T H E P R E M I E R P E T & AV I A RY B I R D M AG A Z I N E

VO L 3 0 I S S U E 12 • D EC-JA N 2018

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Moustache Parrot
Mutations

PARROTS • SELECTING • MOULTING

• BREEDING • INCUBATION TIPS
• BRINGING HOME YOUR PET PARROT
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 T H E P R E M I E R P E T & AV I A RY B I R D M AG A Z I N E

VO L 3 0 I S S U E 12 • D EC-JA N 2018

regulars
750 FINCH FUNDAMENTALS:
Taking the Next Step—
Species to Consider
CONTENTS Blue &
Gold
MACAWS
Red-collared
Lorikeets
Finch
Selection

By Marcus Pollard Volume 30 Issue 12 Moustache Parrot

Mutations

760 AVIAN HEALTH WITH DR BOB:
PARROTS
COVER: BLUE AND GOLD MACAW BY JADE WELCH
• SELECTING • MOULTING
• BREEDING • INCUBATION TIPS
• BRINGING HOME YOUR PET PARROT

Understanding Incubation
By Dr Bob Doneley

764 PET PARROT BEHAVIOUR:

Bringing Home the Baby
By Hillary Hankey

767 BREEDER PERSPECTIVE:

Parrot Breeding
By Andrew Rankmore

774 THE WISE OWL:

Shedding those Feathers
By Dr Milton Lewis

776 ABOUT BIRDS:

754 770
Avian Dinosaurs—Part 2
By Kit Prendergast

780 BREEDING AUSTRALIAN

PARROTS: Red-collared Lorikeets
By Barry Blanch

782 HOOKBILL HOBBYIST:

Joys of a Perfectly Trained Breeder
Pair—Part 2
By EB Cravens

787 CONSERVATION:
• WPT: Hurricanes Challenge Puerto
780 787
Rican Amazons
• LPF: Healthy Feather Growth
is a Vital Start features
By Rafael Zamora Padrón 745 KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
791 WHAT’S NEW By Peter Odekerken
• The Australian Bird Guide Peter urges prospective breeders to arm themselves with as much information as possible
• Vanished and Vanishing Parrots: Profiling about the species and its requirements before purchase.
Extinct and Endangered Species 748 MEET SLOVENIA’S PARROT-BREEDING LEGEND
• Finches in Australia By Alojz Osterman
792 WILD CORNER: This is the story of how the gift of a canary to a child of nine led to a lifelong dedication to
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease birds and a fixation with breeding mutations of the Moustache Parakeet.
in a Cockatoo 754 WHAT’S IN A NAME? PIGEONS AND DOVES
By Dr Claude Lacasse By Clancy Hall
793 LAST CHIRP: Clancy pays tribute to the origins of an often-overlooked and disparaged group of birds—
• Diversity Could be Critical for pigeons and doves.
Protecting Parrots 770 THE BLUE AND GOLD MACAW
• Moonlit Sanctuary wins Premier’s By Jade Welch
Sustainability Award An overview of keeping and breeding this iconic parrot, the most common large macaw
• Hunter Valley Finch Club Sale ‘a cracker’ species in the world.

784 IS THE YELLOW-BACKED LORY HEADED FOR EXTINCTION?

By Rosemary Low
Without action to stop trapping and trade of Yellow-backed Lories in Indonesia, these
beautiful and highly intelligent birds are heading towards extinction.

795 classifieds
743

WELCOME
SHERYLL STEELE-BOYCE
A
nother year of flight! This
issue marks 30 years of
producing BirdKeeper!
Volume 31 Issue 1 is the next
edition, published in 2018. There
have been many gains and losses
along the way for us all!
Time has seen many improvements in bird
education, through publications and convention
presentations, and the internet has provided a
gateway for communication between bird-lovers,
enabling greater reach—mostly to our benefit.
Although trends have changed, unfortunately
some bird clubs and associations have declined
and disappeared over the years. Bird sales have
experienced a rollercoaster ride, partly due to the
knock-on effect of ruthless breeders selling at
ridiculous prices, and others expecting to buy a
bird at budget price rather than recognising the
value and quality that some breeders aspire to in
their stock, and the work involved in doing so.
Fluctuating markets and bargain-hunting
buyers are something traders have faced for
centuries, so what can be done? Hard to say,
but maybe as we approach the 2018 bird sales,
thought and consideration towards support
of a more viable marketplace would benefit
everyone. It is important to look at the bigger
picture, not pennies saved now.
The major bird sales to diarise are Orange
Bird Sale and Expo on Saturday, 3 March,
followed by Gunnedah a month later on 7 April.
If you have a regional bird sale, please let us
know so we can post on our Facebook, and you
may wish to advertise in the magazine.
A popular parrot convention staged by
the New Zealand Parrot Society is looming
in Auckland on 20–22 April 2018. Previous
attendees, including a number from Australia,
will attest to the superb lectures, fine meals,
comfortable atmosphere and comradeship
the Kiwis make available. The convention is
held in the Holiday Inn, accessible by free
24-hour shuttle from Auckland airport. Other
accommodation options are available nearby.
ABK is a proud sponsor of the event, so we
look forward to seeing you there. Watch for
Speaker Profiles in the next issue. See the
advertisement on page 786 and jump onto
www.parrot.co.nz/psnz-convention-2018 for
more detail and to register.
The IX Loro Parque International Parrot
Convention is another special event to plan for,
from 24–27 September 2018. Priam Psitticulture
Breeding and Research Centre is the Australian
contingent organiser—see the advertisement on
page 786, or contact Daniel Gowland at ppc@
priam.com.au.
Further to our mention in the last issue
of recent sightings of the Night Parrot, the
Busselton Naturalists Club has captured
audio of this elusive parrot. Zoologist Greg
Harewood provided a sound recording device
to the club for a trip to the Pilbara region but
was not expecting such a result. This recording
and habitat information assist the research into
this near-extinct species.
On the home front, feedback from
breeders indicates that some are experiencing
good results, but it’s a little early for others to
report. Keep us updated with your successes
and any new developments that may be of
interest to other breeders.
744
THE TEAM
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS
Peter Odekerken Dr Bob Doneley Dr Terry Martin
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
In this issue, there are good tips and advice
on finches—see Marcus Pollard’s article on
page 750, and parrots—see Peter Odekerken’s
offering on page 745 and Andrew Rankmore’s
on page 767. Dr Bob has covered the topic
of incubation in an excellent refresher and Barry Blanch Dr Milton Lewis
reference for parrot breeders. Alojz Osterman,
a reader from Slovenia, has shared some
unusual colour developments in the Moustache
Parrot—see page 748. Aviculture in this part
of Europe is growing in popularity and some
of Alojz’s colleagues are planning a parrot
convention in the future. EB Cravens Marcus Pollard
Conservation focus this issue is on the
Yellow-backed Lory, on page 784, and the
Puerto Rican Amazon, on page 787. The
Australian Orange-bellied Parrot (OBP) has
been the subject of a number of breeding
and release strategies. Recently, the OBP
National Recovery Plan to help protect Hillary Hankey Kit Prendergast Andrew Rankmore
this endangered species, under the care of
the Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary, won the
Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Award in the
Environmental Protection category. Wonderful
encouragement! See page 793.
This has been a sad year for many, with too
many aviculturists lost. It is appreciated that
those more fortunate have been supportive to PUBLISHER EDITORIAL GRAPHIC
those in need. It just goes to show what a great Sheryll CONSULTANT DESIGNER
family we are. Steele-Boyce Alison Houston Melinda Leu
Many thanks to all our dedicated writers who
take the time from their busy lives to focus on
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
their next article topic to help share with others Sheryll Steele-Boyce
their experiences with the various species.
Without you we would have no magazine. The WRITERS
photographs, particularly those taken by Peter Peter Odekerken, Alojz Osterman, Marcus Pollard,
Odekerken, have also assisted greatly in the Clancy Hall, Dr Bob Doneley, Hillary Hankey,
overall presentation—especially our glamourous Andrew Rankmore, Jade Welch, Dr Milton Lewis,
Kit Prendergast, Barry Blanch, EB Cravens,
front covers. We appreciate the support
pp Rosemary Low, Rafael Zamora Padron,
from our wider audience,, including
Bruce Hockley, Dr Claude Lacasse and
you, our advertisers and breeders. Elise Snashall-Woodhams.
Until we meet again in 2018—we
wish you all a relaxing and d safe
festive season and, hopefully,
fully, EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
a holiday! ARE MOST WELCOME
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WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER ODEKERKEN

I
t is useful when wanting to keep
and breed birds to arm yourself
with as much information as
possible about a species and its
requirements. It stands to reason
that one of the first considerations
must be whether you can provide the
necessary nutrition and husbandry to make Orange-cheeked Parrot feeding on new
this goal achievable. It amazes me when I leaves and stems of a Terminalia tree
hear of people who want to breed a species
yet have little to no knowledge of what is
required to make breeding a reality.

RESEARCH
A significant amount of information
can be accumulated by reading books
and magazines on a particular subject.
Magazines such as Australian BirdKeeper
provide a vast resource by publishing
articles by experienced aviculturists.
Contact ABK for a list of past articles
on a particular subject or species and in
which back issues they can be found. It
can be that easy to acquire information.
Additionally, you can contact a breeder,
who may allow you to visit them to see
their husbandry, especially if you are
considering buying your pair from that
person. I have often heard that breeders
are reluctant to offer advice because
they see the buyer as a threat to their
market, especially where a species is rare OBSERVATIONS IN THE WILD
in aviculture. I am sure this happens but I I have also always tried to acquire
hope that most aviculturists see the benefit information on a bird’s needs or habits by
of helping others to keep their birds in the observing them in the wild. For example,
best possible condition, culminating in I have witnessed Princess Parrots Polytelis
breeding. These days the internet can also alexandra in the wild consuming lerps and
be a useful tool to gain knowledge, but the sugary scale they produce. I have never
remember to double-check the legitimacy read of this habit in any publication but,
of what you read as there is a lot of false as it was the breeding season, it is safe to
and misleading information out there. assume that this species needed protein at
As a young boy I was lucky enough that time.
to have experienced aviculturists’ help I firmly believe that all parrot species Musk Lorikeet looking inside nest—note the
with advice, and in some cases they were feed on livefood, generally in the form of size of the entrance compared to the body
generous enough to even give me a pair of larvae, throughout the year. It would be a size of this lorikeet
birds. For a youngster without resources, valuable food source in producing healthy
it was so appreciated that I have in turn young. There was a huge variety of food
given away birds to suitably enthusiastic available to the wild Princess Parrots, in
people. I find it rewarding to see the the form of seeding grasses, herbaceous
recipient proudly accepting and taking material, nectar from flowering plants and,
care of the birds well enough to breed of course, larvae attracted to these at this
them themselves. fruitful time of year.

745
HOUSING
Another example of following what we
see in the wild relates to certain aggressive
species, such as rosellas and Australian
ringnecks, which are very seldom found
breeding in close proximity to other
nesting pairs due to their territorial nature.
It would be unwise to try and keep these
birds in the same aviary as you are sure to
have fatalities. Indeed, I am sure that you
would have better breeding results if you
separated these aggressive birds by placing
an aviary housing a pair of non-aggressive
species between them.
On the other hand, Musk Lorikeets
Glossopsitta connina can be aggressive,
but in nature they often breed in close
proximity to each other, with 3–4 pairs
nesting in the same tree. It may, therefore, The Queen of Bavaria Conure G. guaruba is The Red-cheeked Parrot can be
not taxonomically related to the Aratinga difficult to maintain in captivity
be possible to breed from a few pairs in genus and is classified in its own genus. More
the same aviary, but I advise caution in than one female can lay in the same nest
doing so, and the aviary would need to be
large. Such colony systems must always be
observed under close scrutiny to prevent
losses due to aggression. Generally it is
best to keep one breeding pair per aviary,
but it is not necessary to place unrelated
species between pairs. Double wire should
always be considered, as damage can occur
through single wire partitions, especially to
recently fledged young that are unaware of
the danger and often hang on wire during
the first few days after leaving the nest.
Breeding results are invariably improved
by keeping pairs separated, as although
aggression may seem minimal, there will
be a pecking order developed within a
colony, with the dominate pair having Song Parrots of the Geoff royus genus ready for export on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.
a higher breeding success rate than the I have seen this bird in relatively good condition, fed exclusively on root crops and fruits
subordinate pairs.
One species that benefits from colony in Victoria. If the aviary is protected from of room around the entrance, then a
breeding is the Golden (Queen of rainfall and it is dry, both species will do pair of more aggressive birds could band
Bavaria) Conure. In the wild they breed well in the cold climate as they experience together and attack from either side and
in family groups in which sub-adults from below-zero temperatures each night in win the confrontation. I have seen these
previous nests seem to assist in feeding winter for days on end. The difference is confrontations in the wild many times.
young, and a number of females lay eggs that their habitat is extremely dry. Remember that the bird feels in control
in the same nest. So, it doesn’t matter how experienced defending the nest from others in a smaller
It all goes to show that gaining some you are, there is always room to study and space, particularly from predators such as
knowledge can go a long way to helping to gain more knowledge. To achieve success goannas and snakes. No doubt you may
breed a species. All aviculturists have been in captivity, it is therefore important to have seen birds in large entrances, as I
frustrated at some stage with a particular understand what a species is subjected to have, but remember that we have cleared
species, so this knowledge can make the in nature and how it manages to survive in so many suitable nest trees that birds often
difficult achievable. these conditions. have to accept more vulnerable entrances
I also note how often I have heard because there is very little choice for them
statements that you can’t keep a certain NESTING out there—it may be far from their ideal.
species in a particular climatic area. I am a firm believer in providing birds
Coming to mind are two examples, the with nest boxes with entrances just large FEEDING
Scarlet-chested Parrot and the Violet-eared enough for them to squeeze through into Observations on species’ feeding
Waxbill, a lovely finch found in Southern their chamber. In the wild, most species requirements in the wild are also useful.
Africa. Experienced aviculturists have told tend to choose a narrow entrance that I have seen Red-cheeked Parrots Geoffroyus
me that it is difficult to keep either of these is easy to defend from other species. If geoffroyi both in the wild and in captivity.
species in a cold, wet climate, so it is not a confrontation occurs, it is unlikely that Most accounts suggest that, like Orange-
worth considering them. Well, that is true a snappy beak will be the loser where cheeked Parrots Pyrilia barrabandi, they
if your husbandry doesn’t allow for the another larger species is trying to take are unable to be maintained in captivity.
aviary being dry in wet winters, for example over the nest. If there is a large amount However, I believe this is because these

746

The Violet-eared Waxbill, female on
left, is used to dry, below-zero night
temperatures in its native Southern Africa
birds are often subjected to an inadequate
diet in captivity. It seems most of these
species are predominately fruit and
herbaceous feeders. I doubt that seeds
are a major component in their diet and
have witnessed Orange-cheeked Parrots
feeding on young stems and young leaves
of Terminalia trees in Leticia, Colombia.
When I called in on Anne and
Berry Love, in Port Moresby,
I was amazed to see Red-
cheeked Parrots in the house.
My first words to Anne were
‘how do you keep them alive?
They are notoriously difficult
to maintain in captivity’. Anne
was amazed at my statement.
She had been given the birds by
returning expats who were not
allowed to bring their pets back
to Australia. She said they were
no problem whatsoever.
That evening, as Anne prepared
our meal, both birds were allowed
out of their accommodation and
were walking along the benchtop
feeding on cooked potatoes and
other vegetables. This was their
basic food resource, with very little
seed consumed, and they were the
picture of health.
I have seen quite a few parrot species
also being kept by the local populace, who
certainly cannot afford to feed special
diets. Birds are fed what is available out
of their gardens, usually consisting of root
crops such as taro, and fruit such as paw
paw, mango and banana. They often keep
these birds for years. I well remember a
male Song Parrot Geoffroyus heteroclitus
that was healthy but in poor feather, injured
by wire due to the poorly constructed cage
in which it was housed. I am confident
that this ‘difficult to maintain in captivity’
species would do well where aviculturists
are prepared to feed a diet which replicates
as closely as possible what these species eat
in the wild.
WORKLOAD
It is also wise to consider the workload
involved in keeping a collection and
whether you have the time to adequately
provide for the collection’s husbandry.
Being able to devote time to keep aviaries
clean, with regular new perches and
whatever else keeps your birds in top
condition is very important. I know I battle
with this myself, as I don’t provide new
perches as often as I should because I don’t
listen to reason and want to keep a variety
of species. It is sound advice to consider
keeping a smaller variety, with more than
one pair of a species present, and specialise
in what you select. Unfortunately, I
sometimes don’t practice what I preach but
I have started to be more conservative in
my collection so that I can truly devote the
time I believe my birds deserve.

