help us lessen or deter hormonal behavior inside the home. Find out how cage placement and the food you offer can affect your bird’s behavior ...
Blue fronted Amazon eating

Celebrating 25 Years of Nutri-Berries!

It’s official — Nutri-Berries have been making pet birds happier and healthier one Nutri-Berry at a time for 25 years now! It’s hard to imagine the pre-Nutri-Berries world … all those bland diets made offering balanced nutrition an exercise in ...
four lineolated parakeets on a branch

Love of Linnies: Lineolated Parakeets

Perhaps it’s time to make room on the perch for another small parrot that can also be a great companion — the lineolated parakeet, or simply, the linnie. Never heard of a linnie? Read on! ...
cherry headed conure

Follow This Stay-Healthy Plan For Your Pet Bird

If you’re a to-do list person or one who needs a little reminding every now and then, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a month-by-month list of suggestions —and gentle nudges — to help you help your pet bird in ...
white capped pionus sitting on food dish

Is Your Pet Bird A Healthy Weight?

Ever stop to think what type of shape your bird is in? Is he or she underweight, overweight or within normal weight … not sure? Find out what you can do to check your bird’s muscle mass ...
African grey parrot on perch leaning forward

5 Reasons To Adopt A Pet Bird

Here are five reasons why you should consider the adoption option if you are thinking about welcoming a feathered friend into your heart and home ...
Cardinal on a branch

Christmas Traditions For The Birds

Did you know that Scandinavians countries celebrate Christmas with an offering of food for the wild birds? Or the reason why the cardinal is incorporated into so many holiday motifs? Check out this special look at birds’ unique connections to ...
sun conure

Conure Fast Facts

Conures are popular pet companions for good reason — these parrots are full of spunk with colorful personalities and a wide range of colors and sizes ...
close up of cockatiel face

Winter Prep For Your Bird

Inspecting the cage, adding safe new toys and seasonal food, and keeping the environment healthy make your bird's cage a cozy home for winter ...
cockatiel, singing cockatiel, cockatiel sounds

Cockatiel Behavior: Brilliantly Baffling

Cockatiels can be every bit a parrot as their larger counterparts — friendly and outgoing to snugly and gentle — no wonder these little feathered companions are America’s Top Bird. But ever stop to think if your cockatiel is normal? ...
close up of yellow budgie / parakeet

Bird-Inspired Prose From Kevin Brockmeier

Kevin Brockmeier takes readers on a journey to a city where everyone sings, except a mute man who raises parakeets. And then something amazing happens ...
Two green winged macaws in the wild

A Special Place For Green-Winged Macaws in Brazil

Dr. Susan Orosz takes us on a journey to Brazil’s Pantanal region, home to macaws, Amazons, conures, toco toucans and other birds. This time around, we learn about a special oasis for green-winged macaws called Buraco das Araras. Find out ...
spectacled Amazon on perch in cage

5 Ways You’re Ruining Your Bird’s Day

Don't let life with you be a bore for your feathered companion. Use these tips to bring joy to your bird's day! ...
cockatiel on cage

What Scares Your Pet Bird

Halloween is just around the corner. We are scared of zombies and ghosts, and perhaps even the thought of a whole community of children eating sugar. But what’s scary to your small companion bird? ...
African grey parrot on perch leaning forward

A Microchip Can Bring Your Lost Bird Home

The story of Nigel, the African grey parrot that returned home speaking Spanish, is a good example of how a microchip can facilitate a happy reunion for lost pet ...
African Grey on perch In Pet shop

Top 5 Pet Peeves From Your Avian Retailer

On a given day, your avian retailer has a variety of people perusing the aisles, from those new to birds to those who’ve had birds for years. Ever wonder what challenges those who run a bird store sometimes face? Check ...
head profile shot of African grey parrot for Grey Parrot Anatomy Project

The Grey Parrot Anatomy Project

The Grey Parrot Anatomy Project aims to create an accurate physical and digital anatomy reference, including a standardized basis for avian anatomy nomenclature, of the African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) ...
Hyacinth macaw eating while standing in grass (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

Macaws & Other Parrots of the Pantanal, Brazil

Avian veterinarian Dr. Susan Orosz takes us on her journey to Brazil's Pantanal region, the world's largest tropical wetland and home to myriad species of parrots living in the wild, including the hyacinth macaw ...
Pacific parrotlets, pocket parrot, tiny parrot

Five Types of Bird Friends

We all need friends. And life is even better if a few of your friends have some of the same interests as you. Better yet is knowing others who share in your love and appreciation of birds. Check out these ...
African grey parrot flying indoors

Is Your Bird Ready To Fly?

