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Audubon’s Bird Conservation Report – Many Common Birds in Trouble

findiviglio — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:18:07 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The National Audubon Society has released the 2012 State of North American Birds Report, an impressive annual study that highlights species and habitats at risk. Because many birds respond quickly to changes in their environments, the report’s findings are also useful to organizations studying pesticide use, air quality, pollution, climate change and similar concerns. Compiled in conjunction with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, the report also relies heavily upon the input of “citizen scientists” participating in the Christmas Bird Count and similar projects (please see the articles linked below to learn how to become involved…help is needed and appreciated!). Today I’ll summarize some of the report’s key points, including the disturbing finding that populations of many common birds, including typical garden and feeder visitors, are in steep decline.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Mdf

Common Birds in Decline

I was especially troubled to read about the population crashes being experienced by quite a few species that were so common that we might have been tempted to “take them for granted”. But as with so many other animals around the world, large populations are proving no match for rapidly changing environmental conditions. All of the common species on Audubon’s watch list have declined by at least 50%, while the 10 mentioned below have lost 70-82 % of their populations. Bobwhite Quails (one of my all-time favorites to observe and care for), for example, have decreased from approximately 31 million to 5.5 million individuals!

The 10 worst-hit common species are the Bobwhite Quail, Common Tern, Boreal Chickadee, Eastern Meadowlark, Northern Pintail, Greater Scaup, Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Loggerhead Shrike and Evening Grosbeak.

Habitat loss is a major problem for all, but factors such as pesticide use (Evening Grosbeak) and climate change (Boreal Chickadee) also come into play. The Common Tern is, sadly, being hit on several fronts simultaneously – garbage dumps and development have caused various gulls (which compete with terns for nesting sites) to explode in numbers, pollution has decreased their food supply, and the terns themselves are hunted on their Latin American wintering grounds.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Snowmanradio

Climate Change

Forty years’ worth of Christmas Bird Count statistics (please see below for information on participating) concerning 305 wide-ranging bird species has revealed a frightening trend. Sixty percent of these birds, and 70% of all common feeder visitors, have shifted their ranges northward by an average of 35 miles. This type of change, on such a huge scale in a brief time period, has major implications that reach far beyond the species studied.

Birds on Public Lands

Because so much undeveloped land in the USA is publicly owned (1/3 of all land, all oceans) and, therefore, easier to manage for conservation purposes (in theory!), the Audubon report examines bird populations in a variety of habitats on state and federal lands. Public lands have been shown to be critical to the survival of many birds and habitats, but there is room for much improvement.

Forests: the largest blocks of undisturbed forest are on federal lands, and they are key to the survival of several endangered species. For example, 97% of the Kirtland’s Warbler’s range lies within publicly-owned forests.

Oceans and Coastlines: all 260 native species of oceanic and shoreline-associated birds reside, breed and/or forage on public lands. Over 50% of the populations of 16 sea birds nest on publicly-owned islands.

Deserts and Arid Habitats: one half of the USA’s deserts and arid habitats are found on public lands. Although 75% of the ranges of the critically endangered Sage Sparrow and Gunnison’s Sage Grouse lie within these protected spaces, both species continue to decline in numbers.

Islands: Hawaii’s bird life has been decimated by introduced predators and habitat loss, more so perhaps than any other region in the USA. Four of its endangered birds live entirely on federal land, while 78% of Kawai’s declining birds depend heavily upon state land.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Alastair Rae

Arctic and Alpine Habitats: 90% of Alaska’s boreal arctic species depend upon public land; 34 of these are of high conservation concern.

Grasslands: Meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobwhite Quail and other grassland and prairie birds are declining faster than all other groups. Unfortunately, only 13% of the nation’s grasslands are publicly owned, and these are largely managed for cattle and energy production rather than conservation.

Wetlands: marshes and other wetlands, and the birds that utilize them, have fared better than most. All 40 species of native waterfowl rely heavily upon wetlands within the National Wildlife Refuge system.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook. Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Good News for African Gray Parrots – A Conservation Milestone

findiviglio — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:06:16 +0000

Image uploaded to Wikipedia by Snowmanradio

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Despite clear evidence that African Gray Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are declining in the 23 countries to which they are native, conservation horror stories continue to mount. Recently, for example, 750 parrots died on board an airplane in South Africa, and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo returned 500+ wild-caught birds to smugglers. So it was a pleasure to read that Uganda has recently taken a giant step forward in parrot conservation. For the first time ever, African Gray Parrots seized in Europe have been returned to the wild. The historic 3-year effort also illustrated an unprecedented degree of cooperation between governments, zoos, airlines and conservation organizations.