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747
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALOJZ OSTERMAN
I
t’s a long time since 1982 when
Mario, a family friend, brought me
a (then nine years old) canary from
Italy. That was a new year’s present to
remember for life. It was my first bird.
A few years later, after I finished
school and started working, my bird
breeding began—this time with parrots.
Cockatiels were the first parrots I bought.
Next came Psephotus Grass Parrots, Red-
fronted Kakarikis, Alexandrine Parrots,
rosellas and, within the span of two years,
cockatoos, macaws, Amazona species and
more. Within a few years, I had 70 species,
around 15 mutations and approximately
1200 birds. I had become the biggest
breeder in Slovenia and surrounds.
In 1991, I received my first pair of
Eclectus Parrots from the wild, because
they had not yet been bred in captivity.
When they reached breeding maturity after
three years, they bred and I handraised
their first offspring in 1996. This species
was the first larger parrot to be bred in
Slovenia. In the coming years, I also bred
Slovenia’s first macaw, cockatoo, Amazon
and lory. These achievements earned me
notoriety in newspapers and on television.
I spent a lot of time travelling around
Europe, visiting fairs, exhibitions and bigger
breeders, and always brought home some
new bird, and countless books on parrots
that now fill a closet. During my long trips,
many birds were taken care of at home by
his mother, Magdalena.
MOVING ON TO MUTATIONS
I believed I had accomplished everything
in the field of basic breeding, and was
ready to specialise. In the following couple
of years I reduced the number of species
and birds in my care. Currently, I have
approximately 300 parrots.
Around 20 years ago, when there were
already many colour mutations in Europe,
I was attracted to the new, rarer mutations.
From the start of my breeding career I
had a keen interest in Psittacula species
748
and decided to focus on breeding a new
mutation in this genera.
But the question was, how? Because
many mutations had already been achieved
with the Indian Ringnecked Parrot
Psittacula kameri manillensis. I decided to
work with the Moustache Parrot Psittacula
alexandri alexandri. I had successfully bred
this species before, starting with breeding
in a slightly different manner, bringing
in new birds from throughout Europe to
freshen the gene pool. Not every bird is
right to start a new mutation—everything
is important, from colour shades to the
smallest details.
Breeding takes longer with parrots.
Because the Psittacula a. alexandri mates
only after three years of age, it takes
three years for the new generation, and
sometimes, with certain colours, you have
to wait a good year before the juveniles
change colour. Progress is therefore very
slow. And breeding doesn’t always end
in success. Sometimes birds don’t display
the expected colour, some die, some don’t
breed according to plan, some abandon
their young …
After approximately 16 years, I had my
first success. Today, I have many unrelated
colours of Psittacula a. alexandri. In the
past four years, I achieved four new colour
mutations that insiders claim are the only
ones of their kind in the world, and many
other birds that deviate about 20% from
their original colour. That’s a very good
thing, because that’s the gene pool for
further breeding, and maybe even new
colours. The new colour mutations resulted
from breeding the original, natural colours
and are not the result of breeding already
Asiatic Parrots and their Mutations
by Sjack Bastiaan 60 Colour Pages $150 + P&H
Available from ABK
www.birdkeeper.com.au Ph 07 5568 0011
Email birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au
existing mutations or crossbreeding!
Every breeder dreams of breeding
something new, but only a few are destined
to have that dream fulfilled—my dream
came to reality four times—a success I had
not expected.
It is the result of many years of work,
one could say lifelong work.
Ever since I bought my first cockatiels,
I have dedicated my life to only parrots—
with no days off—even vacations are
very rare. It’s a life of much travel, having
travelled over 1.5 million kilometres by car.r.
I speak 10 languages and deal with mostlyy
older people regarding birds, many of
whom don’t speak English or German.
I admit I wouldn’t have come so far
without the help of my mother, Magdalena, na,
who has always taken care of my birds
while I am away. If she hadn’t been there, I
wouldn’t have been able to travel so muchh
or achieved such success.
CONCLUSION
I have shared my success and news with
close aviculturists and now with wider
readership, firstly in Gorenjski Glas and nowow
all over the world.
There is still a lot of work to be done.
With some colours I have introduced more
birds, with others just gene pool carriers, so
I still have stock to breed the new colours.
Despite a lot of enquiry from potential
buyers, the birds are not yet for sale, and
are not at my home address but hidden in
other secret locations for their safety.
In the end, I’ll have to also name them.
One has a purple head, and three black,
just like my hair, so onene will probably be
named after me!
 Black-headed Moustache Parrot. Note
the black head and blue ear coverts
Black-headed Moustache Parrot—
the purple is replaced with green on
the chest. Compare to the bird on the
right—a Normal with a grey head and
purple chest

Normal juvenile bred in 2016 at 14–15 Note the black head, olive body. This bird The bird on the left has a light black head
months old has no pink on the chest with yellow-green colouring on the chest

The bird on the right has a yellow-green Juveniles bred in 2017 at 3 months old
body and a light black head

749
FINCH FUNDAMENTALS
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS POLLARD BSc (Hons)
Taking the Next Step
Species to Consider
H
aving had a brief look
at starting off in the
wonderful world of
finches—which species
to start with and aviary
building 101—let’s
explore the options in second-tier
finches. These are the finches we can
aspire to once we have shed our training
wheels and built that first aviary in which all
our Bengalese Manikins, Zebra Finches and
Java Sparrows have bred their little hearts
out for us!
As there are as many opinions as there
are finchos, I make no apologies if my ideas
differ from yours, just bear with me, smile
that superior smile and carry on regardless!
WORST BEGINNERS’ LIST EVER
When the rank novice makes contact
and seeks to enter or return to the game,
there are a few questions I always ask
as to what experience they have had in
keeping finches in the past. The first-timers
of course get directed to the Zebra and
Bengalese Finches to get that first-hand
experience before moving on.
Given there seems to be a fair stream of
people returning to the game these days,
that is where we will start our journey. Your
sensible fincho will seek to return through
the easier species, and most ask the same
question, ‘what do you recommend for me
getting back into the hobby?’
From there, whether you are returning,
or taking the next step in finch-keeping,
it is a relatively easy matter to select a few
species that will, hopefully, provide some
good initial success and the stimulus for a
lengthier stay in the game.
However, me being me, I’m not going
to start there just yet, as I wish to digress
early into the worst beginners’ list I’ve ever
been sent!
This chap was a rank novice but had
selected a list of 30 finches ‘from the
internet’ which he was asking for availability
and prices of. It was a case of ‘next week
would be nice for delivery’. From memory,
four species were actually still available
in Australia, several had once been in
Australia, and the rest had never set foot
on our sunny shores at all! He didn’t like the
750
Silver-headed Nun pair—these are a good bird to take that next step with
prices, so you can possibly speculate as to
what was on the list of birds still in Australia,
and it appeared the lack of the others was
at least partially my fault also. Ah well,
we did state the importance of research
in every aspect of the hobby a little while
back. The sad thing about the list was that
this chap was quite prepared to purchase
many of these finches regardless of their
cost and the level of expertise required to
keep them, despite having zero experience
with any finch species.
My attempt to suggest he contemplate
the finches we are about to discuss rather
than the ones on his list was met with a
reply that would not make print.
THE INTERMEDIATES
Chestnut-breasted Manikins
So, on to a few breeds that stood me well
in my own move up the ladder. The first
pairs of ‘decent’ finches I ever kept were
Chestnut-breasted Manikins Lonchura
castaneothora, or Bullies as they are
sometimes known. As I have previously
detailed, my attempt at breeding these
guys was not a brilliant success until the
Zebbies were ousted.
Chestnuts are a reasonably shy species
and do really well as a small colony or as
pairs among a mixed group of like-minded
finches. No livefood is required to breed
them, although (like most species that
don’t need it to breed) they will eat it just
because they can. A few bags of Couch
Grass runners and some finer Swamp/
Blown Grass and they are away. One key
point to remember is not to keep them with
any of the other munias or manikins that we
have left as they will hybridise at the drop
of a hat.
Nuns and Yellow-rumped Manikins
Although I’ve only ever kept Tri-coloured
Nuns, I’d recommend any of the three
species of nuns that we have here in
Australia to the beginner—the Tri-colour,
the Silver-headed or the Black-headed—as
their requirements are similar and they can
all shred a planted aviary in 30 seconds flat.
Now I appreciate that these guys go
up and down in price like the Dow Jones
Index, but the Yellow-rumped Manikin
Lonchura flaviprymna is also an excellent
beginners’ bird. Like Chestnuts, Yellow-
rumps can be kept as pairs or as a small
colony, require zero livefood to breed and
have a peaceful nature. Just remember
that, due to their drabber colour, there is
either a feast or a famine of them on the
bird circuit. I would also add the African
Silverbill here, because I’ve never seen a
finch that can breed like these guys can.
Painted Finches
Next is my all-time favourite, the Painted
Finch or Emblema Emblema picta—
previously erroneously called the Painted
Firetail—which is one of the calmest and
Painted Finches Double-barred Finches make a noisy little mini-flock that is
always on the go

most confiding finches available to us.
They will breed happily without livefood
too but, like our previous selection, they will
consume it by the bucketful if you let them.
The nest is a huge platform of every
conceivable piece of dirt, stick or grass
available in your aviary, upon which is
built a decent little dome of feathers and
fine grasses. The platform is a hangover
from the Painted’s wild habits of nesting
atop Spinifex Grass, which has leaves akin
to stiletto blades. One word of warning
with these guys is that as a desert species
they are intolerant of wet, damp aviary
floors and that, coupled with their habit of
spending 90% of their day on the floor, has
often seen them labelled as a ‘soft’ species.
This is not the case if they are housed with
a modicum of forethought.
Also remember when exiting your aviary
to check that you do not have a few baby
Painteds hitching a ride with you, as they
can be a tad too familiar for their own good
at times! As an added advantage, this
species is no trouble for the newbie to sex,
as they are dimorphic, unlike many munias
and manikins.
Double-barred Finches
One of everyone else’s favourite finches
for beginners is the Double-bar or Owl
Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii. These guys
seem to do better as a little colony rather
than as single pairs, and are frequently
encountered in the wild in groups of
varying sizes, rather than as individuals.
They breed rather well, which is just as well
as they are among the most short-lived of
finches, from what I can gather.
Again, the Double-bar is easy to cater
for and will nest readily in any number of
assorted nesting sites. Wicker baskets are
a favourite. Always on the go, they may be
a tad manic for more of the staid waxbills
that we keep, but if you are after a noisy
little mini-flock that is always on the go,
they are tops.
They can be problematical to sex, but
the mini-flock idea allows them to do the
choosing for themselves—not a bad thing
for many finches. Things to look for are
the extent of brown on the top of the head
above the beak, and the intensity of white
in the frontal bars. (This is difficult if the
birds are juveniles.)
Star Finches
My second species on the road to finch
insanity was the
humble Star Finch
Neochmia ruficauda.
I’d better limit
myself here as I
could wax lyrical
about these guys
all day. Red Stars
are free-breeders in
the aviary situation,
but they have one of the weirdest ‘natural
rhythms’ of any finch I’ve ever kept. They
either breed like there is no tomorrow
or sit around doing nothing all breeding
season. If they do the latter, don’t panic
or move them on, as the following season
they will once again produce nest after
nest—perhaps they are more in tune with
the natural environment than we give them
credit for.
Simply provide them with any green
grass stems—Couch Grass runners are a
favourite—and a bit of Swamp/November
Grass, and they are away. A good supply of
white feathers and they should have eggs in
no time flat. The nest is a small round ball,
with the right material, or simply an untidy
heap of grass. They can be finicky around
breeding time and I strongly suggest that
you don’t check their nests because some
may desert if you do so.
If you are a mutation freak, then this is
definitely the right starting point for you!
They come in a large variety of colour
mutations from yellows through to the
yellow-bodied, red-fronted, Dilutes, Fawns,
Cinnamons and Pieds—these guys have
it all. Oh, and if you do happen upon the
almost-mythical Kimberly Stars in your
travels, give me a call!
Plum-headed Finches
The Plum-headed Finch Neochmia
modesta is another free-breeder requiring
a minimum of extras to achieve that feat.
Perhaps because of their natural range,
they do not like cold, wet environments and
can be susceptible to drafts and the likes
in the aviary. Where I am from, the Plums

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751

Female Fawn Plum-headed Finch
detest the cold, but on 40ºC days are
flying around while other so-called hardier
species are sitting on the ground panting.
Another interesting, albeit frustrating,
aspect of these guys is their fussiness in
terms of mate selection. None of the all-
too-familiar ‘two’s a pair’ with these finches,
as they can be difficult to pair up. I’d always
recommend getting hold of at least two
pairs in the hope that two birds within the
four actually form a pair bond. Again,
they do not need livefood to breed but will
actively consume it if offered. These guys
are possibly the peak of the ‘fingers out’
brigade too. However, like their Painted
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752
cousins, they are sexually dimorphic. Males free-breeders in the aviary situation. I’ll
have a claret colour under the chin as well delve back many years and say that I’d
as on top of it. encourage you to seek out aviary-bred
birds—obviously meaning the Goldfinches
Clarification and European Greenfinches here—rather
Now, I will re-emphasise that the species than the plethora of wild-caught ones
I have selected do not require livefood to that flood the marketplace annually.
breed, given a sound, well-constructed ‘Why?’ I hear you ask. Well, unless you
diet of good quality finch mix. Throw in have a massive free-flight aviary, they are
soaked/sprouted seed, green seed and your perpetual motion machines and drive your
softfood mix of choice, and you should do other finches crazy—so much so that after
well with any of them. I have often been a week of watching mine do this, I opened
told ‘you said that Stars (substitute any the door and let them go. Since that time I
species from the list above here) don’t
need livefood to breed, but when I started
feeding it for my Cordons, the Stars
scoffed the lot!’ Hence, I stress they don’t
need it to breed but will certainly eat it if
you provide it for them (or any other bird in
the vicinity). Hopefully this ‘disclaimer’ will
get me out of trouble this time around!
I also appreciate that there are other
species that don’t require livefood, but the
Beautiful Firetail is not a beginner’s bird!
Goldfinches and Greenfinches
If you are after a species that will assist
you in getting into some of the rarer
cup-nesters, you could do far worse than
getting a pair of Goldfinches, or European
or Oriental Greenfinches. These, again, do
Oriental Greenfinch
not really require livefood and are generally
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have sourced them from a chap that reared
them under canaries, and they are angels
and breed freely.
I’ve not kept Greenfinches but a mate
obtained his from the same source as my
Goldfinches and has bred an amazing
number of chicks and were as tame as any
canary. I won’t get into a debate on the pros
and cons of fostering here, but suffice it to
say that you should find the aviary/canary-
reared ones a lot quieter than their wild
cousins. Better leave here with a shameless
plug that, for whatever reason, the ones
that originate down here in Tasmania are a
far brighter and redder version then their
Mainland counterparts. It possibly explains
the huge amount of trapping that goes on
down here, which has, sadly, completely
removed Goldfinches from my area.
Estrildids
Now the astute observer will have noticed
that there are zero exotic Estrildid finches
in the list to date. This is due to the bulk of
them being waxbills, which means they are
insectivorous to some degree and not really
suited to our livefood-free mixed aviary.
Even the Cutthroat Finch Amadina fasciata,
which can be housed and hold its own
even with Zebras and Bengalese, requires
livefood to rear larger clutches.
However, if you aim to head in that
Orange-breasted Waxbill chick—the
smallest of Australian Estridid finches—
is easy to breed. Although this species
does not require livefood, they will benefit
from its inclusion in the diet
direction ‘down the track’, you could
try a pair of Orange-breasted Waxbills
Amandava subflava, which are arguably one
of the easier waxbills to breed. They can
be bred on a good diet of soaked/sprouted
seed and softfood mix and certainly are
huge fans of fresh green seeding grasses.
Don’t let their diminutive size put you off—
they are the smallest finch available to us in
aviculture here in Australia—as they are well
able to outbluff even the larger finches in a
mixed collection.
They often favour wicker baskets to
breed in and will fill them with Swamp/
Blown Grass and a mass of white feathers.
Breeding results are usually improved by
feeding livefood but they can, and will,
breed without it with a little modification to
their diet. They are well worth the inclusion
and may convince you to head down the
livefood-growing path.
Gouldians
Now, I feel sure there’s many out there
screaming ‘he’s ignored the Gouldians
again! I don’t consider them a great bird
for the mixed aviary, despite them not
requiring livefood and being very content
on a minimalist diet. I’ll be so bold as to
suggest they are a very good species
for those either keeping them as single
pairs or as a colony of their own kind. As
an old mate of mine has often stressed,
they succumb to diseases that hardly
bother other finches, so are best kept by
themselves for that reason alone.
Even without the Gouldian, there is
certainly a good selection here to pique
your curiosity and tempt you to add a few
new finches to your collection, whether that
be with an eye towards the more demanding
species in the future, or just having an aviary
with compatible inhabitants for your own
viewing pleasure.