Birds are the ultimate flying machines, with truly remarkable aerial feats. Part of what draws us to birds is the fact that they can fly; it is part of a bird’s unique makeup. While parrots can fly, there are certainly ...
sun conure

10 Ways To Celebrate Your Bird

Being a bird person affects your life in so many ways -- from preparing meals to being aware of toxins to spending time with your feathered pal, and more. You prepare your meals with your bird in mind, and you ...
spectacled Amazon parrot in cage

Tips To Manage Your Pet Bird’s Mess

In addition to tried-and-true cage maintenance products, there are additional ways to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your feather companion. With some simple pre-planning and regular maintenance, you'll be able to put your feet up and enjoy more ...
macaw standing with one foot lifted

A Veterinary Conference for the Birds

Imagine a gathering of veterinarians rubbing elbows, picking each other’s brains about their complex cases, sharing research and developing strategies to conquer avian diseases and conditions. AAV’s conference is a week of just that. See what hot topics avian vets ...
African grey parrot on perch leaning forward

Pet Birds Vs. Dogs

Here’s a fun look at some of the advantages bird companions have to canine companions and vice versa ...
Nanday Conure perched on wire cage door

How To Find A Pet Bird Sitter

You love your companion bird, but he can’t always travel with you. So how do you find a person willing and capable of caring for your feathered friend? ...
Cockatiel posed before an orange background

3 Tricks Your Cockatiel Can Do

Small birds like the friendly and outgoing cockatiel can be taught to do behaviors on cue — and it’s easier than you think. Our small companion birds have many natural behaviors that lend themselves nicely to trick training ...
head and shoulder shot of yellow-naped Amazon parrot

Feather Trims & Other Summer Safety Info

While we all want to get out of the house this time of year, how should we do that successfully with our companion birds? These tips help you enjoy safe summer fun with your pet bird ...
head and shoulder shot of blue-and-gold macaw

Airplane Travel & Your Pet Bird

So you want to take a vacation?! Of course you do, and you want your best friend, your companion bird, to go along with you. Use these tips to do it right ...
spectacled Amazon on perch in cage

Give Your Bird A Clean Cage This Summer

Here are three things you can do for your feathered companion to improve his health and well being, as well as add some summer-inspired fun to his day ...
close up of budgie / parakeet on finger

Tips To Get Your Bird Back In The Cage

Our small birds love their time out of the cage. How do we know this? We know because sometimes it’s soooo difficult to get them back in the cage. Plan for this by training your pet bird. Here are some ...
African grey parrot chick walking

How Egg Laying Affects Your Pet Bird

It is that time of year for the hatching of chicks – those from the wild and those in our homes! While they can be cute and fun, chicks are a lot of work and require proper care to survive ...
close up of yellow budgie / parakeet

3 Tricks Your Budgie Can Do!

There are many behaviors that a budgie will do naturally. With some practice, you can give a cue for the natural behavior, and then have a nice behavior your budgie can perform upon request ...
Liz with black Palm Cockatoo

A Retreat All About The Bird Brain

The Phoenix Landing Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and protecting the welfare of parrots, recently hosted a Wellness Retreat for pet bird enthusiasts. The event focused on bird brains. It also honored the late Liz Wilson, who was a ...
close up of cockatiel face

Spotlight on Female Parrots

Female birds tend to fly under the radar, so to speak, when compared to their flashier male counterparts. In many bird species, including parrots, the males have the more eye-catching colors. It’s time, however, to give our feathered girls time ...
Hyacinth macaw

New World Parrots: Conures, Amazons, Macaws & More

Parrots can be categorized according to Old World psittacines and New World psittacines. Do you know if your parrots are "Team Old World" or "Team New World"? ...
close up of cockatiel face

