Lost your bird? Here's what to do

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your bird goes missing.

If your bird flies away

The first few moments matter most.

• Call loudly to your bird as it flies away
• Keep your eyes on them for as long as possible
• Note their last location, flight height, and whether they seemed tired or strong
• Start searching immediately in that area
• Place their cage and favourite treats outside, as familiar sights and smells can draw them back

Get help quickly

• Take your mobile phone with you
• Call friends and family to help search
• Ask neighbours to check gardens and spread the word
• Inform anyone nearby with an aviary, as other bird calls may attract your bird

Smart search strategy

• Spread out and circle the last known location
• Most parrots stay within about a 1-mile radius, so start local
• Call to your bird often and listen carefully
• Play parrot sounds from your phone (for example, from YouTube)
• If you have another bird, bring them in a travel cage as their calls can help guide your lost bird

Listening and watching

• Listen for familiar calls or squawks
• Don't be discouraged if it goes quiet. Birds often go silent when they hear you
• Scan trees carefully. Look for movement, shaking branches, or flashes of colour
• Search until dusk, then resume at first light

If you spot your bird

• Stay calm. Sudden movements can scare them
• Don't rush or grab
• Avoid asking them to step onto unfamiliar objects
• Call gently and offer favourite treats
• Bring familiar items such as toys, their cage, or a companion bird
• If possible, bring someone they trust
• Birds can struggle flying steeply downward, so walk backwards to create a shallower flight path
• Occasionally step out of sight (while still watching), as this may encourage them to fly to you

Avoid scaring them

• Keep the area quiet and avoid crowds. Birds are unlikely to fly toward groups of strangers
• Be cautious using ladders or climbing, as this may startle them into flying again
• Move slowly and stop if they seem nervous

At dusk

Birds often fly again shortly before sunset. At night, they usually settle to roost. If your bird settles:

• Watch quietly until they sleep
• Note the exact location
• Return before dawn for the best chance of retrieval

If you can't find your bird

Mark them as missing: log in to your mybirdID account and flag your bird as missing. Generate shareable missing posters and place them on shop notice boards, community boards, and lamp posts. Share digital posters online.

Protect against false claims: do not publicly share ring numbers, microchip details, or unique markings and identifying traits.

Who to contact:

• Neighbours
• Local newspapers and radio stations
• Police stations
• Local vets