2018 Orange Bird Sale

Saturday 3rd March, 2018
Sir Neville Howse Stadium (Orange PCYC) -
2-10 Seymour Street, Orange
Don't miss out on one of the
BIGGEST bird sales in Australia!
Full details and bookings at
www.OrangeBirdSale.com
Sale runs from 10am to 2pm
$2 gold coin donation entry
Pre-booked tables available
Free sausage sizzle Friday night
Birds booked in 2pm-8pm Fri.
& 7am-9:30am Sat.
Hot Food & drinks available
Major Raffle run during the sale
Aviary Tours available Saturday
afternoon and Sunday morning
Saturday Night dinner
at Orange City Bowling Club
with after dinner speaker
Contact Info: Major Sponsors
Website: www.OrangeBirdSale.com
Trade Bookings: Heather Fardell (02) 6362 8605 (AH)
Bird Table bookings: Jason Townsend 0429 867 276
Sat. Night Dinner bookings: Tony Ford 0409 912 370

Conditions:
No pigeons or poultry will be accepted.
The bird sale is run according to the N.S.W. Bird Sale Voluntary
Code of Practice. Please comply with the N.S.W National Parks and
Wildlife Service conditions.

753
WORDS BY CLANCY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHIL BENDER
White-headed Pigeon male. This species C. leucomela (black and white) would more
appropriately have been named C. leucogriseus (grey and white)
I
n the fourth part of this
series, uncovering the history
and origins surrounding the
naming of some of our favourite
Australian birds, we pay tribute
to an often overlooked order, the
Columbiformes or, in more common
language, pigeons and doves.
The words ‘pigeon’ and ‘dove’ can
arguably mean the same thing, however,
depending on which one you use, it may
conjure up vastly different images. When
one thinks of a pigeon, it is often a picture
of a bird scavenging for scraps under a park
bench that comes to mind. A dove, on the
other hand, may evoke images of love or
world peace.
I would like to be able to settle the
pigeon versus dove argument for you right
here, but I can’t. Most people accept that
the words are synonymous, however, all
species have been assigned a name that
is ‘technically’ correct. For example, what
many know as a ‘feral pigeon’ Columba
livia, is correctly named a ‘Rock Dove’ and
what some call ‘fruit pigeons’ Ptilinopus
spp. are actually ‘fruit-doves’. Fruit-dove
is hyphenated to indicate a reference to
a specific kind of dove, not just any dove
754
that happens to be associated with fruit (of
which there are many). The same applies to
other genera in the family such as Cuckoo-
dove, Ground-dove and Imperial-pigeon.
The word ‘pigeon’ is from the Latin
‘pipio’ and was first used to describe any
young bird, especially a young dove. It was
adapted into Old French as ‘pijon’ before
appearing in its current English form
around the late 15th century. Over time,
the word grew in popularity, replacing
other names such as culufre, culver, cushat
and queece1.
The word ‘dove’ is difficult to trace
with any certainty but is presumably
onomatopoeic in origin, perhaps from
the Old English ‘dufe’ or Dutch ‘duve’.
The dove has also long been associated
with Christianity, with the white ‘Dove of
Peace’ initiated around 1917. The word
‘dove’ was first applied to all in the Order
Columbiformes, but it is now, with a few
exceptions, applied to the smaller members
of its families.
All pigeons and doves belong to the
family Columbidae, with four of the six
subfamilies having extant representations
in Australia. The root of the word
Columbidae is a straight translation from
the Latin ‘columba’ meaning ‘pigeon’ or
‘dove’. This family is a far less dynamic
group taxonomically, than the parrots
and cockatoos but this may simply be a
reflection of scientific interest, specimen
availability and funding.
Needless to say, there have been recent
changes that affect Australian birds—
perhaps most notably, the recent split of
the Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica into
Asian and Pacific species. Name changes
and tweaks in taxonomy will always be a
point of contention with bird-lovers. For
some it is almost as if their own child’s
name is being changed or they are losing
an old friend. To make matters worse, there
are seldom two taxonomic lists exactly the
same, making resolutions for the everyday
birdo difficult.
For ease of reading, I have intentionally
excluded subspecies. For the splitters
among us, or budding taxonomists, you
will find a comprehensive working list of
Australian birds to the subspecies level on
the BirdLife Australia website (available
for free download). Due to their sheer
familiarity, I have included some of our
‘exotic’ pigeons and doves.
STATUS
Pigeons and doves are a widespread
group that have representatives on every
continent except Antarctica. Many have
become extinct; perhaps the most famous
of which is the Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes
migratorius of North America. Once
described as flocking in such large numbers
as to ‘block out the sun’, the species was
driven to an anthropogenic extinction
through Khan’s tyranny of small things. One
by one these birds disappeared (mostly into
the bellies of hungry North Americans),
until the last recorded specimen died in the
Cincinnati Zoo in 1914.
Although less well known, Australia
has had its fair share of Columbiforme
extinctions—mostly from our offshore
islands, and mostly of the ground-dwelling
variety. It should come as no surprise that
introduced cats, foxes and rats are largely
to blame, exacerbated by human-induced
changes to habitat. A running obituary
of Columbiformes in Australia includes
the White-throated Pigeon, Lord Howe
White-throated Pigeon, Norfolk Island
Ground-dove and the Norfolk Island New
Zealand Pigeon. A further seven species
and subspecies are listed as being under
some level of threat.
COLUMBA—LIVING
WITH HUMANS
One species that is certainly not threatened
with extinction is that of the humble ‘Lead-
coloured Dove’ or Rock Dove. Despite
a brain size similar to that of a pea, these
birds have worked out how to make a living
from messy humans. This ability to exploit
our dirty habits and infrastructure has
allowed them to establish themselves in
almost every urban centre in the world. At
an estimated 400 million birds, the global
population of Rock Doves is growing,
proportionate to urbanisation. The
ancestral wild population had a distribution
from the Mediterranean to southern Asia,
and bred mainly on sea cliffs1. Australian
Rock Doves are all believed to have come
from aviary escapes.
Another member of the same genus,
our endemic White-headed Pigeon,
can also still be found in large numbers.
Although their species name leucomela
means ‘black and white’, leucogriseus may
have been more appropriate as the bird
is predominantly grey and white. These
birds have also managed to benefit from
the behaviour of humans. Due to their
short gut passage time, and thick-walled
gizzard, the White-headed can extract
nutrients from a wide variety of fruits,
including that of the introduced Camphor
Laurel. These trees were planted by early
settlers as shade for their cattle but today
are considered a noxious weed, in part, due
to the seed dispersal service of the White-
headed Pigeon.

Genus Meaning and Name Species Meaning and Naming

Columba Meaning ‘pigeon or dove’ Rock Dove ‘Lead-coloured dove’
(Latin. columba pigeon, dove). (exotic) C. livia (Latin. liens lead-coloured).
Linnaeus, 1758. JF Gmelin, 1789.
White-headed ‘Black and white pigeon’
Pigeon C. leucomela (Greek. leukos white; melas black).
Temminck 1821.

STREPTOPELIA
The Barbary Dove Streptopelia
roseogrisea, also known as the Turtle-dove,
Ringed Dove or variations of the two, is
thought to have been domesticated for
some 3000 years1. Its common name is
taken from the Barbary Coast or land
of the Berbers of North Africa and its
taxonomic species name ‘roseogrisea’
comes from the slight pink hue evident
through the grey.
The affable vocalisation of the Laughing
Dove is how this introduced species
earned its common name. The species
name senegalensis, as with the Spotted
Dove chinensis, is fairly straightforward,
and simply refers to the country from
which the type specimen originated.
Caloenas is the third genus in the
subfamily Columbinae and consists of just
one species C. nicobarica, the Nicobar
Pigeon. This is a newly recorded vagrant
to Australian territory and a spectacular
one at that.

Genus Meaning and Name Species Meaning and Naming

Streptopelia Meaning ‘collared dove’ (Greek. Barbary Dove, ‘Rosy-grey collared dove’
streptos collar, neck-chain; peleia dove). Turtle-dove S. roseogrisea (Latin. roseus rosy; griseus grey).
Bonaparte, 1855. (exotic) Linnaeus, 1758.
Laughing Dove ‘Senegali collared dove’
(exotic) S. senegalensis (From the name Senegal; -ensis
denoting place of origin).
Linnaeus, 1766
Spotted Dove ‘Chinese collared dove’
(exotic) S. chinensis (from the name China; -ensis denoting
place of origin). Scopoli 1786.

MACROPYGIA
There is only one genus—Macropygia—in
the subfamily Macropygiinae (Salvadori
1893), however, there are approximately
10 species and subspecies distributed
across Australia, New Guinea and
eastern Indonesia. All birds are large and
brown with a long tail, which led to some
duplication in the early days of naming
species from specimens at the Linnaean
Society of London. Temminck’s first
description of a Cuckoo-dove, in 1821,
came from a young bird he had collected
in Australia and decided was a different
species. He named this bird Columba
phasianella for its characteristic long tail,
which he compared to that of a pheasant
(the Latin phasianinus may have been more
appropriate, meaning ‘pheasant-like’). He
wrote in 1821, that the bird ‘wears as an
accessory, a very long and very conical tail’.
Some 50 years earlier, however, Linnaeus
himself had described a specimen from
Indonesia as Columba amboinensis after
the island of Ambon. Regardless, the two
species names (now genus Macropygia)
were used interchangeably in Australia
until recent years when they reverted to
Temminck’s phasianella and were split into
northern and southern subspecies.

755
Genus Meaning and Name
Macropygia Meaning ‘long rump’
(Greek. makros long, deep; -pugios
-rumped). Swainson, 1837.
CHALCOPHAPS
The subfamily Phabinae (Bonaparte 1853)
comprises the largest genera of pigeons
and doves. It includes seven genera, most
of which are largely ground-dwelling
species. The northern and southern
Emerald Doves also went their separate
ways when taxonomists decided in 2014
that the northern and southern birds were
different enough to be declared separate
species. Australia is lucky enough to have
both species, although the Grey-capped
Emerald Dove C. indica only graces
Christmas Island. The rest of Australia is
home to C. longirostris, meaning simply
‘long-billed’.
Genus Meaning and Name
Chalcophaps Meaning ‘bronze-pigeon’ (Greek.
khalkos bronze; phaps pigeon.
Gould, 1843.
OCYPHAPS AND GEOPHAPS
Ocyphaps lophotes just seems to roll
off the tongue and has to be one of my
favourite taxonomic names. It belongs to
our little Crested Pigeon, whose name
is often confused with our big Topknot
Pigeon—two very different-looking birds.
When Gould first observed the Crested
Pigeon in 1842, he remarked on its ‘rather
short wings’ but on second examination, in
1848, he changed his mind and accounted
that the bird had ‘long pointed wings’. He
added that the bird has ‘a flight so rapid as
to be unequalled by those of any group to
which it belongs’1. Perhaps he had not yet
observed the Spinifex Pigeon.
Genus Meaning and Name
Ocyphaps Meaning ‘pointy pigeon’
(Greek. oxus sharp, pointed; phaps
pigeon).
GR Gray 1842.
Geophaps Meaning ‘ground-pigeon’
(Greek. geo ground; phaps pigeon).
GR Gray 1842.
756
Species Meaning and Naming
Brown ‘Long-rumped Pheasant’
Cuckoo-dove M. phasianella (Diminutive from Latin.
phasianus pheasant). Linnaeus, 1766.
In 1821 Temminck described the Brown Cuckoo-dove as ‘wearing as an accessory a very
long and very conical tail’
Species Meaning and Naming
Brown-capped ‘Long-billed bronze pigeon’
Emerald Dove C. longirostris (Latin. longus long; -rostris -billed).
Linnaeus, 1758.
Grey-capped ‘Indian bronze pigeon’
Emerald Dove C. indica
(Latin. indicus Indian).
The name Spinifex Pigeon was only no explanation in 1926 and was possibly
adopted by the RAOU in 1978. Until due to Gould’s reference to the bird having
this date, it went by the appropriate name ‘so much the carriage and actions of a
of ‘Plumed Pigeon’, in reference to the partridge that it might readily be mistaken
erect adornment of feathers on its head. for one’.
This is not to say that the reference to The name Squatter Pigeon G. scripta
spinifex is inappropriate, as it is more
also appeared with little explanation in
closely aligned with this habitat than any
1926 on the RAOU’s Official Checklist.
other Columbiforme1.
The Partridge Pigeon G. smithii was The name is possibly drawn from its
named after the wealthy Sir James Edward ‘stop-and-drop’ fright response or as
Smith who, after the death of Linnaeus’ Fraser & Gray 1 suggest, perhaps from
descendent, purchased his entire collection its ‘reputed affinity for cattle camps and
of specimens. He then created the homesteads’. The bird’s pretty facial
Linnaean Society around the collection1. markings earned it perhaps the more
The name ‘partridge’ came into use with elegant taxonomic name.
Species Meaning and Naming
Crested Pigeon ‘Crested pointy pigeon’
O. lophotes
(Greek. lophos crested). Temminck 1822.
Spinifex Pigeon ‘Plumed ground-pigeon’
G. plumifera (Latin. pluma plume; -ferus - bearing).
ng).
Gould, 1842.
Partridge ‘Smith’s ground-pigeon’
Pigeon G. smithii.
Named after Sir James Edward Smith (1759-1828), 28),
English botanist and first president of the Linnean
ean
Society of London. Jardine & Selby, 1830.
Squatter ‘Drawn-upon ground-pigeon’
Pigeon G. scripta (Latin. scriptus drawn, written).
Temminck, 1821.
GEOPELIA
The Diamond and Peaceful Doves are
Australia’s smallest doves. Gould had
reportedly named the Peaceful Dove
G. tranquila however, was trumped by
Linnaeus’ older, more practical name of
G. striata for the markings on its back.
‘Doodle-doo’ and ‘Doo-doo’ were other
names for the Peaceful Dove in recent
history, so I think we should be thankful for
what stuck.
Genus Meaning and Name
Geopelia Meaning ‘ground-dove’
(Greek. geo ground; peleia dove).
Swainson 1837.
LEUCOSARCIA AND PHAPS
It would be illegal to confirm this with
any great certainty, but the Wonga
Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca is
apparently quite good eating! The
species is mentioned in the musings of
the Acclimatisation Society in saying ‘the
wonga-wonga pigeon is delicious for food;
and…might be reared and acclimatised
in Europe’. Gould (1865) also reported
that ‘its flesh being white, and extremely
delicate, it is one of the best birds for the
table inhabiting Australia’2. As a result of
being a delicacy, the genus Leucosarcia
Genus Meaning and Name
Leucosarcia Meaning ‘with white flesh’ (Greek.
leukos white; sarkos flesh). Gould 1843.
Phaps Meaning ‘pigeon’ (Greek. phaps
pigeon). Selby 1835.
Often incorrectly called a Topknot
Pigeon, the Crested Pigeon is one of the
fastest fliers in its family
Peaceful Dove
Species Meaning and Naming
Diamond Dove ‘Wedge-shaped ground-dove’
G. cuneata
Latin. cuneatus wedge-shaped). Latham, 1802.
Peaceful Dove ‘Striated ground-dove’
G. striata
(Latin. striatus striated).
Linnaeus, 1766.
in direct translation means ‘white flesh’.
The species name melanoleuca (black
and white), as with the White-headed
Pigeon makes no sense, and should be
‘leucogriseus’ (grey and white).
The Bronzewing genus Phaps was
originally in use to differentiate the
‘wild’ pigeon from that which had been
‘domesticated’. Bronzewings are stocky
birds and all have quite striking markings.
It almost seems unfair that the Brush The Wonga Pigeon’s name Leucosarcia
Bronzewing, or ‘Elegant Wild Pigeon’ means ‘white flesh’, which apparently
P. elegans was the only one to receive made for very good eating by the early
settlers
such recognition in its name.
Species Meaning and Naming
Wonga Pigeon ‘Black and white white-flesh’
L. melanoleuca (Greek. melas black; leuca white).
Latham, 1802).
Common ‘Pigeon with wings of metallic hue’
Bronzewing P. chalcoptera (Greek. kalkopteros with wings of metallic
hue; khalkos bronze pteron wing). Latham, 1790.
Brush ‘Elegant pigeon’
Bronzewing P. elegans
(Latin. elegans elegant, fine). Temminck, 1809.
Flock ‘Harlequin pigeon’ P. histrionica (Latin. histrionicus
Bronzewing theatrical, like a harlequin).
Gould 1841.
The Pigeon
—Its Veterinary Care, Management and
Cultural History By Dr Colin Walker
General Management, Loft Designs,
Nutrition, Health and the Fancy
• 660 Pages • 1250 Colour Photographs
$132 + P&H
Available from ABK Publications
Phone: (07) 5568 0011
Email: birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au
www.birdkeeper.com.au
757
PETROPHASSA
Petrophassa, like Geophaps and Geopelia,
refers to a bird that likes to have its feet
firmly on the ground, or should I say rock.
Genus Meaning and Name
Petrophassa Meaning ‘rock pigeon’
(Greek. petros rock; phaps pigeon).
Gould 1841.
THE PTILINOPINAE SUBFAMILY
The Ptilinopinae (Selby 1835) is a stunning
subfamily of pigeons and doves and
includes three genera, Ducula, Lopholaimus
and Ptilinopus.
Any bird named a Splendid, Superb
or Queen Feather-foot must surely be
worth a look. Australia’s Ptilinopus are, as
their names suggest, spectacular looking
birds. The genus was named for the Rose-
crowned Fruit-dove, the legs of which were
described by Swainson (1825) as ‘covered
with soft and thick-set feathers’1.
The species names in this genus are
fairly straightforward except perhaps to
those who are not familiar with the call
of a Wompoo Fruit-dove. As the largest
of the Ptilinopus species, the Wompoo
announces its presence by resonating its
name throughout the forest ‘wom-poo...
wom-poo’. There is also evidence that the
indigenous name for the bird is similar and
may resemble ‘Whompoa’.
Genus Meaning and Name
Ptilinopus Meaning ‘feathered foot’
(Greek. ptilon feather; pous foot).
Swainson 1825.
There is some debate over the origin
of the word Ducula. Although the most
obvious translation would be from the
Latin ducula meaning ‘little duke’, Fraser
& Gray1 propose another convincing
argument. That is that the word ‘dukul’
was in local use as an onomatopoeic name
for the Asian Mountain Imperial-pigeon
D. badia when Hodgson first described the
758
Petrophassa literally means ‘rock pigeon’ Both species inhabit the rugged
and refers to the habitat preference of the sandstone escarpments, cliffs and gorges
two species in this genus, not to the Rock of the far north Northern Territory and
Dove Columba livia. Western Australia.
Species Meaning and Naming
White-quilled ‘White-winged rock-pigeon’
Rock-pigeon P. albipennis (Latin. albus white; pennis wings).
Gould, 1841.
Chestnut-quilled ‘Red-winged rock-pigeon’
Rock-pigeon P. rufipennis (Latin. rufus red; pennis wings).
Collett, 1898.
Wompoo (left) and Rose-crowned Fruit-doves belong to the Ptilinopus genus.
The name ‘Wompoo’ is onomatopoeic, in reference to the bird’s call and the Queen
Feather-foot or Rose-crowned Fruit-dove was the species that inspired the name
Ptilinopus or ‘feather-foot’
Species Meaning and Naming
Banded Fruit- ‘Alligator River’s feather-foot’
dove P. alligator
(After the South Alligator River in Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory). Temminck, 1809.
Wompoo Fruit- ‘Splendid feather-foot’
dove P. magnificus
(Latin. magnificus splendid).
Temminck, 1821.
Superb Fruit- ‘Superb feather-foot’ P. superbus
dove (Latin. superba superb, splendid, magnificent).
Temminck, 1809.
Rose-crowned ‘Queen feather-foot’ P. regina
Fruit-dove (Latin. regina queen). Swainson, 1825.
Orange-bellied ‘Violet-belted feather-foot’
Fruit-dove P. iozonus
(Torres Strait (Greek. ion violet; zonos belted).
Island vagrant) GR Gray, 1858.
bird in 1836 as ‘dukul of the Nipalese’. Last but certainly not least, Australia’s
Australia’s reliable Ducula species is the largest pigeon, the Topknot Pigeon is a
Torresian Imperial-pigeon D. spilorrhoa or sight to see. With a bouffant hairstyle
‘Spotty Bottomed Little Duke’. Previously and almost fluorescent pink bill and legs,
thought of as a subspecies of the Pied it truly is a remarkable bird. Its name
Imperial-pigeon D. bicolor, it is now Lopholaimus, or ‘tufted throat’, refers to
understood that the Australian (Torresian) the peaked or crest-like nature of the
taxon is a distinct species, equipped even throat feathers.
with slightly different morphology.
Genus Meaning and Name Species Meaning and Naming
Ducula Meaning ‘little duke’ Blue-tailed ‘Elegant little duke’ D. concinna
(New Latin. ducula a little duke). Imperial-pigeon (Latin. concinnus elegant, neat, pleasing).
Hodgson 1836. (vagrant) Wallace, 1865.nhem Land, Northern Territory).
Temminck, 1809.
Christmas Island ‘Wharton’s little duke’
Imperial-pigeon D. whartoni
(Christmas Island (After British hydrographer Sir William James Lloyd
endemic) Wharton, 1843-1905). Sharpe, 1887.
Collared Imperial- ‘Muller’s little duke’
pigeon (Torres D. mulleri
Strait Island (After German ornithologist and collector Salomon
Vagrant) Muller 1804-1864). Temminck, 1835).
Torresian ‘Spotty bottomed little duke’
Imperial-pigeon D. spilorrhoa (Greek. spilos spot; orrhos rump).
Scopoli, 1786.
‘Southern tufted-throat’
L. antarcticus
Lopholaimus Meaning ‘tufted throat’ (Greek. lophos Topknot Pigeon (Latin. antarcticus southern, Antarctic).
tuft, crest; laimos throat). Gould 1841. Shaw, 1793.

