Today, we're thrilled to announce the addition of five new parrot species to Birdorable: the majestic White-crowned Parrot, vibrant Blue-fronted Amazon, rare Spix's Macaw, elegant Alexandrine Parakeet, and charming Peach-fronted Parakeet.

Our collection of bird species continues to expand, particularly in the family of parrots and parakeets. Out of the 125 bird species represented on Birdorable, 32 belong to the parrot and parakeet families. One of the rarest and most critically endangered parrots in the world is the Spix's Macaw. It is believed to be extinct in the wild! The species was feared to be extinct in the early 1980's, until it was rediscovered in 1985 when just 5 birds were located in the north of Bahia, Brazil. Sadly, by 1988 it appeared the last 5 birds had been removed by trappers.

\In 1990, an exhaustive survey in the area resulted in the discovered of a single wild survivor! The Brazilian Authorities located a wild caught female Spix's Macaw at a private breeding facility. In 1995 the female was released in the wild to join the last remaining one, but unfortunately shortly after she was found dead. The one remaining bird was last seen on October 5th, 2000 and is thought to have died of natural causes as he was in excess of 20 years old. Currently there are approximately 120 individual Spix's Macaws in captivity around the world. 78 of these are participating in an international breeding program managed by the Institute Chico Mendes of Biodiversity Conservation, the Natural Heritage Branch of the Brazilian Government. 50 of these are managed at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation in the State of Qatar. 

The Hoopoe, a striking and unique crested bird, was named the official national bird of Israel in May 2008. The bird won a national survey to become the honored bird. Stephen Colbert had some fun making the announcement on his show last week. We couldn't miss the opportunity to further honor the beautiful Hoopoe, already a member of the Birdorable family, with a special Birdorable of Israel edition.

The design is available on t-shirts and other gifts:

In a heartwarming Birdorable tale from Japan, a clever African Grey Parrot found his way back home by doing exactly what his owners had taught him: reciting his name and address to some helpful strangers. After being taken in by the police, the lost parrot remained silent for a few days at a veterinary hospital before finally opening up. "I'm Mr. Yosuke Nakamura," he announced to the veterinarian, promptly followed by his complete home address. The Nakamura family revealed to the police that they had spent around two years teaching their feathered friend this vital information. How cute is that?

Birdorable is thrilled to announce a delightful new series that's bound to capture the hearts of bird lovers and state pride enthusiasts alike! Our latest collection features the charming state birds of the U.S., each rendered in our signature Birdorable style. Imagine the Northern Mockingbird, symbolizing both Florida and Texas, the serene Common Loon of Minnesota, and the adorable Chickadee of Massachusetts, all brought to life with a cute and cartoonish flair that's unmistakably Birdorable. Each bird is set against a backdrop of its respective state flag.

This unique blend of avian cuteness and state pride makes our new series a perfect way to show your love for your state and its feathered ambassador. Whether you're a birdwatcher, a backyard birder, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of these creatures, our state bird series offers something special for you. Imagine wearing a T-shirt with a Birdorable rendition of your state bird, or sipping your morning coffee from a mug adorned with one of these adorable designs. It's a way to bring a piece of your state's natural beauty into your daily life, while also enjoying the playful and heartwarming style that Birdorable is known for.

The Northern Mockingbird, with its mimicking prowess and spirited song, represents the diverse cultures and vibrant music scenes of Florida and Texas. The Common Loon, symbolizing Minnesota, calls to mind serene lakes and wilderness, echoing the state's love for outdoor adventures. And the Chickadee, Maine's pride, reflects the state's rugged coasts and dense forests, a testament to nature's resilience and beauty. Each bird, with its unique qualities and significance, tells a story about its state..

We're excited to expand this series and bring even more state birds to life in the Birdorable style. Whether you're from the rolling prairies of Nebraska, the icy expanses of Alaska, or the bustling streets of New York, we want to hear from you! Your state bird could be next to receive the Birdorable treatment, complete with its state flag waving proudly in the background. And we're not stopping there — we're open to all sorts of fun and creative design ideas that celebrate birds and the joy they bring into our lives.

If you have a favorite state bird you'd like to see in our collection, or if you have any other bird-themed design ideas, we'd love to hear from you. Your input could inspire the next adorable addition to our shop, so don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts with us. Together, we can continue to celebrate the beauty and diversity of birds in the most Birdorable way possible.

Check out our current lineup of state bird designs and find your state's feathered friend in adorable style. Who knows? You might just find the perfect Birdorable product to express your state pride and love for birds. Join us in this exciting avian adventure!

