Parrots on the CITES List | Choosing a Parrot | Parrots | Guide

Some parrot species available in the pet trade are endangered species in the wild. Such birds are are included on CITES, which is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Even if the parrot is common in captivity, it is still classified by CITES as endangered. If your bird is on the CITES List it is a legal requirement to have leg rings or microchips identifying it, and you must have the correct paperwork too. In the UK this is issued by DETR, the Department of the Environment, International Trade in Endangered Species Branch, in Bristol. Breeders will have this paperwork when you buy the bird.

The African Grey is one of many species on the CITES List

If the seller does not have the relevant documents, they should not be offering the bird for sale, as it is a criminal offence. It is also an offence to purchase such a bird.

Some of the commonest CITES birds encountered in the pet trade are listed below. (Note: for a complete list, contact DETR).

Mullocan (Salmon-crested) Cockatoo
Lesser sulphur-crested (Yellow-crested) Cockatoo
Citron (Citron-crested) Cockatoo
Palm Cockatoo
Lilac-crowned (Finsch’s) Amazon
Mexican Red-headed (Green-cheeked) Amazon
Hyacinth Macaw
Scarlet Macaw
Military Macaw
Red fronted Macaw
Blue-throated Conure
African Grey

Customer Images

Comments

Khalil, 11 July 2021

Hi, Can you advise if lovebirds are endangered species in the CITES list ? What documents exactly, I need to import them to UK from non-EU countries? Lastly, do we have to pay any custom or tax on lovebirds import if I am not a reseller, breeder and trader as it is for my personal collection.

Sosa, 5 March 2021

Do I need a CITES permit to purchase 2 African Grey parrots from a resident on the east coast to me in Texas and fly them for her house to me in Texas?