That Bird Blog » Field Notes and Observations on Birds

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 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

Keeping the Bengalese or Society Finch – the World’s Only “Manmade” Finch

findiviglio — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:16:15 +0000

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.

A wide variety of color phases, such as fawn, white, piebald and black, have been produced. Certain strains vary in size, feather appearance and behavior, with some being harder to breed than others.

Sociable in the Extreme

Society Finch is an apt name, as these little birds are, indeed, quite “social”. Society Finches breed readily, and have highly-developed parental instincts. In fact, breeders and zoos routinely use them as foster parents for the chicks of other species. Fostering is useful in the case of abandoned chicks, and essential to a breeding technique known as “double-clutching”.

Double-clutching is used to obtain the maximum number of offspring from a pair of birds; breeders pull the first clutch (to be reared by foster parents), so that the female will produce another. Double-clutching is also well-known to zoo aviculturists…I successfully used this technique at the Bronx Zoo with Mauritius Pink Pigeons, which were fostered by Ring-Necked Doves (after a time, the Pink Pigeon chicks exceeded their foster moms in size, but the hard-working doves somehow managed to produce enough “pigeon milk” for their giant “guests”; I do recall that the doves consumed a great deal of food!).

Society Finches are quite accommodating, where breeding is concerned, in other ways as well. Two or more females will use a single nest if not discouraged, and groups will crowd into tiny nest boxes to roost. They will reproduce in mixed species aviaries, and have even been known to take over the nests of unrelated species and “kidnap” their chicks! Society Finches will also form same sex pairs, and have been cross-bred with unrelated species, including Star and Zebra Finches.

In common with the Zebra Finch, a willingness to reproduce under highly artificial conditions has rendered Society Finches as important laboratory subjects.

Captive Care

Society Finches will thrive in either indoor finch cages or outdoor aviaries. When properly acclimated and provided with a dry shelter, they are quite cold-hearty.

A good finch seed mix, comprised largely of canary seed and millet, will meet most of their needs. Pairs rearing chicks do best when provided with sprouts and egg food, but the young can also be successfully reared on seed alone. Grit and cuttlebone should always be available.

Breeding

Standard finch boxes will be readily accepted as nest sites. Despite their eagerness to reproduce in captivity, most Society Finches will not tolerate nest inspections, and may abandon their eggs if disturbed. As they are usually excellent parents, breeding pairs are best left to their own devices.

If several pairs are kept, care should be taken that multiple females do not use the same box. The eggs, 4-8 in number, are incubated for 14-18 days. Healthy females are very prolific, but producing more than 3-4 clutches per year may weaken them. The young fledge at day 20-21, and may reproduce when 3 months old. Ideally, however, Society finches should not be paired until 6-8 months of age.

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

Post from: That Bird Blog

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

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How Birders Can Contribute to Conservation: The Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count

Unique Bird Behavior – Ravens Use Beaks to “Show” Objects to Mates

findiviglio — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:28:55 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The act of holding up or pointing to an object, in order to draw another’s attention, has been observed only among ourselves and Great Apes. Known as deictic gesturing, this behavior is considered critical to the development of language, and a sign of great intelligence (you parents will likely recall the first time your toddler did something similar!). Along with parrots, crows, and magpies, Common Ravens, Corvus corax, have proven themselves among the brightest of the world’s birds. Recently, they have been observed to utilize deictic gestures, and are the only birds known to do so.

“Hey…look at this if you care about me”!

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology and the University of Vienna have reported that Ravens pick up objects such as stones, branches and moss and show them to other Ravens. In most cases, the bird being solicited is the other’s mate. Once his or her attention is drawn, the pair usually jointly manipulates the object for a time.

Pair formation in Ravens is a long, complicated process, and mated birds are known to engage in complex tasks that require a high level of cooperation. This, and their intelligence, was long ago recognized by people living within their range. In the northern reaches of North American and Asia, Ravens featured prominently in mythology and folklore. Ornithologists believe that showing and jointly “handling” objects may be used to test the suitability or interest of a potential mate, and to strengthen the bond once the birds have paired up.

