Found or Spotted A Parrot? Here’s What To Do

If you’ve spotted or found a parrot in Singapore, it’s important to first determine whether it is a native species or a non-native, escaped pet. Here’s what you need to know about parrots and how to respond appropriately:

Is It A Native Species?

Singapore is home to three native parrot species:

• Blue-rumped Parrot (Psittinus cyanurus): A shy, forest-dwelling species. Large-headed and short-tailed parrot with a comically bulbous bill. Male is green with a bright orange bill and a powder-blue head and rump. Female is brown-headed with a dark bill (Quoted from: eBird.org).
• Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda): Medium-sized green parakeet with red cheeks and black stripes above the eye and below the cheek. Male is brighter-colored than the female, which has less extensive red on the cheeks and a black instead of red bill (Quoted from: eBird.org). Not to be confused with the moustached or red-breasted parakeet, which is not a native species.
• Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot (Loriculus galgulus): Both sexes have a blue crown and red rump, though these features are much more extensive and noticeable on the male than on the female. Males also have a flashy red throat patch and a yellow-orange patch on the back (Quoted from: eBird.org).

These parrots are part of Singapore’s natural heritage and play an important role in the ecosystem. Get familiar with their appearances so that you can learn to differentiate between native versus non-native parrots!

What to Do If You See a Native Parrot

Healthy Parrots:

If the parrot looks healthy and is behaving normally, leave it alone. Enjoy observing it from a distance, but avoid interfering with its natural behaviour.

Injured or Unwell Parrots:

If the parrot appears injured, sick, or unable to fly, contact the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) at 97837782 or NParks 1800 476 1600 (24-hours) immediately for assistance.

Healthy babies should also be left alone as the parents are most likely nearby. However, if there are risks of predators nearby, you may still call ACRES or NParks for further advice.

Avoid handling the bird yourself unless otherwise instructed by ACRES or NParks, as improper care could worsen its condition.

Why Native Parrots Should Not Be Kept as Pets

Native parrots are wild animals, not domesticated pets. Capturing or keeping them is not only unethical but also illegal under Singapore’s Wildlife Act 1965. These birds thrive best in their natural habitats and should be allowed to remain free. By following these steps, you’re helping to protect Singapore’s wildlife and ensure these beautiful birds remain a part of our urban landscape.

What to Do If You Find a Non-Native Parrot

If the parrot you’ve found does not match the description of Singapore’s native species (like the blue-rumped parrot, blue-crowned hanging parrot, or long-tailed parakeet), it is likely a non-native parrot, often an escaped pet. These parrots need to be secured to ensure their safety and well-being.

How to Identify a Non-Native Parrot

Physical Signs:

• The parrot may have a chain, ring, or leash attached to its leg, which are common indicators of pet ownership.
• Brightly coloured feathers or unusual markings not found in native species.

Behavioural Signs:

• It may appear tame, approach humans, or show no fear of people, although this is not always the case.
• Vocalisations like saying words or mimicking sounds may indicate it is a pet parrot.

Why Securing the Parrot is Important

Non-native parrots are often pets, used to sheltered lives with their owners, and often lack the skills to survive in the wild. They are at risk of:

• Starvation, as they may not recognise natural food sources.
• Predation, as they may not know how to avoid local predators.
• Exposure to harsh weather, as they are accustomed to living in controlled environments.

Additionally, it is illegal to release non-native species into the wild in Singapore, as they can disrupt the local ecosystem, outcompete native wildlife, or introduce diseases.

If You Did Not Manage To Secure The Parrot…

If you’ve seen a parrot but were unable to catch or secure it, there are still steps you can take to help.

Observe and Gather Information

Take note of the following details:

• Location: Where exactly did you spot the parrot? Taking a photo of the surroundings can be helpful.
• Time and date: When did you see it?
• Appearance: Note the bird’s colour, size, and any identifiable features (e.g., leg rings, chains, or unusual markings).
• Behaviour: Was it tame or skittish? Did it seem injured, unwell, or healthy?

This information will be helpful if someone is searching for their lost bird or if a rescue team needs to locate it.