Why Cockatiels Make Great Pets

Most of the qualities you’d really like in a parrot are found in the gentle, amenable cockatiel. Read on to find out what makes cockatiels such a wonderful pet ...
image of North America from space; text says Earth Day April 22

7 Ways You Can Help Birds & The Environment

Here's an annual event that bird lovers can help celebrate — Earth Day, which takes place on April 22 each year. In honor of Earth Day, here are seven ways bird lovers can make a difference in our own neighborhoods ...
Green Cheeked Conure

Conures: Sun Vs. Green Cheek

No wonder conures are a popular pet bird companion. They are smart, active, cuddly, and social. There are many species of conure, and each group has its own unique set of traits. See the similarities and differences between the fiery-colored ...
Dr. Susan Orosz beside Dr. Giacomo Rossi

Pet Bird Research: PDD

Dr. Susan Orosz recently traveled to Rome, Italy for the AIVPA conference (Italy’s Association of Small Animal Veterinarians annual gathering). See what Dr. Orosz and her colleagues from both the U.S. and abroad are learning about PDD and how this ...
Green Parakeet

Perks Of Owning A Pet Parakeet

Parakeets as pets are a manageable size, entertaining, social, and talkative. Small enough to fit in your apartment and travel with you, parakeets can make great pets. Check out these 8 perks of sharing your life with a parakeet ...
African grey parrot

New Pepperberg Research: Can Parrots Share?

Sharing seems to be less common in our nonhuman primate relatives, and appears to occur only under some fairly specific conditions. But what about creatures that are not primates? Our recent studies suggest that African grey parrots also can engage ...
close up of face of orange-winged Amazon parrot

Avoid These Feeding Mistakes

There are many pet birds that only eat one or two types of foods, but that’s because they haven’t been offered much else or the foods offered don’t appeal to them. Here are four ways we can sabotage our birds’ ...
Green Parakeet

Psittacosis & Other Zoonotic Diseases

A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed between animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. As pet bird owners, we all need to know about the zoonotic diseases of our ...
cover of the book Oh Say Can You Say?

Books For Birds

Nursery-rhyme books and others that cater to a young audience also make great reading material for parrots — these books are designed to be read out loud and with extreme silliness. Dr. Seuss books certainly fit the bill! ...
Pacific parrotlet

Lovebird or Parrotlet?

At a glance, parrotlets and lovebirds look a lot alike. What do these short-tailed, compact birds from entirely different continents have in common, and what makes them different? ...
two lovebirds on branch

Lovebirds As Pets

No other companion pet has a name quite as endearing as a lovebird. The lovebird’s genus, Agapornis, is the words “love” and “bird” joined together — agape is Greek for “love” and ornis is Greek for “bird.” ...
Green cheek Conure

Why You Need An Avian Veterinarian

Unfortunately, many people forgo taking their bird to the vet until it is too late, as in, "Now I should take my bird to the vet because it is down on the bottom of the cage." When a bird is ...
two scarlet macaw chicks

Parrot Conservation: How We Can Help & How It Helps Us

if we care for birds either near or far, we help birds everywhere, and we help our human kind as well ...
PeachFaced love bird

Small Bird Taming & Training Basics

Don’t let the small size of your small parrot – your budgie, cockatiel or lovebird – deter you from teaching him or her some behaviors on cue. Some commands are really helpful in managing your pet bird. Here are three ...
Umbrella cockatoo

Tips To Get Your Parrot To Be Quiet

Does covering the cage or running toward your bird to tell him/her to quiet down … or screaming back ... sound familiar? If you find yourself in need of a little quiet time and your parrot is simply not getting ...
close up of face of senior orange-winged Amazon parrot

Amazon Parrot Still Going Strong at 100!

I have had a couple of old hens that have taught me a lot about birds. They were both orange-winged Amazon parrots. I am at the end of the generation of veterinarians on the first line where all of our ...
Hyacinth macaw, blue macaw perched on arm indoors

Your Pet Bird Will Love The New You!

