That Bird Blog

Green-Cheeked Conures – Captive Care and Natural History

findiviglio — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:35:45 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The decision to purchase or adopt a parrot requires careful consideration. For all their wonderful qualities, these intelligent, social birds are very demanding of one’s time and finances, and not suited to all homes. One species, however, stands out as an “almost” safe bet. The Green-Cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae) adapts well to many different situations, and is less likely to display the behaviors that frustrate so many parrot owners. Although not trouble-free, it may well be the best choice for many parrot enthusiasts.

Pet Qualities

The word “fun” invariably arises when Green-Cheeked Conure owners speak about their pets. Even by parrot standards, they are curious and playful. Their affectionate nature and willingness to be coddled is often compared to that of a well-socialized cockatoo. These qualities, along with their small size, have skyrocketed Green-Cheeks into prominence in the pet trade. When I first began working for NYC bird importers in the 1970’s, they were unknown, and were uncommon as recently as 20 years ago.

Despite being a mere 10 inches in length, Green-Cheeks are surprisingly bold. Yet while they will defend themselves, most are good-natured if handled properly. Many enjoy “wresting” with their owners, pets such as rabbits, and even “bird-safe” dogs. Their demeanor suits them well to active, noisy households. They definitely take and interest in nearby hustle and bustle; several kept at large in a friend’s store act more like staff than birds, no matter how crowded it gets!

Although Green-Cheeked Conures do not have a reputation as talented mimics, many do learn to speak reasonably well, and even to use words in context (i.e. “Hi, I’m hungry!” when owner appears). Like all conures, their voices are harsh, but definitely on the “soft” side (by parrot standards!), and they tend not to develop screaming problems.

Other Considerations

Green-Cheeked Conures are highly social, and need companionship and interaction with other birds or people. An hour or so of contact each day is not sufficient. A pair will keep one-another occupied…considering their small size, this may be an ideal option for those with busy schedules.

Color Phases

Maroon, blue, gray and green all appear in the Green-Cheek’s plumage. Given the small natural range, there is a surprising degree of variation among the 6 described subspecies. Some ornithologists believe that their taxonomy needs revision, and that new species may be named in time. The Yellow-sided Conure, formerly classified as a distinct species, is now considered to be a color variation of the Green Cheek.

Fanciful names such as “Sun Cheek”, “Turquoise” and “Pineapple” describe the beautiful color morphs have been developed. Please see the article below for photos of each.

Range and Habitat

The Green-Cheeked Conure is limited in distribution to the Mato Grosso region of Brazil, northwestern Argentina and northeastern Bolivia. It generally stays within or near forested habitats.

Natural History

Despite its popularity in the pet trade, the Green Cheeked Conure has not been well-studied in the wild. A 2007 study, one of the few that focused solely on this species, indicated that a flexible feeding strategy allowed it to survive in diverse, harsh habitats (Braz. J of Biology, 2007 67(2):243-9).

In regions where some trees retained their leaves throughout the dry season, resident conures fed upon the flowers, seeds, fruit and/or arils (tasty structures designed to lure parrots and other seed-dispersers) of 16 tree species. Figs comprised 70% of the diets of Green-Cheeks dwelling in forests in which other dry-season foods were lacking. Please see the article below for further information.

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

Red-Billed Quelea – Captive Care of the World’s Most Numerous Bird

findiviglio — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:43:02 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Although attracting less attention than European Starlings and other common birds, Red-Billed Queleas (Quelea quelea) outnumber them all. Yet despite being dubbed the “Locust Bird” for its habit of moving in flocks containing millions of individuals, this attractive African weaver is surprisingly difficult to breed in captivity.

Description

Population size is not the Red-Billed Quelea’s sole unique characteristic. It is also the only bird in which males exhibit highly variable color patterns that are not designed to advertise their value as mates. In all other colorful, sexually-dimorphic species (those where males and females differ in appearance), color is used to express desirability to females (please see this Gouldian Finch article).

Some male Red-Billed Queleas vary so much from others that they appear to be of different species. The black or white facial mask is surrounded by feathers that may be colored red, orange, pink or various shades of each; the breast is often splashed with similar colors. Please see the article below for photos of several males…the effect of all this variation in a huge flock must be spectacular!

Ornithologists theorize that this characteristic may aid in individual recognition, but studies have not been conclusive; please see the article below for details.