Can 32 Birds Make a Difference?

Conservationists estimate that at least ¼ of the adult population of wild African Gray Parrots are trapped each year. The return of 32 birds to the wild in Uganda may, therefore, seem to be insignificant. However, I believe that the operation’s value goes well beyond the number of birds that were rescued.
For too long, wildlife criminals have operated with near impunity once they managed to get parrots and other African wildlife out of the continent. Cooperation with unscrupulous officials in Africa and abroad, and the inability of under-funded law enforcement agencies to compete, have kept convictions low and penalties inconsequential. Uganda’s dogged determination to see justice done has recently broken new ground, and has hopefully set a standard for neighboring countries to follow.

A Conservation “First”

The parrots in question were illegally trapped in Uganda in 2010. They were routed through Lebanon and were eventually seized in Bulgaria. Uganda has a history of releasing confiscated wildlife, but no African country has ever been able to locate, seize and return to the wild parrots that have been shipped to another continent. The costs are prohibitive, and expertise in the laws of several countries, and in international law, is essential. In addition, a core group of people must be in place long term, as even where there is no question that the birds were illegally removed from the wild, the process usually takes several years (over 3, in this instance).

In this case, everything came together in a way that has not been seen in the past. Financial assistance was provided by Qatar Airlines and the World Parrot Trust, and the government of Bulgaria cooperated with that of Uganda throughout. The Sofia Zoo held the parrots for a time and screened them for diseases before the release was approved. The parrots were re-habituated to the wild at the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and then released on Ngamba Island.

Continuing Threats to African Gray and Other Parrots

Despite the fact that wild-caught adult parrots make notoriously poor pets, demand remains high. In addition, numerous chicks are collected, often by felling nest-bearing trees. Nesting hollows are a scarce commodity in parrot habitats, and their destruction seriously impedes the breeding success of the resident parrot population. Other African Psittacines, including the Red-Fronted Parrot (Poicephalus gulielmi, please see photo), also remain at risk despite local and international protections. In recent years, Uganda has confiscated many parrots destined for European markets; 204 African Grays were released to the wild in 2011.

Image originally posted to Wikipedia by Poicephalus_gulielmi_-Birds_of_Eden_-South_Africa-8a.jpg: Graham

You can read more about African Gray Parrot conservation and natural history in the articles linked above and below. Unfortunately, bad news is still the norm, and many people here in the USA are unaware of the scope of the problem (as wild-caught parrots have long been illegal to import or own)…please post any information you may come across below.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

2012’s New Bird Species – Barbets, Owls, Turkey-Like Dinosaurs and More

findiviglio — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:04:42 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Ranging from easily- overlooked little wrens to large owls and brilliantly- colored barbets, a variety of spectacular new bird species were discovered or described in the past year. Fossils of dinosaurs that may have displayed colorful feathers in a manner similar to modern-day peafowl and turkeys also grabbed our attention as 2012 drew to a close. Unfortunately, some depressing findings concerning accelerating avian extinctions also came to light. Today I’ll highlight a few species and news items that were of particular interest to me. I hope you enjoy, and please post your own favorites (whether covered here or not) below.

Sira Barbet, Capito Fitzpatricki

Montane cloud forests are well-known for sheltering creatures new to science, but even so ornithologists were surprised that the large, colorful, Sira Barbet was able to remain hidden from view for so long. Beautifully clad in scarlet, black and white, this bird was first glimpsed in 2008, but was misidentified as the related Scarlet Barbet (please see drawing).

The Sira Barbet seems limited to the Cerros del Sira mountain range in the Peruvian Andes, but surveys are incomplete, and we know little of its habits. I’ve always been very interested in barbets, and have had the good fortune of working with several species in zoos and private collections. Please see this article for more information, and be sure to post your own thoughts and observations.

Philippine Hawk Owls (Ninox spp.)