A new year is upon us and with that comes another set of New Year’s resolutions (or a re-do of last year’s!) While there’s plenty you can do for your pet bird to make the new year great, here are ...
Cockatiel face

Pet Birds & Children

Find out the real reasons why budgies and cockatiels can make wonderful pets for children, as well as all the wrong reasons for bringing a small bird into your home ...
Lovebird

Five Pet Parrot Facts

Parrots are structured to survive as flying, flocking, feathered denizens of the sky and trees. Check out these Five Fun Parrot Facts and you'll have an even greater appreciation of your bird's uniqueness! ...
Photo of a ringneck on a Christmas Tree

Top-Ten Holiday Hazards For Your Pet Bird

The companion parrot is part of the family! While including our feathered friends in the holiday season, we must be sure to keep them safe ...
bird on pumpkin

Share These 4 Healthy Thanksgiving Foods

November is a month of harvesting the great bounty of the earth, including fall-season foods that are good for our companion birds to eat! Let’s start with the foods that are good for our birds at Thanksgiving! ...
face of Amazon parrot

Why Birds Live So Long

Parrots live much longer than they are supposed to live! In fact the large macaws live on average four times their predicted life spans! So what's their secret? ...
Green Parrot

Fall Pet Bird Health Check: Hormones & Respiratory Concerns

Fall is the time of change – particularly along the northern tier in the United States. While we often think about how autumn affects us, a change of seasons also brings out changes in our pet birds ...
head and shoulder shot of lovebird, masked lovebird

Parrots As Pets

You may be a pet person. You’ve had a dog or a cat for a pet, and maybe several of each. But now you’re a bird owner. Wow! Here are some of the things that make companion birds interesting, and ...
Raven, Australian raven standing on pavement

Birds In Halloween Folklore

Birds have been part of the Halloween tradition for a long time -- even before the demonic few from Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” in 1963! The birds most commonly shown are crows and ravens, which are members of the corvidae ...
two red-bellied parrots perched on branch; red-belly

Pet Birds & Other Birds

It’s easy to assume that birds must like other birds. But before you buddy up two birds consider that fact that many avian veterinarians treat bird patients that were injured by other bird housemates ...
Indian ringneck parakeet standing on colorful cloth

Kick Start Your Bird’s Day

Spending more time with your bird and serving a healthy breakfast are just two ways to start your bird's day off right ...
sun conure

The Optimal Social Environment for Your Parrot

Parrots are social creatures. They are flock animals, traveling and feeding together as a group. The majority of the activities in which they engage are done as a group ...
budgie / parakeet

Budgie Sounds

Budgies (parakeets) chatter a lot, as budgie owners will have noticed. What does all that chatter mean? Here are some common budgie sounds and what they might mean ...
head shot of African Grey parrot in cage holding peanut to its beak

Foods Toxic To Pet Birds

Foods on your avian vet’s do not feed list include chocolate, avocado, onion, high-fat, and high-sugar foods ...
Nanday Conure perched on wire cage door

The Bird Beak Inside & Out

The beak is derived from a cornified specialization of the skin and has the same components ...
Blue-fronted Amazon, blue front, Amazon parrot

“Theft-Proof” Your Pet Bird

Pet parrots can be prime targets of pet theft because of their perceived monetary value. Here are some steps pet bird owners can take to "theft-proof" their beloved companions: ...
Red Parakeet

Meet The Bourke’s Parakeet

The Bourke’s parakeet (Neophema Bourkii) is a gem among the members of the popular Neophema family, a group of colorful grasskeets that originate in Australia ...
PeachFaced love bird

Pet Bird Sitter Prep

Don't wait until the last minute to prep for your pet sitter; put your plan in place before you leave so your sitter has all the information he or she needs to take wonderful care of your companion bird ...
African grey parrot

Stress Reduction for Companion Parrots

To put it bluntly, keeping companion parrots is similar to trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. The fact that they do as well as they do is testimony more to their adaptability than it is to ...
macaw standing with one foot lifted

Parrot Feet

When we think of birds, we often imagine these fascinating creatures flying through the air. Yet, what goes up must come down. Let's focus on birds' feet, which allow birds to maneuver and rest while taking a break from flight ...
African grey parrot, grey, African grey toy

Uncover The Pitfalls Of Problem Behaviors in Pet Birds

Parrots are wonderful if you have a low tolerance for boredom like I do. Despite living and working with them for over three decades, I still find their complexities stimulating and the study of their behaviors both fascinating and absorbing ...
Hahn's macaw eating an Avi-Cake

Fun With Food for Your Pet Bird

Food plays an essential role in the survival of every living creature. It can also be a source of great pleasure. Animal trainers, behaviorists, pet owners, and, yes, parents of small children, use food in a number of creative ways ...
quaker parakeet, quaker parrot, monk parakeet, monk parrot

Parrot Toys: What Are We Going to Chew Today?

