That Bird Blog » Field Notes and Observations on Birds

Crows as Pets: The African Pied Crow, a Most Intelligent Bird

findiviglio — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:23:40 +0000

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Snowmanradio

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. My fascination with Corvids (crows, ravens, jays and their relatives) began in childhood, when I cared for injured American Crows and Blue Jays. In time, I was able to work with their exotic relatives at the Bronx Zoo, and was thrilled to observe the antics of Japan’s famous tool-using Carrion Crows (please see article below) in the wild. Possessed of keen intelligence, insatiable curiosity and voice-mimicking abilities, hand-raised crows have few equals as avian pets. Native Corvids are protected in the USA, but foreign species may be kept, and several are regularly bred by hobbyists. Among these is the spectacular African Pied Crow, Corvus alba, which makes as responsive a pet as can be imagined.

Description

Although not common in the US pet trade, the Pied Crows that appeared in recent Windex TV ads have now made the species somewhat recognizable. Once seen, this 20-inch tall bird will not be forgotten. The Pied Crow sports an impressively-thick black beak that is midway in size between that of the American Crow and the White-Necked Raven (please see photo). A brilliant white collar and breast contrasts sharply with the glossy, jet-black plumage.

Range and Habitat

Africa’s widest ranging Corvid, the Pied Crow occurs south of the Sahara and inhabits most of the eastern and southern portions of the continent. They are also found on Aldabra, Madagascar, the Comoros and other nearby islands.

Pied Crows favor open forests and wooded scrub, but are often most common near towns, cities and farms. They do not occur in the rainforests or deserts.

African Pied Crows as Pets

Even casual observation reveals crows to be unusually intelligent…and not “just” by bird standards! Recent studies have shown that their tool-making and problem-solving abilities are on par with those of some great apes (please see articles linked below). Both ornithologists and those who have worked with crows generally consider them to be the most intelligent of all birds…apologies to parrot fanciers!

All are excellent mimics, and need little if any encouragement to copy sounds and words. Naturally social, crows quickly bond to their owners and may even learn to respond to simple commands. Their great intelligence is accompanied by a sensitive nature…despite being quite bold, Pied Crows are easily stressed by unthinking behavior on the part of their owners. They will not forget actions they perceive as threatening, so be careful not to make any mistakes…please post below for further information.

Another aspect of their brilliant minds is the capacity for mischief, and the need to manipulate, and if possible destroy, anything they can get their massive beaks on. This is an outgrowth of their natural behavior, and cannot be “trained” away. Pied Crows should never be left at large in a room that is not completely “crow-proofed”. Before allowing your bird access to a room, go through it as if you were about to release a gang of toddlers, and then check again!

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Richard001

Housing

Pied Crows are large and very active, and need ample flight space. They will not adapt to commercial bird cages…even those designed for the largest macaws are far too small. A custom-built or commercial outdoor aviary, or a properly-outfitted indoor room, is the only option for a pet Pied Crow.

Crows kept outdoors tend to be very active and vigorous. Although they can be acclimated to cold weather, heated shelters are a must in temperate regions. Indoors, Pied Crows are best located where they can observe people…they also take an interest in televisions and phone conversations. Please post below for further information on aviary location and set-up.

Even if provided adequate space, Pied Crows will languish if not stimulated by toys, behavioral enrichment, and out-of-cage time. Daily interaction with people is essential if they are to remain handle-able. Concerning handling, it must be understood that the beak is a formidable weapon, and that even accidental injuries can be severe. Please post below for further information on handling.

Diet

Although they take an incredibly wide range of foods, Pied Crows have distinct carnivorous leanings. Rodents, carrion, eggs and insects form a large part of the natural diet.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Greg Hume

Crow owners have had success with diets based on cat and dog foods, but I prefer a diet similar to that I’ve used for many Corvid species in zoos. Commercial bird-of-prey diet, into which I mix pigeon pellets and softbill food, provides the bulk of their food intake. I believe that whole mice (or chicks) and insects are essential in assuring proper calcium intake and general good health. Tossing a handful of crickets or other insects into your crow’s aviary is a wonderful way to keep the bird occupied, especially if the insects are able to hide. Canned grasshoppers, snails and other invertebrates can be used to provide critical dietary variety. A wide range of vegetables, chopped nuts, and fruits (in moderate amounts) should also be provided. Hard-boiled eggs are an especially favored treat.

