Parrots are one of my favourite costumes to style, because colour does almost all the work and you can build one from ordinary clothes. What sells the bird is a short list of pieces: wings that open when you lift your arms, a tail, a light beak and the white patch around the eyes that so many parrots have. Felt, fleece, cardboard, tulle and craft feathers will get you there with very little sewing. Below you'll find specific birds, from the scarlet macaw to the soft pink galah, plus closet versions, kids' and baby builds, adult party looks, and ideas for couples, families and whole groups. For each one I've noted what I'd make first and what tends to go wrong once you're actually wearing it.
Layering Felt Feathers Like Real Plumage
Almost every costume below relies on rows of felt feathers, and the way you lay them down decides whether it looks like a bird or a patchwork. Real feathers overlap like roof tiles, each row covering the top of the row below, so I always work from the bottom edge upward.
- Cut a template from card: a rounded U shape for body feathers and a longer, narrower shape for wing tips.
- Trace and cut a big batch at once; stacking two or three sheets of felt and cutting them together saves an evening.
- Glue or stitch the first row along the bottom edge of the cape, then place the next row so it covers the top third of the one below.
- Change colour every two or three rows, not every row, so the bands look like plumage and not stripes.
- Attach only the top edge of each feather, leaving the rounded bottom loose so it lifts slightly when you move.
Stiff felt holds a crisp feather shape; soft acrylic felt curls at the tips after an evening of movement, so press the finished cape under a heavy book overnight. If you use craft feathers instead, glue them to a ribbon first and sew the ribbon on, which sheds far less than gluing each one straight to the fabric.
1. Scarlet Macaw Parrot Costume
The scarlet macaw is the parrot most people picture, so I start here. A red long-sleeve bodysuit or fitted jumpsuit is the base, with a cape of layered yellow, blue and red felt feathers that opens like wings when you raise your arms. The real bird's wings run red at the shoulder, then yellow, then blue at the tips, and keeping that order is what makes it read as a macaw. Put the long red-and-blue tail on a fabric belt so you can unclip it before sitting. A red hood or short red wig gives a smooth head, white face paint goes around the eyes, and a light curved beak finishes the face. Black leggings and flexible black ankle boots stand in for dark parrot feet.
2. Blue And Gold Macaw Parrot Costume
Blue wings over a golden body read from across a room. Begin with a yellow dress, sweatshirt and joggers, or a simple yellow jumpsuit, and build a blue cape from overlapping felt, with a little green near the shoulders. The live bird has a green forehead and a white face crossed with thin black lines, so I draw three or four fine eyeliner stripes inside the white patch; that small detail tells people exactly which macaw you are. A blue bob wig or fitted hood suits the head. Mount a curved black foam beak on a headband so the mouth stays free, then add a blue-and-yellow tail, black gloves and sturdy black sneakers. A cardboard branch makes a light photo prop.
3. Green Amazon Parrot Costume
For something calmer than a macaw, the green Amazon parrot is mostly green with small flashes of yellow and blue. Build it around a green hoodie, matching leggings and a feather vest. I cut rounded felt feathers in three or four greens and grade them from light to dark across the chest and back, because one flat green looks like a frog rather than a bird. Small yellow and blue sections along the wings add contrast. Tuck hair inside the hood, or wear a short green wig with a yellow panel at the forehead. Green eyeshadow, a clean white eye outline and a soft grey foam beak make a friendly face. It's warm, and schools rarely object to it.
4. Rainbow Parrot Costume
A rainbow parrot lets you use every bright scrap in the craft box. Wear a red, blue or green base and cover a wing cape with overlapping felt feathers in rainbow order, then repeat the same order on a long detachable tail. Keep the tail layers narrow, or they slap the backs of your legs with every step. Choose a wig in the main base colour and tuck a few colourful feather clips around the crown. Bright eyeshadow, a small white eye patch and a yellow foam beak keep the face cheerful. Black tights and plain black boots calm everything below the waist, so the wings and tail stay the stars.
