Bird Species Profiles
Echo Parakeet Conservation – World’s Rarest Parrot, Back from the Brink
Feb 1st
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. More >
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Loading ...The Natural History and Captive Care of the Red-Headed Finch or Paradise Sparrow
Jan 18th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The Red-Headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala) somewhat resembles its more familiar cousin, the Cutthroat Finch, but is a bit larger and, in my opinion, even more striking in appearance. It is also a more reliable breeder than the Cutthroat and, if properly cared for, may live for over a decade. Many keepers report that their Red-Headed Finches mimic sounds, and the songs of other birds, quite well.
Description
In place of the Cutthroat Finch’s attractive splash of color (please see photo), the male has a bright red or crimson head, and his breast is beautifully marked with black-rimmed white spots. Females lack the red head and are more somberly-colored in general.
The alternate common name, Paradise Sparrow, is apt – in part due to the brilliant plumage but also because this 5 ¼ inch-long bird is stoutly built, and puts one more in mind of a sparrow than a typical finch. More >
(No Ratings Yet) 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 >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Conserving and Observing Finches in Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest
Dec 6th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is best known as the last stronghold of the Mountain Gorilla. However, this troubled African wildlife paradise is also home to at least 43 finch species, many of which face a future as uncertain as that of the Mountain Gorilla. While most bird enthusiasts are aware of the problems facing Africa’s parrots (please see this article), the plight of the continent’s finches receives far less attention. Through birding trips and hands-on projects, the Rare Finch Conservation Group is working to change that situation, but it’s been a long, uphill battle.
Troubles and Opportunities
The Rare Finch Conservation Group (RFCG) was formed in 2005, but has already made significant progress in addressing the problems that face Uganda’s finches. Mountain Gorillas act as “umbrella species” for the region’s wildlife – concern for them indirectly benefits many animals – but the RFCG believes that finches and other small birds deserve more direct conservation action. The organization is currently formulating a plan to study the needs of a locally-endangered bird, Shelly’s Crimsonwing. More >
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