The Hawk Owls are an amazing group of birds that derive their common name from their streamlined body shape and the propensity of some to hunt by day (please see photo of the Australian Powerful Owl). Two new species, the Cebu Hawk Owl, Ninox runseyi, and the Camiguin Hawk Owl, N. leventesi, were described from the Philippines in 2012. Additionally, 5 subspecies of the Philippine Hawk Owl, N. philippinensis, were raised to full species status.

Based on recordings of owl calls and fleeting observations, ornithologists have long suspected that the Philippines supported a rich diversity of Hawk Owl species. Difficulties in surveying the region intervened – the Cebu Hawk Owl, for example, was observed only once before disappearing from view for 110 years. Today it is limited to 11 wooded patches and threatened by deforestation. We now know that each island supports distinct Hawk Owl species that vary in plumage, size, vocal abilities and habits. Future studies may reveal how these owls, and other birds, colonized the region’s numerous islands.

Cebu Hawk Owl pairs engage in “duets”; please click here for a recording.

Antioquia Wren, Thryophilus sernail

With nearly 1,900 species recorded, Columbia is home to more avian diversity (as far as we know) than anywhere else on earth. One of the newest additions to its impressive species list, the Antioquia Wren, was discovered a mere 45 minutes outside of the bustling city of Medellin. Apparently restricted to the northeastern Cauca River Canyon, its future is threatened by the construction of a hydro-electric power plant.

Feathered Oviraptor Dinosaurs

Related to the Tyrannosaurus rex, Oviraptors are 2-legged dinosaurs that roamed Canada, China and Manchuria during the Cretaceous Period. The link between modern-day birds and dinosaurs was recently strengthened by the discovery that certain Oviraptors may have engaged in mating displays similar to those now utilized by Peafowl and their relatives.

Writing in the journal Acta Paleontologica Polonica, researchers theorize that anatomical features such as uniquely-structured vertebrae lent great flexibility to the tails of Similicaudiptery and other Oviraptors. This, and the presence of banded (perhaps colorful) feathers, arm fans and head-crests, may indicate that these dinosaurs engaged in complicated mating displays; please see article linked below for an artist’s conception.

The Bald Parrot and other Amazonian Wonders

In 2002, biologists were shocked by news that a large, bare-headed, noisy, blue and aquamarine parrot had been discovered in Brazil. Now known as the Bald or Orange-Headed Parrot, Pyrilia cephala, this spectacular creature is one of over 1,200 new species (excluding insects), 16 of which have been birds, uncovered in the Amazon Basin since 1999. Please see this article to learn more about the Bald Parrot.

Accelerated Avian Extinctions

And now for the bad news: A study by ornithologists from Birdlife International and Charles Darwin University has established that 279 bird species have become extinct over the past 500 years, with the rate of extinctions increasing in recent decades. Agricultural and mining expansion has replaced hunting and introduced species as the main cause of extinctions.

Conservation efforts have turned the tide in some cases, but not to the degree that had been hoped…recovery goals set by the International Convention on Biological Diversity have, of necessity, been moved from 2010 to 2020.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Goffin’s Cockatoo Invents and Modifies a Tool – a Parrot “First”

findiviglio — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 17:08:20 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A Goffin’s Cockatoo living at the Vienna University stunned researchers by exhibiting behaviors never before seen in any parrot species. The bird, known as Figaro, went far beyond “mere” tool use. When confronted with an out-of-reach treat, he first searched for a stick to use, and then modified the stick so as to better suit it for his purposes. Figaro’s accomplishments are especially surprising because he had not been trained in any way, nor had he observed other tool-using birds. He seems to have “envisioned” a concept and acted upon it. Please post your own “smart parrot” stories below.

Spontaneous and Unexpected Tool Use

Parrots are considered among the most intelligent of birds, but tool use has not been documented in their ranks. True, the majestic Palm Cockatoo bangs wood against hollow trees in order to communicate (please see this article) and many species wedge nuts into crevices to ease the job of opening them, but advanced tool use seemed beyond their abilities.

Figaro’s talents came to light purely by chance. A researcher happened to be nearby when Figaro dropped a stone behind a metal cage divider. Unable to reach the plaything with his feet, the enterprising cockatoo flew off and returned with a piece of bamboo. He used the bamboo to push the stone within reach.

