Episodi

  • Parrots Can See Another Dimension!

    Parrots Can See Another Dimension!
    Oct 5 2026

    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:

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    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

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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!

    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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    41 min
  • Are Parrot Cages Really Necessary?

    Are Parrot Cages Really Necessary?
    Sep 21 2026

    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
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    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


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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!

    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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    59 min
  • A Brighter Future for Congos & Capes!

    A Brighter Future for Congos & Capes!
    Sep 14 2026
    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.comParrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_starsParrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstarsCape Parrot Project Instagram: @capeparrotprojectReferences: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/10.1525/9780520962644Wild 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/parrotstarspodcastFollow 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 MailSupport the showLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com
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    45 min
  • The Parrot Independence Dilemma

    The Parrot Independence Dilemma
    Sep 7 2026

    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

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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 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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    50 min
  • The Art of Birdwatching AKA Birding

    The Art of Birdwatching AKA Birding
    Aug 31 2026

    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

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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!

    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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    51 min
  • Where to Put Your Parrot's Cage in Your House

    Where to Put Your Parrot's Cage in Your House
    Aug 24 2026

    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

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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.

    Send us Fan Mail

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    49 min
  • Parrots & Presidents - Birds of the Oval Office

    Parrots & Presidents - Birds of the Oval Office
    Jul 6 2026
    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.comParrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_starsParrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstarsLearn 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-companionshipSupport 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 MailSupport the showLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com
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    39 min
  • Extraordinary Insights from MVP Veterinarians with Dr. Christopher Snyder & Dr. Phillip Richmond

    Extraordinary Insights from MVP Veterinarians with Dr. Christopher Snyder & Dr. Phillip Richmond
    Jun 29 2026

    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
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    1 ora e 2 min