That Bird Blog – Bird Care and History for Pet Birds

 

The tiny Indian white eye has long been a favorite cage bird both here and abroad.  Captive bred individuals are readily available…for those of you considering something a bit different for your collection, this charming, warbler-like little fellow is worth a look.

Physical Description

White-eyes are a mere 4-6 inches long, and clad in olive to bright green feathers about the head and back.  The breast is bright yellow, and lighter yellow flecks color the rest of the plumage.  The striking white eye-ring gives the species its common name and imparts a bright, alert “look”.

Range and Habitat

This and related species, a number of which have been interbred in the pet trade, ranges from India to China and south through Indonesia.  Feral populations are established in many areas outside of the species’ natural distribution, including Hawaii.

Although usually described as inhabiting lowland forests, white eyes are actually quite adaptable and may colonize open scrubland, farms, villages and parks.

Miscellaneous

According to a recent (Jan. 2009) study funded by the American Museum of Natural History and other institutions, white eyes diversify into new species at a far faster rate than any other type of bird.  Oddly, even populations that are separated by short distances (which could be easily crossed by the birds) regularly form new species.

Because the environments occupied by the different species are similar, speciation seems driven by something other than the need to adjust to a new food or climate (as is the case for other animals).  It’s probably fortunate that Darwin considered Galapagos Island finches and not Solomon Island white eyes when formulating his thoughts on evolution…he might have become very confused!

Indian White Eyes as Pets

General

Despite their diminutive size, white eyes are invariably among the most visible birds in any aviary.   This is due in part to their naturally confiding nature…they tame down very quickly and seem unusually confident around people.  Even in a 2 acre aviary, those I kept were always very much in evidence.   Quick to investigate the possibility of a meal, they always flew right to me when I first appeared each morning.

White eyes are quite active and alert, always hunting, preening and moving about, and are very inquisitive.  Males sing quietly in sweet tones.

Space and Other Physical Requirements

White eyes require a larger enclosure than their small size would indicate.  Provide them with a large indoor finch cage or, in warm weather, a planted outdoor aviary.

Light

Indoors, your pet’s cage should be lit by a full spectrum bird bulb.

Feeding

It does take a bit of effort to feed white eyes properly…most, myself included, find it well worthwhile, but please consider this point carefully before deciding to purchase a pair (they do best in pairs or small groups).

The natural diet consists largely of fruit and insects; captives will not thrive unless provided with a wide variety of each.  Fruit can form a large portion of your pets’ diet…white eyes are especially fond of pears, and will accept oranges, grapes, papaya, banana, apples, mango and most other fruits as well.  They must also be given a variety of small insects daily.  Most aviculturists keeping white eyes establish fruit fly colonies…this is not difficult, and colonies are commercially available.  Please write in if you’d like further information.

I would say that an insect trap is essential for the prospective white-eye owner.  I highly recommend the Zoo Med Bug Napper.  White eyes also relish small live crickets, mealworms and waxworms…but these alone do not constitute a sufficient diet. An ideal way of increasing dietary variety is to use finely chopped canned insects.  I also suggest that you experiment with Zoo Med’s Anole Food.  It contains tiny dried flies…when reconstituted with a bit of water it should prove acceptable to white eyes and similar birds.

Egg Food should be offered daily, in conjunction with a commercial insectivorous bird diet or a mix of cooked ground beef and hard boiled eggs (grind with shells).  Goldenfeast Tropic Fruit Pudding Blend is a very interesting product that should prove useful to those rearing white eyes and birds with similar food preferences.

Several older bird-keepers of my acquaintance swore by pound cake soaked in honey water, using it as a bi-weekly treat for white-eyes, orioles, shama thrushes, bulbuls and many other birds.  White eyes under my care consumed it ravenously.

Breeding

White eyes pair up readily and are fairly reliable breeders.  They will utilize an open finch nest and cotton nesting material (spider webs are often incorporated into outdoor nests).

In nature, and in planted aviaries, white eyes tend to nest within dense vegetation.  If you keep yours caged, it would be a good idea to situate their nest site behind a screen of live or artificial plants.

White eye hens lay 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 10-12 days.  The young fledge in a mere 12 days.  Fruit flies and other tiny insects must be available to birds rearing chicks.