The Pied Crow’s natural diet contains a good number of whole animals, and is likely calcium-rich. In addition to pink or adult mice, pets should receive calcium and vitamin/mineral supplements. Natural sunlight and full spectrum bulbs will help assure adequate Vitamin D levels.

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

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 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

Working with Penguins – a Highlight of this Zookeeper’s Experiences

findiviglio — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:56:18 +0000

Penguins Win Me Over

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. I first became enamored of penguins at the Bronx Zoo’s old “Penguin House”. Twice a day, a door would open and a pail of fish would be tossed into the exhibit. Fashioned like a giant aquarium, the exhibit allowed visitors to watch the penguins dive and grab their meals underwater. Living near the zoo, I had long haunted its grounds and had racked up some great sightings of both captive and wild birds by an early age (nearly 300 native species have been recorded there) – but these creatures were something else indeed! They were birds, to be sure, but departed so radically from the typical bird body-plan that I was driven to learn all I could.

Today, of course, penguins are well known, but for us bird fanciers they still retain a sense of mystery…more so as new facts about their amazing lifestyles come to light!

Working with Penguins

I began working with penguins some 28 years ago, but the experience remains clearly etched in my memory. Named for the intrepid explorer Ferdinand Magellan, the Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) I cared for were housed in an outdoor exhibit at the Bronx Zoo. The work was particularly enjoyable because, due the number of medications that the penguins needed (they lack defenses against diseases carried by native birds), they were trained to line up and accept fish tossed to them. This assured accurate dosing, and, to be honest, was a great excuse to work closely with these most amusing birds.

I once helped hand-rear a young penguin that had been rejected by its parents. All went well, but the bird lacked penguin social skills and consequently was attacked when reintroduced to the colony. Birds imprinted on people often experience difficulties…a hand-raised Great Horned Owl I cared for would try to feed mice to me during the breeding season! So the exiled penguin spent her days waddling around the basement of the Aquatic Bird House, following her keepers and growing evermore spoiled.

Fortunately, the Philadelphia Zoo had some hand-raised penguins, so I drove ours there to make the introduction. The bird made the trip standing on the front seat of the zoo’s van, and I laugh to this day remembering the reactions of gas station attendants along the way! Happily, the Philly birds accepted their big city cousin – but the return trip was quite boring!

Range

Penguins are restricted to the Southern Hemisphere, where they inhabit the coasts of Antarctica, New Zealand, southern Australia, southern Africa and southern South America. None occur north of the equator (and so, despite popular opinion, they never cross paths with polar bears!) but in recent years 2 penguins turned up off Newfoundland…how they got there, no one knows.

Although generally perceived as birds of frigid habitats, a number occur in quite warm areas of South America and Africa. However, the Humboldt, Benguela and Agulhas Currents assure that cold water is readily accessible.

Another commonly-held stereotype is that all penguins nest on ice. Some do, but others utilize frozen grasslands, sub-tropical beaches, bare rock, lava, and even temperate forests.

Penguins reach their greatest species diversity not in Antarctica but rather in the sub-Antarctic waters off New Zealand and the Falkland Islands. The Antarctic coastline does, however, support the greatest number of individual penguins.

Dietary Specialists

Most penguins feed upon fishes, squid and shrimp. Surprisingly, however, Adelie, Chinstrap, Macaroni and Gentoo Penguins subsist almost entirely upon krill. Although barely 2 inches in length, these shrimp-like creatures may be the planet’s most numerous species – some 550 million tons of them are believed present in the Southern Pacific Ocean at any one time!

What’s Next, and What Can I Do?

Please post a comment here and share any zoo or wild penguin experiences you may have. I’ll also be covering various species in detail in future articles, so don’t forget to let me know your favorites.

