American Federation of Aviculture
ESTABLISHED IN 1974
Welcome!
Education • Conservation • Avian Welfare • Legislative Awareness
The American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing all aspects of aviculture and supporting those who care for birds. Our community includes breeders, pet owners, veterinarians, conservationists, and organizations working to ensure the responsible care and long-term well-being of bird species.
Through education, outreach, and collaboration, AFA promotes responsible bird ownership, advances avicultural knowledge, and supports conservation efforts both in captivity and in the wild. By bringing together experience, research, and shared knowledge, we help strengthen the aviculture community and support the future of bird keeping.
As a national organization, AFA also works to provide accurate, up-to-date information to those involved in regulating bird ownership, helping ensure informed and balanced decision-making that reflects both avian welfare and the realities of responsible aviculture. Read more about AFA
Our Mission Statement
The mission and purpose of AFA shall be to promote the advancement of Aviculture through educational programs that support the advancement and improvement of breeding practices, husbandry practices, and living conditions for exotic birds, conservation, research and legislative awareness.
AFA in Action
A look at the people, programs, and passion behind aviculture.
Advancing aviculture through knowledge, shared experience, and AFA’s official publication
The Watchbird Journal has long served as one of AFA’s most important educational resources, sharing articles, updates, research, member stories, conservation news, and practical information for the aviculture community.
Current Issue
Explore the latest issue of Watchbird and stay connected with timely articles, AFA updates, conference highlights, conservation projects, and topics important to bird owners, breeders, and avian professionals.
Watchbird Archives
AFA’s Watchbird archives preserve decades of avicultural knowledge, history, and educational material for members, researchers, and anyone interested in the continued development of responsible aviculture.
Member Access
Digital Watchbird access helps members enjoy the publication from anywhere while supporting AFA’s mission to expand education, communication, and resources for the avian community.
AFA's Educational Conference
Aviculture Shines Bright in St. Louis
Join aviculturists from across the country for AFA’s 52nd Annual Educational Conference, held August 5–8, 2026, at the Hilton St. Louis Airport in St. Louis, Missouri.
What to Expect
This annual gathering brings together bird owners, breeders, conservationists, educators, vendors, organizations, and avian professionals for several days of presentations, workshops, meetings, exhibits, youth programming, social events, and special activities focused on responsible aviculture.
Education, Community & Events
Attendees can take part in sessions covering bird care, nutrition, behavior, breeding, conservation, legislative awareness, and the future of aviculture. The conference also offers opportunities to connect with others in the avian community and participate in special events such as the Fabulous 5 Raffle and evening gatherings.
Vendor Hall & Public Programs
The conference includes vendor activities, exhibits, youth programming, and special public-facing opportunities designed to welcome families, bird lovers, and the broader community. Guests can explore avian products, meet participating organizations, and learn more about responsible bird care, education, and conservation.
Schedule & Registration
The general conference schedule is now available, with more detailed daily programming, speaker times, and room locations to be added as the event approaches. Whether you are attending for the first time or returning year after year, the AFA Educational Conference is one of the best ways to stay informed, involved, and connected.
Conference Streams
Selected conference presentations and educational sessions may be available on demand through AFA Conference Streams. Conference attendees receive complimentary access to available conference videos.
Education
Providing the knowledge and resources needed for responsible and successful aviculture
AFA supports aviculture through educational programs, publications, classroom resources, youth activities, and accessible learning opportunities for bird owners, breeders, students, and enthusiasts at every experience level.
Fundamentals of Aviculture
The Fundamentals of Aviculture course is one of AFA’s cornerstone educational programs, offering structured learning in avian care, husbandry, health, breeding, behavior, and responsible bird keeping. FOA provides a strong foundation for new aviculturists and a valuable refresher for experienced bird owners and breeders.
Youth Learning & AFA Kidz
AFA encourages young people to learn about birds through AFA Kidz activities, classroom-style resources, and youth programs that introduce the next generation to aviculture, conservation, and responsible animal care.
