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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Budgies, Cockatiels And Lovebirds Are Parrots Too!
Here’s a look at some common small bird myths and facts.
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.
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 beak looks like and how she’s learning to use it!
A Longer Life For Your Pet Bird
Three simple steps help you to help your bird enjoy a longer, healthier life with you.
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.
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 do so both you and your bird live harmoniously.
Vaccines And Pet Birds
Do pet birds need vaccines? Will a polyomavirus vaccine help, hurt, or do nothing? See what the latest avian research reveals.
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.
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 few travel options where you can see parrots and other birds in their natural habitats.
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 bygone.
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 are willing to wait for that once in a lifetime shot.
Spring Cleaning Tips For Bird Owners
Check out these easy “Spring Clean” tips and tricks every pet bird enthusiast should try.
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 rare but natural phenomenon is referred to as a “half-sider” bird.
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.
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.
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 own roosts.
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. Find out what this positively pretty bird is all about.
Bird Brains Are Not That Simple!
Check out this scientific look at the mind of parrots, and learn a whole new meaning for “birdbrain.”
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 especially apropos for pet bird enthusiasts.
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!
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.
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 frustration. Fortunately, Nutri-Berries changed all that.
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 the year ahead.
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.
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.
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 the holidays.
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 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?
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.
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 what sets this unique preserve apart — and why it’s nicknamed the “Macaws’ Hole.”
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!
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?
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.
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 out these Five Top Pet Peeves from an avian retailer.
Macaws And 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.
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 five types of friends you might buddy up with as you navigate life with a feathered companion.
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 differences in the way they fly, and not all parrots are equally adept at flying.
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 pay attention to the type of cookware you use to keep your bird safe from toxins. Here are 10 more ways to throw some love your bird’s way.
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 one-on-one time with your bird.
Pet Birds Vs. Dogs
Here’s a fun look at some of the advantages bird companions have to canine companions and vice versa.
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?
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.
Feather Trims And 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.
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 pioneer in parrot behavior and spent a large part of her life teaching what she knew to bird owners, her fellow vet techs, and avian veterinarians.
New World Parrots Vs. Old World Parrots
Parrots can be categorized according to Old World psittacines and New World psittacines. Are your parrots “Team Old World” or “Team New World”?
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.
7 Ways You Can Help Birds And 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 and abroad.
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 Sun conure of the Aratinga genus to the diminutive green-cheeked conure of the Pyrrhura genus.
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.
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’ appetites and how to avoid them.
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!
Parrot Conservation: How We Can Help And 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.
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 three things you can do for yourself that will also reap benefits for your pet bird.
Pet Birds And 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.
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!