While working on an exhibit at Connecticut’s Maritime Aquarium recently, I had the good fortune of being able to get close to a group of Black-footed or African Penguins, Spheniscus demersus (please see photo). This species, also known as the Jackass Penguin (due to its bray-like call), is the only penguin to nest in Africa. Its breeding range stretches from the South Africa/Namibia border around the bottom of the continent to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Please look for my upcoming article on this fascinating bird.

If you wish to learn what you can do to help wild penguins, check out the International Penguin Conservation Work Group.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Keeping the Tawny Frogmouth with Notes on its Natural History

findiviglio — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:41:45 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Photos of the Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), with its huge yellow eyes, gaping mouth, “expressive face” (an impression given by the feathery “eyebrows”) and owl-like plumage, have captivated me since childhood. For years, I stalked Whip-poor-wills, Nighthawks and other of its relatives that dwelled in the USA. Actual contact with a Frogmouth was delayed, however, until I began working at the Bronx Zoo. But it was worth the wait, and I soon came to spend many days and nights cramming food into the capricious maws of hungry Frogmouth chicks…as much to my delight as theirs!

Classification

Although superficially resembling an owl in plumage, silent flight mode and nocturnal ways, the Tawny Frogmouth is classified in the order Caprimulgiformes. Numbered among this group’s 118 members is the cave-dwelling Oilbird, the only bird known to navigate via echo-location.

Tawny Frogmouths are placed in the family Podargidae, along with 14 relatives. Three Tawny Frogmouth subspecies – the largest being 3x the size of the smallest – have been described. Other species include the Papuan Frogmouth, of the Cape York Peninsula and New Guinea, and the Marbled Frogmouth, a rainforest dweller found in northern Queensland and New Guinea.

The 8 North American relations belong to the family Caprimulgidae (loosely translated as “goat-suckers”). I’ve observed 2 of these, the Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferous) and the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), in the heart of NYC. In fact, the swooping, erratic flight of Nighthawks, which resemble outsized bats, was a common sight over Bronx buildings in my youth. Flat rooftops serve Nighthawks as nest sites, but their numbers have declined in recent years. The Chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis), first recorded in New York in 1975, has been observed nesting on Staten and Long Island.

Captive Care

You’ll need to visit a zoo if you wish to see a Tawny Frogmouth in the USA, but wildlife rehabilitators in Australia are frequently called upon to care for displaced chicks and injured individuals.

During the day, Frogmouths perch on dead limbs, relying on their mottled plumage to provide camouflage. They often stretch upward, in imitation of a branch, as well. Frogmouths make great exhibit animals, content to perch in full view all day; however, they do become stressed if denied logs or stumps. I’ve kept several in exhibits lit by red bulbs, where they have proven to be surprisingly active.

Rearing Chicks

Frogmouths under my care bred well but did not always raise their chicks successfully. Hand-rearing, however, was usually successful.

Frogmouth chicks have appetites that match their enormous mouths, and, even by baby bird standards, consume an amazing amount of food. Chopped mice are the standard zoo diet, but given that they are largely insectivorous, I experimented with other foods as well. Roaches, grasshoppers, moths, earthworms, insectivorous bird diet, beef heart and other such foods were eagerly consumed.

I do not have my old notes on hand, but recent studies have shown that hand-reared Frogmouth chicks often gain 8-9 grams per day, consistently, before fledging.

Adult Diet

Most zoos provide only mice or chicks to their Tawny Frogmouths. I’ve cared for several that have bred and lived into their early teens on this diet, so it appears adequate. However, my Frogmouths showed a very strong response to large insects, especially roaches and grasshoppers. While it’s difficult to maintain birds of this size on invertebrates alone, occasional meals certainly add to their quality of life.

Although mainly ambush predators that pounce on prey from above, Frogmouths also hunt actively…at least when stimulated by novel foods. They have also been observed chasing moths around street lights.

Close Call with a Cassowary (for me and a frogmouth!)