Featured Essay Contest
For a limited time, youth ages 6–16 are invited to participate in the AFA 4 Kidz Essay Contest, with subject choices including pet birds, conservation, and breeding birds.
Publications & Resources
Education also continues through the Watchbird Journal, care resources, downloadable materials, and shared knowledge from experienced aviculturists across the AFA community. These resources help members stay informed, connected, and engaged beyond individual programs and events.
Conservation
Working to preserve bird species through research, education, and sustainable practices
AFA supports conservation efforts that connect responsible aviculture, field research, habitat protection, education, and long-term species sustainability. Through grants, partnerships, and public outreach, AFA helps support projects that protect birds both in human care and in the wild.
Conservation & Research
AFA’s conservation work includes support for field projects, research initiatives, and species-focused programs that help strengthen long-term population viability and protect important avian habitats.
Grants & Partnerships
Through conservation grants and collaboration with partner organizations, AFA helps provide funding, equipment, and awareness for projects working directly with birds, researchers, and conservation communities.
Responsible Aviculture
Sustainable aviculture plays an important role in preserving genetic diversity, supporting responsible breeding, and helping maintain knowledge and experience that can benefit future conservation efforts.
Conservation News
AFA also shares project updates, field reports, and conservation stories through Conservation News, helping members stay informed about the people, partnerships, and projects making a difference for birds.
Avian Welfare
Ensuring the health, care, and well-being of birds through responsible ownership and support
AFA promotes high standards of avian welfare by encouraging responsible ownership, proper husbandry, improved living conditions, and education that supports the long-term health and quality of life of birds in human care.
Responsible Bird Care
Through education and outreach, AFA supports practices that enhance physical health, behavioral well-being, and compassionate care for birds across the aviculture community.
Disaster Preparedness & Relief
AFA’s Disaster Relief Program helps bird owners prepare before disasters and provides limited, short-term support after conditions are safe and accessible.
Support During Recovery
Assistance may include essential avian supplies such as food, water, temporary housing materials, and other recovery support based on availability and need.
Safety First
This program is not an emergency response service and does not provide financial assistance. Individuals in immediate danger should contact local emergency services.
Legislative Awareness
Keeping bird owners informed through education, awareness, and responsible engagement
AFA helps members stay informed about legislative and regulatory issues that affect bird ownership, aviculture, and the future of responsible bird keeping at the local, state, and national levels.
Awareness & Education
Through updates, resources, and ongoing communication, AFA works to improve understanding of laws, regulations, and policy issues that may affect bird owners, breeders, exhibitors, and the broader aviculture community.
Monitoring Current Issues
AFA follows legislative developments that impact aviculture and helps highlight proposals, trends, and public policy concerns that members should be aware of as they arise.
Responsible Engagement
By promoting informed participation and thoughtful communication, AFA encourages members to stay engaged in ways that support responsible bird ownership, sound policy, and the long-term future of aviculture.
Current Legislation & Resources
Members can explore current legislative topics, educational materials, and related resources to better understand issues affecting birds and the people who care for them.
AFA Conference Moments
Take a look at moments from past AFA conferences, where aviculturists gather to learn, connect, share ideas, and celebrate the bird community. These photos reflect the education, friendship, and collaboration that make AFA conferences a meaningful part of the aviculture experience.
Our 2026 Conference Sponsors
AFA gratefully recognizes the sponsors and partners whose support helps make the 2026 Educational Conference possible. Their generosity supports education, conservation, responsible aviculture, and community connection.
Sign Up For Fast Ads
Stay connected with aviculture listings, birds, supplies, and member opportunities
AFA Fast Ads help members stay informed about birds, supplies, services, and aviculture-related listings shared within the AFA community. Subscribers can receive Fast Ads by email and view the most current listings online.
Current AFA members may also place free ad lines, making Fast Ads a simple way to share available birds, products, services, and opportunities with others who are active in aviculture.
Click Here to view the most current AFA Fast Ads.
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