Spread the Word

Share the information online, including in:

• Lost & Found Birds SG (Facebook)
• Lost and found pets in Singapore (Facebook)
• Parrots SOS (Lost & Found) Singapore (Facebook)
• Parrot Care SG (Telegram)
• Parrot Empire Singapore (Telegram)
• SG Parrotdise (Telegram)
• Inform nearby vet clinics, pet shops, or animal shelters, as they may hear about a missing pet parrot.

Check Back at the Location

• Parrots often stay within a limited area if they are unfamiliar with their surroundings.
• Return to the spot where you saw the bird, especially during quieter times (early morning or late evening), to see if it’s still nearby.
• Bring some parrot-friendly food (e.g., sunflower seeds or fruit slices) and a bird carrier or lightweight towel to attempt another rescue.

Do Not Attempt to Chase the Bird

• Chasing or startling a parrot can cause it to fly further away, making rescue more difficult.
• Instead, keep calm, observe from a distance, and focus on providing information to those who can help.

How to Safely Rescue a Non-Native, Pet Parrot

Approach Gently:

• Move slowly and calmly to avoid startling the bird. Not all escaped pets are tame, and some may be uneasy in the presence of humans!
• If the parrot is on the ground or perched at a reachable height, offer it some food to gain its trust.

Lure the Parrot:

• Use common parrot-friendly foods like unsalted sunflower seeds, fruit slices (e.g., apple, banana, or mango), or .
• Place the food in your hand or a shallow dish nearby and wait for the bird to approach.

Secure the Parrot:

• Once the parrot is within reach, gently cover it with a lightweight towel or cloth to avoid causing injury while securing it. Parrots unaccustomed to such handling may thrash around or bite, so do exercise caution while doing this. You may need to seek the help of another trusted person for this step.
• Once the parrot is in a secure, indoor location with no route of escape, use a bird carrier or any suitably-sized, well-ventilated box to temporarily house the parrot.
• Ensure the box or carrier is escape-proof but allows airflow.

Provide Immediate Care:

• Offer fresh water in a shallow dish to keep the bird hydrated.
• Avoid giving unfamiliar foods, alcohol, caffeine, or chocolate, as these are toxic to parrots.

Helping the Parrot and Finding Its Owner

Once you’ve secured the parrot, it’s important to take steps to reunite it with its owner or ensure it gets proper care. Here’s what you can do:

Create a “Found Bird” Poster

Include essential details such as:

• A clear photo of the parrot.
• Where and when the bird was found.
• Your contact information.
• Important note: Do not publicly disclose any identifiable characteristics such as leg band ID number, microchip number, or unusual physical feature (e.g. missing/bent toe) as this will be unique to the found parrot and will serve as the identifying feature. By keeping these information private, you can use it as a verification tool to find the rightful owner. Sharing identifying details publicly may attract people with malicious intent who might seek to profit from the bird or exploit it.

Distribute the Poster

• Post it around the vicinity where the bird was found.
• Share it with vet clinics and pet shops in the area.
• Post on social media and relevant platforms such as:
• Lost & Found Birds SG (Facebook)
• Lost and found pets in Singapore (Facebook)
• Parrots SOS (Lost & Found) Singapore (Facebook)
• Parrot Care SG (Telegram)
• Parrot Empire Singapore (Telegram)
• SG Parrotdise (Telegram)

Note: avoid contacting ACRES as their resources are fully dedicated to wildlife, and not companion animals

You may also reach out to us on our Instagram page via private message with your found bird poster, so that we can share it on our Instagram Story and place it in our Highlights. We will direct any enquiries to your Instagram account or phone number as indicated on the flyer. Do remember to notify us if you have reunited the bird with its owner, so that we can take down the information promptly.

Other methods of spreading the word even further include making a report to SPCA via their lost and found form, or call their hotline at 6287 5355.

Monitor the Bird’s Health

Birds often hide signs of illness or injury to avoid appearing vulnerable, so paying attention to their condition is critical. Look out for:

• Fluffed-up appearance: If the bird stays fluffed up for a prolonged period, it may be cold, stressed, or unwell.
• Heavy panting: This may indicate overheating, stress, or breathing difficulties.
• Visible injuries: Look for fractures, wounds, or any signs of bleeding.