Frogmouths remain largely immobile, but are very aware of their surroundings…a fact I learned the hard way. After working with one individual for some time, I came to expect him to remain perched on his favorite stump as I serviced his cage in one of the Bronx Zoo’s off-exhibit areas. He did…until he didn’t!

One day, he flew past me and out the door…taking off without a sound when I turned my back. Knowing that birds sense and follow air currents, I first ran to close the building’s unscreened kitchen window (a notably foolish feature in a bird building!). I returned to find that the wayward Frogmouth had flown into the pen occupied by Margie, a notoriously ill-tempered Cassowary (please see article below). The Frogmouth froze, head stretched up, in the species’ classic camouflage pose – perplexing Margie enough to make her pause. She circled, itching to kick the intruder into oblivion, but did not charge. I grabbed a “push board”, entered, and was able to catch the frightened Frogmouth before either of us could be attacked.

Natural History

Range

The Tawny Frogmouth is found across the length and breadth of Australia, and also occurs on Tasmania and several offshore islands.

Habitat

Although most common in sparsely-wooded scrub and forest clearings, the Tawny Frogmouth also inhabits rainforest edges, overgrown farmland, gardens and city parks. It is absent from deserts and rainforest interiors.

Diet

Field studies have shown that beetles, moths, spiders, centipedes, snails and other invertebrates make up approximately 95% of the diet. Frogs, lizards and small mammals comprise the balance.

Most Frogmouths drink infrequently, if at all.

Breeding

Reproduction occurs seasonally in most habitats, or in response to rains in arid regions. Most observers report that the male incubates the 2-3 eggs by day, with both parents entering the nest cavity at night. The eggs hatch in 27-31 days and the chicks, which are fed by both parents, fledge when they are approximately 1 month old.

Conservation

Although most populations are stable, cats, foxes and cars pose increasing threats. Secondary pesticide poisoning is also a concern.

Torpor

Tawny Frogmouths can tolerate quite high and low temperatures. In common with several related species, they can become torpid during cold nights – hibernating, in essence, for short periods.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

The Bananaquit or Sugar Bird – Natural History and Captive Care

findiviglio — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:01:53 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A bold, “trusting” demeanor and strikingly-beautiful plumage has rendered the Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) a popular bird both in and out of captivity. Throughout its range, hotels and restaurants attract these little dynamos with bowls of sugar water, much to the delight of their patrons. Bananaquits provided me with an excellent introduction to softbill-keeping when I began working for bird importers and zoos, and they remain a hardy favorite of aviculturists worldwide.

Description

Forty-one Bananaquit subspecies (an avian record?) have been described. Most are gray to black above and sport brilliant yellow under-parts (somewhat paler in most females) and a striking white eye streak. The down-curving bill, specialized for harvesting nectar, is long and sharp.

There is a good deal of variation in coloration across the range, and the calls of widely-separated groups vary as well. In common with hummingbirds, honey-eaters and similar birds, the Bananaquit’s tongue is lined with bristly projections to facilitate nectar collection.

Once classified with the warblers and tanagers, these 4.5 inch long birds are now placed in the family Coerebidae, of which they are the only members.

Range

The huge range extends from southeastern Mexico through most of the Caribbean and south to northeastern Argentina. Bananaquits are also established in Florida (no surprise!).

Habitat

Bananaquits occupy a wide variety of habitats, including lowland forests, farms, overgrown fields, parks and gardens. I’ve observed them with equal regularity along forest streams in Costa Rica and in the heart of Caracas,Venezuela.

Diet

In common with flower-peckers, Bananaquits pierce flower bases to get at the nectar within. Although this feeding method is often termed “nectar-robbing”, as pollination is not assisted, field studies have shown that Bananaquits do accumulate and distribute pollen as they forage. Soft fruits are handled in the same manner. Aphids, small spiders and other invertebrates are also consumed.

Bananaquits in Captivity

These little beauties make delightful additions to one’s bird collection. Those I’ve kept were unfailingly curious and became quite tame once acclimated. Even in huge zoo exhibits (where they held their own among Cock-of-the Rocks and other large birds), several individuals became bold enough to drink nectar from a tube that I held in hand.