5. White Cockatoo Parrot Costume
The white cockatoo is all about the yellow crest, so that's where I spend the effort. A white jumpsuit and a cape covered in scalloped white felt look cleaner than loose craft feathers, which shed everywhere and keep turning up in your car for weeks. Style a white pixie wig, or tuck hair under a white hood, and fix tall yellow felt feathers to a sturdy headband; a strip of craft wire glued along the back of each feather keeps the crest standing. Pearl-white face makeup, pale grey shadow and a curved charcoal foam beak add definition. White gloves become wing tips, light grey tights and white ankle boots keep it soft, and a faux branch wrapped in green leaves is enough of a prop.
6. Pink Galah Parrot Costume
Galahs swap tropical brights for rosy pink and soft grey, which suits anyone who finds red and yellow too loud. Start with a pink sweatshirt dress, romper or jumpsuit, and put grey felt feathers over the back, sleeves and hips while leaving the pink chest showing. A shoulder-length pink wig with a pale crest headband gives the fluffy head. Blend rosy blush at the temples, add silver-grey eyeshadow and wear a small ivory foam beak on a headband. A pink-and-grey feather fan is handy for posing and folds into a compact wing. Grey tights and pink sneakers or flat boots keep you comfortable all day.
7. Red And Blue Eclectus Parrot Costume
Eclectus parrots are unusual because the female is red and the male is green, and this costume follows the female, who has red plumage with a blue-to-purple band across the chest. Choose a red maxi dress, jumpsuit or top and trousers, and add royal-blue feather panels across the chest and under a red wing cape. A long red wig or smooth red hood keeps the colour going, while purple shadow and white liner bring out the eyes. Her beak is black, so I make a rounded black foam one and mount it below a forehead band, clear of the mouth. A red-and-blue tail belt, faux berries, black gloves and low black boots finish it.
8. African Gray Parrot Costume
An African grey sounds plain until you add the red tail, which is the bird's one bright flash and the detail I'd never skip. Wear a charcoal sweatshirt, fitted jumpsuit or tunic with matching leggings, and cover a short cape with scalloped feathers in silver, slate and mid grey. Layering three greys is what gives it depth; a single shade looks like a raincoat. A grey bob wig or a close hood with small feathers at the crown works for the head. White eye makeup, fine black liner and a curved dark beak define the face. Black gloves and grey sneakers make it easy to wear to school, work or a casual gathering.
9. Sun Conure Parrot Costume
The sun conure is a small parrot in glowing yellow and orange with green and blue in the wings. Begin with a yellow skater dress, jumpsuit or sweatshirt and leggings, and layer orange feathers across the chest and crown, then add green-and-blue felt wings to a light cape. A short orange wig with yellow feather clips suits adults; for children I'd use a yellow hood, since it stays put and needs no pins. Blend yellow and orange makeup around the eyes and add a small black foam beak. A faux sunflower or tropical fruit makes a good prop, and green tights with blue sneakers echo the wing colours.
10. Turquoise Parrot Costume
Turquoise gives you a cooler, more modern bird. Use a turquoise jumpsuit, dress or sweatshirt set, and cover a cape in aqua, cobalt, teal and lime felt, with the longest pieces forming the wing tips near the hands. Choose a turquoise wig or matching hood with a small lime crest. Shimmery blue shadow, white liner and a charcoal craft-foam beak add bird details without heavy makeup. Carry a large faux leaf or a blue feather fan for posing. Dark leggings and turquoise sneakers or ankle boots finish it, and in a crowded room I'd keep the tail short and detachable, because a long one gets stepped on within minutes.
11. Pirate Sidekick Parrot Costume
A parrot is funny alone and better perched next to a pirate. Wear a red top with green leggings, or a red jumpsuit under a short multicoloured feather vest, with blue-and-yellow felt wings on the sleeves and a striped tail on a comfortable waistband. A tiny tricorn on top of a red hood or wig is what turns it into a pirate's parrot, so I fix it with a hair clip or elastic, since a mini hat slides off a slippery wig. White eye patches, bright eye makeup and a yellow foam beak finish the face. Carry an oversized cardboard cracker or a fabric treasure pouch, never anything shaped like a weapon. Black gloves and flat black boots work for trick-or-treating.
