Muscat – A splash of colour, a flutter of wings and the delighted laughter of children – these are often the first signs that the Al Tiyour Al Raqiya team has arrived at a festival.

At community events and celebrations across Oman, crowds quickly gather as vibrant parrots perch calmly on the arms and shoulders of their handlers. Curious children step forward cautiously at first, before smiling widely as they gently stroke the birds or pose for photographs.

For many families, it is a rare chance to see parrots up close – and an experience that often becomes one of the most memorable moments of the event.

Behind the cheerful scenes is a group of young Omanis who have transformed their love of birds and animals into a growing community initiative known as Al Tiyour Al Raqiya, or the Elegant Birds team.

Founded in 2024, the group began as a small gathering of friends united by a shared fascination with parrots and other pet animals. What started as a hobby soon evolved into a broader effort to entertain families while raising awareness about birds and the proper way to care for them.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, team member Ahmed Al Maashari said the initiative was driven by a desire to share their passion with the community.

“We are a group of Omani youth brought together by our love of birds and pets,” he said. “From that passion we created the Elegant Birds team so we could introduce people to these beautiful creatures and spread happiness, especially among children.”

Over the past two years, the team has taken part in a number of festivals and community events, including Muscat Nights and other public celebrations. Their colourful displays and interactive presentations have steadily gained attention, particularly among families and young visitors.

Children are often fascinated by the parrots’ bright feathers and lively personalities. Under the supervision of the handlers, they are given the opportunity to gently interact with the birds, learn their names and take photographs.

“Our aim is to bring smiles to children’s faces,” Al Maashari said. “At the same time, we try to teach them about birds and how to treat animals with kindness and respect.”

The initiative blends entertainment with a subtle educational message. While the birds naturally draw attention, the team members also take the opportunity to speak with visitors about bird behaviour, responsible pet care and the importance of understanding animals.

Although the team includes a number of volunteers from both genders, only a small group usually attends each event.

“Festivals can be very busy, so we normally assign two or three members to each activity,” Al Maashari explained. “This helps us manage the crowds while ensuring that the birds and animals are not exposed to stress or fatigue.”

The team’s collection includes several tame parrots and other friendly animals that have become accustomed to human interaction. Visitors are encouraged to interact with them carefully, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere at the events.

Despite the warm reception from the public, the group has faced certain challenges. One of the main obstacles, Al Maashari noted, is that some people have little experience with birds and may feel hesitant around them.

“Some visitors believe parrots are aggressive or difficult to handle,” he said. “Part of our role is to explain how they behave and show people that they can be very gentle when treated properly.”

Preparing the birds for public appearances has also required patience and careful training. Some birds needed time to adjust to noisy environments and large crowds before becoming comfortable at festivals.

Looking ahead, the members of Al Tiyour Al Raqiya hope to expand their activities and take part in more events across the sultanate.

“Our ambition is to take the team to a higher level,” Al Maashari said. “We want our birds and animals to amaze people and create joyful memories for families wherever we go.”

(Those interested in following the team’s activities and upcoming appearances can visit their page on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/aia_tayr/)