Why do parrots have banded legs?

Answer by  petpal (136)

It is believed to be a trait developed through evolution to help the birds camouflage in the trees. If you are referring to the plastic or metal band, that is placed there to identify the birds, and prove that they are legally documented and allowed to be sold in the United States.

Answer by  mb (5482)

This is an evolutionary trait that has grown into the species over time. The banding probably helps to break up their outline in the trees and shadows of the African canopy. This helps them to avoid predators. With time the banded leg Parrots became the surviviors and the unbanded got eaten.

Answer by  darcyn77 (321)

When parrots are born, their legs are banded for identification purposes. The year they were born is imprinted on the band. If a band is entirely closed, it means that the bird was born in the United States and if the band is open, that means that the bird was born overseas.

Answer by  worker5031 (70)

A closed band usually made of aluminum means that the bird was captive bred. Uusually a stainless steel band means is was imported into the US. This band was attached with a special tool by the USDA while in quaratine.

Answer by  KLR (606)

Birds that wear closed bands were domestically bred and not wild caught. There are many parrot inport rules. Those that wear closed bands can not be confused with the birds that are inported. The closed bands are put on baby birds only.

Answer by  dhuoda (1431)

They are used for identification purposes and some states have a legal requirement that parrots have them before they can travel. Microchips may one day replace them.

Answer by  annie52foof (1459)

They band parrots legs for identification purposes. This way a breeder can tell what clutch the bird was hatched from and what family. The breeder will keep a record of the birds he bands in order to know what pairs to choose to breed.

Answer by  KLR (606)

Parrots wear closed leg bands to prove that it was born in captivity. The band is placed on the bird's leg when it is still in the nest. The bands are important as there are strict import laws regarding parrots. The bands have the year imprinted proving the bird's age.