12. Easy T-Shirt Parrot Costume
Short on time? An oversized red T-shirt becomes a parrot in an afternoon. Wear it over black leggings or joggers and glue or stitch rows of felt feathers across the front, back and sleeves, with longer shapes running from wrist to side seam for wings. I stitch at least the top row on each sleeve, because glued felt on a T-shirt lets go where the arm bends most. Top it with a red beanie carrying felt eyes, a curved yellow beak and a few blue feathers. Red eyeshadow and a white liner detail are plenty. A paper bag labelled bird food is a cheap joke of a prop, and it suits kids, teens and adults alike.
13. No-Sew Parrot Poncho Costume
No sewing machine needed here. Cut a head opening in a large circle of red fleece or felt, then fix rows of blue, yellow and green feather shapes with fabric glue, extending the side feathers so the poncho spreads like wings when you lift your arms. Fleece is the better choice of the two; it doesn't fray, it drapes, and it's warmer outdoors. Wear a red long-sleeve shirt and leggings underneath. A matching beanie can hold felt eyes, a yellow beak and a short crest, and white face paint around the eyes with a touch of blue shadow finishes the face. Add a removable ribbon tail and black rain boots or sneakers for outdoor events.
14. Parrot Hoodie Costume
In cool weather a hoodie parrot is the one I'd steer people towards. Choose a red, green or blue hoodie with matching joggers, and attach removable felt feather panels to the sleeves and back with safety pins or hook-and-loop strips, so the hoodie goes back into normal use afterward. The hood carries the face: big felt eyes, white patches, a stuffed fabric beak and a short crest. A low bun fits under it comfortably. Keep the eye makeup simple and bright so it still shows with the hood down. Clip a striped felt tail to the waistband, and give children a plush tropical fruit rather than anything hard.
15. Parrot Tutu Costume
A tulle tutu makes a lively feathered body you can still walk in. Start with a red leotard, fitted T-shirt or bodysuit over opaque leggings, then tie strips of red, yellow, blue and green tulle around an elastic waistband, layering the colours like plumage. Tulle tied in knots holds far better than tulle glued, and you can retie a strip if it slips. Felt or fabric wings stretch from wrists to waist. A red wig, feathered headband and light yellow beak make the head, and bright blue shadow with white liner gives a friendly, theatrical face. Ballet flats, sneakers or low boots ground it. Keep the tutu above the knee if you'll be on stairs.
16. Parrot Dress Costume
For an adult party, a red dress with room to move makes a polished parrot. I place blue and yellow feather appliqués on one shoulder, the waist and the skirt rather than covering the whole dress, which keeps it looking like an outfit and not a mascot. A detachable feather cape gives you full wings without altering the dress. A sleek red wig or a red feather fascinator over pinned hair suits it. White eye accents, gold shadow and a sculpted black-and-beige beak headband make the face. A green clutch shaped like a leaf holds your phone, and black tights with low-heeled boots finish the look.
17. Parrot Jumpsuit Costume
A jumpsuit gives you the cleanest base for a streamlined bird. Pick bright red, cobalt or emerald, and attach feather-shaped fabric panels along the outer arms and the sides of the legs. Add a removable wing cape in two or three contrasting colours and a narrow tail that clips to the back of the waist. Pull hair into a high bun under a feathered headpiece, or match a short wig to the jumpsuit. Graphic white eye makeup and a curved foam beak set the theme. Black gloves and flat ankle boots keep you steady. Because the cape and tail both come off, you can sit in a car or at a table without crushing anything.
