The Flying Habits Of A Parrot

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JP Jonathan, the owne of this blog is a finch expert. For great information on breeding finches and free expert advice on gouldian finches, visit http://www.finchesbirdscentre.com

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Have you ever sat and watched a parrot fly? They are magnificent creatures at the best of times, but to watch them fly and glide is a true delight.The sight of a parrot flying has always fascinated the human mind and this mystery was not solved until lately, thanks to technology and research that gave individual definitions to gliding and flight.

Did you know that not all birds fly, and that gliding and flying are two separate actions altogether? Flying is a rather energetically expensive venture and demands special adaptation by a bird. A bird that does not need to fly will lose its flying potential, like birds that do not have predators or have very few places to fly might lose their aptitude to fly.

A parrot flies for a number of reasons and the most crucial being to escape predators. Flying helps a parrot to a great extent to build its nest, hunt for food and search for its resting place. Most of the birds fly to relocate themselves into a better seasonal climate.

Have you wondered how a parrot flies?

Parrots flying past can be a wonderful site but not many know that this flight demands and requires a complex set of feathers which has been segregated into the primary and secondary. The primary wing or feathers are the outer section on the parrot. These primary feathers are moved backward and forward in a figure-eight pattern so that they create a propelling thrust.

The secondary feathers maintain a role of producing a lifting affect to the bird's body while it is pushed through the air. The secondary feathers are located on the inner circle of the wing and play a major role to push the bird off the ground. Birds with smaller wings need to fly faster while birds with larger wings like a parrot flying needs more time to get them off the ground.

What is the difference between gliding & flying?

Many see their parrot moving through the air, but is it actually flying or gliding? To recognize the difference one needs to observe its flight movements. When a parrot stretches its wings out and does not flap them, then it is gliding. When it is flying it is using the figure eight motion and propelling itself forwards. Parrots have a tendon that attaches to the secondary wings and allows the bird to stay off the ground and glide itself through the air.

Since, parrots are prey to many predators; they are very well equipped with the art of flying and this remains a basic instinct.

This is the reason why most of us clip our parrot's feathers. So that they do not fly away. But we only need to clip the longer wings, the ones that actually propel them forwards. In other words, the flying feathers as the smaller, secondary ones will allow it to lope around and still get some exercise.

Parrot flying is an important part of your parrot's enrichment and provides a great stimulating and natural work out which contributes to its happiness as well as its behavioral patterns. Parrots enjoy flying, and helping it to fly better can be the biggest treat you can give your pet. Seeing your parrot flying is definitely a very exhilarating sight for many owners, but the fear of their precious bird flying away is a major concern for many pet owners.

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