Providing projects that occupy busy beaks and stimulate avian Einsteins is one of the never-ending challenges of parrot ownership. The quest for that perfect bird toy takes us trekking to innumerable pet shops and bird marts, and pouring through countless ...
illustration of a parrot heart

Journey Inside The Hearts of Birds

In this part two of her “Anatomy of the Avian Heart” series, Dr. Susan Orosz gives us a microscopic look at our birds' hearts. Find out why a bird’s super-fast heart rate necessitates a souped-up electrocardiogram machine, among other fascinating ...
sun conure

Pet Bird Owner Summer Safety Tips

But before you fire up your backyard grill or unroll the pool or spa cover, take a moment to see what steps you need to make to ensure your bird’s safety and well-being all summer long ...
Finch

Finch Or Canary — What’s The Difference?

If you’re considering adding a finch or a canary to your family, you might be surprised to find that a canary is a finch. Zebra finches, society finches, also called Bengalese finches, and canaries actually have a lot in common ...
yellow-crowned Amazon parrot

5 Fun Ways To Pamper Your Pet Parrot

Use these five fun suggestions to create Pampered Parrot Days that are all about your feathered friends. They deserve to be treated as VIPs, too! ...
Green Parakeet

Budgie Vs. Cockatiel — Which Is Right For You?

For years, budgies, also called parakeets, were the most numerous companion birds, and only recently were overtaken by cockatiels. If you’re looking at getting one or the other, how do they compare? ...
hyacinth macaw standing on branch with sky in background

Anatomy of the Avian Heart

The most striking features of birds is their ability to perform very rigorous functions in harsh environments, such as diving deeply in cold water, flying at high altitudes and running in hot deserts. This requires that their cardiovascular system (CVS) ...
green-cheeked conure, green cheek, Pyrrura conure

Don’t Leave These In Your Pet Bird’s Cage

Cage safety starts with not just what you put in your bird’s cage, but what you don’t leave behind ...
budgie and toy, parakeet and toy, blue budgie, blue parakeet

Top Toys For Parakeets

Give your budgie (aka "parakeet") some toys! You will be wildly entertained as your budgie plays, and your budgie will stay active and engaged without getting into any mischief from boredom ...
Senior Nutri-berries

Senior Bird Nutri-Berries

Learn about the ingredients in Senior Bird Nutri-Berries that might help your older bird live a longer, healthier life ...
cockatiel perched on hand

Cockatiel Sounds Explained

Chirps, warbles, whistles, squawks, cheeps, and more are noises and sounds pet cockatiels make. Find out what your cockatiel is trying to say ...
How Liz Wilson Helped Avian Veterinarians

How Liz Wilson Helped Avian Veterinarians

I remember the first thing that Liz wanted all parrot owners to do when they first got their bird and especially if they were having a problem: she wanted them to take it to their avian vet! ...
Swift Parrots & Orange-Bellied Parrots: Rare Migrators

Swift Parrots & Orange-Bellied Parrots: Rare Migrators

Almost all parrots are non-migratory birds, that is, they do not fly to a different climate during specific times of the year. There are two parrot species, however, that do migrate in the truest sense of the word — the ...
origami paper bird, recycle bird, go green

Pet Bird Owners Can Find New Uses For These Recyclables

From using newspaper as cage liner, cardboard as chew toys, to wadded-up paper to hide foraging treats, we bird owners can be quite creative in our thriftiness. Here are a few other items that can get a second life before ...
What Liz Wilson Taught Us

What Liz Wilson Taught Us

I had the pleasure of working with many avian experts throughout my years as editor of Bird Talk magazine, but none was quite like avian behavioral consultant Liz Wilson ...
Liz with black Palm Cockatoo