Parrots and Crows Ace Tests

Several other interesting studies concerning avian intelligence have been published recently. Most have focused on Parrots and Corvids (Crows, Magpies, and Ravens). Believed to be the most intelligent of all birds, the learning abilities of both groups have shocked researchers. In some test situations, New Caledonian Crows have scored on par with Chimpanzees and other Great Apes.

The articles linked below describe some of what these brilliant avian test-takers have accomplished recently – Keas that learn and build upon problem solving skills and discard them when need be, Japanese Crows that take advantage of both traffic and traffic signals when feeding, African Gray Parrots that pick and choose human words to fit specific situations, and more…

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Winter Bird Feeding – Rare Bird Update and Some Useful Products

findiviglio — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:03:52 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Winter brings with it unique bird-watching opportunities, as cold weather forces otherwise-shy species to visit feeders in search of food. Rare visitors driven south by severe weather and others blown off course during migration also brighten birders’ days. Today I’d like to alert you to several new (and standard) bird feeding products, and highlight some ways to see the unusual avian visitors to your neighborhood.

Birding Surprises

Wherever you are located, winter birding is an exciting prospect. Often, unexpected birds tend to stay put for quite awhile, due to disorientation and the need to remain near a newfound food source. Checking with the many on-line and telephone services (yes, phone-based reports still exist, check here!) is a great way to remain aware of what’s going on nearby; if luck is with you, you can then go out and see the bird that has been reported.

Local birders in and around NYC have already posted sightings of Snowy Owls, Nashville Warblers, Lincoln’s Sparrows and Winter Wrens. In Los Angeles, recent notable visitors include Eurasian Widgeons, Short-Eared Owls and Mountain Bluebirds. Regularly checking the North American Rare Bird Alert or your local Audubon Society chapter will keep you informed about both unusual and regular avian visitors.

Winter Bird and Wildlife Feeders

Winter drives squirrels to even greater food-stealing efforts than usual. The Bird Buffet Squirrel Proof Feeder and similar models will help to thwart them. If squirrels, raccoons, opossums, cats or other animals become a serious problem around your feeders, you may wish to consider a humane live trap (please write in for advice if you are not experienced in animal trapping).

Some folks, myself included, enjoy watching the antics of Red, Gray and Flying Squirrels. The Combo Squirrel Feeder can be set to serve either or both furry and feathered visitors.

Suet Feeders should always be available to provide high protein foods to Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Creepers and other insect specialists.

Winter Foods

While most any appropriate food will be useful, certain items are especially suitable for harsh weather, when energy needs and other factors influence both people and wildlife.

No Mess Patio Mix contains hulled seeds; ideal for severe weather when it is difficult to clean up around feeders, or anytime you are not physically able to do so (and you’re not paying for shells, only seeds!).

Peanuts, cracked corn and Squirrel Logs are ideal for those who wish to feed squirrels, chipmunks, deer and other mammals. Many birds, including Bobwhite and California Quails and various doves, also relish cracked corn. Peanuts will attract Blue Jays, Monk Parrots and numerous others.

Wild Delight Food Blocks are available in a variety of mixes that are specifically formulated for finches, woodpeckers and general use. Protein and energy-rich Suet Bars and the newer Suet Pellets are important winter standards for woodpeckers, chickadees and many others.

Quails, Doves, Pheasants and other ground-feeding birds are especially at risk following heavy snows. Birdlover’s Quail, Dove and Pigeon Mix spread about on a cleared patch of ground will help them to get by.

Nuthatches, Thrashes, Woodpeckers and many other birds continue to feed upon hibernating insects, and their eggs and pupa, throughout the winter. Freeze-dried mealworms will be greatly appreciated by both insectivorous and omnivorous birds.

Extras and Fun Items

The simple wooden Audubon Bird Call that we currently carry is the exact same model I used over 40 years ago! While I can’t say I ever accurately mimicked any bird, the sounds I created caused just about every species to stop and look around, allowing me a better view without scaring them away. I even used it while working at the Bronx Zoo, in order to attract the attention of meerkats, bald eagles, flying squirrels and all sorts of other creatures…a unique item that should be useful to photographers as well.

