Some birds don’t just fly—they outlive entire generations. Imagine a creature soaring through the skies for over a century, witnessing history unfold below.
Some of these feathered wonders have defied the odds, living far beyond what anyone thought possible. From record-breaking albatrosses to parrots with the secrets of time itself, these birds have stories that stretch across decades.
What’s their secret? Is it luck, biology, or sheer determination?
Meet 15 of the oldest birds ever recorded—one of them even made it to an astonishing 120 years old!
Wisdom the Albatross
A legend among birds, Wisdom the Laysan Albatross has made headlines with her age-defying feats. Hatched in the mid-1950s, she continues to soar across the Pacific Ocean with grace.
Her life is a testament to the survival skills of her species, navigating the vastness of the ocean for decades. Despite the challenges of climate change and oceanic pollutants, Wisdom has managed to rear countless chicks over the years.
Her longevity is not just a marvel of nature, but an inspiring story of resilience and adaptation.
Cookie the Cockatoo
Residing at the Brookfield Zoo, Cookie the cockatoo was a beloved icon until his passing in 2016 at the age of 82. Known for his charming personality, Cookie delighted visitors and staff alike.
His age was authenticated by zoo records, making him a senior ambassador of his species. Living beyond the common lifespan of his kin, Cookie’s story offers insights into avian care and the benefits of a loving environment.
With his vibrant plumage and lively spirit, Cookie remains fondly remembered by many.
Charlie the Macaw
Charlie the macaw is rumored to have been born in 1899, making her one of the oldest known parrots. Her life has been the stuff of legend, surrounded by stories of her time with Winston Churchill.
Although these tales remain unverified, Charlie’s age is not in dispute. Her longevity is a captivating example of the potential lifespan of macaws when cared for with dedication.
Blue-and-yellow macaws like Charlie thrive on a diet rich in fruits and nuts, allowing them to live well beyond average expectations.
Poncho the Green-Winged Macaw
Poncho, the green-winged macaw, starred in several Hollywood productions thanks to her striking appearance and impressive tricks. Born in 1926, she lived well into her 90s, charming everyone with her antics.
Her career in film brought her fame, but it was her longevity that truly captivated audiences. Poncho’s life highlights the importance of mental stimulation and social interaction for parrots.
Her engaging personality and ability to learn made her a star both on and off screen.
Cookie the Cockatiel
Cookie holds the record as the oldest known cockatiel, living to an impressive 36 years. Her life, spent in the company of a caring family, offers a blueprint for cockatiel enthusiasts aiming for long-living companions.
The secret to Cookie’s longevity lay in her balanced diet and ample social interaction. Her playful demeanor and affectionate nature brought joy to those around her.
As a testament to her species’ potential, Cookie’s story encourages bird owners to prioritize companionship and nutrition.
Fred the Cockatoo
Fred the cockatoo, with his iconic sulphur crest, became a beloved figure in Australia. Living to the century mark, Fred’s story is celebrated for his incredible lifespan and the joy he brought to his community.
Known for his friendly disposition, Fred interacted with generations of visitors at the local pub where he resided. His diet, consisting of varied seeds and fruits, contributed to his remarkable longevity.
Fred’s life stands as a reminder of the profound bond between humans and their avian friends.
Major the Macaw
Major the macaw, a scarlet delight, graced the world with his presence for nearly seven decades. Known for their intelligence and vibrant plumage, scarlet macaws like Major thrive in enriched environments.
His life in a zoo allowed for both social interaction and a varied diet, key factors in his longevity. Major’s story highlights the role of dedicated care in extending the lives of captive birds, offering hope to those committed to providing the best for their feathered companions.
Ruffles the Budgerigar
Ruffles, a budgerigar who lived to almost 30 years, defied the typical lifespan of his species. Known for their social nature, budgerigars like Ruffles benefit from constant companionship and stimulation.
His family provided an abundance of both, fostering his joyful personality. Ruffles’ life demonstrates the impact of attentive care and environmental enrichment.
His long life is a benchmark for budgerigar owners seeking to enhance the well-being of their feathered friends, showcasing the potential when given proper attention.
Blu the Hyacinth Macaw
Blu, a hyacinth macaw, stands as an emblem of the beauty and longevity of these magnificent birds. Known for their striking blue feathers and large size, hyacinth macaws require specific diets rich in nuts.
Blu’s life reflects the importance of understanding the unique needs of exotic birds. Her owners ensured she had both a nutritious diet and an engaging environment, key factors in her half-century of life.
Blu’s story serves as a guide for those caring for exotic birds, emphasizing the need for specialized care.
Tyson the Galah
Tyson the galah, with his rosy chest and friendly demeanor, thrived well into his 60s. Known for their social and affectionate nature, galahs like Tyson are beloved pets in Australia.
His story is a testament to the role of companionship in extending the lifespan of cockatoos. Enriched surroundings and social interaction kept Tyson lively and content.
His journey reminds us of the joy these birds bring and the dedication required to support their long lives.
Duffy the Lovebird
Duffy, a peach-faced lovebird, charmed his way into the hearts of many with his vibrant personality and long life. Reaching 34 years, Duffy’s age is remarkable for his species.
Lovebirds are known for their strong pair bonds and social habits, which significantly contribute to their well-being. His life was filled with interaction, both with humans and his fellow avian companions.
Duffy’s story highlights the benefits of a social environment, encouraging lovebird owners to foster interaction as a means to promote longevity.
Bongo Marie the Amazon Parrot
Bongo Marie, a yellow-headed Amazon parrot, lived a life full of chatter and companionship. Known for their intelligence and vocal abilities, Amazon parrots like Bongo Marie thrive on interaction and stimulation.
Her family’s dedication to providing a dynamic environment helped her reach an impressive 58 years of age. This story underscores the importance of mental engagement for parrots.
Her vocal mimicking and playful antics kept her family entertained, while also contributing to her long, vibrant life.
Duke the Kakapo
Duke the Kakapo was a remarkable parrot from New Zealand, known for his stunning longevity. This flightless bird, native to the island nation, lived to be 92 years old.
The Kakapo is critically endangered, and Duke’s extended lifespan was a testament to the careful conservation efforts.
Kakapos are nocturnal and have evolved without the presence of mammalian predators, which allowed them to thrive for many years. Duke’s long life was filled with engagements in breeding programs aimed at bolstering the Kakapo population.
Such longevity in birds like Duke is rare and speaks volumes about the adaptability and resilience of these unique creatures. His story is a beacon of hope for the conservation community working tirelessly to save these gentle giants.
Shane the Swan
Shane the swan, with his elegant form and serene presence, lived four decades gracing lakes and ponds. Known for their long necks and graceful swimming, swans like Shane benefit from their aquatic lifestyle.
His life showcases the advantages of a natural habitat and the care provided by wildlife reserves. Shane’s story encourages conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of preserving serene environments for the longevity of wildlife.
His life was a blend of natural beauty and human stewardship.
Molly the Seagull
Molly, a herring gull, reached an age uncommon among her kind, living to see nearly four decades. These birds thrive in coastal environments, where rich food sources contribute to their lengthened lifespans.
Molly’s life was filled with the sights and sounds of the seaside, offering a glimpse into the lives of urban wildlife. Her longevity underscores the adaptability of seagulls to both natural and manmade environments.
Molly’s story highlights the resilience of wildlife coexisting alongside bustling human activity.