That Bird Blog

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 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

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

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Red-Headed Finch or Paradise Sparrow

findiviglio — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:59:03 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The Red-Headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala) somewhat resembles its more familiar cousin, the Cutthroat Finch, but is a bit larger and, in my opinion, even more striking in appearance. It is also a more reliable breeder than the Cutthroat and, if properly cared for, may live for over a decade. Many keepers report that their Red-Headed Finches mimic sounds, and the songs of other birds, quite well.

Description

In place of the Cutthroat Finch’s attractive splash of color (please see photo), the male has a bright red or crimson head, and his breast is beautifully marked with black-rimmed white spots. Females lack the red head and are more somberly-colored in general.

The alternate common name, Paradise Sparrow, is apt – in part due to the brilliant plumage but also because this 5 ¼ inch-long bird is stoutly built, and puts one more in mind of a sparrow than a typical finch.

Natural History

The Red-Headed Finch inhabits southern Africa, where it ranges from Angola through Zimbabwe to South Africa.

It is a bird of open thorn-scrub habitats and brushy veldts, but also frequents farms, villages and even cities. Red-Headed Finches breed colonially, utilizing abandoned weaver nests, tree cavities, and holes in building walls.

Housing

Red-Headed Finches may be kept in large finch cages or outdoor aviaries. Although they nest in colonies, only a single breeding pair should be kept in a cage. In an aviary or flight cage, multiple pairs may be housed together, but their behavior should be closely monitored for signs of aggression.

In spacious quarters, Red-Headed Finches may be kept with Java Rice Birds, Spice Finches, Button Quails and similar birds. They also get along with Cutthroat Finches, but will interbreed with them and produce fertile hybrids.

Diet

A thick, conical bill allows the Red-Headed Finch to consume a wide range of seeds. Those I’ve cared for did well on finch seed mixes that had been bolstered by a high-grade parakeet diet.

Millet sprays hung from perches will keep both you and your birds occupied and entertained for hours.

Small live insects (mealworms, waxworms, crickets), Egg Food and softbill pellets, while not essential outside of the breeding season, should be provided several times weekly; silkworms and other canned insects should be used to add variety to the diet.

Fresh sprouts, carrot tops, and small amounts of chopped kale, dandelion and other greens will round out the diet.

Increased amounts of protein-based foods and fresh produce are necessary during the breeding season, and for parents with chicks.

Grit and cuttlebone should always be available.

Breeding

In common with some other birds native to harsh habitats, Red-Headed Finches may be stimulated to breed at any time of the year if a nest box is provided. Many owners have found that they are sometimes “too willing” to attempt nesting – starting out when given a box but failing due to age, aggression, poor condition or other factors.

While these prolific birds will utilize nearly any type of box, the natural situation is to weave an elaborate, globular nest with a tunnel-like entrance way. Superior results will be achieved if they are provided with a parakeet or large finch nest box and an ample supply of dry grass and nesting hair.

Both parents incubate the 3-6 eggs for 12-13 days. They are quick to abandon the nest if disturbed, so resist the urge to check on their progress. The chicks fledge on day 21-24, and are usually sexually mature within 6 months. However, breeding should be delayed until they are at least 1 year of age.

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

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

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 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 Cape Parrot – Africa’s Rarest Psittacine Threatened by Disease

findiviglio — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The problems afflicting the African Gray Parrot have been very much in the news recently (please see video below), and some important conservation efforts have been initiated. Less well-known, however, is the desperate situation facing the Cape Parrot, Poicephalus robustus. With a wild population hovering at approximately 800 individuals, this relative of the Senegal and Meyer’s Parrot is Africa’s rarest Psittacine, and the most threatened bird in South Africa.

650 Years of Habitat Destruction

The Cape Parrot is limited in range to mountainous forests in South Africa (please see photo), a habitat that has been heavily logged for over 650 years. In addition to actual habitat loss, deforestation also limits the availability of the tree hollows. Rare even in intact forests, hollows are essential to Cape Parrot nesting success…the bird cannot adapt and utilize alternative nest sites. Cape Parrots have also been hunted as crop pests and illegally collected for the pet trade.

Disease Complicates Conservation Efforts

But it is disease that may finally finish-off this beautiful, little-studied bird. Just as an unprecedented fungal epidemic is now causing amphibian extinctions worldwide, Cape Parrots are being decimated by a disease that seems not to have been a major threat in the past.

