Archive for August, 2009
Research Update – a Surprising Use for the Toucan’s Huge Bill
Aug 31st
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Toucan bills are perhaps the best known of all bird appendages. Comprising 40% or more of the toucan’s total surface area, these long, colorful structures were thought to serve primarily as fruit gathering tools and, perhaps, to attract mates. However, research involving the toco toucan (Ramphastos toco), which sports the largest bill of all, has yielded some surprising new information.
Controlling Body Temperature
According to an article published in the journal Science (July, 2009), the toucan’s generously proportioned bill helps to keep its owner cool during hot weather. As temperatures rise, blood flows to a network of vessels positioned between the bill’s bony inner core and its hard outer covering (the rampotheca), where it sheds heat before circulating back into the bird’s body. Toucans are even able to precisely control the rate of blood flow to the bill.
A number of structures in other animals, i.e. elephants’ ears and crocodilian tongues, serve a similar function, although they appear less effective than toucan bills at shedding heat. It is theorized that the huge spikes on the backs of certain dinosaurs were the animal world’s first heat-dumping structures.
Toucans as Pets
Toucans make affection and interesting pets for those with the room to properly accommodate them (please see articles below).
Although their bills appear unwieldy, several toucans that I have kept were very adept at catching grapes tossed at high speed, and they rarely missed when aiming at the anoles (small lizards) that had arrived in their exhibit along with imported plants and trees.
Further Reading
Please check out my articles Introducing the Collared Aracari and Popular Zoo and Pet Birds: Toucans for information on keeping toucans in captivity.
Please write in with your questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
Image referenced from Wikipedia and originally posted by Muchness
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Loading ...The Long, Uphill Battle to Save the Puerto Rican Amazon Parrot
Aug 28th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. With a total population numbering 295 birds, only 60 of which live in the wild, the Puerto Rican Amazon (Amazona vittata) holds the unenviable title of one of the world’s 10 most endangered birds. A subspecies, A. v. gracilipes, once found on neighboring Culebra, Mona and Vieques Islands, is now extinct.
US Native Parrots
The Puerto Rican Amazon is the only parrot native to a US territory; it is also distinguished by quite possibly being the bird that helped lead Columbus to land on his first voyage (please see article below).
The sole Psittacine living on the US mainland is the endangered thick billed-parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha). Our only other native parrot, the Carolina parakeet, was hunted to extinction by the early 1900’s.
People unaware of this species plight are sometimes confused by all the concern…after all, parrots abound throughout Puerto Rico. However, these pet trade escapees are introduced species, which actually worsen the Puerto Rican Amazon’s plight by competing for food and nest sites, and, possibly, through hybridization.
Rats and other Threats
The Puerto Rican Amazon’s decline is largely due to deforestation. It nests only in pre-existing holes in tall, mature trees. When these trees are cut, the parrots cannot nest, or they use sites that are vulnerable to predators, competitors and hurricanes.
The introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) has also contributed significantly to this parrot’s problems. Alternately called the roof rat, this highly arboreal rodent takes eggs and chicks from 4 of every 6 nests in some areas. The pearly-eyed thrasher (Magarops fuscata) a small bird not usually known as a “trouble-maker”, has exploded in numbers in recent times (possibly due to changes in land use). Oddly, it now preys upon parrot eggs, and competes for nest sites.
In addition to the introduced parrots mentioned earlier, the island’s 3 large hawks pose a threat to the already depleted Puerto Rican Amazon population. Added to this is the species’ need for an intact habitat that supports varied food sources…it has been documented as feeding upon over 50 types of plants.
Recovery Efforts
Recovery efforts were initiated in 1973, at which time a mere 13 birds remained in the wild. Today, the US Fish and Wildlife Service administers the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program, which encompasses both wild and captive management techniques (double-clutching, nest rehabilitation, predator control, releases, education).
Two wild populations have been established. That at Rio Abajo is comprised entirely of captive-bred birds, while the Loquillo National Forest (El Yunque) in Eastern Puerto Rico is home to both wild and released individuals. Before releases were initiated, detailed studies of the Hispaniolan parrot (Amazona ventralis) were conducted in the Dominican Republic and used as a template for the Puerto Rican Amazon’s return to the wild.
So far, ornithologists are cautiously optimistic. Released birds have been observed to associate with wild parrots, and radio tracking studies indicate that 40-50% of the captive-bred individuals survive the critical first 6-9 months. However, a dearth of suitable habitat and predation remain serious concerns.
A Lesson
The fact that an intense, well-financed, 36 year-long recovery program has only bolstered this species’ numbers to 295 illustrates well the depth of commitment needed if endangered animals are to be spared extinction. Rarely if ever is the mere establishment of a protected area sufficient.
Further Reading
Please see my articles Did Parrots Help Columbus Find America? and The Thick Billed Parrot for further information on Puerto Rican Amazons and US native parrots.
Please write in with your questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
Rattus rattus image referenced from Wikipedia and orignally posted by Liftarn
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Finch Profiles – The Common or St. Helena Waxbill
Aug 26th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The minute (4.5 inch) common waxbill, Estrilida astrilid, possesses a rare combination of subtle and conspicuous beauty. Overall, it is quietly colored, being clad above in muted brown with darker bars and with cream breast feathers just barely washed with pink. In stark contrast, the beak and eye band are a brilliant crimson in color. The effect is really quite unique. Add to this an innate hardiness and engaging personality, and it is easy to see why this bird is one of the more popular African finches in the pet trade.
