A protective bird apron includes a main body area with a length and a width and a pair of opposing lateral sections attached to the main body area at corresponding opposing edges thereof, each lateral section having a length less than the length of the main body area and a width dimensioned to extend beneath respective wings of the bird. At least one securing strap is coupled to an upper portion of the main body area and to an upper portion of at least one of the lateral sections, the main body area, the at least one of the lateral sections, and the at least one securing strap defining at least one shoulder securing area. A shoulder protector is coupled to the main body area of the back covering, disposed to protect shoulders of the bird while leaving the wings of the bird substantially unrestricted in wing-flapping movement, and has a width substantially the same or greater than an overall width of the back covering. Visible warning indicia are provided on the back covering and/or the shoulder protector.
