That Bird Blog – Bird Care and History for Pet Birds

In the mid to late 1990’s, I had the great fortune of being able to participate in field studies of the green anaconda in Venezuela.  Working in the country’s central llanos (seasonally flooded grasslands) region, I was awestruck by the variety and abundance of bird life. 

In my mind, many sightings vie for the title of “most spectacular” – scores of hoatzins clambering about in riverside tree tops, flocks of giant jabiru storks, hundreds of scarlet ibis and roseate spoonbills flying to roost, foraging buff-napped ibis, various hawks so bold that they dived at cast fishing lures.  Undoubtedly, a chief contender among these was a small flock of scarlet macaws that frequented the area.

Memories of these brilliant birds flashing across the llanos’ strikingly blue sky remain as vivid today as when I saw them.  I was a bit surprised to encounter these huge parrots in such open country, but have since learned that they quite readily switch habitats to those where they can live unmolested by people.  The enlightened owners of most of the llanos’ extensive cattle ranches jealously guard resident wildlife, resulting in a simply overwhelming array of animals of all kinds (I was also shocked to encounter anacondas, a snake more often associated with forested rivers, but in 5 years we captured and tagged over 500 of the huge serpents).

In accordance with the reports of others, I found that scarlet macaw pairs were very evident within the flock itself.  Indeed, paired birds flew so that their wings were almost in contact, and foraged next to each other most of the time.  I agree most strongly with those who have compared scarlet macaws feeding in trees to “giant, gaudy flowers”!  One observes wild macaws only briefly before their sociability and need for contact becomes clear – it surely was a “take home” message for this aviculturist.

The scarlet macaw’s ability to adjust to varying habitats – open and fairly thick forest, scrubland, llanos, ranches and farms – along with its intelligence, are keys to its continued survival in the wild.  Still, as far back as 1932, it was found to be rare in settled areas of Guatemala and elsewhere, and by the 1960’s had retreated to small, isolated habitat patches in Costa Rica, Panama, el Salvador, Honduras, Guyana and much of the rest of its range.

A friend involved in field research in Guyana reports seeing mixed flocks of scarlet and blue and gold macaws (Ara ararauna) – one reason I’m planning a visit soon!

Venezuela’s llanos region, especially during the dry season, is a “must see” for serious birders – please write in if you would like further information.  Thanks, until next time, Frank.

The ranch on which I worked is named Hato el Cedral.  You can view a list of the 335 bird species recorded here, as well as other information, at:

http://www.xeno-canto.org/specieslistsGPS.php?x=-69&y=7&view=1

Welcome to the new home of That Avian Blog!

Certain of North America’s birds, such as cardinals, indigo buntings and bobwhite quail, feature prominently in European aviculture but are prohibited by law to bird keepers in the USA.  Licensed wildlife rehabilitators may, however, care for injured birds in certain circumstances (the birds must be released once recovered or turned over to a suitable facility if release proves inadvisable).

 Those seeking experience with native species should consider training as a wildlife rehabilitator.  Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so check with your local Department of Environmental Conservation, or corresponding state agency, for details.

 Some of my most memorable bird-keeping experiences arose in conjunction with 30+ years of caring for injured wild birds.  Most recently, I raised an American kestrel, Falco sparverius (“sparrow hawk” to old timers such as myself).  This tiny falcon, arguably the world’s most colorful, has made an amazing comeback in urban areas throughout the USA.  I know of a nest in the heart of NYC’s noisy East Village neighborhood, and have received individuals recovered from midtown Manhattan, the south Bronx and central Brooklyn.  In contrast to most falcons, the kestrel feeds largely upon insects – in NYC it favors cicadas in late summer, but I have yet to discover what forms the bulk of the diet at other times.

 The bird I raised recently proved unable to fly adequately due to his injuries, and is now a quite favored addition to the collection of a well-run nature center.