Intrigued, the researcher tempted Figaro with a nut and a stick that was not long enough to reach the treat. Undaunted, the cockatoo used his powerful beak to remove a long wood splinter from the cage’s wooden floor, and then swept the nut within reach with the new tool. In time, Figaro made a variety of tools from the floor and a tree branch, modifying them to fit each situation and always succeeding in retrieving his rewards (please see video and photos of tools linked below).

Another Goffin’s Cockatoo who watched Figaro perform his magic tried to imitate him when tested. This bird did not succeed, but perhaps will improve in time. This unique situation may provide an interesting opportunity to study the evolution of learning abilities…I’ll post future updates.

Crows, Herons and other Avian Inventors

Crows, Ravens and their relatives (Family Corvidae) excel at fashioning and using tools. In fact, it has been suggested that Ravens’ abilities in this area rival those of the Great Apes. In Japan, I saw evidence of the intelligence of the local Carrion Crows, which not only use passing cars to break nuts but also seem to understand the functioning of traffic lights! New Caledonian Crows have proven unbelievably inventive, going though several steps and a number of different tools in order to obtain a reward. Please see articles linked below for more on these fascinating birds.

Green Herons are quite adept at recognizing and using tools to improve their fishing success. Wild individuals drop small sticks on the water’s surface to lure fish close enough for a strike, while those colonizing fish farms will do the same with trout chow and bread (please see video below). I was once impressed by the behavior of a related species. For quite some time, I fed fish to a wild Night Heron that lived near an outdoor exhibit under my care at the Bronx Zoo (please see photo). The bird never failed to appear when I arrived, yet did not show up on my weekends, even though co-workers wore the same uniform and carried the same food bucket (studies show that Mockingbirds can recognize individual human faces…please see this article).

Goffin’s Cockatoos in the Wild and Captivity

Goffin’s Cockatoos are captive bred in large numbers but endangered in the wild. Listed on CITES Appendix I, they are endemic to Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands. Introduced populations live on Tual Island (Indonesia) and in Singapore. Please see the articles below for more on their natural history and captive care.

Want to brag about your bird’s intelligence? Please post your stories below!

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

54,000+ Wild Caught Parrots, Cockatoos, others sold as “Captive Bred”

findiviglio — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:01:44 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Although revised airport security procedures have cut down on animal smuggling, wildlife criminals continue to circumvent the law in other ways. Much as is done with “dirty money”, wild-caught parrots are now being “laundered” and sold as captive bred. A recent TRAFFIC study revealed that, in the past decade, over 54,000 parrots, lories, cockatoos and other birds have been illegally yet openly exported from the Solomon Islands. The audacity of those involved is shocking…for example, 76 Birds of Paradise of 7 species were claimed to have been bred in a single year (I’ve worked with these birds in zoos, and know the difficulties involved – few institutions have been successful). Add to this the ongoing parrot smuggling problems in Africa (please see below) and it’s easy to see why many pet trade species are in dire need of help.

Native Solomon Island Parrots

The Solomon Islands, located east of Papua New Guinea, are home to a host of unique species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. According to TRAFFIC’S report (see text below), the mostly wild-caught birds exported in the past decade included 18,444 Yellow-Bibbed Lories, 15,994 Solomon Cockatoos, 8,000+ Eclectus Parrots, and 10,000+ Cardinal and Rainbow Lorries.

Many Solomon Island endemics are poorly studied, and their needs are difficult to meet even in well-funded zoos. Bird trapping seriously depletes wild populations, especially where, as on the Solomons, re-colonization is not possible. A further consideration is that wild-caught parrots invariably make poor pets. In all likelihood, the 50,000+ exported birds are faring miserably in captivity.

Colleagues of mine investigated the export of huge numbers of Solomon Island Prehensile-Tailed Skinks years ago. Collecting these arboreal lizards required the felling of trees, and was carried out in conjunction with logging operations. Likewise, capturing young parrots often involves the destruction of valuable nesting trees – a rare commodity even in intact habitats – and other environmental degradation.

Non-Native Birds

The boldness of those involved in the region’s illegal bird trade is surprising. For example, also included among the exports were 13,000 birds that are not native to the Solomon Islands. These were designated as “captive bred”, but there are no records indicating how the supposed breeding stock reached the Solomons in the first place! If the birds were bred on the Solomon Islands, import permits should have been produced to show that the parents had been legally obtained. The same applies to the outrageous claim that 7 Bird of Paradise species were bred in-country.

