Bird-keeping glossary

Captive-bred vs wild-caught

Captive-bred birds were hatched from parents in human care; wild-caught birds were trapped from the wild — illegal to sell for most species, and behaviourally and ethically a poor choice.

CITES permit

A government-issued permit under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, required to legally trade certain bird species across borders.

Hand-raised

A bird that was fed by hand from a young age — typically removed from the nest 2–4 weeks after hatching — to imprint on humans and become a confident companion.

Leg band (closed band)

A small metal or plastic ring fitted to a chick's leg in the first few weeks of life, carrying a unique ID that proves the bird's age, breeder, and captive-bred origin.

Weaning

The transition from hand-feeding formula to eating solid food on its own — a critical milestone before a young bird is ready to go to a new home.

Fledgling

A young bird that has grown its first set of full feathers and is learning to fly, but has not yet weaned off parental food.

Syrinx

The vocal organ of birds — analogous to the human larynx — located at the base of the trachea, where it splits into the two bronchi.

Companion bird

A bird kept primarily as a pet that bonds socially with humans — distinct from a working bird (falconry, racing pigeons) or a livestock bird (poultry).

Foraging

The natural behaviour of searching, manipulating, and working for food — a critical mental enrichment activity for captive parrots.

Talkability

The capacity of a parrot species to mimic human speech, ranked from exceptional (African Grey) to limited (most conures and cockatiels).

Avian veterinarian

A veterinarian with specialist training in avian medicine — significantly different from general small-animal practice, and the only vet you should trust with a bird.

Hyperkeratosis

An overgrowth of the skin or beak, most often seen in macaws, where the surface scales become thickened and flaky — usually a sign of nutritional deficiency or liver disease.

Psittacosis

A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci that affects birds and can transmit to humans, typically presenting as flu-like symptoms.

Quarantine

A 30–45 day period of isolation when introducing a new bird to a household with existing birds, to prevent transmission of infectious disease.

Pellets vs seeds

Pellets are a formulated, balanced diet for parrots; seeds alone are nutritionally incomplete and a leading cause of obesity, fatty liver disease, and vitamin deficiencies.