Natural History

Queleas are classified the Family Ploceidae, which contains 4 sub-families - the True Weavers (Queleas), Buffalo Weavers, Parasitic Whydahs and Sparrows. Weavers are the avian world’s most accomplished nest-builders. Largely confined to Africa, weavers use complex knots to create enclosed nests that can only be entered from below. Positioned at the tips of tree branches, these unique nests discourage many predators.

The total Red-Billed Quelea population may approach 10 billion, with some flocks taking 5 hours to pass a single point! Amazingly, these huge aggregations move in a highly-synchronized fashion. Slow motion photography has revealed that the flock feeds in a rolling motion, and in doing so can deplete an area of seeds in short order (the video below pictures the largest gathering of birds ever caught on film).

Queleas prefer wild to cultivated plants, but are still considered to Africa’s leading grain-crop pest. The highly mobile flocks are tracked by agricultural authorities in South Africa and other countries.

Range

The Red-Billed Quelea is found throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, but is absent from heavily-forested and extremely arid regions. They are common in several popular wildlife reserves, including Kruger, Amboseli and Selous.

Habitat

Queleas roam widely in search of grass seeds, their primary food, and also remain within flying distance of a water source. They may be found in savannas, thorn scrub, agricultural areas and wooded and marshy grasslands.

Captive Housing

Queleas are always on the move, and, being extremely gregarious, are not at ease unless kept in groups. Consequently, despite being a mere 5 inches in length, they are best suited to life in outdoor aviaries or indoor bird rooms.

Pampas and other stout grasses and shrubs planted in their aviary will make them feel at home and provide foraging opportunities. Those originating in the southern part of the range (3 subspecies have been identified) adapt well to cool temperatures, but they need shelter from damp and drafty conditions.

Diet

A high quality finch seed mix should form the basis of their diet.

Small crickets, mealworms, waxworms and canned and wild-caught insects should be offered year-round, and are a must for pairs with chicks. In outdoor aviaries, live plants can be used to attract caterpillars, grasshoppers and other tasty treats.

Fresh sprouts and egg food should also be a regular part of your Queleas’ diet.

Breeding

Weavers construct the most elaborately-woven nests of any bird…watching the construction process was one of the great delights of my time working with birds at the Bronx Zoo. Like most of their relatives, Queleas will use only long blades of green grass as a nesting material. Furthermore, they much prefer stripping these from living plants over picking them off the floor. Taveta Golden Weavers, Red Bishops and others I have kept exploded into action when I placed freshly-dug clumps of beach grass before them, but disdained grass clippings.

Red-Billed Quelea pairs seem to exhibit mate fidelity (although I imagine it’s difficult for researchers – and perhaps the birds themselves – to keep track when 6,000 pairs are utilizing a single nesting tree!). They are stimulated to breed by rain, but also apparently need the company of others if they are to reproduce successfully.

Many other birds also refuse to reproduce unless surrounded by similarly-minded cohorts, a fact that has long thwarted captive breeding efforts. Some, such as the spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock, are known as “lek-breeders”…several males display together before a female. Spruce Grouse and others battle before waiting females to establish mating rights. Others, such as Queleas and flamingos, seem not to compete, yet will not breed in pairs or, sometimes, even small groups. I recall West Indian and Chilean Flamingos as being especially “fussy” during the breeding season. Even though I kept them in good-sixed flocks, I and my co-workers had to construct numerous mud nests before they “gave in” and began nesting themselves!

Unfortunately, aviculturists seem not to have hit on the right formula to induce regular breeding in the Red-Billed Quelea…ironic for a species whose flocks are often mistaken for smoke from massive grass fires!

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

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

Barbets – Stunning, Unique Aviary Birds for Experienced Keepers

findiviglio — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:52:59 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Barbets combine gorgeous coloration and a unique body plan. Related to woodpeckers and toucans, barbets somehow bring both to mind. I’ve always enjoyed working with them, although a “barbet incident” gave me quite a scare early-on in my career…

“Frank, your barbet is on my fence.”

Some 3 decades ago, while still a novice bird keeper at the Bronx Zoo, I was working in a huge, densely-planted exhibit that housed a pair of Fire-Tufted Barbets (Psilopogon pyrolophus) and other Asian birds. My supervisor rushed in to say that one of my barbets was perched on a fence outside the zoo director’s kitchen window (he lived on the grounds). The director, an internationally-known ornithologist, was rumored to question the curators more closely about the death of “little brown birds” than giraffes. Unlike most exhibits, that housing the barbets did not have a double door, and I had often worried about escapes. So, I thought, there goes my dream job….

