Image of a pirate with a parrot on the shoulder has long been part of popular culture, largely thanks to literature.
This was reported by URA-Inform with reference to Ukr.media.
One of the most famous examples is Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Treasure Island, where the treacherous John Silver had a talking parrot, Captain Flint. However, in reality, pirates had no time for cute companions – these birds played a completely different role for them.
Parrots as a valuable commodity
During the time of the Great Geographical Discoveries (15th-18th centuries), parrots from the New World were a symbol of wealth and high status in Europe. Their bright plumage and ability to imitate human speech made them desirable pets among the aristocracy.
Smuggling pirates quickly appreciated the value of exotic animals. Parrots sold in Europe for between £5 and £10, equivalent to $1,000 to $2,000 today. Some rare species were worth several times more. For comparison, a common sailor at the time earned only £2 a month. Therefore, parrot smuggling became a profitable business, especially for small pirate ships that could not attack large merchant ships.
Could a pirate afford a parrot?
While some pirates did indeed keep a parrot for themselves, for most crews these birds were just prized loot. In the harsh sea conditions, few could afford such luxury. However, if there was enough loot and the crew didn't mind, a talking parrot could be a good entertainment on long voyages.
Thus, parrots on pirate ships appeared not because of romantic ideas, but for quite pragmatic reasons.
It will also be interesting to learn how deceased relatives convey their messages to us: folk signs.