If you notice any of these symptoms, and your finances allow, consider taking the bird to a veterinarian for evaluation. Even a basic check-up could save the life of someone’s beloved pet and prevent unnecessary suffering.

What to Do If Someone Claims to Be The Rightful Owner

If someone contacts you claiming to be the owner of the parrot you’ve found, it’s important to verify their ownership before handing over the bird. Here’s how you can handle the situation:

1. Ask for Specific Details About the Parrot

To ensure the bird is returned to its rightful owner, request the following information:

• Leg band number: If the parrot has a leg band number, ask the caller to provide the number. For disclosing of leg band or microchip number, consider asking the claimant to provide half of the serial number while you validate it, and after validation, you can provide the other half of the serial number for their confirmation. This method of validation is usually quite conclusive.

If the parrot has no leg band, consider the following points for verification:

• Physical description: Ask about unique markings, colours, or other identifiable traits.
• Behavioural traits: Parrots may have distinct habits, such as favourite foods, phrases they mimic, or specific behaviours.
• Location the bird was lost: Parrots that were recently lost usually would not have flown very far away, so verifying the location the caller’s bird was lost might help in determining whether your found parrot is likely the caller’s pet (e.g. if the bird was lost one day ago in Bedok, and you have found the bird in Woodlands, it is quite unlikely that it is the same bird).
• Proof of Ownership such as photos or videos of the parrot that show the caller with the bird.

2. Gauge Their Response

A genuine owner will usually provide clear and confident answers to your questions without hesitation. If they appear unsure or vague, it may be a red flag that they are not the rightful owner.

3. Meet in a Neutral Location

Arrange to meet in a public, safe location to hand over the bird if you’re confident they’re the owner. If possible, have someone accompany you for added security.

4. Observe the Parrot’s Reaction

Parrots often recognise their owners and may display signs of familiarity, such as vocalisations, body language, or excitement. While not always conclusive, the bird’s reaction can be an additional clue.

5. If You’re Unsure

If the person’s claims are unconvincing or you suspect they may not be the rightful owner, politely let them know you’ll need further evidence. You may consider contacting a third party (such as us!) to help with verifying ownership.

6. Keep a Record of the Interaction

Note the person’s name, contact information, and any details they provide. This can help in case there are multiple claims or if additional verification is needed later.

7. Be Firm About the Bird’s Safety

Explain that your goal is to ensure the bird’s safety and that proper verification is necessary. If they become aggressive or refuse to provide evidence, do not hand over the bird.

How Long Should You Wait Before Rehoming a Found Parrot?

If you’ve found a parrot and are unable to locate its owner immediately, it’s important to give a reasonable amount of time for the owner to come forward before considering rehoming. Here’s what you should do:

Wait at Least 30 Days

Respond to any inquiries and verifying ownership carefully. A minimum of 30 days is generally considered a fair period to allow the owner to locate and claim their lost pet.

During this time, continue your efforts to find the owner by updating found bird posters and online posts, and checking local vet clinics and pet shops, for missing parrot reports. Also ensure the bird’s well-being by offering it a hygienic environment, proper food, and fresh water daily. Check our Resources on parrot care to learn more about caring for a parrot!

What to Do If No Owner Comes Forward

If no owner is identified after a reasonable waiting period:

• Consider adopting the parrot!
  • If you are prepared to meet the bird’s long-term needs (proper diet, space, mental stimulation, and social interaction), you might decide to keep the parrot yourself. Ensure you have the necessary knowledge and resources before making this commitment.
• Rehome the parrot on your own
  • Some of the above-listed social groups allow rehoming posts. Do check the group rules or ask for permission before putting up a parrot for adoption.
  • To ensure the parrot goes to a good home, do ensure to screen every enquiry thoroughly and ensure that the applicant is able to provide good ownership before agreeing to the rehoming.
• Contact NParks Animal Management Centre
  • They may be able to take in lost parrots and release them for rehoming via their regular Rehoming Broadcasts.
• Contact us
  • As we have limited fostering space and normally prioritise resources on parrots in urgent need of help, we may not always be able to take in lost pets. Regardless, do drop us a note to check for fostering availability and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as we can.

We hope that this comprehensive guide has been useful for you!