This category includes the following birds:

PARROTS

Parrots are part of a large order that includes more than 350 birds: macaws, cockatoos and parakeets are all considered “parrots”. They are found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. One-third of all parrot species are threatened by extinction. 

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs and clawed feet. They have long and short feathers which differ among each species; many parrots are brightly coloured and some are multicoloured. Colours include green, red, orange, grey, pink, black, blue and yellow. 

Parrots, along with ravens, crows, jays, and magpies, are among the most intelligent birds and the ability of some species to imitate human speech enhances their popularity as pets. 

COCKATOOS

With their perky crest and natural curiosity, cockatoos are among the most well-known and loved members of the parrot family. However they are not classified as “true parrots.” One of the biggest differences between cockatoos and other parrots are the feathers on top of their heads. Also cockatoos are not known for their talking skills, although they are more well known for their walking and flight skills than other parrots. 

BUDGERIGAR

The budgerigar, also known as the common parakeet, is a small, long-tailed, seed-eating parrot usually nicknamed the budgie. Their weight ranges from 40-60 grams. They are bred in many colour mutations throughout the world, although green is the variety found in nature. 

Parrots form the most variably sized bird order in terms of length; they can range in size from about 8.7-100cm and can weigh anything between 64g-1.6kg.

TOUCANS

Toucans, although not as common, have some major advantages to parrots. This bird is much quieter than a parrot and often doesn’t scream, squawk or chirp quite as loudly. Their beaks are not as strong, so they are often gentler than parrots. 

Their feathers are also not as colourful as those of the parrot. They have a black body and white throat. Although these are overshadowed by their most recognisable trait: a large colourful beak. The bright orange beak is about 19cm (8 inches) long. This makes up one third of the bird’s total length. 

Parrots are often used in film and literature given their appealing colourful appearance. Captain Flint was a parrot in the well known Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, who was often seen sitting on the shoulder of Long John Silver where she would nibble on seeds. The film Paulie also depicted a talking parrot of the same name, who was subjected to an experiment and attempts to escape his captivity with the assistance of the janitor. The films Rio and Rio 2 also used parrots (macaws) to disseminate the heart-warming message that family doesn’t have to be your DNA; it could be anyone you share love and a connection with.

As you can see, parrots can be used for a variety of themes in film and TV.  Visually, these birds have a massive impact on screen because they are colourful and showstopping.  Many of the birds have incredible skills and it’s wonderful what these wild creatures can achieve on set.  It goes without saying that their exotic appearance can really capture an audience’s imagination.

We supply professional animal location handlers around the world to ensure you get all the shots you require and, as overseers to ensure the wild is not disturbed, the crew will always be safe and no welfare regulations are ever breached.

It isn’t just the birds that are well trained, our team including our handlers are also highly experienced and fully qualified experts in the field. 

Your handler will take full control of any animals on set and ensure the entire shoot runs properly. They will also fully manage the welfare of all the animals both on and off set; the safety and welfare of the animals is their prime concern.  All of our handling is strictly force-free and only positive, reward based practices are deployed. This way you can have total confidence that by booking With The Animal Talent everything is taken care of legally, professionally and ethically.

The Performing Animals Licence is no longer relevant (it was scrapped in 2019) and has been replaced with the Animal Activity Licence, which we hold.

Craig, our handler, is covered by a £5 million Public Liability Insurance policy. 

In some special circumstances, extra licensing is required for the transportation and gathering of birds.  Check with our team to see if this applies to your shoot or photography project.

If any species of animal listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act are required, special measures will need to be put into place for the shoot. Precisely what is appropriate will vary species to species, but may include sectioned off areas where only trained handlers are allowed. In the event of large and dangerous carnivores, a specifically built green screen studio can also be supplied.