The 13,000 non-native birds, mainly obtained from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, included highly endangered Pesquet’s Parrots and many Chattering Lories. Amazingly, Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos were also among the exported birds. This species is listed on CITES Appendix I, and could not be legally sold even if captive bred!

In my experience, the ability of criminals to operate so openly usually indicates either government involvement (see African Gray Parrot articles below) or ineffective law enforcement capabilities. I cannot say if such were at work here, but local wildlife officials did state that they knew of no facilities that could have produced the numbers of birds claimed as captive-bred on the Solomon Islands.

Official Responses

The government of the Solomon Islands suspended trade in native species in 2006. “Sounds good on paper”…but unfortunately it continues to renew export permits for existing bird suppliers. The reason given is so that “breeders” can sell-off those birds they have on hand. But, if the TRAFFIC report is accurate, the birds involved have been, and perhaps are being, illegally taken from the wild!

In response to this and similar studies concerning reptile and amphibian sales, Malaysia has suspended wildlife imports from the Solomon Islands. Despite TRAFFIC’s urging, Singapore, the other main outlet for the Solomon’s birds, continues to allow imports.

TRAFFIC has requested that CITES launch an investigation, as restrictions imposed by that organization would focus greater attention on the situation.

What’s Next…What Can I Do?

In addition to assuring that any bird or other animal you purchase or adopt has been captive-bred, please support legitimate conservation organizations in any way possible. Signing up for email updates from TRAFFIC , CITES and ThatBirdBlog is a great way to stay informed.

Please also post any thoughts or experiences you may have had involving the parrot trade, and be sure to write in for advice if you own or are considering obtaining a parrot or other bird.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Birds, Feral Cats and Coyotes – Updating a Serious Conservation Issue

findiviglio — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:11:59 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Bird owners are usually concerned with the welfare of wild species, so today I’d like to focus on an underappreciated conservation concern, feral cat predation upon birds. Recent studies have shown that “trap-neuter-release” programs, collars with bells, and other popular control methods are failing to protect wildlife.

Feral Cats: Scope of the Problem

Although estimates of cat numbers vary widely, it is certain that feral and free-roaming house cats in the USA kill millions of native birds, reptiles and amphibians and billions of mammals yearly. Only 35% of the country’s 77,000,000+ pet cats are kept exclusively indoors, while 60-100 million feral individuals live exclusively outdoors. The effects of cats and other invasive species are second only to habitat loss as a cause of extinctions worldwide.

Rare and threatened species that have been killed by free-roaming cats include Florida Scrub Jays, Piping Plovers, Star-Nosed Moles, Pacific Pocket Mice and many others. On Oahu, Hawaii, cats and mongooses killed significant numbers of Laysan Albatross and Wedge-Tailed Shearwater chicks until the USA’s first predator-proof fence was installed around key nesting areas (please see article below).

Cat Prey Statistics

The recorded and estimated numbers of birds taken by cats vary by location and study method, but fieldwork on 4 continents and numerous islands has revealed consistent patterns.

In most habitats, birds make up 20-30% of feral cat diets, with the remainder being small mammals and, to a lesser degree, reptiles and amphibians. On some islands, however, birds comprise nearly 100% of the prey taken.

But even at 20% levels, the number of individual birds involved can be astounding. Studies in the USA have revealed that a single cat may kill 100-1,000 birds annually, and that the total number of birds taken yearly may exceed 200 million. In Great Britain, 964 cats killed 14,100 birds of 44 species in a 5 month period. Yet birds made up only 24% of the diet of the cats tracked in this study. Included among the balance were Dormice, Slow Worm Lizards and other species of conservation concern.

Cats have been identified as the primary cause of the extinctions of 33 bird species. One of these extinctions, that of New Zealand’s Stephen’s Island Wren, is widely attributed to the efforts of a single lighthouse keeper’s cat (in all fairness, it does seem that the infamous feline was helped by others…but not much!). Currently, cat eradication appears to be the best way to halt the decline of Australia’s rarest Psittacine, the Western Ground Parrot (please see article below).

Cats and Other Small Predators

It is also likely that feral cat populations negatively affect owls, foxes, weasels, bobcats and other animals that rely upon similarly-sized prey.