Additional Resources

A newly-discovered species breaks a few basic “white eye rules” (including the one about having a white eye ring!).  Read more at:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080314095059.htm

Image referenced from Wikipedia and originally posted by Factumquintus

 

 

The magnificent sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) is one of the most sought after of all bird pets.  It is also one of the most intelligent, and as such has become well known to TV and movie viewers the world over as an “actor”.  However, its natural history is less in the spotlight, and holds some interesting surprises.

Range and Habitat

Sulphur-crested cockatoos range along Australia’s north-central coast and throughout the eastern third of the continent and on New Guinea, its offshore islands and Aru Island.  Long-collected as a pet, it has been introduced and breeds in the wild on New Zealand, Palau and Indonesia’s Ceramlaut and Goramlaut Islands.

These cockatoos always live within flying distance of water, but otherwise occupy a range of habitats, including forest, open woodlands, brushy savannas and farms.  Favored roosting sites remain in use for decades, even if changes in food availability necessitate long-distance flights.

A Variable Feeding Strategy

Interestingly, cockatoos living in different habitats show widely varying defensive adaptations.  In eastern Australia, where flocks feed in open country on the ground, sentries are always posted in nearby trees.  These individuals keep watch for danger, rising high into the air and screaming as a warning to the flock.

In northern Australia, sulphur-crested cockatoos usually feed in trees at forest edges, where they are less vulnerable to predators than are ground-feeding birds.  Consequently, the sentinel system has not been developed by this segment of the population.

The World’s Most Magnificent Crop Pest?

It is difficult for non-Australians to imagine these fabulous birds in the role of “crop pest”, but a flock of several hundred descending upon a field can be devastating.  They also have been known to ravage harvested grain by ripping into bags held at storage sites.  The clever “raiding parties”, always forewarned of danger by “scouts”, are rarely caught in the act.

On the other hand, the important role of this species in consuming the seeds of harmful weeds and the larvae of crop-feeding insects is well documented.

Cockatoos as Pets

The sulphur-crested cockatoo’s sizable brain and body renders it a wonderful but demanding pet.  Its basic needs are similar to those of related large parrots – a healthful diet, full spectrum light and a large cage or outdoor aviary.  However, the social aspects of keeping such a bird are quite complicated…this is a species best reserved for experienced hobbyists.

Further Reading

Please see my article on Goffin’s Cockatoos  for more information on cockatoo husbandry basics.

Information on the conservation status of this cockatoo may be found at http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1399&m=0.

 

Image referenced from Wikipedia and originally posted by Noodle Snacks.

Parrots, pheasants, doves, shama thrushes – hobbyists are fortunate in having a great many species of widely differing birds available as pets.  It is the tiny and relatively inexpensive finches, however, that offer us the easiest route to a mixed collection of gorgeous species…among no other group is such a diversity of interesting and hardy birds so readily available. Today’s subject, the green twinspot (Mandingoa nitidula), is a perfect example.

Description

Rich olive above and with nearly black wings and, in males, a bright red face, this 4 inch African native is a sight to behold.  What truly sets it apart is the breast and abdomen, which are jet black with numerous pure white spots.  The overall effect is of a fine hand-painted toy!

Natural and Captive Habitats

Green twinspots are birds of rather open country, but never stray far from thick brush or similar retreats.  They favor forest edges, woody scrub and the overgrown margins of rice fields and farms.  Captives fare best when given plenty of cover, with a well-planted outdoor aviary being ideal.

When housed indoors, they should be provided with as much room as possible – the Blue Ribbon Peaked Bird Cage  is perfect for 2 to 4 twinspots.  Some hanging silk plants  and thin cotton cable perches will make them feel right at home.

Diet

Green twinspots have higher protein requirements than most finches, and should be offered a diet rich in insects. They readily accept small crickets, mealworms and waxworms and, if kept outdoors, will spend hours chasing small flying insects (which, like minute falcons, they catch on the wing).

 

Zoo Med Anole Food (dried flies) , canned silkworms , Cede Eggfood  and bits of hard boiled egg should also be offered on a rotating basis.  A Vita Kraft Sprout Pot will enable you to offer your finches fresh shoots, a favored and important food item.  The balance of their diet can consist of high quality finch seed mix  to which has been added a bit of Pretty Bird Softbill Select .

Further Reading

You can read about the green twinspots in the wild at http://www.birdsinsa.com/birds/mandingoanitidula.htm.

