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!

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Links:
Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com
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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

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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.

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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

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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!

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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)!

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Links:

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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
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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