The barbets took an eternity to find, but they were in the exhibit. Other keepers had been dispatched to the director’s house, but the bird flew off before they arrived. The director was not known for practical jokes or drinking to excess, so I do believe that he saw a Fire-Tufted Barbet (even though they are not often kept as pets here …).

Description

Large heads, short tails, stocky builds and thick beaks surrounded by bristles at the base have led some to describe barbets as “odd” or even “clumsy-looking”. I prefer “unique”, and in any event the brilliant colors of most make up for any lack of “grace” in their body-plans. The Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus), for example, exhibits light and dark blue, black, yellow, copper and bright red in its plumage.

The world’s 75-85 barbet species are classified in the order Piciformes, along with toucans (their closest relatives), honey guides and woodpeckers.

Range and Habitat

Barbets reach their greatest diversity in Africa, where 42 species (Family Lybiidae) have been described. Twenty six species, belonging to the Family Magalaimidae, are found in Asia. Most of the 14 species dwelling in Central and South America (Family Capitonide) are fantastically colored. The Toucan Barbets, (Family Semnornithidae) are also native to Latin America; 2 species have been described.

Most barbets are birds of forest interiors although some, such as the Coppersmith Barbet, inhabit city parks and gardens. The call of this 6-inch-long Asian native sounds like a hammer striking metal. The Coppersmith Barbet’s habit of issuing the call 80-100 times per minute, during the hottest part of the day, has earned it the nickname “Brain Fever Bird” (see video below). Elsewhere, various birds are given similar names…I must say that one dove species did annoy me during afternoons spent working in the hot Venezuelan sun!

Barbets in Captivity

Barbets require a large, well-planted aviary, and are sensitive to cold temperatures and damp conditions. Males may attack non-receptive females, and even larger birds of other species may not be safe. They are best kept alone or in pairs, although I had no problems housing Fire-Tufted Barbets with jay thrushes, bulbuls and Argus Pheasants.

Many individuals become quite bold in time, and will approach closely when offered favored treats.

All barbets are cavity nesters, with most utilizing tree hollows. Those that nest within termite mounds or underground are said to be capable of burrowing out of an aviary – not a capability one usually associates with birds!

Bearded, Gilded, Double-Toothed, White-Headed, Crested, Yellow, D’Arnaud’s and several other species are kept in the USA; please write in for specific information.

Feeding

Although typically thought of as fruit-eaters, many barbets are skillful hunters and nest-raiders as well. I’ve observed them capture anoles, spiders and other animals that were established in their exhibits. Understanding the natural history of the barbets you keep is essential if you are to succeed.

Most fare well on a diet comprised of a wide variety of fruits, berries, figs and dates. The fruit should be coated with a mixture of Insectivorous Bird Food, Softbill Select and Egg Food. Hard boiled egg and some cooked ground beef should be offered regularly.

Crickets, mealworms and other invertebrates are essential to the health of many species, and are indispensible for pairs with chicks; many also relish chopped pink mice. I maintain insect traps, such as the Zoo Med Bug Napper, to help meet the needs of the insectivorous birds under my care. Canned Invertebrates are a convenient means of adding variety to barbet diets.

Water for bathing is a must. Food sometimes collects among the bristles at the base of the bill and must be manually removed. Be careful when doing so, as barbets are capable of inflicting serious wounds with their powerful bills.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

How Pink Pigeons Saved me from Life as a Lawyer

findiviglio — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:51:37 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. First, I should explain the odd title. I grew up near the Bronx Zoo and dreamed of a career there since early childhood. Early on, however, responsibilities made it impossible for me to consider zoo work, a notoriously low-paying field. By the early 1980’s, however, things changed and I was volunteering at the Bronx Zoo and doing everything else I could think of to break into the field. But I was a lawyer at the time, and, despite years of experience with well-known animal importers and bird breeders, the zoo’s management did not believe I seriously intended to abandon such a lucrative profession. Then the Pink Pigeons came to the rescue…

“Thanks, Pigeons”

After a year of failed attempts, I managed to land an interview for a position as bird keeper. As the curator and I walked and talked, I caught sight of a group of unusual birds, and stepped closer. I thought they might be Pink Pigeons, Nesoenas mayeri. I was shocked, as there were but 12 individuals left in the wild at the time, and captive breeding efforts had only just begun.