18. Cardboard Wing Parrot Costume
Big cardboard wings look dramatic for almost no money, but they need care. Cut two rounded wing shapes from light corrugated cardboard, cover them with fabric, and glue on overlapping paper or felt feathers in red, yellow, blue and green. I fix them to the body with wide elastic straps worn like a backpack; narrow string cuts into the shoulders within an hour. Pair them with a red sweatshirt, matching trousers and a long layered tail, plus a red beanie or hood with eyes and a foam beak. Round every cardboard corner, and keep the span narrow enough to pass through a doorway, since rigid wings catch on everything in a crowd.
19. Felt Cape Parrot Costume
A felt cape is the easiest way to get wings that fold down on their own when your arms drop. Cut a half-circle cape in red or blue, cover it with rows of contrasting feathers, and add a loop at each wrist so the cape opens when you spread your arms. Wear a matching long-sleeve top and leggings, plus a short feathered tail at the waist. A fabric hood with big eyes and a stuffed beak replaces a mask, which narrows a child's view and gets pushed up within minutes anyway. Soft white eye circles and colourful shadow finish the face. It's the version I'd give an active kid heading into a crowded event.
20. Recycled Paper Parrot Costume
Grocery bags, old gift wrap and clean cardboard can build a whole recycled parrot. Start with a plain red or green shirt and comfortable trousers, then cut a lot of rounded paper feathers, back each one with a strip of tape so it doesn't tear at the glue point, and layer them over a cardboard wing cape and a detachable tail. A paper-covered cap with drawn eyes and a folded beak makes the head. Use water-based face paint in white, blue and yellow around the eyes. Paper is the wrong material for rain or anywhere near candles, so save this one for an indoor party and check every attachment point before you leave.
21. Glam Parrot Costume
To make plumage glamorous, I go for jewel-toned fabric and keep sparkle to one area. Wear an emerald or ruby jumpsuit with a fitted waist and add a feather-shaped cape in sapphire, gold and crimson satin. Satin frays badly at cut edges, so seal each feather with a thin line of fabric glue or fray stopper before attaching it. A long wig in the main colour with a crystal feather headband suits it, and shimmer shadow, winged liner, white eye detailing and a small beak worn high on the forehead keep the face polished. Carry a metallic leaf clutch, and keep embellishment on the shoulders and wings so the outfit still looks balanced.
22. Retro Disco Parrot Costume
This one mixes tropical colour with a 1970s shape. A bright flared jumpsuit in red, blue or green is ideal, especially one with wide sleeves that can carry layered fabric feathers. Add a feather cape across the back and keep the tail short and striped, because a long tail tangles with flared hems on the dance floor. A big wig in the main colour with a slim feathered headband and small foam beak suits the era. Shimmery blue-and-gold eye makeup with white liner adds the disco shine. A mirrored flower or folding fan is a prop you can dance with. Any platforms should be low and stable; flat metallic boots are the safer choice.
23. Parrot Masquerade Costume
A masquerade mask lets you wear a parrot while keeping most of your face visible. Begin with a red or emerald dress, fitted suit or jumpsuit and a long cape shaped like layered wings. Cover a light eye mask with red, blue and yellow felt feathers, and extend a small curved beak from the centre, angled so it sits clear of the nose. I attach masks with soft elastic rather than ribbon ties, since ties slip and need retying all night. A smooth updo or a colourful wig under a feathered crown works. Metallic shadow, subtle white liner, opaque tights, fitted gloves and low black or gold boots finish it.
24. School-Friendly Parrot Costume
School dress-up days have practical rules: the costume must come off fast, fit at a desk and stay out of other children's way. A green sweatshirt and joggers with a short multicoloured feather vest covers the bird. Soft felt wings fastened at the wrists and shoulders stay off the floor. A green beanie with white eyes, a yellow fabric beak and a red crest replaces a mask, which many schools ask children not to wear anyway. Use washable face paint, or just a little green eyeshadow. A decorated lunch bag doubles as the prop, and I'd leave out loose feathers, long tails and wide wings that catch on chairs and hallway corners.