Renowned Companion Parrot Behaviorist Liz Wilson Passes Away

The bird community lost a special member when long-time parrot advocate and well-respected author Liz Wilson, CVT, passed away on April 13, 2013. Liz was the voice behind the popular parrot behavior column “Parrot Psychology,” which ran in Bird Talk ...
Why Birds' Eyes Are So Different From Ours

Why Birds’ Eyes Are So Different From Ours

Enhanced visual acuity, seeing ultraviolet light, and changing focus rapidly are some of the fascinating abilities of birds' eyes ...
aggressive military macaw

Accidental Rewards for Pet Bird Aggression

There is no such thing as a parrot biting for no reason. No such thing. It is, however, common for a parrot to bite for no reason that humans understand. BIG difference ...
Blue Yellow Macaw

Voice/Sound Changes in Pet Birds: Cause For Concern

Did you know that a voice change or lack of vocalization in birds can signal a health problem, or that cough-like noise, gurgling sounds or a high-pitched squeak can all indicate a medical emergency? ...
Nanday conure, black-hooded parakeet

Pet Bird Enrichment: Four Great Uses For Newspaper

To many pet bird owners, yesterday's news is today's cage liner. In addition to the long-held practice of lining the bottom of the birdcage with newspaper, here are four other ways to get the most bang out of your newspaper ...
mini macaw, yellow collared macaw, macaw parrot

9 Things Never To Do Around Your Pet Bird

While most responsible pet bird owners strive to make their birds feel part of the family and offer them plenty of one-on-one time whenever feasible, there are times when your bird should perch elsewhere ...
The Female Reproductive System: Along Comes The Egg!

The Female Reproductive System: Along Comes The Egg!

It is important for bird owners to understand the female bird's reproductive system. Here is a detailed account of exactly what goes on during the egg-laying process ...
African Grey Parrot

Pet Birds And Excessive Screaming: Rewarding The Wrong Thing

Changing a parrot’s behavior usually means the humans have to change their behavior first — not always so easy. So we look for ways around the problem behavior, ways to change what leads up to the problem behavior ...
Budgerigar on wicker chair

Furniture Fixes For Pet Bird Owners

Here is a look at furniture types that might be vulnerable to the feathered kind, and what you can do about it ...
rainbow lorikeet

4 Easy Ways To Deter Breeding Behavior

Find out why you might want to rethink your pet bird's cage setup, how long you leave the lights on, the type of foods you feed, and even the way you pet and interact with your bird ...
Presidents & Their Pet Parrots

Presidents & Their Pet Parrots

Can you imagine a parrot perched in the White House? It’s probably happened at some point during our country’s history; after all, some of our past presidents had parrot companions during their presidencies. Here is a list of presidents who ...
head and shoulders of a blue-and-gold macaw eating

Parrot Behavior: What Are You Actually Rewarding?

A fundamental rule of behavior is that no animal, human or otherwise, continues a behavior if it isn’t reinforced. These rewards are crucial to identify and understand because they are the reason that our birds continue to present behaviors that ...
lovebird

5 Health Choices Pet Bird Owners Should Make Today

Why put off to tomorrow what you should do today … especially if it can be a lifesaver for your pet bird? Here are five choices to make now to better your bird's health ...
Mallard Duck

Fascinating Facts About Ducks, Geese, And Swans

Ever wonder what life is like for the ducks, geese or swans you see at the neighborhood pond or hear quacking and honking as they pass by overhead? ...
parrot flapping wings

See How They Fly

Birds have solved the problem of flight through an aerodynamic design of their own, streamlined bodies, reduced weight, a powerful heart, and an efficient respiratory system, among other adaptations ...
Parrot Baby

15 Things Every Parrot Owner Should Do

Check out part two of Liz's Parrot Psychology column "Do's & Don'ts For Living With Parrots: Part II, The Do's.” This LafeberCares exclusive will help you and your pet bird get on the right track in the year ahead and ...
head shot of African Grey parrot in cage holding peanut to its beak

Pet Bird Owner New Year’s Resolutions

A better cage, new toys or perches, healthier foods and treats — what is your New Year's resolution regarding your bird? ...
cockatiel perched on finger

Keep Your Pet Bird Out Of The ER This Holiday!