The curator was surprised that I knew anything at all about the relatively unstudied birds. As luck would have it, I was smack in the middle of Gerard Durrell’s wonderful Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons, and so their plight was fresh in my mind. It also turned out that these rarities were the curator’s “pet project”. There were many highly-qualified candidates for the job, but in that moment, she made her decision and my life took on a new and fortunate course.

Breeding Pink Pigeons at the Bronx Zoo

One of my first rotations in the Department of Ornithology involved the breeding of Pink Pigeons and Birds of Paradise. We relied upon a technique known as “double-clutching” to bolster our Pink Pigeon population. The first eggs produced by each female were removed, whereupon she would lay another clutch. The first clutch was then placed under the care of a female Ring-Necked Dove.

Pigeons feed their young with “pigeon milk”, a unique food generated from the lining of the crop. Dove “milk” was suitable for Pink Pigeon chicks, but how they manufactured enough of it I’ll never know. Within weeks, the Pink Pigeon chicks were twice the size of their “foster-moms”. The doves would perch on the pigeons’ backs when brooding…looking like bizarre little “bird hats”!

My work with the pigeons was fascinating, and I threw myself into it with a passion. Due largely to the efforts of legendary conservationist Gerard Durrell, Pink Pigeons are doing better these days…I like to imagine that I have aided their recovery in some small way, and perhaps “paid them back” for helping me land my dream job.

Natural History

The Pink Pigeon is found only on the island of Mauritius, which lies east of Madagascar, off the coast of southeastern Africa. By 1980, deforestation, cyclones, and introduced monkeys, mongooses, cats and rats had reduced the wild population to 12 individuals. “Pigeon Wood”, a 15 acre stand of Japanese Red Cedar Trees, comprised their entire range.

Mauritius’ best known bird is the now-extinct Dodo, but other species, many endemic, have suffered as well. Kestrel, Fody (please see photo) and Fruit Bat populations plummeted, and both native tortoises were extinct by the mid 1800’s. The island is also home to the world’s rarest Psittacine, the Echo Parakeet (please see article below).

As was his way, Gerard Durrell took up the task of saving the Pink Pigeon from certain extinction. Today, over 350 individuals live on Mauritius, and the species is well-established in captivity. The Pink Pigeon story stands as a fine and all-too-rare example of what can be accomplished, even in the direst of scenarios.

Keeping Exotic Pigeons

The Rock Dove, or “city pigeon”, has given many of its relatives a bad rap, but bird enthusiasts know that the family Columbidae contains some of the world’s most gorgeous species. From fantastically-colored fruit doves to the massive blue Victoria Crowned Pigeon, a surprising number are well-established in captivity. Please see this article for further information.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Parrot Conservation in India – Poaching Threatens most Native Species

findiviglio — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:01:24 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Parrot conservation news is usually dominated by stories covering large, popular species, such as African Greys, Black Palm Cockatoos and Amazons. While interest in these threatened birds is commendable, I also find it useful to focus my reading and writing on less well-known parrots and parrot habitats; for example, please see this article on Echo Parrot Conservation. Today I’d like to address parrot conservation concerns in India.

India’s Parrots and Parakeets

India is home to 12 parrot species, but, overshadowed by the needs of country’s tigers, rhinos and elephants, they have a hard time competing for public attention and funds. Adding to the problem, perhaps, is the popularity of the Indian Ring-Necked Parakeet, a hardy species that has established feral populations in such unlikely places as NYC. The fact that all of India’s wildlife is protected by law furthers the false sense of security.

Most Indian parrots belong to the genus Psittacula, and are collectively known as Ring-Necked Parakeets. Also native to this hub of bird biodiversity (over 1,300 avian species have been recorded) is the amazing Vernal Hanging Parakeet, Loriculus vernalis (please see this article). Most natives are poorly studied; one, the Intermediate Parakeet, has never been seen in the wild, and may be a captive-generated hybrid.

Extent of the Black Market Trade

It has been illegal to collect any native Indian bird since 1990. However, Indian poachers, more organized than those in most other countries, are proving especially difficult to stop. In fact, they seem a breed onto themselves – recently an individual was arrested while trying to kill a rhino…in a zoo!