25. Office-Friendly Parrot Costume
At work a parrot has to be recognisable without taking over the meeting room. A red blouse, tailored green trousers and a blue cardigan or blazer already give you the colours. Pin removable felt feathers down the cardigan sleeves for wings and add a short feathered collar in yellow and red. A red headband with two small feather accents is enough on the head. Restrained blue shadow, white liner and a tiny beak-shaped brooch stand in for a mask. A leaf-green tote carries your normal things, and black loafers or low boots keep it office-appropriate. Save the detachable tail for the party after work.
26. Cold-Weather Parrot Costume
For cold outdoor nights, build the bird over real winter clothes. A red puffer coat or fleece-lined hoodie is the body, with thermal leggings and insulated black boots. Attach wide felt feather panels to the coat sleeves with removable fasteners, grading blue, yellow and green from shoulder to wrist. Hot glue goes brittle in the cold and pops off a puffer, so I use safety pins or sew-on hook-and-loop instead. A red knit hat holds soft eyes, a padded beak and a crest while keeping your ears warm. Keep face makeup to the area around the eyes so scarves stay clean, clip on a short tail, and add reflective tape somewhere so drivers see you.
27. Rainy-Weather Parrot Costume
Rain doesn't have to cancel a tropical bird; it just changes the materials. Wear a bright red, yellow or green raincoat over waterproof trousers and attach laminated paper or craft-foam feathers for wings, since both shrug off water where felt soaks up and droops. A short foam tail stays above puddles. Decorate the raised hood with foam eyes, a foam beak and a small synthetic crest. Use waterproof eye makeup in white, blue and black, kept simple. A clear umbrella with removable leaf shapes becomes a prop and part of the costume, and black or green rain boots with waterproof gloves finish it. Test your tape and glue on a damp evening first.
28. Kids Parrot Costume
Children should be able to manage their parrot on their own, so I keep it soft and simple. A colourful fleece sweatshirt and matching trousers carry a light felt cape with wide feather shapes and wrist loops, so the child can flap without holding anything. Decorate the hood with large fabric eyes, a soft stuffed beak and a short crest, and tuck hair inside it. A small amount of washable face paint around the eyes is plenty. Put the tail on an elastic belt they can slip off to sit down. A plush tropical fruit is a safe prop, and reflective trim along the wing edges makes them easier to spot after dark.
29. Toddler Parrot Costume
For a toddler, warmth and free movement come before any detail. A red or green one-piece romper is the base, with broad felt feathers sewn across the arms, back and seat. Keep the wing panels short so little hands stay free for balance and snacks. A soft knit hat can carry sewn fabric eyes, a padded yellow beak and a few firmly stitched felt crest pieces. Skip makeup, or use a tiny dab of washable colour on the cheeks. A very short tail won't get in the way in a stroller. Warm socks and flexible shoes finish it, and I leave off loose craft feathers, beads and anything a toddler could pull off and swallow.
30. Baby Parrot Costume
A baby parrot should be a soft, colourful onesie and nothing more complicated. Start with a red cotton onesie or footed sleeper and attach large, flat felt feathers across the shoulders, sides and back, using green, yellow and blue to suggest wings while keeping the arms free. A soft red cap can carry embroidered eyes and a lightly stuffed beak above the forehead. No makeup on baby skin. Place a plush tropical leaf beside the baby for supervised photos instead of a handheld prop. Black socks or soft booties finish it. Stitch every feather down flat; glued pieces lift and end up in small mouths.
31. Plus-Size Parrot Costume
For a plus-size parrot, I'd build on a well-fitting red maxi dress, stretch jumpsuit or tunic and leggings, and let the cape do the drama. A long feather cape falling from the shoulders opens into wide blue, yellow and green wings. Run the feather rows vertically or on a diagonal; they move better that way, and the costume is about colour and movement, not hiding anything. A red wig, head wrap or feathered headband with bright shadow and white liner suits the face, and a light foam beak sits on the forehead or headband. A green leaf-shaped bag is a useful prop, and supportive black boots keep you comfortable for a long evening.