Where conditions are favorable, cats forgo most territorial behavior and can therefore increase dramatically in numbers (raccoons also do this, but other native predators do not). A University of Wisconsin study documented feral cat densities at 114 animals per square mile in one rural habitat…such an area would not support even one similarly-sized native predator.

Cats and Rodent Control

Although cats are often touted as providing valuable rodent control services indoors, the situation changes in outdoor environments. In several studies, populations of Deer Mouse and other native rodents crashed when feral cats became established, but House Mouse and Norway Rat numbers rose.

House Mice, ever adaptable, are able to thrive despite cat predation. I once saw an amazing series of photos depicting feral cats feeding side-by-side with Norway Rats in London. Cats, I learned, rarely attack Norway Rats once they reach 8 oz. or so in weight; the battle is just too risky. Having worked with wild-caught Norway Rats, I can understand completely!

Misconceptions

A variety of non-lethal cat control methods, aimed at protecting wildlife while placating cat enthusiasts, are in use. One, known as “trap-neuter-release”, is endorsed by the ASPCA and has been adopted by several major municipalities. In theory, cats released back into their usual territory will discourage others from entering but, being neutered, will not reproduce.

However, studies have not been able to document the eradication of any feral colonies (i.e. following the natural deaths of all neutered cats) via such programs. In some cases, populations increased. As noted, feral cats may not attack newcomers if conditions are favorable, but rather may attract more (un-neutered) cats. People also tend to release unwanted cats in areas where others are observed. The American Bird Conservancy is lobbying against trap-release programs, and advises a legal prohibition on the feeding of stray cats.

Placing bells on the collars of free-ranging house cats has been shown to decrease hunting success in some instances. However, cats quickly adapt their stalking behaviors to compensate for the noise…in one UK study, cats with bells actually caught more birds than those without!

Risks to Free-Roaming House Cats

Coyotes are now well established near and even within Tuscon, Los Angeles, Chicago and many other major cities; at least 5 have made it into the heart of Manhattan! They present a significant danger to house pets that are allowed outdoors. In urban areas, studies show that cats have make up 13-42% of coyote diets. In suburban and rural areas, cats invariably disappear when coyotes become established (in a San Diego suburb, scrub-nesting birds returned soon after coyotes took up residence).

House cats are also at risk of contracting a wide variety of diseases and parasites from their feral counterparts. Some of these, such as toxoplasmosis (which infects an estimated 60-80% of all feral cats), present a significant health risk to people.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Macaw, Spouting Foul Language, Banned from School

findiviglio — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:55:13 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Educators at an animal rescue center in the UK got a rude surprise when they recruited “Mr. T” to visit local schools as part of a conservation-themed program. The 7 year-old Green-Winged Macaw was friendly and eager to show off his speaking abilities, but most of what he said was not fit for classroom use. Before coming to the rescue center, Mr. T had lived in a private home, and had picked up a huge vocabulary…unfortunately, almost all of it consisted of curses and insults!

Un-learning Bad Habits?

One rescue center employee is working with Mr. T to see if he might be taught to stop cursing. In my experience, however, teaching a macaw to speak is easier than teaching it to forget what has been learned (much like 3 year-old children who pick up the “wrong” words!).

A related and very interesting phenomenon is unfolding right now in several Australian cities. Cockatoos that have escaped from captivity are teaching entire flocks of wild individuals to speak! Please see this article for the very amusing details.

Fortunately, the rescue center where Mr. T resides is home to “well-behaved” wallabies, kangaroos, scorpions and other animals, so his services as an educator are not needed immediately. It will be interesting to see who prevails, the macaw or his new teacher…I’m betting on Mr. T!

Parrots Behaving Badly

Mr. T is not the only Psittacine to be ejected from various UK forums in recent times. Awhile back, an Amazon persisted in cursing like a trooper each time he was called upon to perform in a play…despite the fact that he knew his lines perfectly (seems like he planned the “mistakes” very carefully!). Another was banned from a bar for stealing drinks, heckling pool players and starting fights by whistling at female patrons (this bird now living in more appropriate surroundings). Please see this article for details.

But one cursing parrot, an African Gray named Mishka, has done quite well for herself – winning an international speaking contest and a movie role. Please see the video and article below… her repetition of “I want to go to the Kruger Park with Sterretjie” (Sterretjie is her favorite companion, a Ring-Necked Parakeet) is priceless!

