Why are pirates often shown with parrots as companions and often on their shoulders?

Answer 1

Pirates lived pretty harsh lives while at sea. Many sailors (not just pirates) kept pets. Birds (which were intelligent, at vermin like weevils and could be rendered flightless pretty easily by trimming a wing) made good ship-board pets. Dogs required too much food (almost as much as a hand's ration), and cats are too solitary to be considered any individual's pet ... although many a pirate vessel did have a ship's cat to help keep the rats down. Monkeys were pretty popular, as well, since they could take pretty good care of themselves in heavy seas.
Short answer, though, is that sailors kept pets because they needed pets. And they let them ride on their shoulder because parrots really like that.
Arrr.

Answer 2

Because Parrots rock! They speak English and what better location to give the exact location to the hidden treasure than the shoulder? It's right there next to the ear!!!! Where nobody else can hear!!!
Think about it! If your cutie little bird was sitting on the deck of the boat giving away the seceret location of the treasure (that he himself saw burried), to the whole crew, how would that benefit you as a pirate???? HUH???? You gotta have an inside man and in some cases it just happens to be a parrot!!!!
Yep, didnt think about that one much did you???
I didnt think so!
Plus, after giving away the seceret location of the treasure, he can whisper sweet nothing's in your ear!!!!
Oooh, la, la!!!
So, there it is!! The real reason's a pirate loves his parrot buddy!!

Answer 3

If you owned a parrot (I have five) you'd understand that the shoulder (and the top of the head) are favorite perches.
Probably the pirates go to these exotic places and pick up a pet parrot. They are cool pets to have; they talk and they can be very affectionate.
I've also seen lots of pirate with monkeys.

Answer 4

There is a direct link between the decline in the number of sea faring Pirates and Global Warming.

A few centuries the sea faring Pirates numbered in their thousands and Global warming was Not an issue. These days there is anywhere near as many and Global Warming is a major issue.

The parrots are there to remind us of the frailty of nature

Answer 5

You can thank Robert Louis Stevenson for creating this stereotype. In his book "Treasure Island" he creates the stereotype of pirates by having his character Long John Silver have a pegleg and a parrot named John Flint as his companion. J. M. Barrie added to the stereotype of pirates by creating Captain Hook in "Peter Pan."

Answer 6

it shows thier tendencies to travel to tropical places, world travelers. shoulders an easy perch. arms are free.