You did it! All of you who have donated to FlyFree's program, we salute you. Because of your gifts we have surpassed our goal of reaching $60,000 to help rescue parrots from the wild-caught trade. Its an awesome achievement! Because of your incredible generosity our donors will continue to match any new donations until January 31st. This means more resources to help parrots return to the wild.

The need to continue fighting the trade is greater than ever. The practice of trapping wild parrots has been shown to reduce wild parrot populations - affecting thousands of individuals in many countries where parrots are naturally found. But thankfully more and more wild-caught parrots are being confiscated, sent to rescues, treated for injury and disease, and released back into the wild. Thanks to WPT's determined partners and supporters worldwide, this is a cause that will be continued, and one that we can win!

Help save the world's parrots »

Genus: Platycercus
Species: adscitus
World Population: 100,000
Range: P.a. adscitus: Confined to Cape York Peninsula, N Queensland. P.a. palliceps: NE New South Wales north to NE Queensland.
Habitat: Found up to 700m (2296 ft.) in a variety of habitats including open woodland, scrub, riverine woodland, grasslands, roadsides, Lantana thickets, agricultural areas, orchards and coastal heath.
Ecology: Seen in flocks or pairs feeding quietly on the ground or vocalizing in the bushes. Has benefitted from cultivation and the addition of artificial watering areas. Are noisy and conspicuous early in the day. Feeds on fruits, flowers, seeds, nectar, insects and nuts.
Threat Summary: None at present.
IUCN/CITES Rating: Least concern, Appendix II

Learn more about the Pale-headed Rosellas »

Young WPT supporter Austin Eaton from Ontario, Canada, is a hero. He's a parrot hero, to be exact - Austin donated his birthday money to WPT projects for three years running; this he asked for in lieu of birthday gifts. This Christmas, he did the same. For all this, the parrots of the world are eternally grateful - they know that Austin is on their side. Well done Austin, and thank-you very much!

Researchers Timothy F. Wright and Erin E. Schirtzinger of New Mexico State University take a detailed look at the roots of the parrot family tree - a mysterious and convoluted affair. (Originally published in PsittaScene May 2009)

Read the article »

A concerned parrot parent from the UK asks our expert Dr. Ellen K. Cook, DVM about the risk of bringing psittacosis into her home with a newly adopted bird.

Read the response »

Many thanks to all of our generous donors, in particular the following for their significant contributions:

To see a full list of everyone who contributed, please visit the Featured Donors section of the FlyFree website.