Range and Habitat
Common waxbills are found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, and on the islands of Madagascar, Mauritius, St. Helena and New Caledonia. Their popularity has resulted in a great many translocations, and feral colonies are now well-established in Spain, Portugal, Trinidad, Hawaii, Brazil and elsewhere.
They are birds of grasslands and sparsely wooded habitats, and may be seen in savannas, scrubland, farms, parks and around homes and gardens.
Common Waxbills as Pets
Common waxbill care follows that of zebra finches and other pet trade staples, and may be kept in either spacious cages or outdoor aviaries.
They do well on a diet comprised of finch seed, sprouts, egg food and a bit of fruit. Small insects are appreciated, and are essential for birds rearing chicks…canned insects are a convenient means of adding this important but often over-looked food to finch diets.
As with all waxbills, bathing opportunities are important.
Breeding
Captive breeding is not uncommon, but mated pairs become rather high strung and require quiet surroundings. The male alone constructs the enclosed nest, which may be used (in captivity) simultaneously by several females. The eggs are incubated for 10 days, and the chicks fledge within 14 days.
Further Reading
For further information on the captive care and natural history of Estrildid finches, please see my article Nuns, Manikins and Munias.
Please write in with your questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
Image referenced from Wikipedia and originally posted by Andre Simons
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Bonding in Parrots – Positive and Negative Aspects for Pet Owners
Aug 24th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The bonds formed between mated pairs of parrots are among the strongest known in the animal kingdom. In most species, paired parrots spend a great deal of time in actual physical contact with their mate, and cooperate in nest-building, rearing the young, defending their territory and all other daily activities. When I observe parrots in the wild, be they monk parrots in NYC or scarlet macaws in Venezuela, I am always struck by how easy it was to identify paired birds amidst large flocks. Even in flight, mated birds of many species align themselves close to one another.
Bonding as a Training Aid
The instinct to bond renders parrots at once both ideal and difficult pets. A parrot that chooses you as a “mate” will become quite attached and affectionate, in a way matched by few other pets. The need to bond explains why single birds are usually easier to train than those kept in pairs.
The Time Factor
If you do not spend significant time interacting with a bonded bird, boredom and behavioral problems (screaming, feather plucking, etc.) will be inevitable. “Significant time” must be measured in light of the parrot’s natural behavior, which dictates that it be in close contact with its mate nearly always; an hour or two juggled among your busy schedule is not sufficient.
Aggression
Problems can arise even if you can spend a great deal of time with your pet. Once bonded, parrots usually become quite territorial, defending not only their “mate” but also their living area. The concept of “territory” varies greatly among individuals, and may extend to their cage, a room, or the entire house.
The parrot may become very aggressive towards other people, threatening them or attacking if possible. In some cases, parrots may exhibit particularly strong responses to a particular person, i.e. one who enters their territory frequently or who is viewed as a threat to their “mate”.
Avoiding Bonding-Related Problems
The most effective way of preventing aggression related to bonding is to expose the parrot to all household members early in life. Ideally, each person should spend an equal amount of time caring for or interacting with the parrot. Even in this scenario, however, hormonal changes as the bird matures may affect its behavior, so it is important that you observe your bird’s behavior carefully and plan accordingly.
Further Reading
A large colony of feral monk parrots lives on the grounds of Brooklyn College in NYC. You can read about an interesting research project focusing on pair bonding at
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/education/miele/census.htm.
Please write in with your questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
Image referenced from Morguefile and posted by Evildrjeff.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Bird Conservation Update: the Current Status of Threatened Species
Aug 21st
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Attention to breeding birds in public and private collections, along with increased legal protection, has helped a great many species to recover from earlier population crashes. In some instances, rescue efforts represent the only hope for a species, as none survive in the wild. However, upon reviewing species status reports recently, I was dismayed to see that bad as opposed to good news prevailed. From well known pet trade parrots to recently described Asian swallows, wild birds everywhere face grave threats.
Following is a summary of recent trends:
Frightening Statistics
Of the world’s 9,685 described bird species, 1,227, or 12.4%, are included on the IUCN’s Red List as threatened with extinction. Of these, 192 species are considered to be critically endangered, and likely to become extinct in the near future. An additional 838 bird species are classified as “near threatened”.
Since the year 1500, 133 species of birds have become extinct. Currently, 4 species exist only in captivity, and 15 species have not been observed despite surveys and may be extinct as well.
Since the year 2000, at least I species, Hawaii’s po’ouli, has become extinct and at least 2 species – Spix’s macaw and the Hawaiian crow – have become extinct in the wild.
Regions and Habitats of Concern
Indo-Malayan birds, Asian vultures and albatrosses face particularly hard times, with many species in severe decline.
Brazil and Indonesia lead the world in the numbers of resident threatened species, with 123 and 114 respectively.
Eighty seven percent of all threatened birds reside in forests. Tropical and subtropical lowland forests support 43% of all such species; 36% reside in moist montane forests.
The Most Significant Threats
Converting land to agricultural use is seen as the most critical threat to bird life, with 73% of all species being significantly affected. Logging and trapping/hunting impact 71% of all birds and, along with agriculture, are the main reasons behind the decline of 95% of threatened species worldwide.
Introduced species of birds, mammals, invertebrates, reptiles and plants significantly affect one third of the world’s threatened bird species via predation, competition, habitat alteration or the spreading of disease.
We need more ideas, dedicated conservationists and bird husbandry experts! Please write in with your suggestions, questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
Further Reading
You can read more about bird declines, the effect they may have and what can be done to help at http://www.biodiversityinfo.org/sowb/section.php?r=introduction.
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