A supply of open water is a very important but often over-looked winter necessity. A Birdbath De-Icer will simplify the task of providing water when temperatures drop below freezing.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.

Blue-Throated Macaws Cling to Survival in a Single Bolivian Reserve

findiviglio — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:59:21 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Parrot conservation news has been somewhat dismal lately (please see here for some examples), so today I’d like to highlight a bright spot. Surveys have shown that Bolivia’s Barba Azul Reserve supports a breeding population of Blue-Throated Macaws (Ara glaucogularis), a species so rare that it was believed extinct until its “re-discovery” in 1992. Maned Wolves, Orinoco Geese, Bush Dogs, Pampas Deer and other rare animals are also making themselves at home in the reserve’s 12,300 acres.

Wildlife Oasis amid Ranches

Managed by the World Land Trust, Barba Azul Reserve is comprised of tropical savannas, “forest islands” and marshes. I had the good fortune to work in a similar area inVenezuela, and can attest to the incredible diversity of wildlife that such habitats support. As was true for protected areas in Venezuela, Barba Azul is surrounded by huge cattle ranches.

While ranch owners often protect wildlife (I and colleagues marked over 500 Green Anacondas on a single ranch inVenezuela!), water management practices and fires lit to burn off dead grass threaten the animals that congregate in nearby reserves. At Bara Azul, extensive firebreaks have been constructed to protect the area.

One of the World’s Rarest Parrots

Clad in brilliant turquoise and yellow, the huge Blue-Throated Macaw is found only in northern Bolivia. Believed extinct until 1992, it is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and listed on CITES Appendix I.

Up to 110 individuals occupy or use Barba Azul Reserve, the only such concentration known to exist. At least 7 pairs are raising chicks. Outside of the reserve, Blue-Throated Macaw sightings are limited to pairs or single birds that occupy cattle ranches separated from one another by hundreds of miles. In such circumstances, viable breeding populations will not likely become established.

Other Notable Reserve Residents

A number of other creatures that are uncommon in the surrounding area, including Giant Anteaters and Marsh Deer, have established themselves at Barba Azul reserve. The presence of a wide variety of predators, including Maned Wolves, Jaguar, Jaguarundi, Bush Dogs (see photo) and Puma indicates that a complex, functioning ecosystem is in place.

This bodes well for the Blue-Throated Macaw’s future, although species that survive in one location only are considered to be extinction-prone. Other rare birds that have been documented breeding within the reserve include Orinoco Geese, Black-Masked Finches and Short-Tailed Tyrants.

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

Is a Macaw the Right Pet for You – a Species-by-Species Review

findiviglio — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:23:15 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Many parrot enthusiasts view macaws as the ultimate avian pets. Huge, personable, gorgeous and enormously intelligent, macaws seem to embody all that is desirable in a pet parrot. However, macaw ownership is not to be undertaken lightly…while the rewards are great, there are many responsibilities and “downsides” to consider as well.

General Considerations

If you’ve ever been surprised by the volume of noise a budgie or lovebird can generate, consider what their massive relatives can do! Macaw vocalizations must be heard to be believed. I’ve observed Scarlet Macaws and others on Venezuela’s wide open grasslands, and have worked with them in huge zoo exhibits – even in these habitats, their calls were often deafening. Highly social, it is in their nature to vocalize almost continually.

Innate sociability drives macaws to bond with people, but many owners underestimate what this means. An hour or 2 spent with your bird before and after work is rarely enough to meet its needs. Wild macaws are never out of contact with mates and flock members for long…pets, especially those housed alone, demand more attention than most owners can provide. And even with a great deal of close contact, the relationship can be rocky. While macaws can be among the sweetest of all pets, most have very strong personalities and will test you on a regular basis. Large, powerful beaks and brains render them as birds to be taken seriously.

All parrots, even the tiniest, need lots of space. This fact of parrot life takes on greater importance when your pet is a 30-40 inch long, highly active macaw. Close confinement is torturous for macaws, and will lead to a host of often irreversible problems.