Above: The largest of Australia’s
Columbiformes, the Topknot
Lopholaimus antacticus is named after
the crest-like nature of its neck feathers
In the next issue we will take
a look at Australia’s quail
and button-quail. Which bird was
considered ‘not the full quail’?
Which was named for their speed?
And, lastly, what bird is the
‘Chinese warmer’?
REFERENCES
1
Fraser, I & Gray, J 2013, Australian
Bird Names, a complete guide. CSIRO
Publishing, Collingwood.
2
Jobling, JA 2010, Helm dictionary
of scientific bird names, A&C Black
Publishing, London.

759
AVIAN HEALTH WITH DR BOB
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY DR BOB DONELEY BVSc FACVSc CMAVA
Understanding Incubation
A
rtificial incubation of
eggs is man’s attempt
to replicate nature by
artificially providing
(in a machine) the
conditions a fertile egg
needs to develop and successfully
hatch. At this time of year (spring and
summer) a lot of people are setting and
incubating eggs. Whether the eggs
are from backyard chickens or rare
parrot species, the principles remain the
same. In this article I intend to explain
those principles so that, if you are
going to incubate eggs, you have some
understanding of what you are about to do,
and can troubleshoot when problems arise.
WHY INCUBATE?
Incubation allows increased production,
particularly in rare or valuable species.
Removing an egg shortly after it is laid often
induces the female to lay a replacement.
Poor parenting by some birds means that
eggs and/or chicks can be lost in the nest.
Removing, and artificially incubating the
egg, can also reduce this risk.
It was thought at one time that
handrearing birds made them bond more
closely to people, so artificial incubation
was (and still is) widely practised to provide
‘bonded’ chicks for the pet market. This
concept is, by and large, no longer
accepted by most aviculturists as the
behavioural problems of birds raised in
this fashion often make them anything but
suitable pets.
In some cases, artificial incubation is
used as a means of disease control. There
are many diseases that are not vertically
transmitted—passed on through the egg.
These diseases can often be reduced or
eliminated by artificial incubation. For
other people, incubation is simply a facet of
the bird-keeping hobby that they want to
try their hand at.
EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT
Before starting to incubate, it is important
to understand what is happening inside
the egg. Embryonic growth is divided into
three approximately equal trimesters—
early, mid and late terms. (See Table 1
on page 763 for the incubation period of
common bird species.)
760
PARTS OF THE EGG
Inner & Outer
Membranes
Chalazae
Blastoderm
Shell – Inner
mammillary layer
EARLY TERM
In poultry and Cockatiels the following
events occur:
• Day 1: The ‘blastoderm’ (early embryo)
develops, becoming doughnut-shaped as
cellular division occurs.
• Day 2: Brain, eyes and spinal cord develop.
• Days 2–3: Heart and blood vessels grow
and the extra-embryonic membranes,
surrounding or attached to the embryo,
form. Blood vessels are now visible as
these membranes encase the yolk.
• Days 3–4: The body wall and viscera grow.
• Days 4–5: The limbs develop.
• So by the end of the first trimester—only
a week or less—a recognisable embryo
has grown from only a couple of cells.
As you can imagine, this rapid period of
growth can be easily disrupted by outside
influences—temperature extremes,
vibration or shaking of the egg—or internal
influences such as lethal genes, parental
malnutrition, or infection. This trimester is
one of great vulnerability. Approximately
3–4% of fertile eggs will die during this
time in normal, healthy chicks.
MID-TERM
During the second trimester there is growth,
but little further differentiation of organs.
The feathers begin to form, the bones
begin to calcify, and the beak forms. This is
a relatively stable time for the embryo, and
normal losses are low, only 1–2%.
LATE TERM
The last trimester is a period of great
activity for the nearly completely
developed embryo. The feathers are all
developed and, to all intents and purposes,
the chick is readying itself to hatch. The
Germinal Disk
Yolk
Inner Thin
Albumen
Air-cell
Middle Thick
Albumen
Outer Thin
Albumen
Shell – Outer
Spongy Layer
yolk sac is drawn up into the embryo, the
umbilicus is sealed, and the chick begins
to actively drink the albumen (egg white).
Finally, the chick positions itself and
hatches (discussed later). Because of the
increased activity, the chick is at a higher
risk of something going wrong. Losses in
normal eggs can be as high as 4%.
EQUIPMENT
It is a good idea to have your incubation
equipment set up, tested, and ready to go
before the first eggs are laid. Sounds like
common sense, but you would be surprised
how many people are running around looking
for an incubator at the very last minute!
Incubators can be either forced-air (fan-
driven) or convection-heated (cool air is
drawn in at the bottom of the incubator,
warmed, and finally exhausted past the
eggs through the top of the incubator).
Forced-air incubators give more uniform
temperature control and air flow than
convection-heated incubators, and are
preferred by most aviculturists.
Good incubators are rarely cheap. A
‘top of the range’ model for parrot eggs
will easily cost several thousand dollars.
Fortunately, chicken and waterfowl eggs
are somewhat easier to incubate, but even
then a reliable incubator will cost a few
hundred dollars.
Incubators generally have inbuilt
thermostats to control the temperature
in the machine, but the calibration of
these thermostats cannot be taken for
granted. It is advisable to have at least two
thermometers in the incubator (one at
each end) to monitor the temperature and
compare it to the thermostat.
HUMIDITY
Accurate humidity control is essential. It
is important to recognise that incubators
can usually only add moisture to the
egg environment, they are rarely able
to dehumidify it. Water reservoirs in
incubators can act as a growth medium
for potentially pathogenic bacteria and
should be cleaned regularly. It is important
to monitor the humidity—again, don’t just
rely on the machine settings. Having a
hygrometer in the incubator will allow you
to monitor the humidity and compare it to
the readings of the machine.
It must be remembered that incubators
can only add heat and humidity to the
eggs’ environment, they cannot cool or
dehumidify the air around the eggs. Because
of this, it is recommended that the incubator
be kept in a clean, biosecure, airconditioned
and dehumidified room whenever possible.
TURNING
Automatic turning controls are
recommended, but must be checked
for serviceability and vibration. Jarring
and jolting of the eggs when the
automatic turner is operating can reduce
hatchability and increase the incidence of
malpositioning.
HATCHERS/BROODERS
If you are incubating a lot of eggs, a
hatcher, separate from an incubator, is
a useful addition to your equipment list.
Eggs that are 1–2 days off hatching are
moved to a hatcher or brooder. These are
usually kept at a slightly lower temperature,
a higher humidity, and there is no egg-
turning mechanism. This makes it much
easier for the chick to hatch and reduces
the biological burden in the incubator.
(See the requirements under the hatching
section below.)
Other required equipment includes a
set of gram scales (capable of weighing in
1g increments), a candling torch, a good
disinfectant (such as F10®), and a pencil for
writing on eggs.
WHEN TO COLLECT EGGS
Artificial incubation is rarely as efficient
and effective as natural incubation. The
eggs of small parrot species (conures,
Cockatiels, lovebirds, Budgerigars) do not
do well when incubated from Day 0. It is
thought that vibrations from the incubator
may cause decreased hatchability. In these
birds, incubation should start after two
weeks of natural incubation. Large birds
also benefit from natural incubation for the
first 2–2.5 weeks.
However, it may, in some circumstances,
be necessary to collect eggs immediately,
or shortly after, being laid (such as when
the parents are destructive to the eggs or it
is desired to increase egg production. If the
female broods for 2–3 weeks, she may not
lay another clutch in that breeding season).
Some aviculturists prefer to store eggs
prior to beginning incubation in order to
synchronise hatching and handrearing.
However, it is usually preferable not to store
eggs, as hatchability reduces on a daily
basis when stored. This loss of hatching
viability is species-dependent. If there
are no other options (and the aviculturist
accepts the risk of decreased hatchability),
eggs can be stored as follows:
• Temperature in the storage area should
be kept at 12.8–18.3ºC to prevent
embryonic development.
• Relative humidity should be maintained
between 80–90%.
• Eggs should be turned 90º at least
twice daily.
• Eggs should not be stored for more than
seven days.
CLEANING EGGS
Eggs should not be cleaned if at
all possible. Routine washing is not
recommended, as this can reduce
hatchability. Dry cleaning with a soft brush
is the preferred means of cleaning eggs.
If it is necessary to wash the eggs, a 10%
quaternary ammonia or 4.2% chlorine
solution can be used. The water used
should be warmer than the egg, to prevent
the egg drawing in the washing solution
through its pores. Detergents must not be
used on very porous eggs.
INCUBATION PARAMETERS
Temperature
Temperature determines the rate
of embryonic growth. The correct
temperature in the incubator should see
the egg hatch at the same time a naturally
Quality, reliable incubators are a costly investment
that require research ahead of time of use
Eggs are placed into a brooder 1–2 days before they
are due to hatch
incubated egg does. If the temperature is
too high, the chick will hatch early, before it
is fully developed; too low and the chick will
be slow to hatch and may have difficulties
getting out of the egg. Larger eggs need
lower temperatures; smaller eggs need
higher temperatures. Typically, most eggs
develop normally if incubated between
34º–37ºC. As mentioned earlier, the room
temperature in the incubator room must
be cooler than the incubator, allowing the
incubator to warm the incoming air rather
than trying to cool it.
Humidity
Eggs lose weight during incubation due to
water loss through the shell (transpiration).
The rate of water loss is dependent on shell
thickness, its porosity and the humidity in
the surrounding air. The expected weight
loss is 16–22% over the incubation period.
To achieve this, it is usually necessary
that the relative humidity in the incubator
should be 38–46%. The actual humidity
required in the incubator is determined
by the weight-loss of the eggs in the
incubator (see the section on Monitoring
below). The higher the humidity around
the egg, the lower the weight loss, and
vice-versa. Thin-shelled or porous eggs
will therefore need a higher humidity in the
incubator to prevent excessive weight loss.
761
Conversely, thick-shelled eggs will need a
drier incubator to ensure they lose enough
weight.
If you are incubating a lot of eggs, or
have valuable species, you may require two
or three incubators, each set at a slightly
different humidity, to allow for differences
between eggs in the thickness and porosity
of the egg shell.
As incubators cannot dehumidify air,
the relative humidity in the incubator
room should be lower than in the
incubator, allowing the incubator to add
water to increase the relative humidity
around the eggs.
Ventilation
Many people seem to forget that the
embryo in the egg is a living animal and
needs air. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are
exchanged across the shell to provide the
air the chick needs, and to dispose of the
carbon dioxide produced by the chick’s
metabolism. If the carbon dioxide builds up
in the incubator, the chicks may suffocate.
Therefore, there must be a continual flow
of fresh air into the incubator. (This is why
forced-air incubators are more effective
than convection-heated incubators).
TURNING AND POSITIONING
Turning of the egg allows proper
development of the embryo and the
blood vessels in the egg, and allows better
distribution of nutrients in the albumen.
The old theory of the embryo ‘sticking’
to the shell is no longer considered valid.
Eggs should be turned a quarter turn
along the long axis every 4–5 hours. This is
usually done mechanically, although older
incubators rely on manual turning. The
turning should be smooth, with no vibration
or jolting of the eggs.
Poultry and ratite eggs are incubated
vertically, with the air cell up; psittacine
eggs are incubated horizontally, with the air
cell end slightly elevated. Eggs that are not
positioned correctly within the incubator
are more likely to develop malpositioned
embryos or embryonic death.
MONITORING GROWTH
Embryonic development can be monitored
by candling (examining the egg in a
darkened room with an intense focal light
to transilluminate it). Candling at 7–10
days will indicate if the egg is fertile and
developing properly. Clear yolks (showing
For bird
eggs of all LORI 10 brooder
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762
P DIGNEY
Candling indicates that this egg is
infertile
no signs of blood vessels or development
by Day 7) are infertile or have died early,
and should be removed. Occasionally a
‘blood ring’ (blood in a ring surrounding
the remnants of the embryo and embryonic
circle of blood vessels) is seen. This
indicates early embryonic death.
Weight monitoring should also be carried
out, ideally by daily weighing, although
weighing every 2–3 days can be sufficient
in well-developing eggs. Eggs should lose
13–22% of their weight between setting and
removal to the hatcher by evaporative loss
through the shell. They may lose another
3% during hatch, although excessive weight
loss at this time may dehydrate the chick,
making hatch difficult. Eggs with a thin or
very porous shell, or those placed in a low
humidity incubator, can lose an excessive
amount of weight through evaporative
loss. These eggs should be placed into a
higher humidity. Conversely, those with
thick shells or low porosity, or those placed
in a high humidity incubator, can retain
moisture and lose insufficient weight.
These eggs should be placed into a low
humidity environment to encourage more
evaporative weight loss.
HYGIENE
Incubators, being warm and humid and
with a high biological content, can become
a bacterial and fungal incubator if not
maintained correctly and rigid hygiene
imposed. Water reservoirs should be
cleaned daily, broken or dead eggs removed
promptly, and
dust filters cleaned
every few days
or more. The
incubator should
be emptied, aired,
and disinfected
as frequently
INCA incubators
©ABK
D BROWN
An egg, at 7-day incubation, showing early
blood vessels formed and central embryo
as possible, using a broad spectrum
disinfectant such as F10® or Virkon®.
RECORD KEEPING
It can be very difficult to persuade many
aviculturists to maintain detailed records,
making it almost impossible at times to
investigate incubation problems. Records
that should be maintained include:
• Daily temperature and humidity readings
in the incubator.
• Notes on problems such as power failure,
equipment malfunction, etc.
• For each egg, the following details
should be recorded:
o Laying date
o Setting date
o Setting weight
o Candling and weighing data
o Weight when moved to the brooder
o Outcome of incubation and hatching
(e.g. clear egg, fail to hatch, hatched
without difficulty, hatched with
difficulty)
o Viability of each chick.
• Overall the number of eggs laid, fertility
and hatchability for the season and for
each breeding pair should be recorded.
With these records available, a thorough
investigation into a hatchability problem
is feasible. Egg necropsies (autopsy) can
provide more information.
HATCHING
Hatching is stimulated by the chick
starting to use its lungs to breathe rather
 CONCLUSION

P DIGNEY

P DIGNEY
Artificial incubation, while very rewarding,
is rarely as simple as popping the eggs into
the incubator and waiting for the chicks
to hatch. It is a complex process—after all,
we are trying to replicate nature! Good
equipment that is maintained well, cleaned
frequently, and checked regularly is
essential, as is attention to detail and good
record keeping.
Hole punched in the shell by a chick about Egg tooth on a newly hatched White-tailed
to hatch Black Cockatoo TABLE 1. INCUBATION PERIOD
FOR COMMON SPECIES
than relying on gas exchange across the than 24 hours or more than 80 hours can Incubation period
Species
embryonic membranes. Increasing carbon indicate a problem. (days)
dioxide concentration causes the neck Requirements for a hatcher in which an Chicken 21
muscles to twitch and the chick becomes egg can be placed are: Duck 28–30
more active. The air cell expands and • A lower temperature (only 2–3º
extends down one side of the egg 24–48 cooler than the incubator) to prevent Pheasant 24–25
hours before internal pipping. This process overheating the now-active chick, Pigeon 17–19
is known as ‘drawing down’. • A higher humidity, up to 70%, so Macaw 24–27
The chick then penetrates the air cell the hatching chick does not become Cockatoo 25–28
(internal pipping) by rubbing its beak dehydrated, Eclectus 28–30
against the inner shell membranes until • No turning mechanism—turning at this
they tear. The chick is now able to breathe Cockatiel 18–21
stage can make it more difficult for the
the air in the cell. As the chick is jerking egg to hatch, and Budgerigar 18
inside the egg, it rotates 360º, cracking the • Adequate ventilation to ensure the Conures 22–25
shell circumferentially. This is known as the hatching chick is getting plenty of fresh air. Amazon 26–28
‘external pip’. Once the chick has hatched, it should Rainbow Lorikeet 23–25
The hatch time—the interval from be weighed and its navel swabbed with
Asiatic parrots 23–24
internal pip to hatch—is usually 36–48 Betadine® to prevent bacteria tracking up
hours in most species. Hatching times less into the yolk sac. African Grey 27–28

Are you Prepared

ed
for the Breedingg
Season?
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part of your Basic Kitt
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The Disinfectant Solution

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763
PET PARROT BEHAVIOUR
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY HILLARY HANKEY

Bringing Home the Baby

HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Very few things are more exciting to a
parrot-lover than the impending arrival of
a new bird. Whether it’s an adopted older
bird in need of a new home or a freshly
weaned baby bird, preparing the household
to bring in a new feathered companion can
bring about full nesting mode in just about
any human.
However, even the best laid plans and
expectations can be dashed when our bird
comes home and isn’t quite as friendly,
loving, or snuggly as the pictures and
videos of it at the breeder’s property or its
previous home suggested. We may try to
interact with it just as we saw others doing—
cuddling it against our chest to ‘show it’
that it will really like the other pets after all,
attempting to scratch its head, or cornering
it in its cage in order to get it to step up as
the breeder promised it was trained to do.
Nothing will prolong the way to a trusting
relationship more than spending precious
early moments mirroring how we think our
feathered friend should be behaving rather
than responding to the behaviour we see in
front of us.
This can be particularly hard on a new
parrot owner for a few reasons. Firstly,
most of us are used to domestic animals,
such as dogs and cats that have been bred
over the course of thousands of years to do
things very differently from their ancestors,
including generalising behaviour to new
situations and locations. So, while a dog still
will most likely not respond to a stranger
the same way it would its favourite human
companion, it will probably adjust to a new
space more quickly than the average bird. It
is, therefore, wrong to expect a bird to pop
out of its carrying cage and be ready for
the next adventure like the furry family pet.
Secondly, the nursery or bird store in
which a parrot grew up is very different
from the bird’s new home, and there were
probably a lot of firsts that the bird has had
to undergo to get there—car rides, plane
rides, new cage, new toys, fresh faces, kids,
dogs, cats, even furniture. It’s perfectly
natural, and even expected, for it to act a
bit bewildered or overwhelmed by all of
‘the new’.
Finally, new bird owners often take it
personally when their baby bird comes
home and doesn’t immediately act the
way they expect it to, and these unmet
expectations and hurt feelings can, in
turn, manifest themselves in a host of
ways. What we are about to explore is
how we can damage these fragile early
beginnings with good intentions; how this
has impacted on the bird-breeding and
rearing industry; and how we can establish
socialisation protocols that will set the
stage for a long-lasting friendship built on
confidence and trust.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The beginnings of a relationship with
a new feathered friend are critically
important for a variety of reasons. The
saying ‘you never get a second chance
to make a first impression’ is true. The
experience and learning history between
you and your new companion is very
limited, so each interaction carries
much greater weight than it will months
and years down the line. One negative
interaction against thousands of positive
ones means much less than one negative
interaction against two positives.
Similarly, a huge transition such as
moving into a new home affects stress
hormones, and studies have shown that
these stress hormones not only increase
the ‘fight or flight’ response but also
make memories of the stress-inducing
time last longer and remain stronger.
Therefore, anything that happens during
this time holds even greater weight. A
new human companion reaching into the
cage to coerce the bird to participate will
have a much more lasting effect on the
bird’s relationship with that human and
make its transition into the new home
more difficult.
Individuals birds handle stress and
change differently, just like
humans. There is quite a bit
of variability across species,
just as there is variability from
bird to bird. This difference
could be accounted for in
the way baby birds are raised
by their breeders, or simply
the individual way a bird
responds to its environment.
Even sibling birds can go to Baby Macaws—as cute as baby parrots can
be, handfeeding can be incredibly stressful
different homes and respond and requires constant, experienced
in different ways. Some babies oversight. Handled incorrectly, the impact
may step out of the crate on the physiological and psychological
without missing a beat and be wellbeing of youngsters can be permanent
ready to take on the world,
while others may take a few UNWEANED BABIES
days, or even a week or two, to regain So common is this scenario that it has
their former confidence and pick up their led to a few different trends in the
foundation skills of stepping up, playing companion parrot industry. The first is
with their favourite toys and so forth. the sale of unweaned baby parrots—a
sales technique that purports to help
Again, it is the expectation that a new
the baby bird ‘bond’ with its new
owner has of how a new baby bird ‘ought’ human parent. Not only is this practice
to be behaving, and thus coercing the unnecessary, it has proven quite
bird into behaving in such a way or feeling dangerous for the bird, as parent-rearing
that there is something wrong with the or handfeeding, fledging, and weaning
bird, that can lead to frustration, fear are critical periods of the bird’s learning,
or avoidance-based behaviours, and a growing, and socialisation development,
rapid degeneration of a relationship once and, as many breeders are aware, much
bursting with potential. can go wrong during this time.

764
 A youngster, even with experienced
handfeeders, can experience slow crop,
crop burn, aspiration of food or foreign
objects, or low-grade bacterial infections
that can turn deadly overnight. These are
among a host of medical issues that the
novice handfeeder may not even recognise.
In addition, the social aspect of a young
parrot progressing through the weaning
phase cannot be understated. It is at
this stage that a bird is trying out new
activities, learning to fly, experimenting
with its environment, and mimicking its
siblings and parents. Selling an unweaned
parrot sends the bird into a home either
on its own without any role models, or with
birds it is unfamiliar with, that wouldn’t
effectively serve as sibling surrogates.
The fallout of this practice can have far-
reaching consequences. Much like puppies
that are removed from the litter too early,
a parrot handraised in the absence of
other birds can be more prone to issues of
over-imprinting and over-dependency on
humans, which can manifest in a variety
of ways. Weaning a baby bird for the first
time, especially a baby bird all by itself,
can be extremely challenging, leading
some babies to be handfed far beyond the
duration—in some cases, years.
normal duration
Even an experience
experienced handfeeder can
experience difficulties
difficultie taking a nestling
out of a nursery full of other parrots to
handfeeding it in the home.
Selling unweaned parrots to promote
a bond is entirely unnecessaryy and takes
the risk off of the bird breederr and puts it
onto the new owner. Parrots aree capable
of bonding and rebonding with multiple
ultiple
individuals several times over the courserse
of their lives. In fact, even once a parrot
is weaned in the wild, it doesn’t typically
disperse right away, often staying around
its parents. In some cases, it may even help
feed the next group of hatchlings. This
‘parental’ bond is often misunderstood as
something we want to emulate with our
birds, and yet nothing could be further
from the truth, both from our perspective
and our bird’s. Instead of fostering a parent-
offspring relationship, one of a teacher and
friend can establish helpful interactions
based on positive reinforcement. Parents
are typically figures that one eventually
leaves in order to increase genetic diversity.
Focusing instead on the relationship
through the lens of positive reinforcement
helps us to understand how to relate to our
feathered friends in a way that is mutually
beneficial. In the end, buying an unweaned
baby may get you the bird sooner, but the
risks to the bird increase exponentially.
In Australia and some other countries it
is illegal to sell an unweaned bird for the
reasons outlined.
SET FOR SUCCESS
Here at Avian Behavior International,
we make every effort to set our
birds up for success when they first
arrive. While it is true that every
bird is different, the key is to move
at the bird’s pace and let the bird
make choices. Its cage is set up
in an environment in which it can
feel comfortable, and the cage
can be serviced without the bird
being forced into an uncomfortable
situation. This means organising
appropriate perching, food and
water bowls and arranging them
conveniently around doors, whether
primary or auxiliary, as well as placing
the cage in a location that suits the
new bird’s ability to engage in the
activity level of the home or retreat
as needed.
Arrival
Once the bird arrives, the first
introductions are critical because that
is its first impression of us, its future
teachers and, hopefully, lifelong
friends. Is it comfortable enough
to step out of the carrier or does it
need to move out on its own? We
always set the carrier on the cage
floor and let the bird choose. Sticking
a face and a big hand into the bird’s

PREMATURE WEA WEANING understandable that a breeder might

Another trend, that ad addresses the
expectations of new oowners to have a
snuggly baby parrot from the start, is
for breeders to forc
force-wean their birds at
a premature age. This practice creates
babies that are extra-dependent on
humans forfo attention, and even food,
because they haven’t developed the skills
needed to set them up for a lifetime of
wellbeing. A breeder who yields to the
pressure of demand for ‘snuggly baby
birds’ is not helping the parrot-owning
community understand what it takes for
birds to build their own skills to keep them
happy and psychologically fit over the
long term.
A breeder who waits until their babies
are solidly weaned at the babies’ own
pace, and even a few weeks after that,
so that the youngsters don’t regress to
an unweaned state with the stress of an
upheaval to a new home, sets everyone up
for success by helping to build the right
foundation for a more confident parrot.
Yes, it is difficult for an anxious
perspective parrot-buyer to wait
6–7 months for a new baby macaw
or large cockatoo to wean. It is also
be fielding calls from new parrot owners
who feel frustrated when, after waiting
for so long to receive their new parrot,
they do not find the bird springs from
its pet carrier straight into the human’s
loving arms with eternal gratitude for
the patience and effort that went into
acquiring it in the first place. However, the
same skills and understanding required
to help the baby parrot adjust to a new
home and family are those that will help
the human family create an environment
supportive of the correct behaviours,
prevent undesirable ones, and give them
a toolkit to navigate challenges as the
bird fills out its behavioural repertoire
through adolescence and beyond. The Cockatoo babies—chicks experience
various stages in their psychological
new parrot owner will be well served in the development as they grow and wean.
future by developing a sensitivity to the Experience is needed to help them
navigate these phases
nuances in the
environmental
antecedents
that predict
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765
 face in a carrier during an recognise them and avoid the
already-stressful situation can danger. The bird learns these
potentially make a negative stations are filled with fun
first impression. things to eat and play with and,
at any given time, we can come
Settling over to step it up and play with
Once the bird is out of the it as well.
cage, care must be taken that Each time the bird meets
it is allowed to settle and adjust someone, it is with extreme
without being disturbed. We care and supervision that it is
might test its readiness by stepped up for its favourite
slowly approaching the cage, treats, and the duration is kept
watching its body language short and filled with a high
and offering what we know rate of reinforcement and
is a favoured treat. If the bird toys to teach it how to behave
shows even the slightest sign Introducing toys at an early age is critical for a lifetime of
engaging in healthy enrichment appropriately while sitting on
of discomfort or that it wishes to the hand. This helps a young
flee our approach, we stop and bird understand what to do
possibly back up. We only advance when to remember is to stay close to the cage,
keeping your baby bird doing repetitions with that ever-inquisitive beak.
it shows signs of calm behaviour. We do At its own pace, we offer gentle
this dance—approaching slowly and only near the perch because it hasn’t learned to snuggles, but keep in mind that our
when the bird’s body language allows— generalise to other locations just yet.
goal is to have a companion for life,
every time we need to service the cage. Positive interactions are far more
one that knows how to entertain itself
If the bird takes food from our fingertips important than the possibility of a negative
as well as how to appropriately seek
through the cage bars, we teach it to interaction and having to use force and
our attention w with desirable sounds or
hop to a perch near the door and take thus induce a fearful interaction with
appropriate behavi
behaviours, rather than one
treats. Otherwise, we drop treats in a your new baby bird. Teach other family
that has learned that thet most annoying
bowl and back away a couple of feet and members how to use positive reinforcement einforcement
noise will be the one th that gets us to
let it approach. A few repetitions of this, to step up the baby, so that everyone veryone learns come the fastest.
and soon it is taking treats from the bowl the mechanics. The next stage ge is taking
with us close by… with our hand close the bird to a perch 1–2m from m the cage
by…and then from our hands. and stepping up and down from rom that, and CONCLUSION
Even opening the cage door may returning to the cage. With practice, the By mimicking a bird’s natural
need to be approximated, as the parrot can also learn how to step
tep up off the environment, responding to the
clanging and jostling of the lock can be top of the cage with positive reinforcement,
einforcement, individual youngster’s needs and,
jarring. So we give the bird treats from learning to come to the hand from
om across most importantly, recognising critical
our hand as we slowly work with the cage the top of the cage. biological developmental periods that
door, and then offer treats through a can impact your bird’s psychological
crack in the cage door. Broadening Horizons wellbeing for a lifetime, new owners
Once these basic cues are learned, we can make informed decisions when
Stepping Up start letting the baby broaden its horizons, looking for a new parrot. With each
Once the bird is taking treats from the setting up play gyms a few metres from baby, companion parrot owners can
open door, it can be (re)introduced to the cage and allowing the bird to spend a influence the avicultural industry to
the step-up with positive reinforcement. few hours of supervised time out, flying make great strides in providing parrots
For some babies, this can take time, as from station to station to play. Of course, that are destined to stay in their homes,
they can be clumsy, but some pick it up ensure windows are covered or marked with with families better equipped to handle
with ease. The most important thing soap or painters’ tape so the bird learns to the realities of living with an intelligent
feathered friend.
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766
 BREEDER PERSPECTIVE
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW RANKMORE
Parrot Breeding
W
ith spring in
full swing in
Australia, many
of our parrot
species have been
induced into a
breeding mindset that has developed
over millennia. This phenomenon
is not unusual in the animal kingdom,
as many species have evolved to time
their breeding activities with weather
events that indicate plentiful food or that
favourable conditions are coming.
But how does this impact our captive
parrots, and how can we provide the best
chance for success in our breeding goals?
This is more difficult to achieve in
many instances than one may imagine,
as the journey from initiation of breeding
activity through to successful young on
the perch involves many variables that are
both individual and contextual. What may
work for one breeder and a specific pair of
birds may not work for another. However,
there is a ‘range’, or set of goal posts, that
can be applied to what works, and if one’s
husbandry is somewhere within this range,
the chances of success are high. (That
being said, there are always claims of
‘exceptions’—some real, and some not.)
Sometimes it can be easier to define what
broadly does not work rather than what
does, but I will attempt here to cover some
common questions and considerations that
apply to new and old breeders alike.
ENVIRONMENT
The environment in which parrots are
kept can be a significant factor in their
overall wellbeing and willingness to breed.
The environment includes not just the
enclosure, but everything a parrot sees and
experiences. Obviously, it is an important
consideration, but it really needs to be
broken up into key areas of influence that
can be discussed in a more contextual way.
What follows is my ‘take’ on the important
factors and considerations relating to
captive breeding of parrots.
WEATHER
The weather cannot be controlled,
but things to watch for are a defined
temperature change and periods of dry
or wet weather—depending on the target
species you’re working with. The parrots’
The journey from initiation of breeding
activity through to successful young on
the perch involves many variables that
are both individual and contextual
natural environment can provide significant
information and understanding as to what
one requires when breeding parrots. It is
not enough to say it is spring, so the parrots
are going to nest. The season can be early,
late or even not at all, but why?
If we take the example of parrots
that typically go to nest in spring, the
winter months must be moderately wet,
with a dry spell timed with the warming
of temperatures going into spring.
Many of our captive birds need a rain
event of a tropical/subtropical storm
to really be persuaded into a breeding
attempt. This series of weather events
must be within a range of acceptable
parameters and timings, as too wet or
too dry a season is capable of putting
many pairs off attempting to nest at all
for the year. However, parrots do not
have a calendar nor a watch, hence, the
seasons in most years provide a window
of opportunity in terms of favourable
weather conditions. Attempts to artificially
‘modify’ the weather conditions may be
successful in fully indoor environments
but my observation is that exterior aviary
The effect of environment—including housing, what a bird sees and experiences—
are factors which mould it
manipulations are far less successful.
Attempts to start or extend the season
with sprinklers and/or misters do not
seem to have the same effect as genuine,
natural weather events, despite daily timed
efforts. I believe this is due to the overall
humidity of the outdoor environment not
being influenced to the same consistent
and prolonged extent that natural events
produce. Furthermore, the stormy spring
weather that aids in stimulating parrots
creates significant air pressure differences
that even we as humans can feel. How
much of an effect this has on convincing
parrots to go to nest is unknown, but it
could be more important than aviculturists
currently consider.
A well-known certainty is that the length
of periods of light which birds experience
will stimulate hormones and assist in
the initiation of breeding behaviour and
display. My experience with most species
of parrot has shown that the lengthened
periods of daylight must coincide with a
warming of ambient temperature and the
rain/storm events previously mentioned.
The reverse may be true for some species
that nest in autumn or winter seasons,
however, the key consideration is a defined
change that provides favourable indicators
to the birds’ instinct of good times ahead
for their offspring.
By being aware of what weather events
are occurring, a well-seasoned breeder is
able to best predict and focus their efforts
on the pairs within his/her collection that
respond to such seasonal timing and
weather events. This allows a more targeted
assignment of effort over a 12-month
period, and reduces the overall energy
given to a collection than a one-size-fits-all
approach would entail.
767
P ODEKERKEN