Odd Birds I have Known

Mischievous birds of all kinds enlivened my zoo career. Margie, a Cassowary, liked to sneak up and kick her fence whenever anyone leaned against it. A fellow zookeeper allowed himself to be ambushed regularly, and the huge bird really seemed to look forward to “surprising” him. An Indian Hill Myna that called “Help, let me out” in a huge aviary was quite a hit with visitors…but not with the zoo director, when he came to record bird calls for an upcoming presentation! From overly-amorous Great Horned Owls to overly-aggressive Turacos, there have been many odd characters in my life… please see the articles below for details.

Most bird owners and bird watchers have their share of amusing or embarrassing stories…please write in with yours, so that I can share them with other readers.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Echo Parakeet Conservation – World’s Rarest Parrot, Back from the Brink

findiviglio — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:30:01 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The Echo or Mauritius Parakeet (Psittacula eques) population was reduced to 10-12 individuals by the late 1970’s, and remained at similar levels into the next decade. Thus, it had the dubious distinction of being the world’s rarest parrot. Thanks to the efforts of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the World Parrot Trust, and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, its future is now somewhat brighter. However, the Echo Parakeet is still one of, if not the, most endangered parrots on the planet, yet receives little of the attention granted the Kea and other better-known species.

Former Home of the Dodo

The birds of Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, southeast of southern Africa, have a troubled history. The infamous and now extinct Dodo lived there, and the Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Kestrel and other endemics (species found nowhere else) are barely holding on.

Legendary conservationist Gerard Durrell became interested in their plight decades ago, and the organization he founded continues his work today. Mr. Durrell’s work has influenced me greatly (in fact, his efforts to conserve Pink Pigeons are partly responsible for my being hired by the Bronx Zoo…but more on that in the future), so it is with cautious optimism that I read of some recent progress on the Mauritius.

An Overlooked Species Rebounds

As Echo Parakeet numbers continued to decline, most major conservation groups concentrated their efforts on Keas, Black Palm Cockatoos, Kakapos, the parrot trade, and other popular species and causes. Confined to a nation that drew little international attention, the Echo Parakeet seemed doomed to extinction. But the Durrell Trust persisted and, aided by the aforementioned groups, has pulled the species back from the brink.

As of February, 2011, there were approximately 550 Echo Parakeets on Mauritius, prompting the IUCN to down-list the species from Critically Endangered to Endangered. The release of captive-bred individuals, supplemental feeding and nest site creation slowly but surely turned the tide.

Introduced Parrots and other Threats

Unfortunately, however, the Echo Parakeet’s future is far from secure. Only one percent of its original habitat remains, and some of the threats to its survival are difficult to erase.

In a sad coincidence, one of the most serious problems is posed by its close relative, the Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Introduced to Mauritius some time ago, Rose-Ringed Parakeets are aggressive colonizers that even manage to survive in “the wild” in NYC (please see article below). They out-compete the Echo Parakeet for nesting sites (tree hollows) and food. They may also interbreed, and so in time will overwhelm the Echo Parakeet’s gene pool. Introduced Honeybees also displace the birds from nest sites, which even in intact habitats are always in short supply.

Other threats include egg and chick predation by Black Rats, which are highly arboreal (as their alternate name, Roof Rat, suggests), agricultural development, and habitat alteration caused by pigs and other domestic animals.

Disease Outbreak Sparks New Concerns

A recent outbreak of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease is of great concern. While stable populations can endure natural disease cycles, Echo Parakeet numbers are very low, and the entire population dwells within a single, tiny habitat. One major disease event could, in theory, kill every remaining bird. Likewise, the effects of typhoons and fires will be magnified.

Researchers continue to battle the disease, drawing from lessons learned when working with other endangered parrots. The Cape Parrot, Africa’s rarest, has also been hit by Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. Please see this article to learn what is being done to prevent this species, and the Echo Parakeet, from going the way of that other Mauritius endemic, the Dodo.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Conserving the Gouldian Finch – How One Man’s Efforts are Making a Difference

findiviglio — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:17:17 +0000

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.

