The invention provides an insect repellent that repels flies, gnats, mosquitoes, lice, ticks, and fleas. The insect repellent comprises an avian-based extract, in particular an extract isolated from birds of the order Psittaciformes (parrots). The invention also provides an insect repellent composition about 5 volume % to about 75 volume % of the avian-based extract and about 95 volume % to about 25 volume % of a carrier vehicle.