 

 

 

The aptly-named hanging parrots are unique in their habit of roosting upside down – hanging from branches in the manner of brightly colored bats.  When I first kept these birds in a zoo exhibit, I was quite surprised to hear a soft call being produced by the resting males, but subsequently learned that this odd behavior is also typical of the group.

Some, including the commonly-kept blue crowned hanging parrot (L. galgulus), are stunningly beautiful in coloration, and all are active and a real pleasure to watch.  In common with certain love birds, to which the hanging parrots are likely related, females carry nesting material tucked among the rump feathers.

Range and Habitat

Fourteen species of hanging parrots range throughout south and Southeast Asia.  Their distribution is such that, except for 2 species which occupy the Celebes Islands, nowhere do the ranges of any one species overlap with that of another.

Most favor lightly-wooded areas and forest edges, and often appear in parks, gardens, orchards and plantations, especially when food trees are flowering.

Diet…and alcohol intake!

Hanging parrots often feed in a head-down position, and favor soft fruits, figs, berries and, especially, nectar.  They behave much like lories and lorikeets when foraging in flowering trees – scrambling wildly among the blossoms and seemingly untroubled by people in the vicinity.  Seeds and insects are taken by some species as well.

In regions where coconut palm liquor is collected in open containers, the vernal hanging parrot (L. vernalis) is said to gorge itself until “overtaken by drunkenness”!

Threats and Endangered Species

Some hanging parrot species adjust well to human presence, and even colonize agricultural areas, feeding upon commercially grown fruits and flowering trees.  Their small size renders them relatively inconspicuous, and persecution as crop pests is not common.  However, habitat loss is a real concern for many, and 2 species are in rather desperate straits.

The Sangihe hanging parrot (L. catamene), limited in distribution to the tiny Indonesian island of the same name, is threatened by logging and the diseases spread by parrots that have escaped captivity.  It seems to feed largely upon coconut nectar, but little else is known of its natural history.

Found in only 8 locales on Flores and nearby islands in Indonesia, the endangered Flores hanging parrot (L. flosculus) has lost most of its habitat to farms and other forms of development.

Hanging Parrots as Pets

Hanging parrots are rather shy and need frequent attention if they are to become accepting of close contact.  They do not talk, but mimic whistles very well.  Not nearly as noisy as most of their relatives, hanging parrots do best in warm (they are cold-sensitive) calm, quiet surroundings.  They are quite inoffensive, and in an aviary will get along well with finches, doves, button quail and other birds.

The Blue-Crowned Hanging Parrot, Loriculus galgulus

Ranging from southern Thailand to Borneo, this little fellow reaches a mere 5 inches in length, and is the most commonly-kept and spectacularly-colored of the group.  Its bright green plumage is set off by very brilliant red feathers about the throat, rump and above the tail, and there is a yellow cast to the back.  Males have a blue blotch on the head.  The effect of all this bright color on such a tiny, animated bird must be seen first hand to be fully appreciated.

Blue crowned hanging parrots will utilize a parakeet/lovebird sized nest box  for breeding.  The 3-4 eggs are incubated for approximately 20 days, and the chicks fledge in 5 weeks.  While incubating, the hen is fed by the male, but only she feeds the chicks.

Hanging parrot care generally parallels that of lories and lorikeets, and lory nectar  is an important component of the diet.

Further Reading

You can read more about the endangered Sangihe hanging parrot and related species at:

http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1521&m=0

Image referenced from Wikipedia and originally posted by snowmanradio.

 

 

I’ve always found that the best zoo bird keepers have had strong roots in private aviculture.  This makes sense – after all, birds were being kept as pets for thousands of years; zoos are a relatively new on the scene by comparison.

On a recent visit to the Bronx Zoo, I was reminded of how many birds have found favor in both public and private collections.  Following are a few of my favorites.  Most of the birds covered here require large enclosures, and are most often kept by advanced hobbyists with outdoor aviaries.  However, all are feasible to keep and breed, should this be your long term goal.  In any event, enjoy…and don’t forget to watch for other such birds on your next zoo visit.

Toco Toucan, Ramphastos toco

Perhaps the world’s most recognizable bird, South America’s toco toucan makes a delightful pet.  Toucans tame fairly easily, and I have found even parent-raised birds to be quite curious and very steady around people…the fellow in the accompanying photo, owned by a friend, will cuddle up to just about anyone!

