Parrot Stars Podcast

Perches are far more than places for parrots to stand; They shape how birds move, explore, exercise, and maintain healthy feet and joints. In this episode, Alexis and Avery explain how thoughtful perch placement can make the entire enclosure accessible, why a well-equipped cage should offer plenty of climbing and activity opportunities, and why a bird’s “favorite perch” may actually be about location or confidence. They also explore the anatomy of parrot feet, the importance of varied diameters and textures, and how better perching can help prevent discomfort, pressure sores, and long-term mobility problems. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Sun Conure ( Aratinga solstitialis )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Learn More: Academy Pet Hospital. “Choosing the Right Bird Perches for Polly’s Health and Happiness.” Academy Pet Hospital , April 15, 2025. https://www.fayettevilleveterinary.com/2025/04/15/choosing-the-right-bird-perches-for-pollys-health-and-happiness/ Backus, Spencer B., Diego Sustaita, Lael U. Odhner, and Aaron M. Dollar. “Mechanical Analysis of Avian Feet: Multiarticular Muscles in Grasping and Perching.” Royal Society Open Science , vol. 2, no. 2, 2015, article 140350. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.140350 Rich, Gregory, Laurie Hess, and Rick Axelson. “Perches for Birds.” VCA Animal Hospitals . Updated April 10, 2026. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/perches-for-birds Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Support the Parrot Stars Podcast onBuy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/parrotstarspodcast Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the outstanding things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Parrots are among the most colorful animals on Earth, but their feathers may look completely different to another parrot than they do to us. In this episode, Alexis and Avery explore the science behind parrot coloration, including tetrachromatic vision, ultraviolet light, microscopic feather structures, melanin, and the uniquely parrot-made pigments called psittacofulvins. They also examine how color supports mate selection, species recognition, communication, camouflage, and survival, with fascinating examples from budgies, Blue-fronted Amazons, Hyacinth Macaws, cockatoos, and Eclectus Parrots. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Scarlet Macaw ( Ara macao )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Learn More: AskNature. “Parrots Make Unique Molecules to Generate Color.” AskNature . Updated January 29, 2025. https://asknature.org/strategy/parrots-make-unique-molecules-to-generate-color/ Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “How Birds Make Colorful Feathers.” Bird Academy . Accessed July 31, 2026. https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/how-birds-make-colorful-feathers/ Heinsohn, Robert. “Why Are Male Birds More Colorful Than Female Birds?” Scientific American , September 12, 2005. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-are-male-birds-more-c/ Pennisi, Elizabeth. “Why Are Parrots So Colorful? Study Points to Simple Chemical Tweak.” Science , October 31, 2024. https://www.science.org/content/article/why-are-parrots-so-colorful-study-points-simple-chemical-tweak San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Cockatoo.” San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants . Accessed July 31, 2026. https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/cockatoo Santa Barbara Zoo. “You May Not Like It, but This Is What Camouflage Looks Like!” Facebook . Accessed July 31, 2026. https://www.facebook.com/santabarbarazoo/posts/1076048684563894/ Toft, Catherine A., and Timothy F. Wright. Parrots of the Wild: A Natural History of the World’s Most Captivating Birds . University of California Press, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520962644 Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/parrotstarspodcast Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the thrilling things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Why do we use cages, and what makes one appropriate for a parrot? In this episode, Alexis and Avery explain how a properly designed enclosure provides safety, structure, independence, and a place to recover from household stimulation, never punishment or isolation. They break down why parrot cages are built with bars, which materials are safest, why DIY wood and aquarium-style enclosures fall short, and the risks of relying on a cage-free bird room. They also introduce the most important cage-sizing principles, including why width and depth matter more than height and why every parrot deserves the largest safe enclosure possible. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Yellow-naped Amazon ( Amazona auropalliata )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Resources: Association of Avian Veterinarians. “Minimum Cage Size Recommendations.” Association of Avian Veterinarians , April 23, 2019; updated July 14, 2023. https://www.aav.org/blogpost/1778905/322568/Minimum-Cage-Size-Recommendations Van Sant, Fern. “What’s That Cage Made Of?” For the Birds DVM , April 16, 2010. Originally reprinted from the Proceedings of the International Aviculturists Society , January 1997. https://www.forthebirdsdvm.com/blogs/news/1586482-whats-that-cage-made-of Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/parrotstarspodcast Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the thrilling things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

