World Parrot Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Henry VIII's ownership of an African Grey Parrot in 1504 is the earliest mention of a 'pet parrot' in the British Isles. The Age of Exploration lasted from the early 15th century to the early 17th century,

The 31st of May is World Parrot Day, which commemorates the parrot as a phenomenon. The order Psittaciformes is comprised of 398 species of birds belonging to 92 genera. Parrots inhabit predominantly tropical and subtropical regions. The order Psittaciformes is divided into three superfamilies: the ‘Psittacidae’ or ‘genuine parrots,’ the ‘cockatoos,’ and the ‘Strigopidea’ or ‘New Zealand parrots.’ One-third of all parrot species are currently endangered, making them the group of animals with the highest risk of extinction overall. Several species of parrots inhabit temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Parrots have a pantropical distribution. Strong, curved beaks, an upright posture, strong legs, and clawed feet are some of the defining characteristics of parrots. Numerous parrots are brilliantly coloured, and some are multicoloured. Most parrots exhibit little to no sexual dimorphism in the visual spectrum. In terms of length, this is the most variable order of birds.

The background of World Parrot Day

Henry VIII’s ownership of an African Grey Parrot in 1504 is the earliest mention of a ‘pet parrot’ in the British Isles. The Age of Exploration lasted from the early 15th century to the early 17th century, and was characterised by European ships searching for new commercial routes by circumnavigating the globe. Several animals were taken back from these journeys for various purposes.

The most prevalent imports from these exploration expeditions were parrots from India, Africa, and South America. Not only are parrots colourful and straightforward to domesticate, but they also made long, uncomfortable sea voyages back to Europe relatively simple. This ignorance caused the mortality of numerous birds during transport. However, parrots fared significantly better than more fragile avian species.The records of birds kept in menageries, the precursor to zoos, aristocratic private collections, and artwork of birds from the 16th to 18th centuries include parrots, pheasants, ostriches, and other long-lived and relatively easy-to-keep birds. Few owners allow their parrots to express and exhibit their most basic bird instincts, such as flying, flocking, and mate-finding. The majority of domestic parrots are relatively “fresh out” of the wild, as they are only a few generations removed from the wild.

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WORLD PARROT DAY ACTIVITIES

Adopt a parrot

World Parrot Day is an opportunity to acquire a parrot as a pet. Typically, they are amusing and gregarious.

Donate to parrot conservation

Donate to a parrot conservation and aid efforts to prevent the extinction of parrots. Whether in a household or in the wild, all parrots require a secure environment.

Share images of your parrot on the web!

If you own a parrot as a companion, you should post photos and videos of it with the hashtag #WorldParrotDay. Even if you do not own a parrot, you should educate your peers about the threats they are currently facing.