Last updated on May 27th, 2023
38. Parrots are needy. They are comparable to toddlers who never grow up, requiring constant attention and stimulation. Without these, bored and stressed birds develop bad habits. They pluck feathers and bite hands. They might scream and self-mutilate.
39. Ensure proper care of parrots through regular grooming, feeding, training, and veterinary care. Enrich their environment with toys, exercise tools, and other parrots. Humans should also interact with them from a young age and sustain their attention to build trust.
40. Large parrots may turn from gentle juveniles to aggressive adults. Unfortunately, they may also outlive the people who understand their quirks. Homeless parrots are sometimes euthanized or sent to parrot sanctuaries.
Culture
41. Parrots are symbols of wealth, royalty, and nationalism. The island nation of Dominica features an endemic species on its national flag. St. Vincent and the Grenadines made the parrot its national bird.
42. In English, the term parrot is a verb that means to repeat something mindlessly. The British also use the phrase “sick as a parrot” to express grave disappointment, such as when sports fans are unhappy with athletic performance.
43. Buddhist scripture depicts these birds as sacred and noble creatures. One story talks about a concerned parrot attempting to stop a forest fire by carrying water to the flames. The ruler of heaven saw his deed and sent rain to help him.
44. The Chinese worship Guanyin as the goddess of Mercy. Her depictions often include a white parrot hovering on her right side with a prayer bead in its beak, symbolizing a faithful disciple who exhibits filial piety.
45. The Persian scholar Rumi wrote a fable entitled The Merchant and the Parrot in 1250. A talking parrot regains its freedom after spending much of its life in a cage by playing dead and tricking its master.
Random facts about parrots
46. Wildlife biologists finally managed to study parrots with GPS trackers. A rugged polymer casing and a backpack harness prevented removal with their powerful beaks. The initial trial had a 10/14 retrieval rate, with no negative impact on the birds.
47. Parrots often outlive their owners with a lifespan of up to 80 years. Without familiar companionship, they may fall into depression, silence, and self-harm. Charities try to find new homes to revitalize the birds.
48. Groups of wild parrots may escape their captors after importation. These flocks can survive and breed in the wild, despite colder climates. In contrast, captive-born parrots may not have the skills to last unless they join feral populations.
49. Deforestation reduces available nesting sites for wild parrots, while introduced species may prey on vulnerable birds. The World Parrot Trust raises funds for conservation projects and awareness campaigns. Local communities also fight poaching and promote ecotourism.
50. World Parrot Day is an annual celebration held on May 31st. The event highlights threats to the global favorite feathered friend, with EU petitions to ban wild trading achieving success in 2007. Sustained efforts are also improving international regulations on endangered species.