Fire Management Changes a Unique Habitat

The Gouldian Finch is limited in distribution to Australia’s tropical north (please see map), where its lifestyle and feeding habits are uniquely influenced by rain and fire. Having evolved in a harsh, ever-changing habitat, the Gouldian Finch is, in many ways, highly specialized.

For millions of years, fires and varying rain cycles necessitated a diet comprised largely of grass seeds for one part of the year, and insects for another. Researchers believe that modern fire management practices are the most important reason for the 30-year-long decline in Gouldian Finch numbers…and despite 20 years’ worth of conservation programs, the downward trend continues.

Cattle Ranching

Gouldian Finches first began having problems in Queensland, on the eastern edge of their range. Studies indicate that the population declines progressed westward…just as did the change in fire management practices and the growth of cattle ranching.

Cattle consume grasses upon which the finches depend, and the manner in which they feed stifles re-growth and encourages the establishment of non-native plants. The spread of cattle ranching has also been implicated in the recent scarcity of other animals, including the Carpentarian Rock Rat and the Partridge Pigeon.

Eco-Tourism and Release Programs

Conservationists believe that many species will benefit if birding is encouraged as a form of eco-tourism on cattle ranches, but progress has been limited. Captive-bred Gouldian Finches are easy to come by, but when released into the wild most are quickly captured by kites, hawks and other avian predators.

Noble Efforts

Mr. Fidler relocated from his native UK to New South Wales, Australia, and now lives close to prime Gouldian Finch habitat. Over the past 20 years, he has donated vast sums to Gouldian Finch conservation programs and personally participated in captive and field research. One gift of $600,000 has helped to insure the survival of central Kimberley’s Gouldian Finches, one of the largest remaining populations.

Mr. Fidler also funds researchers at the University of New South Wales, and allows them access to his huge private aviary, home to several hundred birds…hats off!

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

The WorldBirds Data Base – an Exciting Conservation Tool Open to all Birders

findiviglio — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:31:29 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Established in 2003 by Birdlife International, the WorldBirds Birdwatcher’s Data Base now has 16,000 regular users and over 3 million recorded observations. Unlike many professionally-organized efforts, WorldBirds is open to ornithologists and casual and serious birders alike. It is an excellent, enjoyable way to contribute to worldwide conservation projects and communicate with others who share your passion.

Your Observations Count

Research fund availability and the sheer scope of what needs to be done places severe limits on conservationists…paid professionals can not handle everything. Even when I worked for the Bronx Zoo and other well-funded organizations, I relied heavily upon volunteers. Much of the data that later found its way into professional publications was generated by them, not I.

Fortunately, birders tend to write things down – not only life lists, but also details concerning habitat, weather and so on. This information can be invaluable to those working on projects ranging from single-species protection to international migration flyway monitoring. Observations of even very common birds may be very useful pieces of larger conservation puzzles.

Using the WorldBirds Data Base

Anyone can record their observations on WorldBirds (please see link below) or use it to learn such things as where to find specific birds or what sightings might be expected in various places. Other useful features include news updates, assistance with planning birding trips and species checklists for many regions.

And, of course, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your observations may be used to advance important conservation efforts for rare birds and threatened habitats. Children are encouraged to participate and to view their contributions as valuable. From Red Shining Parrots to Snail Kites and mangrove swamp preservation (please see photos), you can learn and participate on some level via WorldBirds.

Related and Independent Efforts

WorldBirds currently has a presence in 160 countries, and is managed in the USA by the National Audubon Society. When all the data bases that link to it are considered, the number of recorded observations far exceeds the 3 million+ registered on the main website. In Portugal, a whale and dolphin monitoring function is being added.

Observations recorded by birders have proven useful in the management of several Important Bird Areas and to the functioning of the Wintering Bird Atlas, Breeding Bird Atlas, Common Bird Monitoring Project and other efforts sponsored Birdlife International.

Several important projects based in the USA also rely upon the efforts of “everyday” birders, and all are easy to become involved with, and quite enjoyable. One of the most ambitious, the Christmas Bird Count, is right around the corner! Please see the articles linked below for details.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Further Reading

WorldBirds Website and participant information

US Initiatives: Project FeederWatch, Christmas Bird Count

Seabird Foraging Database

Red Shining Parrot image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Duncan Wright
Snail Kite image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Dario Sanches

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The WorldBirds Data Base – an Exciting Conservation Tool Open to all Birders

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