The holidays can bring added dangers to a bird’s typically safe life. Being aware of these dangers can prevent accidents and tragedies, and a trip to your emergency avian veterinarian ...
Military Macaw

The Miracle of Flight

We talk about miracles, particularly during the holiday season, but one that we as bird owners often marvel at is the miracle of flight! The adaptations necessary for birds to fly are considered among the most intriguing puzzles of all ...
Sun Conure

Do’s and Don’ts For Living With Parrots

Life with parrots can be complicated, but it gets simpler if you avoid these 18 things. If you haven't avoided them all, keep trying! ...
Dr. Pepperburg

Life After Alex

Five years after Alex’s passing, he is still sorely missed; by me and, I believe, by Griffin and Arthur, the other African grey parrots in my lab. Days still exist, particularly when I return after a long absence, during which ...
wild turkeys

Gobble Up These Fun Turkey Facts

I love Thanksgiving, in part because I am an avian vet and this is a bird holiday involving a very special bird – the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Here are some fun turkey facts to pass around your Thanksgiving table ...
Goose in traffic

A Magical Goose Chase In Munich

Nothing charms us as much as birds. They possess the power to profoundly alter our lives and, if we set our egos aside and see and honor them for who they are, they can forever change the very essence of ...
flood

After The Hurricane: What Pet Bird Owners Need To Know

Dr. Gregory Rich’s clinic was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. He shares his experience, plus what pet bird owners need to do in a hurricane's aftermath ...
Decipher Your Pet Parrot's Vocalizations

Decipher Your Pet Parrot’s Vocalizations

Parrots can be extremely vocal critters, and you can find out a lot about your pet parrot's mood by the sounds it makes. What's behind that laugh, the gibberish talk, or why the ear-piercing shriek? ...
African grey parrot, Congo African grey, CAG

Learn the Polite Way to Train Your Parrot

Politeness means accepting that our parrots should not be expected to wait around in the hopes that we will choose to interact with them. They have their own lives, after all, and they have a right to choose not to ...
bird on pumpkin

Halloween Safety For Birds

Some frightening things can happen to our birds if we are not vigilant during Halloween festivities. But you can do a lot to prevent any problems by planning ahead ...
Dilated crop

Unraveling the Puzzle of Avian Bornavirus & PDD

We must expand our view of clinical ABV disease to that of a continuum of a wide range of clinical symptoms. Many clinically infected birds show only mild clinical signs of disease ...
colorful parrot

“Parronting” Styles with Parrots

Since it behooves us to periodically examine our relationships with our parrots, we should consider these different parenting approaches in terms of our pet birds ...
AfricanGray

Why An Avian Vet ?

An avian veterinarian is critical to the health of your feathered friend, so use these tips to find out how to find a knowledgeable avian veterinarian ...
scarlet macaw in flight in blue sky

Summertime Fun, Summertime Safe!

Those “Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer” are here! Check out how the activities of the season could affect your bird ...
Poicephalus

18 Ways to Drive an Avian Vet Crazy

The following list is compiled from experiences I had working for twenty years with avian veterinarians. Each is true. Bird owners drive their avian veterinarians crazy when they do the following ...
Tropical Fruit Nutri-Berries Conure

Announcing NEW Nutri-Berries for Your Conure!

Lafeber Company has put a bright new spotlight on bird food for your conure by introducing a brand new size of Nutri-Berries! ...
banner for Fruit Delight Avi-Cakes; text ys Banish Boring Diets From Your Bird's Bowl

Announcing NEW Fruit Delight Avi-Cakes ~ A Delightful Explosion of Tastes

Introducing Fruit Delight Avi-Cakes. Your bird will go bonkers over the blend of original Avi-Cakes with cranberries, dates, mango, papaya, and pineapple! ...
Green cheek Conure

Why Is Avian Medicine So Expensive?