Housing

Despite their small size, Bananquits should be given as large an enclosure as is possible. They really come into their own in an outdoor aviary or indoor bird room. While success has been had in large cages, their active lifestyle is best accommodated in an aviary. Full-spectrum lighting should be provided indoors.

Flowering plants and ripe fruit will attract insects, and your birds will then delight you with their hunting skills. Bananaquits do best when kept occupied by foraging…they are certainly not content sitting in small cages, and would likely be stressed when kept so.

Dried grasses and other nesting material should always be available, as Bananaquits roost within nests year-round.

Feeding

The basic diet should consist of finely-diced banana (not a staple, despite their name), pears, papaya, orange, grapes and a variety of other fruits rolled into a high quality insectivorous bird food such as Aves Insectile Mix.

Goldenfeast Nectar or a similar product should be provided 2-3 times per week. If nectar is offered ad lib, Bananaquits will consume it to the exclusion of all else and develop nutritional deficiencies as a result. Nectar may also be dribbled onto commercial insectile bird food to help encourage acceptance.

A variety of insects is also essential to their good health, and to breeding success. An insect trap, such as the Zoo Med Bug Napper, is very helpful in maintaining these entertaining birds in top condition. Tiny wild insects, sometimes termed “field plankton”, can also be collected by sweeping a net through tall grass in pesticide-free locations; please write in for further information.

Fruit flies are easily reared or attracted into aviaries, and praying mantis egg cases can be ordered commercially and hatched to provide additional live food items; please see this article for more information. Other insects can be attracted into the aviary by flowering plants and fruit.

Bananaquits pick up and inspect every morsel offered, so the soft-food part of their diet should be finely ground to prevent the choosing of favored items (Aves Insectile works well in this regard). Also, Bananaquits scatter a good deal of food, and so should be fed more heavily than similarly-sized birds.

Breeding

Breeding is most easily accomplished in a well-planted aviary housing a single pair. Depending upon the origin of your birds, reproduction may occur year-round (2-3 clutches), during the spring, or in response to increased rainfall.

The roofed grass nest is globular in shape and equipped with a side or downward-facing entranceway. The female incubates her 2-4 eggs for 12-13 days, and the chicks fledge on day 14-21. A large supply of fruit flies and other tiny insects is essential for the chicks’ survival. Sponge cake soaked in nectar should also be provided to parents with chicks.

Field studies have shown that Bananaquits nesting near wasp colonies are more successful in rearing chicks (and retaining mates!) than those using other sites…relocating a wasp colony to your aviary will prevent you from disturbing the pair with nest checks, so you may wish to consider this if nest abandonment becomes a problem!

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

Pygmy Parrots – Thumb-Sized Lichen-Eaters that move like Woodpeckers

findiviglio — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:45:04 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. I recently attended a fascinating lecture on Island Bird Diversity at the American Museum of Natural History. Two Pygmy Parrot species – the Red-Breasted (Micropsitta bruijni) and the Finsch’s (M. finschii) – drew the speaker to the Solomon Islands. In reflecting back on the talk afterwards, I realized that, despite my interest, I had yet to observe a live Pygmy Parrot. They’ve never been in the collection of the Bronx Zoo, where I worked for over 20 years, and only rarely appear in museums. Further research turned up one interesting field report, but it seems that we still know very little about these smallest and, arguably, most unusual of all parrots.

The World’s Smallest Parrots

Six species of Pygmy Parrots inhabit New Guinea, the Solomons and neighboring islands. They look, in most respects, like other parrots – but barely exceed a human thumb in size! At 3.5 inches in length, the Buff-Faced Pygmy parrot (M. pusio) is the smallest Psittacine; its relatives are not much bigger. Please see the video below…it is hard to believe they are real!

Singular Feeding Adaptations

Small size is not their only unique characteristic. Pygmy Parrots are believed to rely heavily upon lichen and tree fungus as food, the only parrots to do so. In 1942, the Red-Breasted Pygmy Parrot became the first Psittacine ever observed to feed upon fungus, which was described as a “jelly-like species growing on bark”. Unfortunately, our knowledge of its diet pretty much stalled at that point! While Kakapos, Keas and other parrots are known to consume lichen, only Pygmy Parrots have adaptations that allow them to specialize in harvesting it.