32. Maternity Parrot Costume
A maternity parrot needs stretch fabric and light decoration. Wear a red maternity dress or comfortable jumpsuit and frame the bump with curved rows of yellow and blue felt feathers, which makes the bump part of the bird's chest. A shoulder cape with green and blue wing panels should open easily and never fasten around the waist. A comfortable bun sits under a red feathered headband with a small beak above the forehead. Bright shadow and white liner are kinder than heavy face paint if your skin is more sensitive than usual. Supportive flats, a short tail and no tight belts keep the costume easy to sit in.
33. Lovebird Couple Parrot Costume
Lovebirds are small parrots that sit close together, which makes them a sweet couple idea. One partner wears green with peach face accents, the colours of a peach-faced lovebird, and the other wears blue with a white chest. Both get layered felt wing capes, matching detachable tails and soft beak headbands, plus wigs or hoods in each costume's main colour and simple white and black eye markings. I like each partner carrying half of a big cardboard heart decorated with leaves, so the costume only makes full sense when you stand together. Dark gloves and comfortable black shoes keep both looks practical.
34. Pirate And Parrot Couple Costume
Pirate and parrot is the classic pairing, and nobody needs it explained. The parrot wears a red jumpsuit, a multicoloured wing cape, a feathered hood, white eye makeup, a yellow foam beak, a striped tail, black gloves and flat boots. The pirate wears a white blouse, striped trousers, a long vest, a sash, a soft tricorn and brown boots, with tousled hair and a simple smoky eye. Swap any sword for a rolled paper map, and give the parrot an oversized cardboard cracker. Repeat red and blue on both costumes. I keep the parrot's wings compact here, because the two of you will spend the night standing shoulder to shoulder.
35. Rainbow Parrot Group Costume
A flock is the easiest group costume to organise: give each person a colour and let them build their own bird. One person goes red, the others yellow, green, blue, purple or pink. Everyone uses the same basic shape, a feather cape, a short detachable tail, a coloured wig or hood, white eye accents and a soft curved beak, but each person varies the feather pattern. Different faux fruits, flowers and leaves as props add variety. Matching black gloves and sneakers tie the group together, and lining up in rainbow order for photos is the moment it all clicks. It works for three people or a whole extended family.
A Beak You Can Talk, Eat and Drink In
A beak strapped over the mouth looks great for ten minutes and then comes off for good, because you can't talk, drink or eat candy in it. I mount beaks above the face instead, on a headband or the front of a hood, so they sit like a visor over the forehead. Craft foam is the easiest material: cut two curved halves, glue the edges together, and stuff a little tissue inside so it holds its shape.
EVA foam is thicker and can be warmed with a hair dryer and bent into a proper hooked curve, which suits macaws and cockatoos. Paint it with acrylic and seal it, since bare foam soaks up paint unevenly. Keep the beak light; anything heavy drags a headband forward and gives the wearer a headache by the end of the night.
Telling a Macaw From a Conure at a Glance
If you want people to name your exact bird, copy the one or two markings that set it apart rather than the whole colour chart.
- Scarlet macaw: red body, wings banded yellow then blue, a bare white face patch.
- Blue-and-gold macaw: blue back, golden chest, green forehead, thin black stripes across a white face.
- African grey: grey all over with a bright red tail.
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo: white body and a tall yellow crest.
- Galah: pink chest and face, grey wings, a pale pink crest.
- Sun conure: yellow and orange with green on the wings.
Long tails are a macaw trait; cockatoos, galahs and conures have shorter ones, so trimming the tail is an easy way to make a smaller parrot look right.
Pick a Bird, Then Cut the Feathers
A good parrot is mostly a comfortable base with colour layered on top: wings that open, a tail that comes off, a beak that leaves the mouth free, and shoes you can walk in. Felt suits soft children's costumes, and fabric capes or shaped cardboard give adults bigger wings. Making the tail and cape detachable helps with sitting, travel and storage afterward. A realistic macaw, a cosy hoodie bird, a dressy party look or a whole flock all start in the same place, so match the colours and materials to your budget and the weather you'll be wearing it in.
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