Burrowing parrots in Las Lajas, Argentina

© Cagan Hakki Sekercioglu/Getty Image

Digging the birds

Burrowing parrots, sometimes called burrowing parakeets, are native to the arid Monte Desert of western Argentina. The birds use their beaks and talons to hollow out nesting spaces in soft limestone cliffs found in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The parrots sometimes end up captured and sold as pets for the wild bird trade. While that's not illegal - burrowing parrots aren't endangered - the capture and sale of these birds and others is part of the focus of National Bird Day in the United States, which is observed on January 5. National Bird Day is a used to educate the public about the value of wild birds remaining wild. While keeping a parrot may seem like a fun option as a pet, the organisers of National Bird Day claim it would be healthier and happier in its natural habitat.