Bird Breeding
Conserving the Gouldian Finch – How One Man’s Efforts are Making a Difference
Jan 6th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The brilliantly-colored Gouldian Finch is something of an avian anomaly. One of the most sought-after of all cage birds, it is bred in huge numbers by aviculturists worldwide. Wild populations, however, are in serious decline, and have been so for over 30 years. But, in conjunction with governmental and private groups, one dedicated conservationist is helping to brighten the species’ prospects.
Taking Action
Self-made millionaire Michael Fidler was first captivated by Gouldian Finches over 40 years ago, when he chanced upon a group in a store in Manchester, England. From that point on, he has been concerned for their future. And while few people can afford to follow in his footsteps, his efforts illustrate the importance of doing whatever is within one’s abilities on behalf of conservation. Be it through money, ideas, teaching or a new observation, we all have some potential to help. More >
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Loading ...Keeping the Bengalese or Society Finch – the World’s Only “Manmade” Finch
Jan 2nd
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The pert, attractive Society Finch (Lonchura striata domestica) has never existed as a wild, “natural” species. Rather, it was produced in captivity, by breeders who crossed Sharp-Tailed and Striated Munias (Lonchura acuticauda and L. striata, please see photo). Interestingly, while the Society Finch is a very popular cage and lab bird, its parent species are rarely seen in private collections or zoos. It is an ideal choice for those who desire a hearty, easy-to-breed bird with an “exotic” history.
History
The species that gave rise to the Society Finch, members of the family Estrildidae, are native to southern Asia and closely related to Indian Silverbills, Tri-Colored Nuns and many others popular in the pet trade. The Society Finch most likely arose as a distinct species (or subspecies) in Japan, but there is also evidence that Chinese breeders had a hand in its development. The details are unclear. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...European Blackbirds as Pets – Captive Care and Natural History
Dec 8th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The USA’s native birds are protected by law, and may only be kept in captivity by licensed rehabilitators (European Starlings, may be kept in some states, please see article linked below). However, folks who wish to keep “wild” birds do have another options. Several European species may be legally kept as pets, provided they have been captive-bred. One of my favorites is the beautiful European Blackbird, Turdus merula.
Natural History
With his jet black plumage and bright yellow bill and eye-ring, the male European Blackbird is quite striking. Females, clad in dark brown, have their own subdued beauty. White-splotched individuals appear regularly (please see photo), and albinos have been selectively bred in captivity.
The European Blackbird’s huge range extends from the UK east and southeast to northern Iran and China. Several subspecies have been described, and introduced populations are established in Australia and New Zealand. More >
(+1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ...Blue-Throated Macaws Cling to Survival in a Single Bolivian Reserve
Dec 2nd
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Parrot conservation news has been somewhat dismal lately (please see here for some examples), so today I’d like to highlight a bright spot. Surveys have shown that Bolivia’s Barba Azul Reserve supports a breeding population of Blue-Throated Macaws (Ara glaucogularis), a species so rare that it was believed extinct until its “re-discovery” in 1992. Maned Wolves, Orinoco Geese, Bush Dogs, Pampas Deer and other rare animals are also making themselves at home in the reserve’s 12,300 acres.
Wildlife Oasis amid Ranches
Managed by the World Land Trust, Barba Azul Reserve is comprised of tropical savannas, “forest islands” and marshes. I had the good fortune to work in a similar area inVenezuela, and can attest to the incredible diversity of wildlife that such habitats support. As was true for protected areas in Venezuela, Barba Azul is surrounded by huge cattle ranches. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Mate Aggression in Parrots – Why Parrots Fight with their Partners
Nov 18th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In the wild, the pair-bond between mated parrots often lasts a lifetime. Captive pairs, however, face unique “relationship challenges” that often complicate the mating process. Owners may find it difficult to find two birds that get along, and even long-established pairs may suddenly begin to fight.
Mate Choice
Parrot breeding is rarely as simple as putting 2 birds of the opposite sex together…both males and females can be quite choosy when it comes to selecting a mate. Coloration, behavior, vigor and a host of factors that we do not fully understand all come into play, with the ultimate goal being the production healthy offspring. The process has evolved over millions of years, and works fine in natural situations, where the birds can choose from numerous potential mates.
Captives face an entirely different situation. Even in large breeding groups, they are limited to a fraction of the potential mates that would be available in the wild. Being naturally social, many parrots “give in” and accept whatever mate, or same sex friend, presents itself; parrots that live alone often transfer their need for companionship to human owners. More >
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