 I’ll write about my bird-rehabilitation experiences from time to time.  Meanwhile, please share your own thoughts and questions.  Thanks, until next time, Frank.

 Information concerning wildlife rehabilitators and rehabilitation centers, as well as other useful links, is posted at:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm

Cooperative Behavior
The monk parrot’s ability to survive in noisy, threatening habitats near people is partially explained by its complex social behaviors. Birds delay breeding in order to help relatives raise young, and non-breeding adults alert others to danger and locate new food sources. Rather than disperse after fledging, most of the young stay with the natal flock and add their own chambers to the nest, thus becoming “helpers” and future breeders. As with other species of birds (i.e. scrub jays) that cooperate in this manner, the presence of older individuals who are familiar with local predators and other dangers and food sources greatly increases the younger birds’ chances of survival.

Sentinels
More so than most parrots, monks routinely post sentinels when feeding. On several occasions, I followed free-living monk parrots to feeding areas and never failed to see the guards, and they never failed to warn the flock of my presence. I was even able to observe the sentinel being “relieved” – a bird that had been feeding flew up to the sentinel’s branch, there was a most definite “conversation” between them, and then the original sentinel flew to the ground to feed. I was not able to determine if this is the species’ usual behavior, but I did see it on two occasions.

The Winter Diet
Monk parrots feed mainly upon grain, along with some fruits, tree buds and insects, but are remarkably adaptable as regards diet. This characteristic has also helped them to adapt to new environments. They are known to frequent bird feeders during the winter, and in rural areas they raid grain put out for farm animals. I have observed those living on the grounds of the Bronx Zoo to enter the paddocks of deer and cattle in search of grain, and to consume pellets put out for peafowl. They are also known to turn to pine cones for food in winter, and on farms have been observed consuming yams unearthed by plows.

Success at Home and Abroad
These qualities and survival techniques have rendered monk parrots among the most successful of all Psittacines, in both their natural and introduced ranges. In their native Argentina, monk parrots are considered to be a quite serious agricultural pest, costing farmers billions of dollars yearly in lost crops. Clearing land for farms encourages their spread, as they prefer open habitats to thick forests. In addition to at least 15 states in the USA, breeding populations of monk parrots can be found in Kenya, Japan, southern Canada, Spain, England, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, Holland, Puerto Rico, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Monk Parrots as Pets
Incidentally, these 12 inch long dynamos make fine pets for the right owners. Attractively clad in gray and green, with a bit of blue in the wings (blue, yellow and other color strains are also available), they are inquisitive and tame readily. They are, however, quite vocal, and a small group can be deafening.

Monk parrots routinely cover great distances when feeding, and are always busy with nest repair. These habits render them quite active, and they definitely need a good deal of space, and much to amuse themselves with, in captivity. If circumstances permit, a group housed outdoors in a large aviary will provide countless hours of enjoyment. It was long popular in Europe to allow monk parrots to fly free once the nest was constructed, as they rarely fail to return to this home base. As interesting as this prospect may be, it has likely been a factor in the establishment of feral populations throughout Europe, and should be discouraged.

Monk parrots will breed in pairs as well as groups, and will utilize a nest box if unable to construct a free standing nest. The incubation period is 26 days, and the young fledge in 6 weeks or so. The adults rarely experience difficulties in raising the young.

If you do decide to keep monk parrots, be sure to provide them with a high quality seed based diet along with fruits and some greens, and equip their cage with full spectrum lighting .

Please write in for further details concerning captive care, or to share your observations of free living monk parrots.

Interesting articles concerning Brooklyn College’s studies of free living parrots are posted at:http://www.freeparrots.net/article.php?story=20031221072241561

Physical Description
The greenish-grey upper parts merge with the lemon-yellow breast and chin, and a yellow streak tops the eye. Females are somewhat duller than males, and have a faint ring of black spots about the neck. Reaches 4- 4½ inches in length.

Range and Habitat
Most of sub-Saharan Africa, especially in semi-arid areas. Favors open forest and scrub, as well as farms and ranches.