African Grey parrots are among the most recognizable companion birds in the world, but their intelligence, beauty, and popularity have also made them major targets of the illegal wildlife trade. In this two-part episode, Alexis and Avery examine the trafficking of Congo African Greys from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the devastating mortality behind wild-caught bird shipments, and the country’s recent move to ban parrot capture, sale, transport, and export. They also discuss how prospective parrot owners can avoid supporting unethical trade through careful research and responsible purchasing. The episode then travels to South Africa to spotlight the vulnerable Cape Parrot and the work of the Wild Bird Trust’s Cape Parrot Project . From restoring indigenous yellowwood forests and addressing disease and invasive species to community education and long-term conservation planning, this episode explores how protecting parrots requires protecting the habitats and people connected to them. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Rüppell’s Parrot ( Poicephalus rueppellii )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Cape Parrot Project Instagram: @capeparrotproject References: Animal Welfare Institute. “Commercial Pet Trade of Terrestrial Wildlife.” Animal Welfare Institute. https://awionline.org/programs/terrestrial-wildlife/commercial-trade/commercial-pet-trade-of-terrestrial-wildlife/ BirdLife International. “Tackling the Illegal Trade and Trafficking of Birds.” BirdLife International. https://www.birdlife.org/projects/tackling-illegal-trade-inc-songbirds/ Cape Parrot Action Plan Coordinating Committee. “Cape Parrot and Mistbelt Forest Action Plan.” https://www.capeparrotactiongroup.org/ Makal, Didier. “DRC Finally Moves to Protect African Gray Parrots from Unsustainable Trade.” Mongabay, September 23, 2025. https://news.mongabay.com/2025/09/drc-finally-moves-to-protect-african-gray-parrots-from-unsustainable-trade-didier-makal/ Pollock, Christal. “Understanding the Illegal Parrot Trade.” LafeberVet, April 20, 2013. https://lafeber.com/vet/understanding-the-illegal-parrot-trade/ Toft, Catherine A., and Timothy F. Wright. Parrots of the Wild: A Natural History of the World’s Most Captivating Birds. University of California Press, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520962644 Wild Bird Trust. “Cape Parrot Project.” Wild Bird Trust. https://www.wildbirdtrust.com/projects/cape-parrot-project ___ Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/parrotstarspodcast Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the thrilling things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

How do we give our parrots meaningful attention without accidentally teaching them that they must be with us every second of the day? In this episode, Alexis and Avery break down the difference between healthy connection, purposeful independence, and true recovery time. They explore common patterns like guilt-driven attention, constant free rein, contact calling, “Velcro” behavior, and difficulty settling. Understand that these are often signs of an unbalanced system rather than a “needy” bird. They also share practical rules for rebuilding healthier attention patterns, plus a simple seven-day reset designed to help parrots play independently, recover after excitement, and enjoy higher-quality time with their people. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Goffin’s Cockatoo ( Cacatua goffiniana )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! —- Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/parrotstarspodcast Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the wonderful things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Birding can be as simple as noticing the birds in your backyard or as serious as traveling hundreds of miles to find a rare species in its natural habitat! In this episode, hosts Alexis and Avery explore what birding is, the different types of birdwatching, and the basic tools that can make the experience even more rewarding. They discuss the absolute joy of birding but also touch on the ethics of using recorded bird calls in the field. Along the way, they share their own birding stories and explain why observing wild birds can deepen our appreciation for nature, conservation, and the incredible lives of birds beyond our homes. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Kea ( Nestor notabilis )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Learn More: Bureau of Land Management. U.S. Department of the Interior. http://www.blm.gov U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Birding Is Soaring in Popularity with Sky-High Impact.” December 9, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/story/2024-12/birdwatching-america U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. United States Fish & Wildlife Service. https://www.fws.gov/ Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/parrotstarspodcast Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the thrilling things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Where you place your parrot’s cage can shape how safe, connected, and rested they feel every day. In this episode, Alexis and Avery break down the three things every good cage location should provide: safety, social connection, and recovery. They discuss windows, vents, cords, household traffic, other pets, and common locations like living rooms, bedrooms, offices, kitchens, and more! They also explain how a “poorly” chosen spot can contribute to hypervigilance, contact calling, increased defensive behavior, poor sleep, and difficulty playing independently, all of which goes hand in hand. Learn how the right location can help your parrot feel included without living in constant chaos. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Congo African Gray Parrot ( Psittacus erithacus )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Support the Parrot Stars Podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/parrotstarspodcast Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the outstanding things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this riveting episode, our hosts Alexis and Avery combine two personal favorites of theirs - American history and parrots - to explore the shockingly long list of U.S. presidents (and First Families) who kept parrots in the Oval Office! They kick things off at Mount Vernon with George and Martha Washington’s famously referenced parrot Polly, then head into the White House years with James and Dolley Madison and their own Polly the macaw who was an unforgettable guest greeter with a bit of an attitude. From there, they tell the most legendary story of all: Andrew Jackson’s African grey parrot and its funeral antics; with a few honorable mentions along the way, such as Grant’s mysterious parrot, McKinley’s “Washington Post” the Amazon, and Theodore Roosevelt’s Macaw “Eli Yale.” Later, White House birds like Eisenhower’s “Gabby” and JFK’s budgerigars “Bluebell” and “Marybelle” make appearances. Wrapping up the conversation with the last parrots to fly in the White House: Lyndon B. Johnson’s two little lovebirds. * A quick reminder when discussing topics from the past: parrot care has drastically improved in the last century. In the last 30 years alone, the scientific literature surrounding parrot care has grown infinitely compared to what was known previously. Please keep in mind Parrot Stars does not condone the manner in which many of these birds were cared for. Yet we do see the value in discussing things accurately, in other words, as they happened, to the best of our abilities. Parrots have played a significant role in our lives throughout much of human history, and the more we learn about them, the better off they’ll be everywhere! Tune in for our species spotlight featuring the Yellow-Headed Amazon ( Amazona oratrix )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Learn More - References: Hilarie M. Hicks, “Parroting Historical Research,” Montpelier (August 13, 2018). https://www.montpelier.org/parroting-historical-research/ Laura Doering, “Presidents and Their Pet Parrots,” Pet Birds by Lafeber Co. (February 14, 2013). https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/presidents-their-parrots/ Mary V. Thompson, “Birds,” George Washington’s Mount Vernon Digital Encyclopedia. https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/birds Presidential Pet Museum — photos and information about U.S. presidents and their pets. https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/ White House Historical Association, “President Theodore Roosevelt’s six children brought a menagerie of pets into the White House with them,” Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHouseHistory/posts/president-theodore-roosevelts-six-children-brought-a-menagerie-of-pets-into-the-/3332079173483989/ Xander Zellner, “A Brief History of President-Bird Companionship,” Audubon (February 12, 2016). https://www.audubon.org/news/a-brief-history-president-bird-companionship Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the outstanding things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Richmond and Dr. Snyder for an illuminating conversation that covers the world of veterinarians, parrot welfare, and their personal journeys with the birds they each have at home. Dr. Richmond explains how his experience with the toll that pursuing veterinary science can take inspired the creation of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary Consultants. While Dr. Snyder found his path through veterinary dentistry, teaching, and clinical leadership at the University of Wisconsin. Of course, their visit to Parrot Stars and first impressions came up once or twice, but more importantly we discussed what they hope bird stores, breeders, and customers prioritize to improve parrot well-being in captivity. Packed with veterinary insights, questions about the future of veterinary medicine (including the role AI could play), and memorable experiences that shaped their careers. Join us as we get to know two veterinarians who are profoundly gifted, knowledgeable, and highly respected within their field, and are truly some of the most kind, thoughtful, and caring people you could meet. Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Learn more : Flourishing Phoenix: veterinary wellbeing and engagement consulting - https://flourishingphoenix.com/ Learn more : University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine - https://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/ Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the outstanding things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Our listeners are who keep the Parrot Stars Podcast going! Today we wanted to give a shout out to some of our amazing community members and answer the questions they submitted. We cover topics like training, desensitization, proper grooming, and even yoga! We hope you enjoy and please keep submitting your questions via phone, email, social media, or our typeform (links below). Also, listen for the species spotlight featuring the Cockatiel ( Nymphicus hollandicus )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Submit a question/topic for future episodes: https://8eylyng6dks.typeform.com/to/IxjozyVm Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the outstanding things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Parrots are flock animals, and when they live in our homes, we become a part of their flock. In this episode, our hosts talk about how parrots constantly “read the room,” and how the emotional environment of a household can shape a bird’s stress level, trust, and overall wellbeing. We break down why social awareness is hardwired into parrots (a behavior that does not disappear in captivity), introduce the idea of your home’s “emotional weather,” and discuss real-life household patterns: conflict, constant intensity, chronic stress, chaos, or isolation, that can wear on a bird over time even when no one means to cause it harm. Also covered are common clues that a parrot may not feel consistently safe or settled (like hypervigilance, screaming for attention, refusing to leave the cage, or stress behaviors). Concluding with a brief research-based note on why some parrots are simply more stress-sensitive than others (Cussen & Mench, 2015). Stay for the species spotlight featuring the Moluccan Cockatoo ( Cacatua moluccensis )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Learn more: Clark, P. (2013, September 29). The optimal social environment for your parrot. Pet Birds by Lafeber Co. https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/the-optimal-social-environment-for-your-parrot/ Cussen, V. A., & Mench, J. A. (2015). The relationship between personality dimensions and resiliency to environmental stress in orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica), as indicated by the development of abnormal behaviors. PLOS ONE, 10(6), e0126170. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0126170 Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the outstanding things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Our hosts, Alexis Highland and Avery Voress, explore the science of flight, from the dinosaur origins of birds to the anatomy and physics that make flying possible. They break down feathers, bones, muscles, lungs, lift, and wing shape, then connect it all back to why flight is so important for parrots’ physical and mental wellbeing. This episode also covers how recall, return, stations, and harness training can help companion parrots safely use flight as enrichment, exercise, and confidence-building. The species spotlight is the Pacific Parrotlet ( Forpus coelestis ). Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Learn More: Castro, J. (2018, March 14). Archaeopteryx: The transitional fossil . Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/24745-archaeopteryx.html Caton, E. (n.d.). How did birds and other dinosaurs learn to fly? Natural History Museum. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-did-birds-and-other-dinosaurs-learn-to-fly.html Cornell Lab Bird Academy. (n.d.). Everything you need to know about feathers . https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/feathers-article/ Focht, L. (2022, September 19). The physics of flight . Schlitz Audubon. https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2022/09/19/the-physics-of-flight/ Hartman, S. (n.d.). Fully flighted birds . The Aviator Harness. https://www.aviatorharness.com/blog-feed/fully-flighted-birds Massen, J., Malone, K., de Vries, R., Beekmans, M., van Zeeland, Y., & Spruijt, B. M. (2023). Do birds enjoy flying? An analysis of affect after flight in galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) (Version 1) [Preprint]. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2386013/v1 Tobalske, B. W. (2016). Evolution of avian flight: Muscles and constraints on performance. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 371 (1704), Article 20150383. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2015.0383 --- Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the thrilling things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Alexis Highland and Avery Voress discuss a core truth of parrot behavior: parrots are prey animals, and humans are predators. In this episode, they unpack how that instinct shapes trust, handling, fear, and everyday behavior. From freezing and flying away to screaming and biting, many behaviors people label as “negative” are actually survival communication. This conversation explores how we can better understand our parrots, reduce fear and conflict, and build trust through safety, choice, predictability, and positive reinforcement. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Indian Ringneck Parakeet ( Psittacula krameri )! