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National Pet Bird Day

Animal · September 17

A day for the parakeets, cockatiels, canaries and parrots that share American homes, and for learning how these clever birds live and what they need.

National Pet Bird Day falls on Friday, September 17, 2027. That is 325 days away.

Pet birds are some of the most social animals people keep at home. Parakeets, cockatiels, canaries, finches and larger parrots all live in households across the country, and each kind brings its own voice and habits.

Many of these birds are flock animals by nature. In the wild they spend their days foraging, preening and calling to one another, so in a home they often treat their people as the flock. That is why a parakeet may chatter when someone walks into the room, or a cockatiel may whistle back a tune it has heard often. Some parrots learn to mimic words and household sounds, including, in more than one home, the microwave.

Birds also need a lot of daily attention. They do best with room to move, things to chew and shred, a varied diet beyond seeds, and time out of the cage when it is safe. Larger parrots can live for decades, which makes taking one on a long commitment.

People who keep birds often mark the day by giving their own a new perch or toy, or simply spending an extra hour together. Others visit a bird rescue, read about a species they have never met, or listen closely to the songs of a canary or finch.

A bird that feels secure will often fluff up its feathers, grind its beak softly and settle in for a nap.

Ways to celebrate

• Give your bird a new perch or a safe paper toy to shred.
• Spend extra unhurried time talking or whistling with your bird.
• Look up a pet bird species you have never seen before.
• Visit or volunteer at a local bird rescue.
• Share a favorite photo or sound clip of a bird you know.

Dates

Categories: Animal days