Yes, avian medicine is much more expensive than dog and cat medicine. Why is that? There are several reasons, which I will explain, but the main one is TIME ...
Dr. T. J. Lafeber

The Heart of Lafeber Company is a Love for Birds

The heart of Lafeber Company is a true love for birds. It's still inspired today by the special passion deep in the heart of our founder — Dr. Lafeber, Sr ...
Budgie

Lafeber Company: Premium Pet Bird Food & A Wealth Of Bird Care Resources

Our recipes are developed by Dr Lafeber along with top avian veterinarians and nutritionists. Every formula is tested by an independent laboratory to ensure optimum avian health ...
head and shoulders of a blue-and-gold macaw eating

The Real Deal in Macaw Meals: Bird Food by Lafeber

Lafeber bird food provides balanced nutrition that includes foraging opportunities, which helps you offer the best food to your macaw ...
double yellow-headed Amazon on perch eating

Meal Appeal for Your Parrot: Bird Food by Lafeber

The wide variety of nutritious foods and treats from Lafeber ensure that your bird gets the right nutrition and is never bored ...
cockatiel perched on finger

Serve a Good Meal: Bird Food for Your Cockatiel

Lafeber pet bird foods offer a variety of nutritious foods for your beloved top-knotted little friend ...
blue budgie / Parakeet on a perch

In the Mood for Great Parakeet Food?

Lafeber bird foods are a simple and healthy way for you to feed your budgie/parakeet! ...
Lafeber's Pellet-Berries

Introducing Pellet-Berries — a New Pet Bird Food from Lafeber Company

We are thrilled to tell the whole world about our newest product and announce that pelleted diets are no longer boring! ...
Chestnut-fronted Macaw

The Splash About Bird Baths

Birds like to get wet and water stimulates normal preening behavior. So, how can you help your bird bathe and enjoy water to the fullest? ...
Amazon Parrot holding a Nutri-Berrie in its foot

Things are in Good Shape at Lafeber Company!

The seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables in Nutri-Berries offer your bird whole-food goodness and also add lots of tastes and textures for foraging pleasure in every bite ...
Sunny Orchard Nutri-berries small bird

Stand Up for Stand Up Bags!

Your favorites ~ Tropical Fruit, Sunny Orchard, El Paso and Garden Veggie ~ are easy to recognize in their familiar bright packages that are now made wider at the bottom to make them stand upright ...
Green cheek Conure

At Lafeber, New Year’s Resolutions Are For The Birds!

Need a nudge for a bird-related New Year's resolution? Check out our ideas for making the year ahead with your bird a great one! ...
Helpful Holiday Hints for Pet Bird Lovers

Helpful Holiday Hints for Pet Bird Lovers

The holidays are a fun time, but also a bit crazy. These tips help you anticipate, and prevent, some hazards or stresses your bird might face ...
double yellow-headed Amazon on perch eating

Are You Looking for High-Quality Bird Food?

Lafeber Company knows what your bird needs and takes pride in offering the highest quality nutrition in pet bird food available on the market today. Lafeber Company also knows what your bird likes - that's why our diets are exciting ...

Ask Lafeber

Cockatiel diet

So we have our first cockatiel, Tootles. Our 4 month old beauty is so sweet and fits into our family wonderfully. We want to make sure she is getting the best nutrition possible. We are feeding her Kaytee Forti-diet pro ...

Breeding parakeets

My male keeps going in the nesting box but my female hasn't is this normal? ...

baby cockatiel

My baby cockatiel is 15-18 odd days old and keeps screaming even after we feed the baby formula. He keeps crying even after the crop is full. I have raise 3 other babies and before feeding they made a lot ...

Ringneck

Hi I would like to know if the Ringneck kills budgie If I put them together ...

My budgie can only fly about 3

He's been like it since I've had him. he get's around fine and is healthy and happy, but I just feel bad for the lil dude. I should've taken him to the vet after the first few months I had ...

Keratin Flakes on Back

Hi there, Is it normal/healthy for a parrot to have tiny keratin flakes on his back. The parrot is moulting. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question ...

What could have killed my pet finch bird

I took my bird to the basement because she was being noisy I went down to check on her a couple of hours later and she was dead ...

Wooden cage

I heard from somebody that wooden cages cause scaly mites for birds. Is this true? Are wooden cages safe for birds? I have canaries ...

Ringneck and Alexandrine

Had Female Alexandrine 4yrs but rescued male Ringneck 2yrs ago. He is very tame she is not as much but has come on in leaps and bounds by watching him. She tolerates him but is very jealous and dominant. Must ...

Cages

all you cages are stainless steel. What do you think of powder coated cages-are they safe? ...
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