Fascinating hobby of birding

Parrots such as the blue-and-yellow macaw can form deep bonds with their owners.

KEEPING parrots as companion birds is a unique and enchanting hobby, one that combines the joy of pet ownership with the excitement of aviculture.

Parrots are known for their intelligence and their personality traits make them remarkable companions.

The rainbow lorikeet has bright multicoloured feathers of green, yellow, blue and red. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

Their unique and vibrant plumage gives each bird their own distinctive features.

The allure of parrots is not just in their beauty or skills in mimicry; it’s also in their capacity to form deep bonds with their owners.

Known for their intelligence and speaking abilities, the African parrots have a characteristic grey plumage, a white mask around their eyes, and a bright red tail.

Highly sociable, the birds require interaction and mental stimulation, which makes them suited for those who can devote time and attention to their care.

Budgerigars can be found in a variation of colours because of mutations in their genes.

Prospective owners should be aware of the commitment involved as bird-keeping as a hobby involves more than just providing a home and food.

It’s about creating an environment that simulates a bird’s natural habitat.

Eclectus parrots (right) do well in captivity and have a varied range of calls, from a loud, high-pitched squawk to whistles and screeches.

This includes interactive toys, perches of varying sizes and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and seeds.

This hobby also necessitates regular veterinary care to ensure the bird’s physical and emotional well-being, as each species has its specific care requirements in different environments.

A yellow-crowned amazon (left) and blue-and-yellow macaw for sale in a pet shop in Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh.

It is hard work nurturing these birds but parrot owners are rewarded with a fulfilling experience.