Studies and confiscations reveal that 8 parrot species are regularly taken from the wild. Of these, the Nicobar, Long-tailed and Derbyan Parakeets are classified as Threatened or Near Threatened by the IUCN. The most widely-collected species is the Alexandrine Parakeet; please see the article below for updates on a recent seizure of Alexandrine Parakeet chicks.

As chicks aged 3-4 months dominate the trade, losses among captured birds are high. Although it is common knowledge that wild-caught adults make poor pets, they too are collected. Most of the contraband parrots are sold in Mumbai, Delhi and other large cities, while others are smuggled out of the country through Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Identification Poster Distributed

In cooperation with several other organizations, TRAFFIC India has recently produced a poster (please see image link below) depicting all of the subcontinent’s parrots. Designed to help people distinguish native, protected species from their imported relatives, the poster will be distributed to conservation, forest and railway authorities, police departments and schools.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

The Moluccan (Salmon-Crested) Cockatoo – Captive Care and Conservation

findiviglio — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:11:12 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. It’s not easy to stand-out among such spectacular birds as the cockatoos, but the Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) does so admirably. In size, color, trainability, and many other ways, it is in a class by itself. This adds to the species’ allure, but there is a downside…wild populations are plummeting, and their needs, as pets, are beyond the capabilities of many owners.

Description

At 20 inches in length, the Moluccan is the largest of the white-colored cockatoos. Females often exceed males in size, and are also distinguished by their brown, as opposed to black, eyes.

The white body feathers, infused with pink, are often described as having a “peach-colored hue”. Even by cockatoo standards, the head crest is magnificent, being very long and colored deep-pink to orange-red.

Range and Habitat

The Moluccan Cockatoo is known from only 4 small islands within the Malaccan or Spice Island chain in Indonesia. It seems now to have disappeared as a breeding bird from all except Seram Island, where only two significant populations remain.

Within its tiny range, the Moluccan Cockatoo relies upon primary (un-cut) lowland forests. Unfortunately, this habitat is disappearing rapidly due to logging activities. It sometimes appears in secondary forests, but has difficulty breeding there due to the lack of suitable nesting sites (tree cavities high above the forest floor).

Conservation

The Moluccan Cockatoo is listed on CITES Appendix I and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Habitat loss due to lumbering and dam building appears to be the greatest current threat.

In the past, populations were decimated by collection for the pet trade. Estimates place the numbers exported between 1980 and 1990 at 75,000+; in-country sales were also significant. Despite legal protections, poaching continues, and wild-caught cockatoos are sold openly in some Indonesian markets.

As is true for any species confined to a small island, storms and similar natural events can cause overnight population crashes.

Moluccan Cockatoos as Pets: Loveable, but…

Moluccans are considered by many to be among the most intelligent and responsive of all cockatoos. Pets are often described as sociable and affectionate, and may form extremely strong bonds to a single person. Professional trainers, zoo educators and others who use Moluccan Cockatoos in bird shows and demonstrations rave about their abilities to learn tricks and mimic words and sounds.

However, the needs of a large, intelligent, active bird of any species must be carefully considered by potential owners. Perhaps even more than their relatives, pet Moluccans are prone to developing severe behavioral problems if denied proper care, space and attention. Feather-plucking, screaming and stress-related illnesses are all-too common. Birds that bond to one person, or are in breeding condition, may become aggressive…and with beaks capable of cutting into young coconuts (a favorite food), they can inflict serious injuries.

A loud (even by parrot standards!), shrill call and copious powder-down production are other points to consider.

A large indoor cage or outdoor aviary, along with ample out-of-cage time, is absolutely essential to their well-being. Please write in for information on care and feeding.

A Plea to Potential Cockatoo Owners

Desirable qualities tempt many to underestimate the difficulties entailed in owning a cockatoo of any species. Please research carefully, speak with cockatoo owners and write me for advice before acquiring one of these magnificent birds.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

The African Pygmy Goose – Keeping the World’s Smallest Waterfowl

findiviglio — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:43:03 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Ducks and geese have many endearing qualities, but few private keepers have the space and flowing water required by most species. Although not common in captivity, the diminutive African Pygmy Goose, Nettapus auritus, is an ideal alternative to its larger relatives. Those I’ve cared for have been delightful, and quite hardy once established. The Indian Pygmy Goose, N. coromandelianus, offers another option; I’ll cover its care in the future.

