American Federation of Aviculture

09/06/2026

AFA WANTS TO KNOW!

We’re continuing a conversation series Abbitt Hoffman started where we want to hear directly from aviculturists, bird owners, breeders, conservationists, and everyone who shares a passion for birds.

Each AFA Wants to Know post will ask a question about aviculture your experiences, your knowledge, the challenges we face, and the future of our community.

There are no right or wrong answers. We want to hear from you.

This weeks question:

What is the biggest misconception people have about aviculture?

Maybe it’s something you hear all the time. Maybe it’s something you wish the general public better understood. Whatever comes to mind, share your thoughts in the comments.

Your answers may help others better understand what responsible aviculture really means.

AFA Wants to Know — so tell us what you think!

09/05/2026

Northeastern Avian Summit

09/04/2026

SHOW US YOUR PE**ER!

Yes, the name got your attention and that is exactly the point!

Aviculture is about much more than parrots. This AFA series celebrates softbills, passerines, pheasants, poultry, pigeons, doves, finches and the many other remarkable birds that make up our diverse avicultural community.

Each installment will introduce you to a featured bird and share interesting facts, photographs and knowledge from the people who care for and understand the species.

The title may be playful, but our purpose is serious: to educate, encourage conversation and remind everyone that aviculture includes an incredible variety of birds.

Today’s featured bird is…

A King Vulture - King Vultures are the largest new world vulture species if youre excluding the Condors. They're also the most colorful vulture species globally! Vultures are extremely important to the environment as well, helping stop the spread of disease by serving as a janitorial crew in the natural world. Their consumption of decomposing carcasses gives them the ability to digest and destroy harmful diseases such as Anthrax!

Thank you T.j. Pluid for getting us started.

Now it’s your turn!

Do you keep, breed, work with, photograph, or simply know something fascinating about a non-parrot species?

Send us:
Your photo
The species name
An interesting fact, story, or piece of avicultural knowledge
Your name so we can give you credit

Email your submission to [email protected]

Your bird could be featured in the next SHOW US YOUR PE**ER!

09/03/2026

Welcome to The Regulatory Roost!

Legislation and government processes can be difficult to follow. The Regulatory Roost is a new AFA educational series that breaks down the terms, procedures, and policies that can affect birds, aviculturists, and the future of aviculture.

When legislation threatens your birds, informed and coordinated action matters.

A proposed bill or ordinance can be concerning, but the first step is not to panic; it is to understand exactly what is being proposed and who may be affected.

Read the actual language. Gather accurate facts. Contact your AFA State Coordinator, Regional Director and Legislative Vice President. Then help our community respond professionally, respectfully and with a united voice.

Our birds. Our rights. Our responsibility.

Together, we can educate decision-makers, protect responsible aviculture and make a difference.

Learn more and explore the AFA Legislative Handbook:
🔗 https://afabirds.org/legislation

Need assistance with a legislative concern?
[email protected]

Please share this guide with fellow aviculturists, bird owners, rescues, and businesses.

09/02/2026

ASK AN AVICULTURE EXPERT

What have you always wanted to know about birds?

Submit your question in the comments below. AFA will select at least one question and try to connect it with an experienced aviculturist or qualified professional who can provide helpful educational insight.

Your question could cover breeding, behavior, nutrition, husbandry, housing, conservation, or another aspect of aviculture.

We may not have all the answers, but every good question can help our entire community learn. What would you like to ask?

Information shared through this series is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified avian veterinarian.

09/01/2026

A Little Help for One of San Francisco’s Wild Parrots

Sometimes avian welfare takes a whole community.

A wild parrot in San Francisco found itself in serious trouble after getting its head stuck between two glass panels on a third-floor balcony.

Members of the San Francisco Fire Department worked alongside San Francisco Animal Care & Control to reach the bird, carefully free it, and bring it to safety.

After being checked for injuries, the parrot was thankfully found to be okay and was released back into the wild. It flew into the nearby trees, where other parrots soon gathered around.

Stories like this are a wonderful reminder that protecting birds isn’t limited to those of us who keep, breed, study, conserve, or work with them. Sometimes it’s firefighters, animal control officers, neighbors, and an entire community coming together when a bird needs help.

Thank you to the San Francisco Fire Department and San Francisco Animal Care & Control for taking the time and care to help one feathered San Franciscan.

08/31/2026