African Grey close up headshot
With half a million pet birds in the UK, our feathered friends are popular among producers and directors. Learn about hiring a bird from our expert handlers

Why Pet Birds Are Perfect for TV and Film Productions

In the enchanting world of pets, birds possess a unique allure, captivating audiences with their vibrant colours, delightful personalities, and melodic songs.  Among the array of feathered companions, several stand out as popular choices among pet owners in the UK. 

From the playful antics of budgies to the affectionate charm of cockatoos, these avian stars offer a wealth of opportunities for television and film producers seeking to infuse their productions with charisma and charm.  Our expert handlers here at The Animal Talent explore some of the most beloved pet birds in the UK and why they make perfect candidates for the silver screen.

Wings of Wonder: The Most Popular Birds Taking Flight in UK homes

With half a million pet birds in the UK (according to UKPetFood.org) their population alone shows how loved this species in the nation.  This provides the perfect opportunity for brands wishing to align themselves with a popular pet for commercials, advertising and promotional campaigns.  In addition, dramas and soap operas, as well as feature films find the inclusion of birds relatable to audiences. 

With this in mind, here are some of the more popular birds in the UK:

1. Budgies

A trio of budgies perch on a branch.

Budgerigars, affectionately known as budgies, reign as one of the most cherished pet birds in the UK.  With their inquisitive nature, playful demeanour, and vibrant plumage, budgies add a burst of colour and personality to any production.  These small parrots are highly trainable and can be taught to perform an array of tricks, making them versatile performers for television and film.  

Their ability to mimic sounds is well known and teaching this is a long process by committed and patient handlers using reward based training.  That said, this sociable bird loves to interact with humans and this makes working with actors on set a joy to behold.   

2. Cockatiels

A cockatiel holds his crest high and looks funnily at the camera

Cockatiels, with their endearing crest and gentle disposition, hold a special place in the hearts of bird enthusiasts across the UK.  Renowned for their affectionate nature and adorable vocalisations that they share with their handlers, cockatiels make delightful companions both on and off screen.

Their playful antics and willingness to engage with humans make them ideal candidates for television and film productions seeking to evoke warmth and charm. Whether flying around set or simply perching on a character’s shoulder, cockatiels bring a touch of whimsy and authenticity to any scene.

3. African Grey Parrots

A beautiful african grey parrot shows off his red tail towards the camera

African Grey Parrots, revered for their extraordinary intelligence and remarkable mimicry skills, are coveted companions in households throughout the UK and are well suited to the more advanced handlers.  With their extensive vocabularies and ability to mimic human speech, African Greys are capable of interacting with actors on set with uncanny realism.

These highly trainable birds excel at performing a wide range of behaviours, adding depth and authenticity to television and film productions. Whether portraying a wise advisor or a comedic sidekick, African Greys captivate audiences with their charm, stature and natural beauty.

4. Lovebirds

A pair of lovebirds nuzzle into one another

Lovebirds, with their vibrant plumage and affectionate nature, are cherished for their close bond with their human companions. These small parrots exude charm and personality, making them ideal candidates for television and film productions seeking to capture the magic of avian companionship. With their playful demeanor and expressive antics, lovebirds add warmth and vitality to any scene, creating a sense of joy and connection that resonates with audiences.

5. Cockatoos

A cockatoo shows off his side profile with his yellow crest in the air

Cockatoos, with their striking crest and lively personality, are iconic symbols of avian charisma. Known for their affectionate nature and vocal talents, cockatoos are captivating performers on screen. Whether showcasing their dance moves or displaying their playful antics, cockatoos bring energy and dynamism to television and film productions. Their expressive gestures and vocalizations add depth and authenticity to scenes, enriching the viewing experience and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Common Questions About Working With Birds:

For many filming briefs and photoshoots birds are tasked with working alongside actors and models, so here’s a list of frequently asked questions and answers that may help in your consideration of booking bird talent:

  • Can they bite?

Here at The Animal Talent, our expert bird handlers are qualified and have extensive experience in working with their birds.  While there is a small hazard when working with animals of any kind, our behaviourists and handlers advise on the best practices and minimise all risks to avoid bites happening.

  • Are their talons sharp and painful?

Bird talons can be incredibly strong.  In the natural world they are used for a variety of purposes, such as climbing, aiding feeding, scratching in undergrowth to find food and propelling launch into flight.  So, the short answer is, yes, bird talons can be sharp.  However, our trained birds at The Animal Talent are used to working with people and have been socialised to an extent where they are safe to work alongside.  Again, our expert handlers can advise on the best precautions and the safest way to work alongside our fantastic birds.

  • Can they read and speak the script?

Many birds, as described above, have the ability to talk and to mimic.  With some birds, this can take years of preparation, so learning isn’t a short job.  With the more intelligent birds, they can learn to mimic in a few months, so the sooner you let our agents know the brief and the script, the quicker we can get to work on training.  It’s a process of trust and reward and the results can be outstanding. 

  • Can they free-fly outdoors?

Many of our birds are capable of free-flying outdoors.  Their recall abilities are outstanding and there is nothing more awe-inspiring than seeing these wonderful birds flying, enjoying their life.  Speak with our expert falconers and exotic bird handlers to learn which are the best birds to work with outdoors and on location.

  • Can they work on set with other animals?

Many birds are able to work with other animals on set as long as the correct precautions in place.  Always inform your casting agent if you intend to work with animals on the same location that may be considered prey to the bird, or vice versa, may consider the bird prey.

  • Is licensing required to work with birds?

As with all animals that are exhibiting for film and TV, the handler will possess the correct licence: The Animal Welfare  (England) Regulations 2018.  Depending on the species, location of the shoot and notifications from DEFRA your animal casting agent at The Animal Talent will explain and complete all necessary licencing and movement orders as required.

Why Work with Pet Birds in TV and Film Productions?

Among the obvious beauty, quirky nature and attention grabbing nature of birds, producers and creators should consider the following:

Versatility:  Birds are highly trainable and adaptable, making them suitable for a wide range of roles and settings in television and film productions.

Visual Appeal: Birds’ vibrant plumage and distinctive features make them visually striking and memorable characters on screen.

Auditory Delight: Many pet birds possess impressive vocal abilities, adding depth and richness to soundtracks and enhancing the overall audiovisual experience.

Charm and Personality: Birds’ unique personalities and behaviours can inject humour, warmth and authenticity into productions, captivating audiences and fostering emotional connections.

A cockatoo flies against a blue sky

Birds are Beautiful, Engaging and Fun!

Whichever bird you choose to work with, all breeds and species have their individual charm.  Birds offer a treasure trove of opportunities for television and film producers seeking to elevate their productions with charm, charisma, and authenticity.   Whether it’s the playful antics of budgies, the affectionate charm of cockatoos, or the intelligence of African Greys, these feathered stars are ready to spread their wings and enchant audiences with their magic on screen.

To explore some of the birds we work with here at The Animal Talent, check out our bird images and videos here.

Speak to our expert bird handlers and falconers who can advise upon the best way to work with your featured feathered star on set and contact us today to hire a bird.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

The year 2025 written in snakes

The Importance of Working with Animals in Advertising in 2025

2025 is the perfect year for brands to partner with animals. Read our blog about why animals matter in advertising,
Cartoon animals in the four seasons

Why Animals Steal the Show in Seasonal Adverts

A mixed breed dog posts his head through a TV screen.

The Evolution of Animal Actors in Film and Advertising: Then and Now

Animal actors have long captured audiences’ hearts on both the big and small screens. From the iconic performances of Lassie to heart warming pet ads, animals bring a unique appeal to film and advertising.