Adaptations to this odd diet include short tails with stiff, outwardly-projecting feather shafts, elongated toes and long, curved nails. Aided by these structures, Pygmy Parrots “creep” up and down tree trunks as they search for food; several have even been observed to move headfirst down trees (please see the accompanying photo of a nuthatch for an example). Similar structures have been evolved by woodpeckers, creepers and nuthatches, all of which also forage in the same manner as Pygmy Parrots. Woodpeckers and their relatives use this hunting style to find insects, not lichen; some (or all?) Pygmy Parrots consume insects as well as lichen.

Field Observations

An informative Pygmy Parrot article is posted on BirdForum.net, an interesting site where I sometimes record my own wild bird observations. Although not a long-term study, the notes detail some of the best field observations available (please see article below). The author worked on New Ireland, which lies in the Bismarck Archipelago, and spent some time observing the Finsch’s Pygmy Parrot.

Finsch’s Pygmy Parrots were most often seen foraging on Pometia tomentosa, a broadleaf tree. Local people confirmed that the birds, which are not uncommon, seem to favor that tree above others. Moving about like tiny squirrels, the minute parrots stripped bark from the trees, leaving characteristic scars. They seemed to be feeding on butterfly, moth or beetle larvae rather than lichen, at least when observed on Pometia trunks. Virtually nothing is known of their total diet, as observations are difficult once they enter heavy cover; as far as I know, Pygmy Parrots have never survived long in captivity.

Insect larvae may be a significant food source for the Finsch’s Pygmy Parrot, but more research in needed. Sadly, the parrots under observation abandoned the area after some boys harassed them with slingshots. It is not known how this species is affected by humans (other than being pelted with rocks!), but Pygmy Parrots generally seem able to adapt to modest habitat disturbance.

Learning More

I’m now searching The Auk and other sources for additional Pygmy Parrot information…anything that you might be able to pass along would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Meyer’s Lorikeet – Natural History and Captive Care

findiviglio — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:46:01 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Most parrot aficionados know of the Meyer’s Parrot, but the beautiful green lorikeet bearing the same “first name” is relatively unstudied in the wild, and not commonly kept here in the USA. The Meyer’s Lorikeet (Trichoglossus flavoviridus mayeri), a subspecies of the Yellow-and-Green Lorikeet, differs from many related species in both coloration and social behavior. A forest-dweller confined to a single island, this unique bird deserves the attention of aviculturists now, while wild populations are still relatively stable.

Description

Three shades of green color the plumage of the 8-inch-long Meyer’s Lorikeet. The breast feathers and those behind the eye are tipped with yellow, and the bill is bright orange. While lacking the “flamboyant” reds and blues often associated with lorikeets, it is quite spectacular in appearance.

Range

The Meyer’s Lorikeet is endemic (found nowhere else) to Sulawesi, in Indonesia’s Greater Sunda Island chain. Sulawesi lies at a unique crossroad where animals originating in Australia and those from mainland Asia are found together. Over half of the island’s 125+ mammal species are endemic and most, such as the Anoa, Cuscus and Babirusa, are quite unusual and not well-known.

Although birds are more mobile than mammals, 34% of Sulawesi’s 400+ species “stay put”, and are found nowhere else on earth. Perhaps the most unique of these is the Maleo, the only bird that incubates its eggs by burying them in sand, in “crocodile-like” fashion (please see photo). Females test the soil’s temperature with specialized sensors in the bill, but other than adjusting the amount of cover offer no maternal care. Maleo chicks emerge from their subterranean nests well-able to fly and fend for themselves.

Habitat

Meyer’s Lorikeets are limited to mountainous forests (please see photo), where they reside at elevations of 1,700-6,000+ feet. The many shades of green that color their plumage render these arboreal feeders difficult to observe among the foliage.

