World Parrot Day: The Illegal Parrot Trade

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Charles Yallowitz

Last time I went to the Bronx Zoo, I saw a sign in the World of Birds.  It stated that for every parrot that is smuggled into the country, 10 die.  Later that day, I was looking for May holidays and saw this one.  It made me want to make a simple post with facts about the Illegal Parrot Trade:

  • The illegal parrot trade is considered the third largest black market industry behind drugs and guns.  It makes around $10 billion every year
  • Highly prized species, like the African Gray, have seen populations drop 90-99% in the wild.
  • 2,600 species of bird are illegally traded and 20% of those are parrots.
  • About 5 million bird are trafficked every year.
  • 75-80% of smuggled parrots die from stress, disease, trauma, or asphyxiation.
  • Southeast Asia, South America, and Central America are the biggest regions for illegal exports.
  • United States, Middle East, and European Union are the highest regions for illegal imports.
  • Nearly 1/3 of all 400 parrot species are at risk.
  • The Azure Spix’s Macaw is extinct in the wild due to the illegal parrot trade.
  • A study in 2007 found that 65,000-78,500 parrots were illegally traded internally in Mexico every year.  More than 75% of the birds died before reaching the buyer.
  • The above study resulted in it now being illegal to buy, sell, and trade wild parrots in Mexico.
  • The Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 protects exotic species from international trade to the USA.  It states that wild-caught birds can only be imported if done in accordance with species protection rules.
  • The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species also protects certain species from being traded.  For example, several species of macaw are not allowed to be traded.

Parrot (Any parrot since they’re fun to watch)

Unknown's avatar

About Charles Yallowitz

Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.
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13 Responses to World Parrot Day: The Illegal Parrot Trade

  1. noelleg44's avatar noelleg44 says:
    May 31, 2026 at 9:02 am

    This is so very sad. Beautiful and smart birds. Greed seems to rule the trade.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. coldhandboyack's avatar coldhandboyack says:
    May 31, 2026 at 9:09 am

    Wonderful thing to share today. These guys are super intelligent and long lived. They deserve some protections.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. John W. Howell's avatar John W. Howell says:
    May 31, 2026 at 2:56 pm

    It is a sad thing. Who buys all the parrots?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. tidalscribe.com's avatar tidalscribe.com says:
    May 31, 2026 at 3:29 pm

    Pet parrots have always been around, but it was always cruel to take them away from the skies and freedom. The fact they often outlive their owners makes it even sadder.

    Like

    Reply
  5. DebyFredericks's avatar DebyFredericks says:
    June 1, 2026 at 10:18 pm

    It’s a tragic situation.

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    Reply

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