The aforementioned points apply to all macaws. Following is some information that is specific to individual species. Please bear in mind that while a species may exhibit certain tendencies, individual personalities will vary, and a bird’s past history will greatly affect its potential as a pet. As with all animals, certain individuals will appear to break all of their “species’ rules”.

Big and Beautiful, but…

The spectacularly beautiful Scarlet Macaw is among the world’s most recognizable birds. However, as regards pet potential, its beauty is often “skin deep”. Scarlet Macaws are strong-willed and quick to take offense. This, coupled with their natural tendency to communicate physically, i.e. by nips and bites, renders them as birds best left to well-experienced keepers.

Other species sharing the Scarlet’s characteristics are the Military, Severe and Buffon’s Macaws.

Ideal Large Macaw

The Green-Winged (Red and Green) Macaw is an excellent “alternative” to the Scarlet. Among the largest of its family, the Green Wing looks a lot like the Scarlet Macaw, but is, in general, a much calmer bird. Most individuals have very steady personalities, and many develop impressive vocabularies.

The Blue and Gold Macaw has been a favorite of mine ever since I cared for a group of youngsters at a bird importer’s facility many years ago. My boisterous little gang acted like a bunch of puppies, even rolling on their backs and “pawing” the air. In time, I learned that many keepers considered Blue and Golds to be among the most intelligent and playful of all macaws. They are loud, but almost always mild-mannered, and very “forgiving” of typical first-timer mistakes.

The Blue-Throated Macaw puts one in mind of a scaled down Blue and Gold, and is also a good choice for those new to macaw keeping.

The huge Hyacinth Macaw, largest of all, often makes a fine pet and mimics words quite well. At once imposing and beautiful, Hyacinths demand a great deal of attention but are usually very gentle to those with whom they bond.

Mini Macaws…a Wonderful “Compromise”

At 10-11 inches in length, Hahn’s Macaw is the world’s smallest. However, along with the slightly larger Noble Macaw, it is a true macaw in every sense of the word. If you’re looking for a giant parrot in a small package, either will fit the bill. Both are sociable, playful and, like most macaws, a bit loud. The Noble is often steadier in personality than the Hahn’s, and less likely to bite when disturbed.

The Yellow-Collared Macaw is small by macaw standards, but requires a calm, knowledgeable owner who can control its free-wheeling temperament.

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

Illegal Drug Pushes India’s Vultures to the Brink of Extinction

findiviglio — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:07:07 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Vulture welfare tends not to arouse much concern, even from bird enthusiasts. However, several species are now at the center of a growing extinction crisis in south Asia. The story illustrates just how complicated things can become when the needs of livestock, people and wildlife collide, and why we must look below the surface when we consider the conservation of any bird or other animal.

A Double-Edged Sword

Diclofenac, a drug used to treat both people and livestock, is at the heart of the troubles afflicting India’s vultures. Dead cattle and water buffalos, many of which have been medicated with Diclofenac, are a major source of food for at least 3 species of Indian vultures.

Diclofenac is fatal to vultures when consumed, and has been identified as the major reason behind the steep decline in their numbers in India. In the 1980’s, the White Rumped Vulture was considered to be the world’s most abundant large bird of prey. It has now declined by a staggering 99.9%! Populations of Indian and Slender-Billed Vultures are now at 3% of their 1990 levels.

Pharmacies Flout the Law

In 2006, India banned the use of Diclofenac as a livestock medication; it remains legal to prescribe to people (it is also regulated in Pakistan and Nepal). Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to rely upon Meloxican, which is harmless to vultures.

However, a recent survey of 250 pharmacies in 11 Indian states revealed that over 1/3 were still dispensing Diclofenac to cattle ranchers. In many cases, the drug was labeled as a human medicine, but the quantities dispensed, and their destination, left no doubt as to its intended use. Ketoprofen, also deadly to vultures, may still be legally purchased as a livestock medication. Several other products that are believed to cause vulture fatalities have not been fully investigated and remain on the market.

Vultures Also Benefit Human Health

Human health considerations complicate vulture conservation in India. Obviously, an outright ban on suspect medications would not be reasonable if alternatives did not exist, or if people could not afford the replacements. On the other hand, in many Indian cities and rural areas, vultures directly assist human health by consuming carcasses and other refuse.