They also appear in lowland areas where forests remain intact, and will sometimes venture out into open country when favored flowers are in bloom. However, both older and current accounts indicate that heavy forest cover is essential Meyer’s Lorikeet habitat.

These shy but noisy birds are often observed in the company of gaily-colored Ornate Lorikeets – quite a sight, I imagine!

Conservation

Meyer’s Lorikeet populations appear stable, but their status has not been well studied. Mountainsides within their range remain largely forested, which is a good sign. However, like all island endemics, they are especially vulnerable to habitat loss and other disturbances. The species is listed on Appendix II of CITES.

Meyer’s Lorikeets in Captivity

Meyer’s Lorikeets are not common in zoos or private collections in the USA, but have been bred by aviculturists in Europe and Asia. They are as “food oriented” as their relatives, but are somewhat shy initially and less likely to hand feed right away.

Although lories and lorikeets are notoriously difficult to house communally, especially during the breeding season (please see the article below), Meyer’s Lorikeets may sometimes be bred in small groups. They are best housed in an outdoor aviary (or, in cold weather, a bird room) that is equipped with a drain to allow for cleaning via hose. Spacious quarters, well stocked with branches and other diversions, are essential to the well-being of all parrots, but especially the very active and acrobatic lorikeets.

Loud shrill calls (please click here for a recording) are a fact of lorikeet life, and should be taken into consideration by prospective keepers.

Diet

Feeding is a major consideration in the husbandry of all lorikeets; none will thrive unless provided with a highly nutritious, carefully-planned diet.

Lory nectar mixed with a bit of molasses and soft food can form the basis of their diet, but this must be supplemented by other foods.

A wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, pears, peaches, oranges, star fruit, kiwi, figs, banana, soft carrots, corn, Swiss chard, dandelion, and as many others as will be accepted, should be offered on a daily basis. Meyer’s Lorikeets will also take small amounts of millet and canary seed.

A paste of hard boiled eggs (ground with shells), egg food, cottage cheese and cooked carrots, sweetened with molasses, will provide necessary protein. Try mixing in some mealworms, crickets and other insects as well – I’ve found that some lorikeet species will accept these.

Lorikeets can be fussy…it is important to experiment until you find the proper mix or mode of presentation that works best in inducing your birds to accept the greatest variety of nutritious foods.

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

That Bird Blog » Field Notes and Observations on Birds

Crows as Pets: The African Pied Crow, a Most Intelligent Bird

Description

Range and Habitat

African Pied Crows as Pets

Housing

Diet

Further Reading

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

Common Birds in Decline

Climate Change

Birds on Public Lands

Further Reading

Good News for African Gray Parrots – A Conservation Milestone

Can 32 Birds Make a Difference?

A Conservation “First”

Continuing Threats to African Gray and Other Parrots

Further Reading

Working with Penguins – a Highlight of this Zookeeper’s Experiences

Penguins Win Me Over

Working with Penguins

Range

Dietary Specialists

What’s Next, and What Can I Do?

Further Reading

Keeping the Tawny Frogmouth with Notes on its Natural History

Classification

Captive Care

Close Call with a Cassowary (for me and a frogmouth!)

Natural History

Conservation

Torpor

Further Reading

The Bananaquit or Sugar Bird – Natural History and Captive Care

Description

Range

Habitat

Diet

Bananaquits in Captivity

Housing

Feeding

Breeding

Further Reading

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

Feral Cats: Scope of the Problem

Cat Prey Statistics

Cats and Other Small Predators

Cats and Rodent Control

Misconceptions

Risks to Free-Roaming House Cats

Further Reading

Pygmy Parrots – Thumb-Sized Lichen-Eaters that move like Woodpeckers

The World’s Smallest Parrots

Singular Feeding Adaptations

Field Observations

Learning More

Further Reading

Meyer’s Lorikeet – Natural History and Captive Care

Description

Range

Habitat

Conservation

Meyer’s Lorikeets in Captivity

Diet

Further Reading

Macaw, Spouting Foul Language, Banned from School

Un-learning Bad Habits?

Parrots Behaving Badly

Odd Birds I have Known

Further Reading