Status in the Wild
Not well studied. Listed on Appendix III of CITES (the Committee on International Trade in Endangered Species).

Diet
Feeds mainly upon the seeds of grasses and shrubs, but also takes plant sprouts, berries and insects.

Reproduction
A cup shaped nest is constructed of grasses, moss and animal hair. The eggs are blue-green with brown speckling, are incubated by both parents, and hatch in 13 days. The young fledge in 2 weeks, and sexual maturity is reached in 4-6 months.

Miscellaneous
Green singing finches forage in pairs or small family groups, and do not form large flocks.

Green Singing Finches as Pets

General
These birds are hardy and active, and the male’s song is a real pleasure to hear. They can, however, be aggressive towards other species of finches unless ample room is provided. Pairs cannot be housed with other green singers, and when nesting may harass other birds even in quite large aviaries. Males sing their melodious, cheerful song throughout the day during the breeding season.

Space and Other Physical Requirements
Despite their small size, green singers need a good deal of room as they are quite active. They will do fine in a large indoor cage such as (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/237219/product.web), and will show off to great advantage in a planted outdoor aviary.

Light
The cage should be lit by a full spectrum bird bulb if the finches are housed indoors.

Feeding
A basic finch seed mix, such as ZuPreem Fruit Blend should be fed, as well as occasional mealworms and small crickets. Green singers consume a bit more green food than do other finches – Vitakraft’s Sprout Pot will provide much-relished grass sprouts. They will also enjoy picking at small slices of apple, orange and other fruits.

Social Grouping/Compatible Species
Green singing finches are aggressive towards others of their kind, and should be housed in pairs only. Parents will co-exist with fledglings only until the next clutch of eggs is laid.

They will get along and even interbreed with canaries in a large, well-planted aviary, provided there is ample cover and perching and feeding sites. Even in this situation, however, breeding pairs may become aggressive. Individual green singing finches vary greatly as concerns their tolerance of other species, so you will need to experiment a bit if you plan on mixing them. Mixed species grouping should only be attempted in a large, outdoor aviary – in a typical indoor cage, they will not get along with other birds.

Other species that may be tried with green singing finches include red-crested cardinals, larger finches such as bullfinches, goldfinches and certain waxbills, diamond and other small doves and Japanese quail.

Captive Longevity
Green singing finches have lived for over 20 years in captivity.

Breeding
Please see “Reproduction”, above. Although an open cup nest is typical, some green singers will also utilize a nest box. Additional green food, in the form of grass and other plant sprouts, as well as insects, is required when the pair is raising young. The parents tend to leave the nest at even slight disturbances. They usually return quickly, but when breeding should be provided with as much privacy as possible.

Additional Resources
http://www.honoluluzoo.org/green_singing_finch.htm

The work showed that pigeons have a well developed sense of “self”, and can distinguish their own images from those of another pigeon after a delay of up to 7 seconds. This places them ahead of most human 3 year olds, who fail at self-recognition tests after a 2 second delay. Amazingly, the pigeons were also taught to distinguish the paintings of Van Gogh from those of Chagall – a task at which, I am embarrassed to say, I would likely fail!

Prior to these findings, only mammals with highly-developed brains, such as chimpanzees, elephants, dolphins and (possibly) dogs, were known to be capable of recognizing their own images.

In another interesting project, Rohr University Bochum (Germany) biologists were able to determine that pigeons moderated their choice of a large versus a small reward based upon how long it took for each reward to be delivered. The research revealed that pigeon impulse-control is regulated by a single forebrain neuron, and could have important implications for the treatment of addictive and attention-deficit related disorders in humans.

Parrots seem, at least on the surface, to exceed pigeons in their learning abilities – I imagine that we will eventually learn that they have other very advanced capabilities as well.

An interesting article concerning the similarities between how birds and people perceive the world around them is posted at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070220131646.htm