The importance of scavengers (and decomposers) cannot be over-estimated. While their role is more noticeable in rural and ranching areas, they are at work everywhere. Consider how many birds, mice, insects and other creatures die each day in your own city or town…how many do you see? I’ve observed vultures at work on cattle ranches in South America, and have looked into what happens to the millions of house mice that die each month at the Bronx Zoo, and can assure you that the world would be a very different – and unhealthier – place without our scavenging allies.

Captive Breeding Efforts

On a brighter note, 3 vulture breeding centers in India have had a banner chick production year. Managed by Birdlife International, the Bombay Natural History Society and other groups, the “Save Asia’s Vultures from Extinction Initiative” also operates facilities in Nepal and Pakistan, and hopes to reintroduce birds back to the wild when the threats posed by livestock drugs have been resolved.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Mate Aggression in Parrots – Why Parrots Fight with their Partners

findiviglio — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:27:16 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In the wild, the pair-bond between mated parrots often lasts a lifetime. Captive pairs, however, face unique “relationship challenges” that often complicate the mating process. Owners may find it difficult to find two birds that get along, and even long-established pairs may suddenly begin to fight.

Mate Choice

Parrot breeding is rarely as simple as putting 2 birds of the opposite sex together…both males and females can be quite choosy when it comes to selecting a mate. Coloration, behavior, vigor and a host of factors that we do not fully understand all come into play, with the ultimate goal being the production healthy offspring. The process has evolved over millions of years, and works fine in natural situations, where the birds can choose from numerous potential mates.

Captives face an entirely different situation. Even in large breeding groups, they are limited to a fraction of the potential mates that would be available in the wild. Being naturally social, many parrots “give in” and accept whatever mate, or same sex friend, presents itself; parrots that live alone often transfer their need for companionship to human owners.

Imprinting

Owner-bonded birds, especially those that have been hand-raised, often reject mates. One Great Horned Owl that I reared courted me by attempting to stuff mice in my mouth, but attacked or retreated from others of his kind. In many cases, such birds must be kept alone.

Age and Hormone Levels

Differences in age and fluctuating hormone levels can affect pair formation. Older birds, especially if they have lived alone for a time, may be ready to mate before their partners are sexually mature.

Recently-acquired birds will need time to adjust to their new homes. If they are placed into another’s cage, the original bird may seek to bond or mate too quickly. Either may then attack the other.

In natural situations, the hormone levels of mature males and females are in sync, so that both will be ready to mate at the same time. Pets are not often exposed to normal day/night cycles, weather patterns, air pressure changes and other conditions that affect breeding readiness (remember, these factors have molded parrot evolution for millions of years). While captives will survive unnatural conditions, their hormone production can be affected. Therefore, one parrot’s hormones may be stimulating it to reproduce, while its mate is being signaled to avoid reproductive behavior.

Close Confinement

In addition to parrots, I have worked with many other animals that are known to form strong pair bonds or mate for life – cranes, swans, wolves, certain lizards and fishes and even some invertebrates, such as arrow crabs. In just about every situation, the very fact of confinement has led to “domestic disturbances”.

Wild parrots are occupied with the business of surviving for most of their waking hours, and usually are also interacting with others of their kind in addition to their mates. In captivity, their needs for food and shelter are usually met with little or no effort, leaving much idle time. For highly intelligent, active creatures such as parrots, this often translates into self-destructive behaviors and mate aggression (I’ll leave you to draw your own “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop” human parallels!).

What to Look For

Outright aggression is easy to spot, but there can be less obvious signs that all is not well between parrot pairs. A dominant bird’s presence alone can be enough to intimidate its mate, even without physical attacks. Subordinate birds may not have a chance to feed properly, and often appear either nervous or listless. In addition to nutritional problems, the stress of being caged with an aggressor weakens the immune system and will lead to illness and disease.

While males are often the guilty parties when it comes to mate aggression, females can be just as bad. This is especially true where the female is older than the male or has a more dominant personality, and among Eclectus Parrots, where females seem to be the “stronger” sex.