The Emperor Penguin has recently waddled its way into our hearts and onto the Birdorable website. Standing as the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species, these majestic birds can grow up to an impressive 48 inches in height. But their size isn't the only thing that's impressive about them. Emperor Penguins are also unparalleled divers, capable of reaching depths of 1,755 feet and holding their breath for up to 18 minutes. This incredible ability allows them to dive deep into the icy waters of Antarctica to hunt for fish, krill, and other seafood, which makes up their diet.

Living in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the Emperor Penguin's life is nothing short of extraordinary. Each year, these penguins undertake a remarkable journey that tests the limits of their endurance. They travel between 31 to 75 miles across the icy Antarctic terrain to reach their breeding colonies. This trek isn't just a leisurely walk in the snow; it's a vital part of their lifecycle, ensuring they reach the place where they can mate and raise their chicks in the safety of numbers. Once there, thousands of individuals gather, forming large colonies that buzz with the activities of mating, egg-laying, and chick-rearing.

The breeding cycle of the Emperor Penguin is as fascinating as it is unique. In the dead of the Antarctic winter, the female lays a single egg and then embarks on a lengthy journey back to the sea to feed. Meanwhile, the male takes on the critical role of keeping the egg warm. He does this by balancing it on his feet and covering it with a special fold of skin known as a brood pouch. During this time, the males fast, relying on their fat reserves to survive the brutal cold and winds. This period of waiting and warming the egg illustrates the Emperor Penguin's incredible resilience and dedication to their offspring.

Perhaps one of the most endearing aspects of the Emperor Penguin's life is their communal approach to survival. Huddling together to share warmth and protect each other from the Antarctic cold, they take turns moving to the center of the huddle, ensuring that no individual is left to endure the chill for too long. 

Their extraordinary life and survival strategies have made Emperor Penguins the stars of documentaries and films, most notably the award-winning "March of the Penguins" (2005). This film brings to light the incredible journey and challenges faced by these penguins, capturing the hearts of audiences around the world and drawing attention to the beauty and fragility of Antarctic ecosystems.

We're thrilled to welcome the Emperor Penguin into the Birdorable family. This amazing bird highlights how amazing nature can be and why it's so important to protect these incredible animals and the places they live. So, whether you love watching birds, care about the environment, or just like adorable animals, the Emperor Penguin is bound to grab your attention and make you love nature even more.

The Common Loon, also known as the Great Northern Diver, is a sight to behold for bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. With its distinctive black-and-white plumage, piercing red eyes, and haunting calls that echo across northern lakes, it’s no wonder that this bird has captured the hearts of many. Recognized for its remarkable diving abilities and significant presence across North America and parts of Greenland and Iceland, the Common Loon is a fascinating subject that has recently topped the list of most-requested birds on Birdorable.

One of the most striking features of the Common Loon is its impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 5 feet. This, coupled with its specialized body, allows it to dive up to 200 feet deep in search of fish. It's this adept hunting skill that ensures the loon's survival in its aquatic habitat, making it one of the most skilled divers among birds.

They prefer freshwater lakes and ponds during the breeding season, where they can be seen gliding majestically over the water or carrying their chicks on their backs. The loon's nest, a simple construction of plant material on the water's edge, is where the magic begins as they raise their next generation amidst the tranquil beauty of the northern wilderness.

The loon's call is perhaps what it is most famous for—a haunting, eerie sound that can carry for miles over the water and through the forests. These calls, which include yodels, wails, and hoots, are not just beautiful; they serve important communication purposes among loons, from defining territory to strengthening pair bonds and signaling alarm.

In addition to its natural beauty and intriguing behaviors, the Common Loon holds a special place in cultural and economic contexts. It is the state bird of Minnesota for its significance in the region's natural heritage. Moreover, its iconic status is immortalized on the back of the Canadian one-dollar coin, affectionately known as the "loonie." This nod in currency highlights the loon's importance to Canadian identity and wildlife.

For birdwatchers, backyard birders, or anyone with a keen interest in nature, the Common Loon represents the wild, untamed beauty of the northern landscapes. Its ability to dive deep, fly great distances, and its unique calls make it a bird worth seeking out, whether in the remote wilderness of Canada or the northern lakes of the United States. Understanding and appreciating the Common Loon not only enriches our connection to the natural world but also highlights the importance of conserving the aquatic habitats these birds rely on. As we marvel at their beauty and prowess, let's also remember the role we play in protecting these amazing birds and their environment for future generations to enjoy.