J WELCH
Blue and Gold Macaw. If nutritional The aim of every breeder is to produce a Diet influences breeding results from
needs of breeding birds are met well healthy juveniles such as these Amazons the hatching of healthy chicks to their
before eggs are laid, the journey to fledging, seen in this Gang Gang
husbandry success is half won

NUTRITION
Success in breeding is often decided in the months prior to any
nesting activity even beginning. From a captive point of view, the
food provided to parrots can be very rich in one area and poor
in most other areas of the spectrum. This is due to our inability
to provide the wealth of variety and nutritional variance, timed
with the seasons, to replicate a natural diet without significant
commitment. However, with today’s advances in pelleted diets and
vitamin supplements, both the nutritional needs of the birds and
any reproductive attempts can be met.
One must understand that it is a completely different thing
to feed birds to a minimum standard for survival compared to
successfully breeding the same birds. Maintaining condition
and general health is a lot easier and less labour-intensive than
providing adequate nutrition for fertility, egg-laying, and the
parent-raising of chicks. Cutting corners on the latter will result
in a high mortality rate, with those that do survive experiencing
deformities and other health problems. It really is true that what
you put in is what you get out, and the only way forward is to
genuinely understand the species you are breeding.
Often, aviculturists experience first-time success with a pair,
followed by progressively worse results in terms of fertility, egg
quality, and chick-raising. This is because the formation of the egg
puts immense strain on a female’s reserves of protein, vitamins,
and calcium, to the point that if they are not replenished, the
female’s own life is in danger. Every species has slightly different
needs and vulnerabilities in nutritional requirements. Hence,
although many may have similar base needs or diets, responsible
aviculturists should conduct individual research and consultation
with breeders who are successful in the care and husbandry of that
specific species. In Australia many species are very expensive and
provide a financial reward for dedicated care and commitment,
yet they are often treated as if all birds are the same, resulting in
some significant declines and failures in rare or difficult species—
something that is avoidable. Prevention is better than cure and if
the preliminary nutritional needs of breeding birds are met well
before eggs are even laid, the journey to husbandry success is
already half won.

STIMULATION
This topic covers many factors from weather, through to diet and
even pairings, but I will focus on areas that keepers can control or
aid in. Firstly, one must look to the wild examples of the species
to better understand their social setting when breeding. This will
indicate the species’ management in terms of enclosure, pairing
and potential flocking in the off-season. Again I must stress that
this area is subject to many variables and individual experiences/
exceptions, but can prove a useful tool in at least getting a pair,
that otherwise would not have, to commence breeding.
Diet can act as a significant stimulant. With some guidance from

768
the birds’ natural range, one can provide a
more bland diet during winter periods that
may be fattier, while shifting progressively
to a diet rich in sprouted mix, vegetables
and fruit to follow the change in seasonal
food variety and content. Personally, I use
this method with many of my parrots to aid
in not only stimulation, but also to provide
the required fat content (within reason) to
cope with the very cold and difficult weather
my area experiences during winter months.
As the weather warms, I introduce greater
amounts of sprouted seeds and soft foods
into their diet to aid in breeding stimulation.
Pairing and flocking can also be a
significant aid in stimulating parrots into
breeding condition. Again, looking to the
wild, many (but not all) parrots will flock
in the non-breeding season, and then
segregate into pairs in spring for a breeding
attempt. This can be difficult to replicate
in captivity as the flocking of some
species may require communal aviaries of
significant size. Furthermore, some species
in captivity (Gang Gangs), can produce
negative results in flocking as they pluck
each other. Sometimes only one stressed
personality is required to ruin several pairs
that were in good feather.
Compatible pairing is the most central
factor in stimulating breeding success, and
this will require careful observation and a
willingness to swap individuals around until
the desired behaviour is observed. Mutual
preening and overt signs of compatibility
may not always be available to the
breeder because some species are almost
completely non-affectionate in the normal
sense. Thus, other behavioural signs must
be understood and confirmed to ensure
that the pair is worthwhile
keeping together for breeding.
In Australia, I would suggest,
this is the most common error
aviculturists make. This may be
due in some part to cost and
availability, but I also believe
the culture of ‘sit and wait’ or
‘they just need more time’ is a
more significant factor in our
comparatively poorer breeding
results than overseas enterprises.
Chewing and providing
physical stimulation is
another consideration within
the aviculturist’s sphere of
influence. One can provide
an assortment of chewable
branches or vegetation to
allow birds to be physically
stimulated into breeding
condition. Variables in the
appropriate sort of vegetation/
chewable supply will not only
depend on the species but
also the individuals. I have some pairs
that show almost no interest in fresh plant
material yet favour artificial toys, while
another pair of the same species may be
the complete opposite.
During the breeding season, I try to
minimise my presence around the aviaries,
therefore I place appropriate material into
the cage at suitable times during the week
while feeding the birds. This minimises the
amount of human disturbance and aids in
the pair’s overall psychological stimulation.
NEST BOX
This area is not often discussed at length,
and perhaps with good reason. The
variability and differences between nest
boxes is too large to define a specific
formula for what works and what does not.
This really is down to the individual pair and
may require significant experimentation
from the keeper to really identify the
individual tastes of a particular pair of birds.
The hardest thing for a keeper is to find a
box/log that a ‘virgin’ pair of birds likes, and
to encourage that first nesting attempt.
If a pair of birds is entering and working
(chewing) a box, then it is fairly safe to
say that they’ve accepted the box/log and
that other factors or considerations need
to come together for the laying of eggs.
However, if a pair never enters a box after
a season, it is safe to say that an alternative
design/size/orientation should be offered.
Often, a successful approach is to offer
several designs/sizes of nesting to a pair at
the same time. This will combine several
years of potential experimentation into
one. At our aviaries, we have witnessed the
intense change in pair activity and breeding
behaviour that a change of box that suits a
particular pair can bring about. This is most
obvious with species that are naturally more
nervous or observant, and can be another
key ingredient to success. Established
breeding pairs will need the same nesting
solution should their nest/log require
replacement or be sold to a new owner.
Too many times I have witnessed people
attempting to reinvent the wheel rather
than going with what has worked in the past
for that specific pair of birds. Often this
is based on what the owner prefers rather
than the birds’ preference, with less than
satisfactory results in most instances.
CONCLUSION
It is often a combination of luck and
accident that results in the successful
breeding of many aviculturists’ birds.
However, as you can see there are variables
and factors that are well within the control or
consideration of keepers to aid in improving
their chances of success. Breeding parrots
requires more than aiming for the end result,
and requires careful planning, observation
and consideration for several months before
any eggs are laid. There are a broad range
of formulas, techniques and approaches that
work within a large set of goal posts, but as
long as they are between the goal posts,
chances of success are high. Move outside
them and failure is almost guaranteed.
Research and understanding will identify
the thresholds of these goal posts for your
birds, and looking to the wild as well as
to avicultural peers provides the sound
knowledge behind how best to approach a
species’ specific needs. Happy bird keeping,
and best wishes for your breeding season!
769
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JADE WELCH
F
ew birds are as iconic on
a global scale as the Blue
and Gold Macaw. Such is
their impact that these birds,
also known as Blue and Yellow
Macaws, feature in films,
documentaries, books, TV shows, on
product packaging, posters and more. They
appear in free-flight bird shows around
the world, highlighting the beauty of our
feathered friends and their perilous plight.
For many years leading up to legal
importation, the Blue and Gold Macaw
was exceedingly rare within Australian
aviculture. With an injection of stock,
and time, the number of Blue and Gold
Macaws has increased through breeding to
the point where this species is now plentiful
in Australia. This article provides a brief
overview on the keeping and breeding
of the most common of the large macaw
species within Australia.
Source birds from young stock if possible
Blue and Gold Macaw adult
770
SUBSPECIES
From time to time birds are described d and
sold within Australia as Bolivian race Blue
and Gold Macaws. Though no subspecies ecies
of Blue and Gold has been identified,
kier
these birds are said to be larger, stockier
rence
birds, in some cases with a slight difference
in colouration.
P ODEK ERKEN
Debate remains around whether this iss in
oes
fact a true subspecies, however, there does
not appear to be any scientific literature as
yet to support the existence of a Boliviann
ty to
subspecies. The other issue is the inability
trace the original imported birds and theirir
ca.
ancestors to their origins in South America.
HABITS
The vocal level of a Blue and Gold
Macaw and its destructive nature cannot ot
be underestimated. It is imperative to
do your homework prior to selecting this is
species or suffer the consequences, suchh
as complaints from the neighbours. A
good way to gauge noise output is to sitt
out of sight of an aviary housing a pair or
an individual bird and listen either early
morning or late afternoon.
SOURCING
With the rise in the number of breederss
of Blue and Gold Macaws comes the
opportunity to buy birds from a range
of sources. Choosing who is best to buyy
from can be difficult, however, consultingngg
an avian vet or breeders may help pointt
you in the right direction. From there it is
best to ask as many questions as possible
and inspect the quality of the birds. It is
also imperative to have birds checked
by an avian vet where possible to ensure
there are no issues with the birds you hope
to acquire. An avian vet can conduct a
number of tests and may offer a number
of services. Many breeders sell their birds
microchipped and with vet health checks.
 P OD EK ER KEN
HOUSING
There are no tricks to housing Blue and
Gold Macaws. They will do well in either a
well-built suspended or conventional aviary
that protects them from the elements.
What must be taken into account though
is the bird’s ability to fly and feel safe and
secure. For aviary birds, a large and sturdy
aviary is advisable because the powerful
beaks of these birds will easily destroy
anything flimsy. A minimum length of 6m
will allow the birds to at least get some
momentum. Large, sturdy perches made
of hardwood such as Eucalyptus are ideal.
Predator proofing is essential and to
prevent vermin, a rat-proof wall at ground
level and use of smaller aperture, heavy
gauge wire is advisable.
Many a Blue and Gold Macaw will hang
from the wire during a rain shower and
bathe. Locks may be required, as these
birds have been known to break door clips
and escape. Equally, a safety walkway is
essential and a great place to position the
nest box, as going into the aviary during
breeding can be fraught with danger.
Pet bird owners may also want to invest
in a larger outdoor aviary in addition to
their inside cage. This allows the bird to
get outside and benefit from the elements.
Some birds prefer to just climb about, but
even an inside cage for a pet bird should be
spacious and sturdy and allow the bird to
spread its wings and move about.

An example of a wild Blue and Gold

Macaw nest site

Blue and Gold Macaws do well in either conventional or suspended aviaries as

long as there is sufficient flight area for these large birds
P ODEKERKEN

Blue and Gold Macaws flock in numbers in the wild and enjoy socialisation, as
seen at this feeding site of palm nuts

Social Flocking Flocking a mix of species can also have

These sturdy perches provide a climbing
challenge and exercise in a caged
environment
Parrots are for the most part social
creatures and birds find flocking in captivity
rewarding. It not only reduces boredom
but allows young birds to bond and form
pairs. It also allows established pairs to
strengthen their bonds. The additional
benefit for young birds is that it allows them
to ‘become birds’ and sets them up to be
better pets or breeders.
many benefits and works well, as long as
sufficient perches and feed stations are
provided. Two feed/water stations per pair
of birds is ideal, and monitoring of the flock
is essential, particularly when birds are
moved in or out of the flock, as dynamics
will change. The best time to establish a
community housed in one enclosure is
when all the birds are young.

771
Browse
Many species of plant are suitable browse
for these birds, including Grevillea,
bottlebrush, Eucalypts and golden cane
palms. Attached to these can be the
flowers and seed pods which the birds will
chew and, with species such as Eucalypts,
the birds will often preen the oil through
their feathers.

Security
There are many ways to not only monitor
your backyard but also your birds. You
can, in many cases, dial in via your phone/
tablet from anywhere in the world and look
at footage captured on security cameras.
Many of these cameras can also be
attached to nest boxes and used to monitor
pairs as they raise their young. This reduces
stress for both the keeper and the breeding
pair and allows many great insights into the
world of our birds.

FEEDING
Blue and Gold Macaws enjoy a bountiful
and diverse diet in the wilds of South
America. Within aviculture it is critical for
the birds’ wellbeing, and that of future
generations of their progeny, that they
BREEDING
receive a diet that is both nutritious and
The Blue and Gold Macaw is not a difficult
stimulating. As food varies seasonally in
species to breed and will begin breeding
the wild, it is important to vary it within
aas early as three years of age. A good diet
captivity. Many aviculturists will have a
start-up base diet for their birds and add to
it throughout the year.
The daily provision of fruit and
vegetables, fresh water, soaked or sprouted
seed and a pellet and/or seed mix will assist
in keeping the birds healthy. Dried fruit
mixes can be fed, however, they are high
in sugar and this needs to be taken into
account. Nuts in shell can also be fed, and
there are a wide range of nuts suited to
these birds, such as almonds, pecans and
Brazil nuts.
Suitable fruits and vegetables include
chilli, capsicum, carrot, watermelon, corn,
passionfruit, peas, grapes, beans and
beetroot. Some weed species, such as
dandelion, can also be fed, as well as the
fruits of some palm species. To cut down
on boredom, some keepers will hide chunks
of food or nuts around the aviary, which
means the birds have to search for their
food throughout the day. Some will give
whole pumpkins for the birds to destroy, or
branches covered in flowers and berries.
Internal view of a sturdy nest built for breeding Blue and Gold Macaws
make oneself scarce and allow the birds to
focus on breeding.
Incubation of the eggs usually takes
26–28 days and, with the plentiful supply of
le
leading up to, and during, breeding is Blue and Gold Macaws now on the market,
eessential and can assist in the prevention a number of breeders are allowing their
o
of metabolic bone disease in the young. birds to parent-rear. This has many benefits
A nesting receptacle, such as a reinforced to both chicks and parents and is extremely
nnest box, is best positioned in the walkway rewarding. If eggs or chicks are to be pulled
aand attached to the aviary to make early, then pairs may double or even triple-
in
inspections easier. clutch. The Blue and Gold is certainly one
Alternative nesting receptacles include of the most prolific macaw species.
w
wine barrels, and large metal drums with
o
open tops and wooden planks attached
in
inside. As mentioned earlier, nest box
ccameras can be attached. These must be
p
positioned in areas where the birds cannot
aaccess the wires or cameras, because they
w
will destroy them.
Wood shavings or sawdust make an ideal
nnesting material and will be turned over
b
by nesting birds. The addition of chew
b
blocks is important and allows the female
Top: Blue and Gold Macaw chicks at 38
tto chew while sitting in the nest. Leading and 41 days old and (below) socialising
uup to breeding—during which 3–5 eggs will as they develop
b
be laid—the signs that a pair are ready to
b
breed become quite apparent.
Pairs begin to disappear into the box or
b
become extremely agitated and aggressive
sshould someone come too close. A warning
is often given during which the birds hold
out their wings while their cheeks turn a
shade of pink. During this time it is best to

Fruit and vegetables, fresh water, soaked or

sprouted seed and a pellet mix will assist in
keeping the birds healthy

772
MUTATIONS

BIRDS INTERNATIONAL
The word mutation can cause quite a stir
with purists, who prefer a species to be left
untouched, so to speak and, to a degree,
this is understandable. Many species are no
longer found in a pure wildtype state (not
split for a mutation or a visual mutation
itself) within Australian aviculture. As such,
we must maintain pure species aside from
mutation breeding.
Contrary to the view of some, mutations
are not all developed in captivity and,
over the years, a number of mutations
of the Blue and Gold Macaw have been
photographed in the wild, including
Opaline, Lutino and Blue.
As with any species commonly kept
and bred within aviculture, a number of
mutations have now begun to appear and
are currently being worked on both here in Opaline Blue and Gold Macaw The Blue and other mutations, including
the Opaline and Opaline Blue, have been
Australia and abroad. They will, of course, raised at Birds International
take some time to establish and in years to
M MOORE

M MOORE
come we will begin to see combinations of
the various mutations.
A few of the mutations currently being,
or reportedly being worked on, include
Isabel (Faded), Spangle, Pied, non-sex-
linked (NSL) Lutino, Dilute, Cinnamon,
Opaline Blue and Dark Factor/Greygreen.
View images of more mutations in A Guide
to Macaws as Pet and Aviary Birds by Rick
Jordan and Mark Moore, published by
ABK Publications.