Over the past 5 years, increasing numbers of Cape Parrots have been succumbing to Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). Long known in both wild and captive populations of many species, PBFD has never affected so many individuals, and to such a degree, as now. In one study along the southern edge of their range, 100% of the Cape Parrots sampled tested positive. Ornithologists fear that some environmental factor is worsening the disease’s effects or increasing its ability to spread.

Food May Hold Survival Key

Aided by funding from the National Geographic Society, The Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology has launched the Cape Parrot Project. The effort is distinguished by its broad scope and, I believe, should be used as a template for others.

Researchers noticed that birds undergoing treatment for PBFD quickly began to put on weight and recover when they were fed Yellowwood Tree fruit. Subsequent lab tests confirmed that Yellowwood Tree fruit contains compounds that kill a variety of microbes. Yellowwood Trees are now scarce in the Cape Parrot’s range; a lack of this formerly common food may, to some degree, account for the species’ new susceptibility to PBFD. DNA sequencing of the PBFD virus was also commenced, in order to determine if a recent mutation might be involved.

Other work is in progress. Twenty-five thousand native trees have been planted in Cape Parrot habitat, and 600 nest boxes have been erected. Local communities are paid to care for and monitor the new trees. Potentially toxic plants, introduced from the USA, Japan, Mexico and India, are being studied, and supplementary food sources have been planted. The rehabilitation of PBFD-infected parrots continues. It is hoped that a new population of disease-free Cape Parrots can be established in an area from which they disappeared over 150 years ago.

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.

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

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

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

Holiday Season Treats and Cautions for Parrot and Finch Owners

findiviglio — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:05:43 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Holiday visits and celebrations, pleasurable as they are, can also bring some nasty surprises to both people and pets. A bit of planning now can help make the upcoming season safe and enjoyable for you and your birds.

Stress, Noise and Late Nights

Responsible bird owners know that certain holiday treats and, of course, alcohol, are bad for birds. But many overlook the important role that sleep plays in bird health (please see article below). If you entertain late, or will be out often during the holidays, keep in mind that most birds need 10-12 hours of sleep in a dark, quiet environment. If necessary, move your pet’s cage to an area that is off-limits to guests, and shut the room lights via a timer if the rest of your house will be lit after the usual “lights-out” time. Maintaining a stable day/night cycle is good for your birds mental and physical health.

Holiday parties can mean a house stocked with loud, tipsy guests, excited children and unfamiliar dogs. Each of these “creatures” (especially, those influenced by alcohol!) may take liberties with your pets that they otherwise would not. If it will be difficult for you to monitor all that is going on, consider keeping your birds in a locked room while parties are in progress (or “raging”, as the case may be!).

I’ve worked with parrots that thrived in hectic surroundings, such as busy nature centers and classrooms, but these individuals were exceptions. In general, parrots regard strangers and unusual events as threats. It’s important to remember that, however tame they may be, parrots are not domesticated animals, and remain governed by instincts and behaviors that have evolved over many millions of years.

Canaries, Finches and other Birds

All birds are highly aware of their environments, even though most do not show this as obviously as do parrots. Wild finches, canaries, doves and softbills are on the menus of a wide array of predators, and they are, therefore, exceedingly cautious by nature. I’ve even had small birds die “of fright” in my hand…please keep the delicate natures of your smaller birds in mind as the holidays approach.

Un-caged Parrots

Parrots that adjust well to strangers, and which spend time out of their cages, face different risks than do their shyer cousins. Most of these threats are well-known, but they bear repeating. Shiny ornaments, unique foods, ribbons, toys and electric wires may all be dangerous to curious pets.

Also, think carefully before offering your parrot a taste of those special holiday foods that may come your way. Since they may not familiar to you, take time to read the list of ingredients. Some hold unpleasant surprises for birds (and us!), even if they “appear” healthful…there’s a lot more than just “fruit” in the typical holiday fruit cake, for example!

Bird-Friendly Treats

I’m not a complete Scrooge…there are many tasty, nutritious surprises that you can buy or make for your pet birds, and for wild ones that you may feed. Please see the article below for holiday snacks that are quite simple to prepare, and check out our line of treats for pet and wild birds.

Gifts for Bird Owners

Need a gift for the bird owners on your list? From simple “build your own bird toys” to extravagant, mansion-like cages, the options are limitless.

In my opinion, Joseph Forshaw’s classic Parrots of the World makes an unbeatable gift for parrot enthusiasts. Covering the natural history of every parrot species and subspecies, it goes way beyond what can be found in typical pet care books, and is an enjoyable read besides.

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.