In the last few weeks we've been seeing a Rose-ringed Parakeet in our backyard here in the Netherlands. These birds are originally from tropical Africa and India but have established feral populations in a number of cities around the world, including London and some big Dutch cities. We hear them fly by our house quite often and sometimes we see them sitting high up in trees in our neighborhood. This was the best view we had of one since we saw them in India:

Here’s a picture of a young one that we saw behind the Taj Mahal in Agra when we visited India in 2006. It was so small it still had to grow into its ring:

The Rose-ringed Parakeet was one of the first parakeets we made into a Birdorable, because we had seen them on our holiday in India. Here's the Birdorable version of this adorable bird:

The Hyacinth Macaw, with its striking cobalt-blue feathers and contrasting bright yellow rings around its eyes and beak, is not just a sight to behold but also an ambassador for the conservation efforts in its native habitats of central and eastern South America. Known as the largest flying parrot species in the world (the larger Kakapo of New Zealand is flightless), this magnificent bird faces numerous challenges in the wild, including habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and diminished food sources. Yet, its story is not just one of struggle, but also of hope and resilience, demonstrating the difference that informed, dedicated conservation efforts can make.

One of the most pressing issues for the Hyacinth Macaw is habitat destruction, primarily due to deforestation for agriculture and cattle ranching. These activities reduce the available nesting sites and food resources for the macaws, significantly impacting their population. Moreover, the illegal pet trade poses a severe threat, as these birds are highly sought after for their beauty and rarity, leading to many being taken from the wild before they can contribute to the natural regeneration of their species.

Conservation efforts for the Hyacinth Macaw have been underway for several years, focusing on protecting habitats, enforcing anti-poaching laws, and educating the public about the importance of these birds to their ecosystems. One of the success stories in conservation is the establishment of protected areas and reserves in Brazil, where these birds are found. These areas provide safe havens where Hyacinth Macaws can live, breed, and thrive without the immediate threats of habitat loss and human interference.

Reintroduction and breeding programs have also been essential in bolstering the populations of Hyacinth Macaws. These programs care for and rehabilitate injured or confiscated birds, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. Additionally, they aim to increase the genetic diversity of the population, ensuring a healthier and more resilient species.

Public education and community involvement are critical components of conservation success. By informing people about the plight of the Hyacinth Macaw and the ways in which they can help, conservation organizations have been able to garner support for their efforts. This includes promoting responsible pet ownership, supporting sustainable land-use practices, and encouraging ecotourism that benefits both the local communities and the conservation initiatives.

The Hyacinth Macaw serves as a symbol of the beauty and complexity of our natural world. As admirers of these magnificent creatures, we can play a role in their preservation by staying informed, supporting conservation organizations, and advocating for policies that protect their habitats. By working together, we can ensure that the skies of South America continue to be graced by the brilliant blue wings of the Hyacinth Macaw.

For more information on how to help the Hyacinth Macaw, check out the website of the Hyacinth Macaw Institute.

The Golden-collared Macaw is a small species of macaw found in central South America, particularly in the Pantanal region of Brazil, northern Argentina, northern Paraguay, and much of northern and eastern Bolivia. There's also a separate population in the northeastern areas of Mato Grosso, southeastern Pará, and western Tocantins in Brazil. This bird is known for its bright green plumage, distinctive golden collar, and blue-tipped wings, making it easily recognizable.

Despite its small size compared to other macaws, the Golden-collared Macaw is an important part of its ecosystem, adapting well to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and savannahs. These habitats are crucial not only for the survival of this species but also for many other forms of wildlife. Conservation efforts are important to maintain these environments and ensure the continued presence of the Golden-collared Macaw in these areas.

The bird has cultural significance as well, featured on stamps in Bolivia and Argentina, which highlights its role in national heritage and the broader effort to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. This kind of recognition can play a part in conservation strategies by fostering a connection between the public and the natural world.

For those interested in birdwatching or the natural sciences, the Golden-collared Macaw offers a fascinating subject of study due to its vibrant colors, behavior, and habitat preferences. Understanding more about this bird can contribute to efforts to protect it and its environment.

In summary, the Golden-collared Macaw is a notable species within its range in South America, valued both for its beauty and its role in the ecosystem. Conservation and awareness are key to ensuring its survival and the health of its habitat.

Since February we've been getting new visitors to our backyard: a pair of European Goldfinches. In the beginning just one came to feed from a bag of nuts we have hung up in a tree. After a few days he brought his mate along and since then they've come by almost every day:

These birds are quite common here in the Netherlands but we never had one in our backyard before. This brings the total number of birds that have visited us here to twelve: Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Black Bird, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Herring Gull, Magpie, Robin and Starling. European Goldfinches are named 'Putter' or 'Distelvink' in Dutch. The latter translates as 'Thistle Finch' for it likes to eat small seeds like thistle seeds. What's funny is that we have a feeder full of thistle seeds in our backyard but we've never seen our two Goldfinches eat from it; they always go straight for the nuts! After seeing the cute Goldfinches in our yard we've added the species to this website.