PET BIRDS
These birds have one of the sweetest
natures of any macaw, however, they are
not suited to every situation. Firstly, they
are loud. Secondly, they are destructive.
Leaving a pet bird alone, out of its cage
in the home, is fraught with danger and
may see a lot of damage done. And lastly,
they are large birds and, as such, are not
suited to units, townhouses and many
small suburban situations. The potential
owner must ensure that they do their
research prior to taking on one of these
birds as pets.
As the price falls, the market is opened
up to a wider scope of people and a great
deal of vetting is required by breeders to
ensure the birds they breed and sell are
going to homes where they will receive the
best possible care. Furthermore, it is good
practice for breeders to provide you with
education packs, which may include a large
Non sex-linked Lutino Blue and Gold Macaws
sample of the diet being fed, your daily
routine, a harness if the bird is harness-
trained—and why not even include a copy
of ABK’s A Guide to Macaws book?
Free-flying is conducted by a number of
pet owners, and many videos on YouTube™
display free-flying parrots. You should learn
the practice from an experienced free-flyer
and bird behaviourist. It is also important to
recognise the potential hazards within the
environment and take steps to minimise.
Even the most experienced free-flyers
encounter escapes due to predator spooks.
CONCLUSION
The Blue and Gold Macaw is a striking
creature that makes a beautiful pet or aviary
bird. They are now readily available and at a
price-point making them more available to
purchase. Despite this, they deserve proper
care and attention. Thorough research must
be conducted before investing in these
birds. The fact that these birds are so readily
available now is thanks to a great number of
dedicated breeders.

A Guide to Macaws as Pet & Aviary Birds

By Rick Jordon and Mark Moore
Selection, Husbandry, Nutrition & Diet, Breeding and Rearing, Pet Aspects, Health & Disease.

Macaws—A Complete Pet Bird Owners Guide

Purchase, Housing, Diet & Pet Behaviour and Training, Breeding Basics
Available from ABK www.birdkeeper.com.au or
Email birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au or Phone 07 5568 0011

773
THE WISE OWL
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY DR MILTON LEWIS BSc (Hons) PhD
Shedding those Feathers
A
bout the time this article
is being opened at the
kitchen table, your
birds will be starting
the process of renewing
feathers after finishing
the breeding season—Gouldian
Finch people excepted. Canary rooms
across the country will start to look like
exploded duvets and every day will require
the endless routine of vacuuming and
sweeping. The clouds of feathers will not
last too long, so enjoy watching your new
young birds dress for the coming season.
We should all now be aware that the
moulting season is a time of stress for our
birds and, therefore, a time when more
care is required in providing slightly greater
quality in dietary nutrients. I have touched
on this subject before, but this time I will
include new information about the actual
costs for particularly small birds and the
processes beyond renewing feathers that
further increase energy costs at this time
of year.
THE COSTS OF MOULTING
Most bird species moult completely at
least once each year and this requires
physiological, anatomical and behavioural
adjustments. Perhaps the most obvious
could be thermoregulatory costs, because
without a complete cover of feathers
it is difficult to maintain steady body
temperature and the bird may need to
use more energy from food, and change
behaviour to conserve warmth.
It is well documented in science that
birds initiating moult while still incubating
or rearing the final clutch of the season will
experience fitness costs along with their
young. This is blatantly obvious in the case
of canaries where owners try to extend the
season to achieve a few extra young, and
end up with poor quality, unhealthy chicks
that are unlikely to survive fledging, and
parents that take longer to complete the
moult. In many cases, these adult birds
might not gain condition for a successful
breeding season the following year.
Inexperienced bird keepers should note
that when the moult commences, the
breeding season is over. Birds partition
expensive life history stages such as
breeding, moult and, in some species,
774
The Long-billed Corella, on the left, certainly needs to A sad-looking Gouldian
shed those feathers compared to its feeding partner Finch in the middle of a
tiresome moult
migration, into separate stages of the year to of 111%. This is a very high demand for such
minimise physiological stress and maximise a small bird and may require behavioural
the allocation of food resources (energy). An changes, including differing feeding and
event such as growing new feathers is just resting strategies as the moult commences.
too expensive (generally) to combine with
another event that is equally expensive. THE STRESS TO DRESS
Feathers provide insulation in the Just stepping back for a moment and
cold and heat, aerodynamic properties thinking about all this information tells us
during flight and, in some species, a way a great deal about the stresses our birds
of communicating, so daily maintenance are enduring as they dress themselves in
and replacement annually is essential. new plumage for the coming year. I have
Upon completion of the moult, a bird has watched my birds closely during this time
synthesised almost 25% of its total body and often seen individuals just sitting on
protein in the growing of feathers. the perch, feeding occasionally, but not
The production of feathers is more costly really doing much else. Males have stopped
for smaller birds because of their higher whistling and are certainly not in the mood
basal metabolic rates (BMR) and it has for sparring and fighting. I am particularly
been estimated that BMR may increase watchful of any birds that are a little too
by as much as 10 times the normal level quiet, not yet ‘soft’, but certainly not as
throughout the period of feather growth. active as they should be for a happy bird.
A finch such as the Redpoll may expend These birds are placed in separate cages
as much as 709kJ per gram of dry feathers to reduce competition for food from more
during the moult, whereas the much larger active birds, and supported with ample
kookaburra will expend 116kJ per gram. high-quality foods. As a general rule, I
Accompanying
the activity of
growing new
feathers is a
corresponding
increase in
metabolic rate.
The resting
metabolic rate in
our White-plumed
Honeyeaters was
found to increase
by as much as 82%
during the moult
period, although
Redpolls experience
an even higher level
continue egg-food, sprouted and soaked
seed throughout the moulting period, but
with the addition of seeds such as Niger,
with a little more oil for energy.
IN THE WILD
Birds in wild situations probably face
much greater decisions in adjusting their
activities during the moult than our birds,
which are tucked into comfortable climate-
controlled bird rooms or covered aviaries
with an abundance of food in the same
dish every day. House Sparrows adjust
their foraging behaviour when confronted
with the loss of feathers. Firstly, they eat
faster, and thus spend less time at feeding
sites. This is perhaps a result of their higher
metabolic rates during this period, and
other benefits are perhaps in predator
avoidance and exposure to variable
temperatures. Predators, such as raptors,
are always watching feeding sites of small
birds, and a bird with less-than-perfect
flight (due to fewer wing feathers) would be
a much easier target. It would have to be
a good idea not to stay too long eating if
your chances of escape are compromised.
Feeding on open patches of seed, as is
often the choice for sparrows, would also
increase the variation in temperature
that these birds face throughout the day.
If inclement weather hits, these small,
compromised birds are more likely to be
chilled, so reducing exposure time would
be the best option.
MOULTING AND BREEDING
Some of our Australian birds provide an
interesting differentiation from the normal
moulting observations. Our country,
rather than having the highly predictable
seasonality of the Northern Hemisphere, is
exposed to relatively unpredictable weather
events, and birds have adapted to take
advantage of times when food is plentiful.
This means there are occasions when moult
coincides with breeding. Do Australian
birds choose to do both energetic
strategies simultaneously? The answer is
‘yes’ for the White-plumed Honeyeater,
but it has also evolved another strategy. It
prolongs the moult and stretches the cost
of feathers over a longer period in order to
cope with the simultaneous cost of rearing
young and laying eggs.
What scientists saw as most unusual in
this phenomenon was not that these birds
choose to breed at this time, but that the
measured energetic cost still peaks in
the same fashion as birds losing all their
feathers in the usual way. Most would have
predicted that the normal total energy cost
would be extended over the longer moult
period. This unusual case suggests that
our assumption that all the energy costs
incurred during the moult are the result of
growing new feathers is incorrect and that
there are other associated physiological
costs. These stories are always more
complicated than they first appear, and
when avian physiologists investigated and
thought a little more, they put forward
several possibilities for added energy
costs at this time of year. For example, in
canaries there are some reasonably big
changes going on in these tiny bodies after
breeding. In simple terms, male canaries
do not require testis when they are not
breeding, so reproductive organs regress
with the shortening daylight hours. The
testis will again return after winter, when
daylight length extends. Females are
going through similar changes along with
restoring stores of body fat for the winter.
THE GOULDIAN EXCEPTION
In the opening paragraph, I noted that
Gouldian Finches are an exception to the
timing of moulting in the post-summer
period following breeding. In a finch such
as a canary, or even our own Australian
finches, such as the Long-tailed Grassfinch,
moult signals the end of the breeding
season. Canaries, therefore, begin losing
feathers in December while our northern
Australian Grassfinches drop their feathers
in August and September (wild birds),
AUSTRALIAN
PARROTS & COCKATOOS
View and Order at www.martinwillisphotographs.com.au
Phone 0412 642 141
with the close of the dry season. Gouldian
Finches, on the other hand, delay their
moult for several months after the finish of
dry season breeding, and moult in the few
weeks before the wet season breaks (late
November and early December). Young
Gouldians also moult every feather on their
body—a complete change of plumage. This
is different to many other species in which
the young of the year do not change their
tail and wing feathers in the first moult.
This has always represented a
conundrum for me. The weeks before
the wet season rains arrive are difficult
for everyone, with temperatures mostly
above 40oC, high humidity and, for birds,
very little food on the ground. I have often
asked why Gouldian Finches do not moult
at the same time as other finch species in
the region, but this remains an unexplored
question. It could be something to do with
their bright and, some may say, extravagant
plumage. At the time when Gouldian
Finches are adorning themselves in gold,
green and purple, there is an abundance of
germinating seed that they target as their
main food. Could it be that these seeds,
high in carotenoids, are an essential key to
their colours and that they have evolved
to moult only when that essential food is
available? Yet again, an Australian bird may
provide the next question to unlock bigger
mysteries in the avian world.
REFERENCES
Ben-Hamo, M, Burns, DJ, Bauchinger
U, Mukherjee, S, Embar, K & Pinshow,
B 2016, ‘Behavioural responses during
feather replacement in House Sparrows’,
Journal of Avian Biology, vol. 47, pp.
103–108.
Hoye, BJ and Buttemer, WA 2011,
Inexplicable inefficiency of avian moult?
Insights from an opportunistic breeding
arid-zone species, Lichenostomus
penicillatus, PLoS ONE, vol. 6, no. 2,
e16230
2018
BEAUTIFUL
CALENDAR
775
ABOUT BIRDS...
WORDS, PHOTOGRAPH AND DRAWINGS BY KIT PRENDERGAST BA BSc (Hons)
Avian Dinosaurs Part 2
In Part 1, we examined the features birds and the dinosaur clade theropods
share, and the evolution of feathers. In this issue, we will scrutinise further the
various purposes of feathers and their evolution towards modern bird flight.
Adorable litter terrors! Young Rainbow
Lorikeets Trichoglossus moluccanus
EVOLUTION OF FLIGHT
The most likely scenario for the evolution
of flight involves the evolution of feathers
early in dinosaur history, initially as simple
filamentous feathers for display and
thermoregulation. As lineages became
increasingly arboreal, this would have
favoured feathers that evolved to have a
structure that was aerodynamic, assisting
in leaping among branches. Further
modifications in terms of the development
of pennaceous feathers on the limbs and
tail would have enhanced this arboreal
locomotion and permitted parachuting,
whereas refinement of these pennaceous
feathers by enlargement would have
allowed gliding. Finally, asymmetric
feathers would have been favoured for
their aerodynamic effectiveness, enabling
even more efficient gliding and finally
powered flight.
INSULATION
Feathers function as an incredibly good
insulating body covering, which is very
important for modern birds in order to
maintain their high body temperature. (At
about 41°C, birds have on average a higher
body temperature even than endothermic
mammals, driven by their need to maintain
a high metabolic rate necessary for
powered flight.)
A fossil dated at about 130 million years
ago of Sinosauropteryx prima, in the family
776
Sinosauropteryx prima
Compsognathidae—small, lightly-built
coelurosaurs with relatively long legs and
tail—had multiple tufts of thick filaments
projecting a few millimetres above the
skin covering the body. Such filamentous
feathers distributed over the body suggest
that they served a thermoregulatory
function and provided good insulation.
Feathers can also help regulate body
temperature and prevent overheating
because they are innervated and supplied
with a bloody supply, so that feathers can
be raised (piloerection) or lowered to alter
the amount of insulation, as well as shed
excess heat by sending blood to the surface
of the body through the vanes of the
feather. A few desert birds even use their
feathers to soak up water, which is then
used to evaporatively cool eggs in the nest,
or provide water to nestlings.
Certain feathered dinosaurs likely
evolved feathers that served this function,
based on discoveries of feathers in amber
in which the fine structural details revealed
that some feathers had a thickened rachis,
surrounded by numerous barbules with
tightly-coiled, whorled bases. This basal
barbule coiling can be seen in modern
birds, where in Desert Sandgrouse, the
feather structure allows water to be
absorbed and then distributed to nestlings,
or to cool eggs. In Grebes, the coiled
barbules absorb water into the plumage
Mute Swan Cygnus olor. This graceful,
beautiful swan is related through
evolution to the fearsome T-rex
which facilitates the aquatic lifestyle
of these birds by modifying buoyancy,
reducing hydrodynamic turbulence, and
improving insulation.
As mentioned, although the jury is still
out regarding the thermoregulatory status
of dinosaurs, it is likely that ‘mesothermic’
animals would certainly benefit from
the thermoregulatory abilities feathers
provide. However, while it is highly likely
that feathers served an insulative function
in some dinosaurs, the earliest fossils
of feathered dinosaurs bearing the first
cylindrical filamentous feathers suggest
that an insulative function arose later.
FEATHER DISPLAY
Analysis of the melanosomes—pigment-
containing cells that incredibly have been
preserved in fossil feathers of dinosaurs—
reveal that feathers were not uniform in
colour, but were a range of hues. If we
compare birds to reptiles, it is clear that
birds, cloaked in feathers, have a much
greater palette of colours and patterns
than reptiles, cloaked in scales. As a
body covering, feathers are unique in the
impressive range of size, shape, colour and
texture that can be displayed. Furthermore,
feathers can be raised, lowered, fanned,
and really advertised. Such ornaments in
modern birds have been shown to function
in sexual selection, where the showiest