Natural History

Averaging 12 inches in length, the African Pygmy Goose is the smallest of the world’s waterfowl. Technically a “perching duck”, its common name is derived from the stubby, goose-like bill. Others which share its un-duck-like habit of nesting in trees include the strikingly-marked Mandarin and Wood Ducks (please see the article below).

African Pygmy Geese are widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa andMadagascar. They reside in swamps, marshes, flooded savannas, sluggish rivers and similar densely-vegetated habitats (please see photo). Shy and secretive, they do not frequent open water, and fly into thick brush when disturbed.

The seeds of water lilies and other aquatic plants appear to be the Pygmy Goose’s primary food, although shoots and leaves are also taken. Those I cared for also relished small insects and shrimp.

African Pygmy Geese typically nest in tree hollows, but seem more flexible in this regard than related species. Nests have also been found in rock cavities, abandoned termite mounds, thatched roofs and within the nests of larger birds. The 6-12 tiny (1” x 1.5”) eggs are incubated for 22-24 days.

Conservation Needs

The outlook for the Pygmy Goose’s survival varies over its wide range. In some regions, dams have created the shallow, weedy waters they prefer, and numbers have increased. In other areas, the introduction of Tilapia, Nile Perch and other non-native fish has changed the local aquatic plant communities; as Pygmy Geese are highly dependant upon specific seeds for food, they abandon degraded habitats. Hunting is said to be a threat inMadagascar.

Captive Care

It wasn’t until the 1930’s that the first pair of African Pygmy Geese arrived inEngland. Their “painted toy” appearance, which still endears them to collectors, quickly aroused the interest of aviculturists. However, traditional waterfowl-keeping techniques did not work well, and it took some time to establish them in captivity. Even today, they are not common in private or public collections.

My first contact with African Pygmy Geese came while working in the Bronx Zoo’s Aquatic Bird House. Off the beaten path and receiving relatively few visitors, the building’s densely-planted exhibits were ideal for shy species and delicate rarities. In fact, many breeding and longevity records were set there…including several sandpipers and plovers that lived into their 30’s. We even housed our rare, skittish Goliath Frogs there for a time, fearing that the Reptile House crowds might be too much for them

Housing

Our Pygmy Goose Exhibit measured only about 6-8’ square, but it supported a lush growth of semi-aquatic and woodland plants, and was stocked with dead logs, rocks and other cover. Successful private breeders utilize similar designs. Size is not as important as security and cover, although large enclosures are desirable. Wild Pygmy Geese sometimes congregate in flocks outside of the mating season, but captives are usually kept in pairs; in fact, I cannot recall seeing any groups in zoos.

As these tiny beauties do not generate the volume of waste for which ducks are so famous, their enclosure need-not be supplied with constantly running water. They feed at and below the water’s surface, and are content with a pool of 8-12 inches in depth. A powerful filter will enable you to cut back on potentially-stressful chores such as draining the pond.

Diet

Commercial waterfowl pellets and small seeds (millet and others typically found in finch mixes) can form the bulk of the diet.

Aquatic plants are greatly appreciated…Duckweed is a particularly important food item, and nearly indispensible when young are being reared. It’s a simple matter to grow Duckweed in an outdoor container exposed to the sun (“too simple”, according to some pond-owners!). Chopped kale, dandelion, romaine, sprouting grass and other greens should also be offered. My Pygmy Geese readily consumed small crickets, mealworms and shrimp, but many keepers do not provide live foods.

Breeding

Captive breeding is regular but not common in the USA (please see article below). Females sometimes utilize Wood Duck nesting boxes, but seem to prefer elevated hollow logs.

The Future

With proper care, African Pygmy Geese prove to be hardy, long-lived captives that are a pure joy to keep. Due to their small size, it is easy to provide them with a somewhat naturalistic enclosure, and to observe a wide range of interesting behaviors. I hope to see more private keepers work with them in the coming years… lessons learned could well be applicable to their rarer relatives.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

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

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

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

Former Home of the Dodo

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

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

An Overlooked Species Rebounds

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

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

Introduced Parrots and other Threats

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

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

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

Disease Outbreak Sparks New Concerns

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

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

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

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