Parrot Stars Podcast

Nature's Greatest Feat: The Science of Flight!

Our hosts, Alexis Highland and Avery Voress, explore the science of flight, from the dinosaur origins of birds to the anatomy and physics that make flying possible. They break down feathers, bones, muscles, lungs, lift, and wing shape, then connect it all back to why flight is so important for parrots’ physical and mental wellbeing. This episode also covers how recall, return, stations, and harness training can help companion parrots safely use flight as enrichment, exercise, and confidence-building. The species spotlight is the Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis). Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com] Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ [https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/] Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars [https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars] Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars [https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars] Learn More:       Castro, J. (2018, March 14). Archaeopteryx: The transitional fossil. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/24745-archaeopteryx.html [https://www.livescience.com/24745-archaeopteryx.html]       Caton, E. (n.d.). How did birds and other dinosaurs learn to fly? Natural History Museum. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-did-birds-and-other-dinosaurs-learn-to-fly.html?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-did-birds-and-other-dinosaurs-learn-to-fly.html [https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-did-birds-and-other-dinosaurs-learn-to-fly.html]       Cornell Lab Bird Academy. (n.d.). Everything you need to know about feathers. https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/feathers-article/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://academy.allaboutbirds.org/feathers-article/ [https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/feathers-article/]       Focht, L. (2022, September 19). The physics of flight. Schlitz Audubon. https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2022/09/19/the-physics-of-flight/ [https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2022/09/19/the-physics-of-flight/]       Hartman, S. (n.d.). Fully flighted birds. The Aviator Harness. https://www.aviatorharness.com/blog-feed/fully-flighted-birds [https://www.aviatorharness.com/blog-feed/fully-flighted-birds]       Massen, J., Malone, K., de Vries, R., Beekmans, M., van Zeeland, Y., & Spruijt, B. M. (2023). Do birds enjoy flying? An analysis of affect after flight in galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) (Version 1) [Preprint]. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2386013/v1 [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2386013/v1]       Tobalske, B. W. (2016). Evolution of avian flight: Muscles and constraints on performance. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 371(1704), Article 20150383. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2015.0383 [https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2015.0383] --- Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support [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 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 Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support] Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com/Default.asp?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast]

Gaining a Parrot’s Trust: The Predator-Prey Dynamic

Alexis Highland and Avery Voress discuss a core truth of parrot behavior: parrots are prey animals, and humans are predators. In this episode, they unpack how that instinct shapes trust, handling, fear, and everyday behavior. From freezing and flying away to screaming and biting, many behaviors people label as “negative” are actually survival communication. This conversation explores how we can better understand our parrots, reduce fear and conflict, and build trust through safety, choice, predictability, and positive reinforcement. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Indian Ringneck Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com] Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ [https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/] Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars [https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars] Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars [https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars] Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support [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 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 Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support] Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com/Default.asp?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast]

Hope for Macaws: Uplifting Stories of the Blue-Throated & Great Greens

In this episode, Alexis and Avery dive into the meaning of conservation and how it connects directly to the parrot world, where nearly one in three species are endangered or at risk of extinction. Focusing on Central and South America, this conversation highlights two inspiring organizations working to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable macaws. First, we explore The Bird Endowment’s Nido Adoptivo [https://www.birdendowment.org/about-nido-adoptivo] Blue-throated Macaw Project in Bolivia, which supports the critically endangered Blue-throated Macaw through nest boxes, habitat restoration, and community education. Alexis shares the hopeful progress being made for this rare species, including record fledging numbers and the growing cultural protection surrounding these birds. Next, we look at Ara Manzanillo [https://aramanzanillo.org] in Costa Rica and its work with the Great Green Macaw, a species pushed to the brink by habitat loss and poaching. Through rehabilitation, reintroduction, and artificial nesting programs, the project has helped increase both local and global Great Green Macaw populations. Alexis also reflects on how conservation connects back to the Parrot Stars community, including a fundraiser that helped support Blue-throated Macaw conservation efforts from right here in the Chicago suburbs. This episode is all about hope, action, and the power of people coming together to help parrots not just survive, but thrive. If you want to learn more about or support either organization, you can visit them online at: https://www.birdendowment.org/about-nido-adoptivo [https://www.birdendowment.org/about-nido-adoptivo] and https://aramanzanillo.org [https://aramanzanillo.org/]. Plus, discover the Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) in our species spotlight! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com] Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ [https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/] Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars [https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars] Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars [https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars] Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support [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 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 Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support] Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com/Default.asp?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast]

Parrot Household Safety: The Hidden Dangers in Your Home

Most parrot emergencies aren’t random—they come from everyday household routines. In this episode, Alexis and Avery walk through the most common dangers parrots face inside our homes and explain how to build a simple, practical safety system that protects your bird. From air quality and kitchen hazards to doors, fans, other pets, and hidden risks in every room, they break down the biggest safety concerns parrot owners should know. You’ll also learn how to bird-proof your home, create safer flight spaces, and prepare for emergencies before they happen. The goal isn’t fear—it’s prevention. By the end of the episode, you’ll be challenged to do a quick safety scan of your home and identify one simple change that can make your parrot safer today. Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Green Cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae)! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! —- Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com] Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ [https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/] Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars [https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars] Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars [https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars] Support the Parrot Stars Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support [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 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. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support] Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com/Default.asp?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast]

How We Fell in Love With Birds | Our Bird Stories & Backgrounds

In this episode, our hosts Alexis and Avery share the bird experiences that shaped their lives—from childhood memories of backyard birds and farm chickens to serious birding, museum research, conservation studies, and Costa Rica. They reflect on the experiences that led them to work with parrots today. They reflect on the moments that deepened their passion for birds and discuss why education, conservation, and better care for parrots both in our homes and in the wild matter more than ever. Plus, a round of Two Truths and a Lie! Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Blue-Headed Pionus (Pionus menstruus)! Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you! — Links: Visit Us: https://www.parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com] Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ [https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/] Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars [https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars] Parrot Stars on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars [https://www.youtube.com/@parrotstars] OSU Museum of Biological Diversity: https://mbd.osu.edu/ [https://mbd.osu.edu/] North Central College: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/ [https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/] Support the Parrot Stars Podcast! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support [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 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 Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2376122/support] Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com [https://www.parrotstars.com/Default.asp?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast]