World Parrot Day 2025: Celebrating Parrots, Partners, and Progress
Each year on May 31st, World Parrot Day (WPD) brings people together from every corner of the globe to celebrate parrots, spotlight the threats they face, and honour the tireless efforts to protect them.
The very first World Parrot Day was born in 2004, when the World Parrot Trust rallied in Trafalgar Square, London, to draw attention to the devastating toll of the wild-caught bird trade. What began as a small gathering has since evolved into a truly global movement, a day when parrot lovers, conservationists, zoos, and countless others unite to make a difference for these remarkable creatures and the habitats they call home.
Today, that mission is just as vital as the day it started. Nearly one in three parrot species now faces the threat of extinction, making World Parrot Day a critical reminder of the urgent need to protect parrots in the wild and to provide better care for those in captivity.
The WPT collaborates with dedicated in-country partners to advocate and work for parrots at risk worldwide. As part of our 2025 WPD celebrations, we chose to highlight six incredible species from across our programs and projects for our parrot of the year vote. Each selection is a symbol of the resilience, beauty, and vulnerability of these extraordinary birds. Together, their stories shed light on the urgent work required to secure a future where parrots can continue to fill the skies, forests, and savannahs that they call home.
Meet the Six Candidates
Grey Parrot – Psittacus erithacus
Native to Africa, these intelligent parrots have suffered from extensive trapping and habitat destruction. Conservationists are striving to protect their habitats and curb illegal trade.
Learn more about the Grey Parrot, its threats in the wild, and the dedicated efforts to protect it. Dr. Rowan Martin, Director of the World Parrot Trust’s Africa Region and Bird Trade Programme, shares why this iconic species needs urgent support.
Yellow-shouldered Amazon – Amazona barbadensis
Found in coastal regions of Venezuela and on the nearby Caribbean islands of Aruba and Bonaire, this parrot is threatened by habitat degradation and the wildlife trade. Reintroduction, habitat protection and community-based programs are working to safeguard its future.
Discover how the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) is successfully nurturing and safeguarding the reintroduced population of Yellow‑shouldered Amazons. Hear from Natasha Silva, Chief Conservation Officer at ACF, about their vital work.
Blue‑throated Macaw – Ara glaucogularis
Endemic to Bolivia, this critically endangered macaw faces threats from habitat loss and historical trapping. Conservation efforts focus on protecting nesting sites and supporting wild populations.
Watch and learn about the on‑the‑ground conservation efforts safeguarding this critically endangered species. Hear from the team at Fundación CLB in Bolivia as they work to protect the Blue‑throated Macaw and its vital savannah habitat.
Kea – Nestor notabilis
New Zealand’s alpine parrot is known for its intelligence and curiosity. Because they are facing threats from lead poisoning and human conflict, initiatives aim to ensure their survival in the wild.
Listen as Kerry Weston, who leads the Kea recovery efforts for the Department of Conservation, as she talks about their vital conservation efforts on the ground.
Red-and-blue Lory – Eos histrio
Inhabiting Indonesia’s Talaud Islands, this vibrant lory is at risk due to deforestation and capture for the wildlife trade. Efforts are underway to preserve its natural habitat.
Hear from Dr. Fahmi Agustiadi, Indonesia Parrot Welfare Specialist, as he shines a light on the Red & Blue Lory and the critical conservation work underway to save this striking species and its fragile island habitats.
Ultramarine Lorikeet – Vini ultramarina
Once widespread in the Marquesas Islands, this striking lorikeet now survives only on Ua Huka Island, where it is threatened by invasive species and habitat loss. Conservationists are working to protect its small remaining population.
Meet Chloe Brown from Association Vaiku’a, who shares her passion and insights into the efforts being made to ensure that the last population of Ultramarine Lorikeets on Ua Huka remains protected from invasive species such as rats.
We’re excited to announce that the species receiving the most votes is the Blue-throated Macaw, a remarkable ambassador for parrot conservation that captured hearts around the world.
The response to this year’s World Parrot Day was nothing short of inspiring, with countless people, organisations, and communities coming together to raise awareness, share knowledge, and take action for parrots everywhere.
Thank you to everyone who participated, voted, and spoke up for parrots across the world. Together, we can build a brighter future for these extraordinary birds, ensuring that their calls continue to echo across forests, savannahs, and islands for generations to come.