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the thrilling things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do, and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode, Alexis and Avery dive into the meaning of conservation and how it connects directly to the parrot world, where nearly one in three species are endangered or at risk of extinction. Focusing on Central and South America, this conversation highlights two inspiring organizations working to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable macaws. First, we explore The Bird Endowment’s Nido Adoptivo Blue-throated Macaw Project in Bolivia, which supports the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw through nest boxes, habitat restoration, and community education. Alexis shares the hopeful progress being made for this rare species, including record fledging numbers and the growing cultural protection surrounding these birds. Next, we look at Ara Manzanillo in Costa Rica and its work with the Great Green Macaw, a species pushed to the brink by habitat loss and poaching. Through rehabilitation, reintroduction, and artificial nesting programs, the project has helped increase both local and global Great Green Macaw populations. Alexis also reflects on how conservation connects back to the Parrot Stars community, including a fundraiser that helped support Blue-throated Macaw conservation efforts from right here in the Chicago suburbs. This episode is all about hope, action, and the power of people coming together to help parrots not just survive, but thrive. If you want to learn more about or support either organization, you can visit them online at: https://www.birdendowment.org/about-nido-adoptivo and https://aramanzanillo.org . Plus, discover the Spix’s Macaw ( Cyanopsitta spixii ) in our species spotlight! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the thrilling things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do, and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Most parrot emergencies aren’t random—they come from everyday household routines. In this episode, Alexis and Avery walk through the most common dangers parrots face inside our homes and explain how to build a simple, practical safety system that protects your bird. From air quality and kitchen hazards to doors, fans, other pets, and hidden risks in every room, they break down the biggest safety concerns parrot owners should know. You’ll also learn how to bird-proof your home, create safer flight spaces, and prepare for emergencies before they happen. The goal isn’t fear—it’s prevention. By the end of the episode, you’ll be challenged to do a quick safety scan of your home and identify one simple change that can make your parrot safer today. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Green Cheeked Conure ( Pyrrhura molinae )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! —- Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the wonderful things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do, and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode, our hosts Alexis and Avery share the bird experiences that shaped their lives—from childhood memories of backyard birds and farm chickens to serious birding, museum research, conservation studies, and Costa Rica. They reflect on the experiences that led them to work with parrots today. They reflect on the moments that deepened their passion for birds and discuss why education, conservation, and better care for parrots both in our homes and in the wild matter more than ever. Plus, a round of Two Truths and a Lie! Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Blue-Headed Pionus ( Pionus menstruus )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars OSU Museum of Biological Diversity: https://mbd.osu.edu/ North Central College: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/ Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the thrilling things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do, and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Listen now to learn how to match the right parrot to your home and set everyone up for long-term success. Bringing a parrot home is exciting—but your living space plays a huge role in whether that relationship succeeds long term. Your home becomes your bird’s entire world, so noise, space, stimulation, and housing rules all matter more than people realize. In this episode, our hosts Alexis Highland and Avery Voress talk about the realities of keeping parrots in apartments, condos, and single-family homes, including common challenges like noise complaints, limited space, overstimulation, and changing lease or HOA rules. Our hosts also share practical tips to help you set up your home for success and choose a species that fits your environment. The type of home you live in should influence which parrot species you choose—or whether it’s the right time to get one at all. Planning ahead now can prevent one of the most heartbreaking outcomes in parrot ownership: having to give your bird up later. Our goal: help you keep your bird. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Princess Parrot ( Polytelis alexandrae )! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the outstanding things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do, and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

From a cultural perspective, parrots and pirates go together like peanut butter and jelly. But why do we associate one with the other? The image of a pirate with a parrot perched on his shoulder is one of the most enduring tropes in Western popular culture. From Treasure Island to Pirates of the Caribbean , from literature to film, theme parks, and even sports mascots, the association between parrots and pirates is now so ingrained that it feels almost historical. But where did this connection actually originate - and how accurate is it? In this episode, we examine the historical, literary, and cultural roots of the parrot–pirate stereotype. Drawing from primary accounts of 17th-century Caribbean raids, the journals of Christopher Columbus, early travel narratives, and maritime trade records, we explore how parrots entered European awareness as exotic commodities through exploration, colonization, and piracy. We then trace how these real-world encounters were absorbed and amplified by literature, particularly in Robinson Crusoe and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island , before becoming permanently embedded in popular imagination through modern film, animation, and entertainment. We also address the historical ambiguity surrounding actual pirate ownership of parrots—what evidence exists, what is speculative, and why the trade in exotic birds made parrots accessible to sailors, privateers, and pirates alike. By situating parrots within broader patterns of early modern global trade, colonial spectacle, and the European fascination with the “exotic,” this episode reframes a familiar cliché as the product of very real historical forces. Rather than asking whether pirates really had parrots, we ask a more revealing question: why did this particular image endure, and what does it tell us about exploration, empire, and the stories we choose to remember? Links : Visit Us : https://www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the phenomenal things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Getting a new parrot is such a special and exciting thing. It can feel like your world has opened up to experiences you’ve never known before. Your newfound joy might make the idea of getting a second bird appealing. Or, perhaps you’re beginning your parrot ownership journey and wondering if it would be better to get two birds at the same time instead of just one. We’re here to encourage your enthusiasm and boost your knowledge so you can make an informed decision as to whether getting a second parrot could be right for you and your family. Parrots are highly social creatures, and for many, life truly is better with a companion. Adding another parrot to your home can greatly enhance their mental and emotional well-being — but only when it’s done with care and intention. It is absolutely feasible when you take into account the additional investments you’ll have to make and the needs of the bird already in your life. In this episode, we explore everything you need to know about deciding whether it’s the right time to introduce a new parrot to your household. We’ll also talk about the importance of understanding your own capacity as a bird caretaker. After all, those good times will quickly disappear if you take in more birds than you’re prepared for. So, join us as we dig into the science of bird bonding, understanding how your bird’s life in the wild influences responsible bird care, and what considerations must be made when adding a second feathered friend to your home. Links : Visit Us : www.parrotstars.com Parrot Stars on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars Support the Parrot Stars Podcast : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the phenomenal things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoy the episode? Download each one and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review! Your support helps us with everything we do and we genuinely appreciate it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Check out Season 4 Episode 9 of the Parrot Stars Podcast: Holiday Bonus Episode! This bonus episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast is your go-to guide for celebrating the holidays with parrots safely and joyfully—starting with why parrots should never be a surprise gift. Hosts Alexis and Avery cover the biggest seasonal hazards (trees, lights, tinsel, candles, essential oils, chocolate, wrapping chaos, guests, and noise), plus easy, practical steps to keep your birds calm and protected. Then they’ll flip the fun switch with bird-safe decorating ideas, foraging games, DIY “Parrot Christmas Morning” traditions, and gift inspiration for both birds and the people who love them. Along the way, they’ll share a cozy Parrot Stars year-in-review, a heartfelt reminder of what parrots mean to our homes, and a sprinkle of holiday bird fun facts—before wrapping up with goals for the new year and a warm thank-you to the whole flock. ------- Links : Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com/ Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFfC9b7d9Vp94TurLeroOQ Support the Parrot Stars Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for regular updates about all of the phenomenal things happening at Parrot Stars! Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! We are also accepting donations at the link above. Your support helps us with everything we do, and we cannot thank you enough for it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com