World Parrot Day, marked annually on 31st May, is a day to celebrate parrots and raise awareness about the challenges they face in the wild. For those of us who share our homes with these intelligent and colourful companions, it's also the perfect opportunity to honour the joy they bring into our lives.

Whether you're a new bird owner or a lifelong parrot enthusiast, here's how you can make World Parrot Day 2025 meaningful, educational, and fun for both you and your feathered friend.

What is World Parrot Day?

In short, World Parrot Day is an annual event on 31st May that raises awareness about wild parrot conservation and celebrates companion parrots. World Parrot Day was launched by the World Parrot Trust in 2004 to shine a spotlight on the threats faced by wild parrots around the globe. From habitat loss and illegal trapping to climate change and deforestation, the challenges are numerous and often devastating.

This day encourages parrot lovers and conservationists to come together, spread awareness, and take action to protect both wild and companion parrots. It also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the care we provide to our pet birds and to celebrate the uniqueness of each parrot species.

Parrot Power - Why Parrots Are Truly Remarkable

Parrots aren't just beautiful to look at - they are some of the most intelligent and emotionally complex animals we share our lives with. Many species have cognitive abilities comparable to those of a young child, especially in areas such as problem-solving, communication, and memory.

African Greys, for instance, have been known to learn hundreds of words and use them meaningfully. Cockatiels and budgies often delight us by whistling familiar tunes, while macaws and conures enjoy tackling puzzles and learning playful tricks.

But their brilliance goes beyond cleverness. Parrots are highly social birds who form strong emotional bonds with their human companions. They crave attention, interaction, and variety in their daily routine. To thrive in our homes, they need far more than food and a cage - they require stimulation, affection, and a dynamic environment that reflects their natural behaviours.

When we meet these needs, the rewards are extraordinary: a trusting, engaging, and deeply rewarding relationship with a companion who continues to surprise and delight us every day.

Conservation Spotlight

World Parrot Day is a time to acknowledge that not all parrots live in safe, comfortable homes. In the wild, many parrot species are in danger. The Spix's Macaw, once declared extinct in the wild, has only recently been reintroduced through conservation efforts. The Kakapo of New Zealand remains critically endangered. In South America, habitat destruction continues to push once-thriving species towards extinction.

One of the most effective ways to support conservation is by choosing to support ethical parrot care, avoiding wild-caught birds, and supporting rescues and sanctuaries working to rehabilitate and rehome parrots in need.

5 Ways to Celebrate World Parrot Day at Home

Here are five simple and impactful ways to make World Parrot Day special for your bird.

1. Try a New Toy or Activity

Parrots thrive on novelty and stimulation. Adding a new toy or rotating their existing ones can refresh their environment and reduce stress. Foraging toys, chewable materials, and puzzle feeders are particularly beneficial as they tap into natural behaviours like shredding and problem-solving.

Browse our carefully selected range of parrot toys and enrichment items to find something tailored to your bird's species and personality.

2. Create a Parrot-Safe Celebration Treat

Mark the occasion with a special treat your bird can safely enjoy. Create a vibrant fruit and vegetable platter with ingredients such as apple, carrot, sweetcorn, and leafy greens. Avoid any unsafe foods like avocado, chocolate, or anything high in salt or sugar.

For an extra treat, explore our collection of healthy parrot snacks and treats - ideal for training, bonding, or simply celebrating the day together.

3. Teach a New Trick

World Parrot Day is a great time to introduce a new activity or trick. Whether it's teaching your bird to wave, spin, or retrieve an object, the process offers mental stimulation and strengthens your bond.

Short, consistent training sessions work best. Use positive reinforcement, a calm environment, and high-value rewards such as Macadamia Nuts or Almonds to keep motivation high.

4. Join the Parrot Essentials Community

Celebrating is always more fun when you share it. Upload a photo or video of your bird enjoying World Parrot Day and share it in our Parrot Essentials Facebook Group. It's a great way to connect with other parrot lovers, learn new tips, and show off your bird's personality.

You might even get featured in one of our future community highlights.

5. Refresh Their Living Space

Parrots spend a significant amount of time in and around their cages or play areas, so creating a stimulating and comfortable environment is essential to their well-being. World Parrot Day is an ideal time to step back and assess whether your bird's space still meets their needs.

Consider rotating perches to offer different textures and grip types, cleaning and reorganising their setup to keep it interesting, or upgrading worn-out toys and feeding stations. Even a small change, like introducing a natural wood perch or adding a swing, can make a big difference to how your bird interacts with their environment.

Need inspiration? Explore our collection of parrot perches and accessories to create a space that encourages movement, curiosity, and comfort.

A refreshed space shows your bird that their needs matter - and that they're truly part of the family.

Parrot Care Is a Daily Commitment

World Parrot Day may come once a year, but for those of us who share our homes with parrots, the care, attention, and love they need is constant. These intelligent and sensitive birds rely on us to create a life that mirrors, as closely as possible, the complexity of their natural world.

That means more than simply meeting their basic needs. It's about choosing a diet that fuels both health and longevity. It's about offering toys and enrichment that challenge their minds. It's about understanding that a parrot's happiness is built on routine, trust, and meaningful interaction.

At Parrot Essentials, we're not just a shop - we're part of your support system. Every product we offer, from nutrition to enrichment, has been carefully selected to meet the real needs of companion birds. We back that with expert guidance, long-term savings options like Subscribe & Save, and a commitment to customer care that puts bird welfare first.

Because the truth is, supporting parrots doesn't end when World Parrot Day is over. It continues in the everyday choices we make, and we're here to help you make the best ones.