When is National Bird Day?
National Bird Day occurs on January 5th.
What is National Bird Day?
Birds give us a kaleidoscope of colors and behavior. From the 230-pound ostrich to the bee hummingbird, from the flightless penguin to Ruppell’s griffon vulture (the highest flying bird), we marvel at these creatures. National Bird Day reminds us to protect and care for the bird populations of the world, especially those in captivity.
There are several bird days throughout the year, but Born Free USA and the Avian Welfare Coalition launched National Bird Day in 2002 to improve the lives of birds in captivity. Captive birds often have no access to delicate behavioral and physical needs. National Bird Day promotes bird adoption and educates bird owners on the special issues of bird ownership.
Fun facts about National Bird Day!
- With enough human interaction, captive ravens can mimic human language better than parrots.
- Most hummingbirds are lighter than a nickel. The bee hummingbird is as light as a paperclip.
- A Ruppell’s griffon vulture was sucked into a jet engine at an altitude of 37,000 feet in 1973.
- Penguin markings actually work as camouflage—black backs for predators looking down into the ocean depths, white bellies for hunters looking up towards the sunlit surface.
How to celebrate National Bird Day:
- Adopt a bird instead of purchasing one from a pet store. Do your research first. Look into special needs that birds have, specifically the breed you might adopt.
- Do some bird-watching. Head to the woods or the park. Spend time in your own backyard to see what kinds of birds live there.
What’s the hashtag for National Bird Day?
Use #NationalBirdDay on social media to promote avian welfare and bird adoption.