What to Do

Removing the dominant pair member for awhile is useful (and necessary if the other bird is stressed). This may allow the other to mature, or to settle in if it is a new arrival. Do not remove the subordinate animal as it is useful for it accept the cage as its territory. This may give the bird an edge when the dominant individual is returned. Make all introductions slowly…start by putting the two cages near each other and watch your pets’ reactions.

In cases of minor aggression, try reducing boredom by adding variety to the cage’s furnishings, toys, out-of-cage time and so on. In outdoor aviaries, live plants and branches can be used as sight barriers and to allow each bird some privacy.

Please check out my posts on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/findiviglio and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000972624553. 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.

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Bronze-Winged Parrot

findiviglio — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:41:13 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Also known as the Bronze-Winged Pionus, Pionus chalcopterus, this delightful little bird has been somewhat ignored by US parrot keepers until recently. However, it has many fine pet qualities and boasts a beautiful “color scheme” that is not common among its relatives.

Description

The 11-inch-long Bronze-Wing’s beauty lies not in bright, “screaming” plumage but rather in a subtle blend of colors. It may at first appear somewhat dull, but closer inspection will reveal that the body plumage is dark purple to navy blue, and overlain with a bronze tint…quite attractive and ever-changing with light levels. The pink eye ring and pink-edged head feathers add to its unique appearance, and red coverlets decorate the tail.

Natural History

The Bronze-Winged Parrot’s range lies in a narrow band that extends from northwestern Venezuela (where I once unsuccessfully searched for it) through Columbia and Ecuador to northwestern Peru. It is mainly found in wet, mountainous forests, and has been observed at over 9,000 feet above sea level (please see photo). Lowland forests and cleared areas are sometimes utilized as well.

Not much is known about the Bronze-Wing’s life in the wild, as it usually forages high in the forest canopy and is therefore difficult to study. Fruit, especially various figs, is believed to comprise the bulk of the diet. Outside of the breeding season, it forms small groups and large flocks.

Bronze-Winged Parrots as Pets

Bronze-Wings are usually described as “gentle but easily excited”. My own experience is in line with this, and I recommend them for owners with a gentle touch and calm household.

Despite their reputation as “sensitive” parrots, Bronze-Wings have great pet potential, and may reach age 30-40. In the right situation, they remain quite calm and are easily tamed. Once accustomed to their owners, Bronze-Wings enjoy close contact and many become quite playful. Some owners report that males have a tendency to bond closely with one person, and to be aggressive to others.

They are rather quiet as parrots go, although their high-pitched voices are sometimes hard to take. Although not known for extensive vocabularies, many will learn a few words. Like other Pionus parrots, Bronze-Wings will wheeze when stressed, often leading owners to suspect a respiratory infection.

Housing

Although not very large, Bronze-Winged Parrots are quite active and seem especially prone to stress-related disorders when kept in small enclosures. Large cages or aviaries are ideal, and daily out-of-the cage time is essential. Pairs that are closely confined may over-preen one another to the point of severe feather loss.

Some owners report that Bronze-Wings chew and bathe more than most parrots; I have not noticed a significant difference between them and other Pionus parrots in these regards.

Diet

Fruit and greens figure highly in the natural diet of Bronze-Winged Parrots. Perhaps because they are often fed an over-abundance of seeds and nuts, pets have a tendency to become obese.

Provide your Bronze-Wings with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, and be sure to search out “exotic” varieties if these are not available from your usual store. Pomegranate, prickly pear fruit, apples, kiwi, carrots, peas, corn, dandelion, kale and many other types of produce will be readily accepted (introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset).

The balance of the diet should be comprised of a good small parrot seed mix. Avoid diets formulated for larger species, and be sure to sprout a variety of seeds for them as well (please see article below).

Breeding

Breeding is best attempted in large aviaries. Bronze-Wing clutches average 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for 24-27 days. Only the female incubates, but the male often sits beside her in the nest hollow – the mothers among my readers must, I’m sure, wonder just how “useful” this is!

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio