A parrot may brighten a home with its colourful feathers and cheerful chatter, but unlike cats and dogs, birds are not fully domesticated.
They are highly intelligent, deeply social creatures that require constant mental stimulation and companionship.
When those needs go unmet, the consequences can be more serious than many owners realize.
Like humans, birds can experience stress, grief and even depression.
Loneliness is one of the most common causes.
In the wild, parrots live in flocks, spending much of the day communicating, foraging and flying together.
A pet bird left alone for long periods can become bored and emotionally distressed.
The loss of a bonded companion, sudden changes in its environment or even controversial practices such as wing clipping may also affect its mental well-being.
Recognizing the signs early is essential.
A depressed bird may become unusually aggressive, irritable or withdrawn.
It may vocalize less than usual, lose its appetite or begin biting.
Physical signs can include fluffed-up feathers, feather plucking, self-mutilation and changes in droppings.
Left untreated, these behaviours can lead to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and other health complications.
Female birds may even become egg-bound, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires veterinary care.
Before assuming a bird is depressed, owners should first rule out any underlying medical illness.
Once health problems have been excluded, improving the bird's environment becomes the priority.
Birds need enrichment as much as they need food. Spacious cages, wooden perches of different sizes, climbing opportunities and foraging toys help keep them mentally and physically active.
Regular exercise outside the cage is equally important.
Dr Sharman M Hoppes, a veterinarian specializing in avian medicine, notes that keeping solitary birds in small cages with little opportunity to fly can have both physical and psychological consequences because parrots are intelligent, social animals adapted for flight.
Perhaps the most important form of enrichment, however, is human interaction.
Spending time with a bird, teaching it simple tricks, offering favourite treats or simply letting it perch on a shoulder during everyday activities helps build trust and reduces feelings of isolation.
Owning a bird is about far more than providing food and a cage. It means becoming part of the bird's flock.
With patience, companionship and respect for their natural behaviours, owners can help ensure that their feathered companions remain not only healthy, but happy enough to keep singing.