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Why were parrots kept by people in ancient Rome?

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Illustration of a rock parakeet (Pyrrhura rupicola) perched on a branch, showing green plumage with scalloped markings, a patch of red on the wing, and a dark beak. — Psittaciform Black-capped parakeet (*Pyrrhura rupicola*).

In ancient Rome, affluent citizens kept parrots in their homes as pets due to their appealing qualities, such as their bright colors, intelligence, and ability to mimic human sounds. Beyond their role as companions, these birds were also esteemed by some Romans as delicacies for the dinner table.1