Captive-bred toucans are readily available, and their quaint looks and confiding ways temp many unprepared buyers.  Tocos are, however, extremely active and spend very little time on the ground…they need a long, high aviary and will languish in a typical cage.

Their bright colors belie a predatory streak…those I have cared for spent a good deal of time catching the geckos and treefrogs that lived within their aviary.  Captives need a good bit of cooked meat and an occasional mouse, along with a wide variety of fruits and berries.

Crested Argus Pheasant, Rheinardia ocellata

We find among the family Phasianidae some of the most gorgeously colored of all birds, and it is small wonder that many are aviary favorites.  From the diminutive button quail to the ever-popular golden pheasant, there is a species to fit nearly every bird fancier’s means.

Although the Indian peafowl is often considered to be the most spectacular of the group, in my opinion that title belongs to Southeast Asia’s crested argus pheasant.  Unknown outside of their forest homes until collected by famous bird man Jean Delacour and brought to Europe in 1923, the crested argus sports the bird world’s longest feathers.  Those in the center of a male’s tail can top 80 inches in length.

The related Great argus (pictured here) was established in private aviculture a bit earlier than the crested, and by the late 1800’s was being bred in Europe.  Captives require huge, undisturbed, thickly-planted aviaries.  Unlike most pheasants, they are quite sensitive to the cold.  I was privileged to see the amazing courtship display of a male at the Bronx Zoo, but unfortunately the pair did not breed during my tenure there.

Roulroul or Crested Wood Partridge, Rollulus roulroul

This tiny relative of the argus is my favorite pheasant.  The male, his head capped by hair-like bristles, is so differently-colored than the female that the two appear to be of different species.  Both, however, are gorgeous.

Hailing from the humid forests of the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra, roulrouls become quite tame in captivity.  They require a warm, well-planted cage and a varied diet of insects, fruit and boiled rice.  Oddly, for a pheasant, they refuse grain.  The male is also very “un-pheasant-like” during the breeding season – helping to build the unusual domed nest and often leading the chicks back to the hen for brooding.

Violaceous Turaco, Musophaga violacea

The glossy purple plumage of this spectacular West African native is hard to describe in words.  Turacos of all types are far more popular in private collections in the UK than in the USA, but that situation is changing slowly.  Aviculturists are drawn to their vibrant colors and amusing antics (they hop and crash about in a most unusual manner), but their space requirements are somewhat daunting – a pair (they do far better in pairs) requires an aviary of approximately 15-20 ft. x 10 ft. x 10 ft.

Violaceous turacos subsist largely upon fruit, with figs being a much favored and necessary food.  Hand raised birds often become unusually aggressive (please see article below).

Taveta Golden Weaver, Ploceus castaneiceps

Weavers construct the most elaborately-woven nests of any bird…the opportunity to watch the construction process alone makes them worthwhile captives.  The brilliantly-colored Taveta golden weaver will use only long blades of green grass as a nesting material, and much prefers stripping these from living plants over picking them off the floor. Those I have kept exploded into action when I placed freshly-dug clumps of beach grass before them, but disdained grass clippings.

The Taveta golden weaver (pictured here) is found only along the border of southern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania, and is not often seen in private collections.  Several equally interesting relatives, such as the masked and African golden weaver are, however, regularly bred in captivity.

Cuban Amazon, Amazona leucocephala

I enjoy seeing Amazons in aviaries and zoo exhibits, where they can indulge their abundant energies so fully.  Those not ready for the aforementioned species but interested in aviary construction should seriously consider Amazons or, indeed, any parrot.

Restricted to the Bahamas, Cuba and the Cayman islands, Cuban Amazons are threatened throughout much of their range.  Fortunately, they breed well in captivity and have responded favorably to the provision of artificial nest boxes in Cuba.  Interestingly, the population on Abaco in the Bahamas nest below-ground, in naturally occurring limestone burrows.  So situated, the nests are safe from the frequent fires that ravage their habitat.

Further Reading

Caring for beautiful, exotic birds in captivity does have its dangers.  For a glimpse at the perils involved in working with a somewhat unfriendly turaco, please see Introducing the Turacos (Family Musophagidae), With Notes on an Unusual Individual.