Parrots might be loud and quite vocal at times, but they still needed an advocate who could speak up for them. That person was parrot behavioral consultant Liz Wilson, who, before her passing on April 13, 2013, dedicated 40 years of her life to helping bird owners better understand their feathered companions. Liz effectively was the bird community’s very own “Dear Abby,” and she had a loyal following of bird owners eager to read her Parrot Psychology column, which ran in Bird Talk magazine for many years. Lafeber Company was honored to have hosted Liz as our monthly Avian Expert columnist on LafeberCares up until Liz’s unexpected passing.
Liz’s family generously shared with us a little about her beginnings.
Liz Wilson was born in Birmingham, Ala., and her family also lived in Scarsdale, NY, Paris, France, and Connecticut. Liz graduated from DePauw University in Indiana, and later graduated from the vet tech program at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., where she was an adjunct faculty member for many years. Liz also worked extensively with wildlife rehabilitation for seven years.
With prior training in elementary education and psychology, Liz began working with companion parrot behavior in 1989 and gained recognition internationally as a parrot behavior consultant thanks to her engaging lectures at avian veterinary and avicultural conferences, and at bird clubs both in the United States and Europe. She challenged bird owners to take a closer look at their own behavior as a catalyst for their birds’ behavior and offered a realistic glimpse at the benefits and challenges of sharing one’s life with a pet parrot. Liz wanted people to open their hearts and homes to a pet parrot for all the right reasons and didn’t shy away from talking someone out of getting a pet bird if it wasn’t in the bird’s best interest. In her articles, Liz often lovingly referred to her husband David Hearn, as well as her beloved 60-plus-year-old blue-and-gold macaw, Sam.
Liz’s passion to expand the avicultural community’s understanding of parrot behavior inspired her to establish the Association of Parrot Behavioral Professionals in 2001, which fostered collaboration among her colleagues, as well as created an invaluable source of information for bird owners. In 2005, she moved this organization into the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) where it became its Parrot Division.
Liz was dedicated to parrot welfare, education and helping re-home parrots in need. She was the Education Vice President of the Phoenix Landing Foundation, a position she held since 2004, and was also a member of the Parrot Education and Adoption Center (PEAC) and served on the adoption committees for both its San Diego, CA and Anchorage, AK, chapters.

Learning from Liz. I met Liz nearly 20 years ago. Liz was one of the pioneers in avian behavior. She was a trailblazer when it came to working with wild-caught parrots and helping people to understand them. I lovingly say I grew up learning from her writings, lectures and friendship. I found her to be an enthusiastic, engaging, entertaining speaker who made learning fun. She was honest, to the point and spoke her mind. She had no use for egos and refused to tolerate fools. Liz was full of knowledge and compassion for companion parrots as well as an excellent teacher. While teaching, Liz spoke to you, never down at you. Much of her life revolved around the avian community and what she could do to make a difference. Her writings have transcended generations of bird keepers and have educated people around the world. She was loved and admired by colleagues, friends and clients.

Lisa A Bono, ACPBC, at the Alex Foundation Fundraiser 2005
I will always be grateful to the woman who took me under her wing, helped shape who I am, and taught me to fly. I will miss her and hopefully continue to make her proud. — Lisa Bono, IAABC – Associate Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (http://theplatinumparrot.com)
Parrots everywhere have lost their best friend. Both wild and companion. I sit here with 2 birds that seem to know that I am grieved about Liz’s passing and they are trying to tell me their lives are better for her because of what she taught me. I just received 3 cockatiels that did not seem to be adjusting at all, and I just sat down and really watched them to see who wanted to share a cage with whom. I think I have finally got it right. Thanks Liz. I know God will Bless You, because of all you did for birds that live with stupid people like me that have learned from you.
This lady never knew just how many friends she had, but she will be missed beyond measure. Thank you.
In grateful remembrance …
Dear Liz,
Thank you for all your teachings about parrots. It’s a pleaaure and a privilege to have had access to your personality, knowledge, and wonderful articles through Lafeber.
Pepper, my Amazon, has certainly benefited from my applying the information in your articles … and he will miss you too.
It has taken me awhile to accept the fact that Liz is no longer here to learn from and share bird stories. She has been my friend for the past 15 yrs and I have lost count of the number of times I have heard her speak at a Bird Conference. Even after she retired and was living off the coast of Georgia, I would tell her about some adventure I was taking to see Parrots in the wild; Liz would say ” when you get back we will have a glass of wine over the phone and you can tell me all about it”. She always cared deeply about the birds and her passing is a great lost to the avian community.