Epidexipteryx hui
males advertise their fitness as a mate by
the size, colour and extravagance of their
feathers. Thus, the original function of
feathers may have been for mate attraction.
A display function for feathers in non-
avian dinosaurs is also the most likely
function of the feathers in a fossil of a
pigeon-sized theropod Epidexipteryx
hui that was found in sediments dating
from the mid-to-late Jurassic period
(152-168 mya). E. hui was distinct enough
to warrant placing it in a new family,
Scansoripterygidae. E. hui fossils show
well-preserved feathers over most of the
body that were short, down-like and, while
similar to other feathered dinosaurs in
being branched, had nearly parallel barbs
that arose from the edge of a membranous
structure. What is remarkable is E. hui
also had four long, elongated, ribbon-
like pennaceous tail feathers. Although
differing from modern tail feathers in that
vanes were not branched, but instead
formed a ribbon-like sheet, it is likely they
served as ornaments, playing a role in
mate attraction and evolved via intra or
inter-sexual selection as long, extravagant
tail feathers do in some of today’s birds
from diverse families, including pheasants,
lyrebirds, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Tyrannus forficatus, some birds-of-paradise,
like the aptly named Ribbon-tailed Atrapia
Astrapia mayeri, and the equally aptly
named Resplendent Quetzal Pharomachrus
mocinno. E. hui also had short feathers
distributed over the body, which likely
functioned as insulation.
A display function is also suggested by
a coelurosaurian theropod Beipiaosaurus,
dated to about 130 million years ago,
which sported integumentary filaments
up to 15cm long—the longest reported.
(This was also long relative to the 2m
total body length of the animal.) Their
single, broad (2mm wide), long filament
structure, and localised distribution on just
the head, neck and tail meant they would
function poorly in insulation, but would be
E TAN
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus
forficatus has long tail feathers that serve
a display function, proposed to be one of
the first functions in feathered dinosaurs
well suited for display functions. The fact
that Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous
dinosaurs with pinnate feathers exhibited
sexual dimorphism in plumage and colour
patterning, likewise presents a strong case
that mate attraction and display functions
were a key role for these more advanced
feather types.
Another advantage of feathers is that
when moulted, the bird can don a whole
new ‘coat’. This allows birds to have showy,
breeding plumage, and more cryptic,
camouflaged plumage in the non-breeding
season. Although some reptiles can change
the colour and pattern of their skin to suit
their environments, seasonal changes
related to skin-shedding are unknown.
It should be noted that these functions
are not mutually exclusive. (They all
operate in birds today.) Thus, pinning down
the original function that feathers served
is not only difficult, it may be that they
evolved for a number of functions.
THE ‘FIRST BIRD’
Archaeopteryx has for a long time been
considered the ‘first bird’, and is recognised
as such among the general public. Fossils
of Archaeopteryx have been discovered
from deposits dated at 150 million years
Loveable lovebirds, a popular pet, are in
fact avian dinosaurs
old. Archaeopteryx possessed a mix of both
clear avian features—namely asymmetric
feathers, wings, a furcular, and reduced
digits in the manus (bones making up
the ‘hand’)—as well as clearly reptilian
features—namely a full set of teeth, a long
bony tail, three claws on the wing digits,
and a rather flat sternum. (In modern birds
this is greatly enlarged for attachment of
the pectoral muscles that power flight.)
It is still unclear whether Archaeopteryx
was capable of powered flight or merely
gliding. If the former, its reduced sternum
and battery of teeth suggest it would not
have been a strong flier. The first fossil
of Archaeopteryx was in fact just a single
feather, preserved in exceptional detail,
found while quarrying in the Solnhofen
limestone of southern Germany in 1861.
The first full fossil was discovered later
that year, exhibiting in exquisite detail
the ‘transitional’ nature of Archaeopteryx,
dubbed as a ‘missing link’ between
dinosaurs and birds, and fully validating
the theory of evolution by natural selection
detailed by Charles Darwin’s magnum
opus, The Origin of Species, published just
two years earlier in 1859.
To date, 12 fossils of Archaeopteryx have
been discovered but there is an ongoing
dispute whether Archaeopteryx was truly
the first bird. At present the consensus
among most scientists in light of new fossil
discoveries is that other taxa have knocked
Archaeopteryx off this perch.
When Archaeopteryx was first
discovered, it was the first specimen to
exhibit a mixture of dinosaur and bird traits,
and thus was the only contender for the
title of ‘first bird’. Since its discovery, the
increasing number of fossil taxa displaying
a mix of bird and dinosaur traits means
there are many contenders. Also, various
studies have found Archaeopteryx to be
placed outside the lineage leading to birds,
instead representing a close relative of the
ancestral bird.
Aurornis xui, a fossil discovered in
2013 with well-preserved feathers from
the middle–late Jurassic Tiaojishan
Aurornis xui represents the most basal bird
777
Formation (approximately 160 mya),
supports the theory that Archaeopteryx
was an ancestral bird, but proposes that
this newly discovered species Aurornis xui
represents the most basal bird. However,
this designation of Aurornis xui as the
first bird has also been challenged, with a
phylogenetic study in 2014 by Brusatte et
al placing Aurornis xui outside avialae, and
instead designating it as a troodontid.
A more recent discovery of
Archaeornithura, in 2015, dates ‘true’ birds
(Ornithuromorpha, a group that includes
all living birds Neornithes) and their fossil
ancestors, and excludes the Mesozoic
Enantiornithes—the most diverse and
extinct avian clade that, despite being
birds, retained teeth and claws, and that
became extinct along with the rest of the
dinosaurs during the K-T mass extinction)
as having arose a little over 130 mya.
What fossil species is recognised as the
‘first bird’ is highly contentious, especially
given the difficulty in demarcating what
taxon defines a ‘bird’ as opposed to any of
the other feathered, bird-like maniraptors.
That is how evolution works. There is no
clear time when a species morphs into a
new one, and we can only look at species
as distinct taxa in retrospect. It becomes
even harder at the taxonomic level above
species. Birds’ diagnostic ‘bauplan’ of
small, beaked, lightweight, feathered
endothermic vertebrates that sets them so
clearly apart from other extant vertebrate
classes today did not come into existence in
a burst of innovation, rather it was cobbled
together gradually and refined over tens of
millions of years.
It should be noted that the phylogenetic
relationships among dinosaurs are
constantly being refined and updated in
light of new fossils and new phylogenetic
analytic programs. Just recently in 2017, a
ground-breaking ‘re-write the textbooks’
study was published by Baron et al in the
esteemed journal Nature, which altered
our understanding of some of the major
relationships among dinosaurian clades.
However, the status of birds as dinosaurs,
and their placement within the theropods,
is still upheld.
BIRDS AS REPTILES
Birds are dinosaurs and therefore reptiles.
What is even more surprising for most
people is that based on multiple lines
of evidence—DNA, and various fossil,
embryonic, and morphological features—
birds are classified in the group archosauria,
which includes crocodiles! This means
that crocodiles are more closely related
to birds than they are to all other reptiles
like lizards and snakes in the lepidosauria—
characteristically birds with overlapping skins.
Despite superficial appearances to
778
Raptor Trainer Team—Mark Donald and
Kit Prendergast showcasing T-shirts
showing that the famous scene in Jurassic
World is still relevant today when we
interact with non-avian dinosaurs
the contrary, owing to their evolutionary
history of sharing a common ancestor
with birds, crocodiles share more features
with birds than they do with lizards, in
particular in relation to their bone and
muscular structures. Another feature
uniting them is a single penis (for those
birds that have not lost the penis as an
intromittent organ), whereas lizards and
snakes have two hemipenes.
More broadly, there are multiple features
that birds share with reptiles that unite
them. These include cleidoic eggs—that
is, the production of eggs that have a
calcareous shell, keratin (which makes up
feathers and scales) made from the protein
beta-keratin (as opposed to alpha-keratin
which makes hair in mammals), a ‘diapsid’
skull (as opposed to a synapsid skull of
mammals), scales (retained on birds’ legs,
and of course ‘modified scales’ in the
form of feathers), the production of uric
acid as the compound by which excess
nitrogenous waste products are eliminated,
along with other skeletal and muscular
features. Indeed, it is well established
among zoologists that birds are completely
nested within the reptilian clade. Although
it is seldom known among the lay public
still today, birds’ relationship to reptiles
was noted over a century ago, leading TH
Huxley, renowned zoologist, and close
colleague and avid supporter of none-
other-than Charles Darwin, to declare birds
to be ‘glorified reptiles’.
WHY DID BIRDS SURVIVE?
Birds were not entirely immune to the
effect of the meteorite that killed the
dinosaurs. By the end of the Cretaceous
period, a number of distinct lineages of
archaic birds had evolved (including the
orders Enantiornithes, Ichthyornithes,
Hesperornithes). However, only a few
members of a single lineage, the neornithes
(the avian ‘crown group’, comprising all
extant birds, and the descendants from
their most recent common ancestor),
survived. And, with the extinction of their
Cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus—one
of the most popular pet avian dinosaurs in
the world, heralding from Australia
relatives, the avian dinosaurs that did
survive did so in a world where many niches
previously occupied by the dominant
dinosaurs were left open for them. They
evolved, radiated, and diversified to fill
these niches, giving rise to the spectacular
diversity of birds we see today, representing
over 10 000 species. (For a point of
comparison for other terrestrial vertebrates,
there are 8734 reptiles (excluding birds),
6515 amphibians and, although we like to
think of mammals as the ‘most important’,
there are only 5487 species in the class to
which we belong.
Against the background of mass
extinction that wiped out their close
relatives—the giant herbivorous sauropods,
the impressive horned triceratops, the
armoured ankylosaurs, as well as other
theropods like the fearsome tyrannosaurids,
and even countless feather-covered and
intelligent close relatives like Velociraptor
and the enantiornithines, why is it that
neornithine birds survived? It’s a mystery.
Before discoveries of feather impressions
in a diverse range of dinosaurs, it was
believed that feathers held the answer,
by providing both insulation and flight.
However, given these features are by no
means unique to birds, this hypothesis is no
longer supported. It may be that although
other dinosaurs possessed rudimentary
flight abilities, neornithine birds, with their
aerodynamically contoured feathers, and
advanced flight muscles, were far more
proficient flyers, which enabled them to fly
away from poor quality environments and
efficiently search for safe and productive
habitats following the turmoil and harsh
environments the meteorite generated.
Still, a key flaw in the ‘flight’ hypothesis
is that pterosaurs (which were not in fact
dinosaurs, but a related lineage) had fully
mastered flight well before birds did, yet
they too were victims of the K-T extinction.
Likewise, other archaic birds, such the
enantiornithines, were, like non-avian
dinosaurs, a highly successful group prior
to the asteroid impact, and like neornithes
(the lineage that produced all of today’s
birds), were capable of flight, yet were
snuffed out along with the dinosaurs in the
wake of the asteroid impact.
Another hypothesis was that, associated
with feathers to provide insulation, birds
had an edge over dinosaurs in being
endothermic—regulating their body
temperature at a relatively high, constant
temperature, independent of the vagaries
of the environment. This enabled
activity across a range of conditions, by
generating their own body heat by their
own metabolism. This contrasted with
ectothermy, the thermoregulatory strategy
of all other extant reptiles today, where
they are limited to behavioural mechanisms
of regulating their body temperature,
which largely conforms to that of the
environment. Whether dinosaurs were
ectothermic or endothermic has been
a source of ongoing dispute. The latest
consensus is that they were ‘in-between’,
more properly known as ‘mesothermic’.
This suggests they used their metabolism
to generate body heat, but they did not
regulate their body temperatures at a
constant, high temperature. So, it may have
been that the evolution of ‘full endothermy’
in birds, or perhaps superior flight
capacities, gave them the edge to survive.
The jury is still out.
One of the key challenges to the above
hypotheses regards the perishing of some
archaic birds. A key feature distinguishing
modern birds, neornithes, from other avian
birds as well as dinosaurs was the presence
of teeth, or more correctly, the lack thereof.
Not only are teeth heavy structures,
reducing aerodynamic efficiency due to the
extra weight, but a keratinised, lightweight
beak is also highly adept at consuming
seeds, whereas teeth are more suited for
consuming flesh or vegetation. Herein lies
a clue to why neornithines survived. It may
be related to diet. Analysing thousands
of teeth of dinosaurs, Larson and his
colleagues found that, preceding the K-T
impact, dinosaurs had a huge diversity of
tooth sizes, adapted for meat and plant
matter, with primitive enantiornithine birds
also sporting teeth. Only the advanced
lineage of birds, the neornithines, had lost
teeth during the evolution and instead
possessed a beak which most likely was
adapted for consuming seeds.
In the wake of the extinction, when most
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animal and plant matter were destroyed,
seeds still would have been available. This
hypothesis is supported by the fact that
after catastrophic fires or floods today,
seeds persist and can withstand very harsh
conditions. Seed-eating birds are also some
of the first species to recolonise sites after
they’ve been disturbed. So the loss of a
structure—teeth—and the adoption of a
seed-eating (granivorous) niche (which
among birds is still a highly successful
dietary niche today) may have been the
key for neornithine birds surviving the
K-T Armageddon.
Another compelling hypothesis for
the success of neornithines relates to
developmental rates. A study published
this year by Erickson and colleagues,
which analysed embryonic growth in
dinosaurs based on banding patterns
in teeth of fossilised dinosaur embryos,
revealed that dinosaurs had exceptionally
long incubation periods, from 3–6 months.
In contrast, most birds today have an
incubation period lasting about three
weeks. Analysis of bone microstructure
also suggests that dinosaurs and primitive
birds had slow growth rates. Together, a
long time for an egg to even hatch, and
slow growth rates whereby individuals
are at the vulnerable stage of their life
for a long period and take a long time
to reach sexual maturity, make species
highly prone to extinction. In contrast,
birds had supercharged growth rates,
affording them resilience in the face of
environmental upheavals.
Parental behaviour, almost ubiquitous
among birds, may also have contributed.
The evidence to conclusively demonstrate
differences in parental behaviour among
neornithines and the rest of the dinosaurs
is lacking. However, if non-avian dinosaurs
all laid their eggs in large mounds in the
ground, where the heat of the sun and
cover of the ground served to incubate and
protect them, as opposed to personally
incubating and carefully guarding the eggs
as do most birds today, keeping them safe
from the harshness of the environment,
this may also have been a contributing
factor to neornithine survival. Even for
those dinosaurs that did attend the eggs,
the long developmental time, contrasting
with the rapid incubation of birds would
have exposed the eggs and the attending
parents to the destructive forces of the
Site Installation
Freight
Ph Dave
Australia Wide or
environment around them for a much
longer period.
Rather than being mutually exclusive, it is
most likely a combination of these traits that
set neornithines apart from their non-avian
dinosaurian relatives and enabled them to
persist across the K-T extinction, and go
on to radiate into the highly successful,
species-rich diversity of feathered avian
dinosaurs we see today. There is no denying
that birds are a highly successful group
today, and their traits of flight, high growth
and metabolic rates, large brains capable of
language, song and tool-usage, as well as
social intelligence and affection, their keen
senses, and various physical, physiological
and intellectual abilities make them some
of the most intelligent and accomplished
animals on the planet.
Although the planet lost a plethora of
incredible fauna in the form of dinosaurs
and archaic birds, it is likely that with these
previous reptilian rulers of the planet wiped
out, it set the stage for birds that survived
to explosively diversify into the incredible
10 000 avian species that are found across
the globe today.
FURTHER READING
Alexander, DE, Gong, E, Martin, LD,
Burnham, DA & Falk, AR 2010, ‘Model
tests of gliding with different hindwing
configurations in the four-winged
dromaeosaurid Microraptor gui’, PNAS,
vol. 107, no. 7, pp. 2972–2976.
Baron, MG, Norman, DB & Barrett, PM
2017, ‘A new hypothesis of dinosaur
relationships and early dinosaur
evolution’, Nature, vol. 543, no. 7646, pp.
501–506.
Brusatte, SL, O’Connor, JK & Jarvis, ED
2015, ‘The origin and diversification of
birds’, Current Biology, vol.25, no.19, pp.
R888–R898.
Grady, JM, Enquist, BJ, Dettweiler-
Robinson, E, Wright, NA & Smith, FA
2014, ‘Evidence for mesothermy in
dinosaurs’, Science, vol. 344, no. 6189, pp.
1268–1272.
Wang M et al 2015, ‘The oldest record
of Ornithuromorpha from the
Early Cretaceous of China’, Nature
Communications, May 5, 6.
Xu, X & Guo, Y 2009, ‘The origin and
early evolution of feathers: insights from
recent paleontological and neontological
data’, Vertebrata PalAsiatica, vol. 47, no.
4, pp. 311–329.
Karalee,
QLD
07 3294 6627
0408 115 547
779
BREEDING AUSTRALIAN PARROTS
WORDS BY BARRY BLANCH Grad Cert App Sc. Ornithology PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIE BLANCH
Red-collared Lorikeets
Red-collared Lori
Lorikeets
kee
T. h. rubritorquis
R
ed-collared L Lori
Lorikeets
Trichoglossus
Trichoglossu uss heamatodus
he
inhabit an area
rubritorquis iinha
in northern Australia.
Aust
A This
large lorikeet is
is of
often mistaken
ffor a R
Rainbow
i b L Lorikeet and
was previously thought to be a subspecies
as they have similar characteristics and a
distinct colour pattern, except for the blue
head. The distinct red-orange over the
nape is unique to this lorikeet. It’s one of
four in the heamatodus group that bear the
similarities and typical characteristics of
hopping-bobbing and swaying from side to
side. Because of their commercial nature,
they are sought-after as handreared pets
and never disappoint. Although these very
intelligent birds are not seed-eaters, they
are easy to look after thanks to the number
of commercial dry mix foods available.
DESCRIPTION
This bird is the one of the largest of the
Australian lorikeets at 26–28cm long. Both
sexes have a royal blue head, with light blue
striations and a dark blue upper mantle/
hind neck, separated by a prominent
orange-red collar. The mandible is a bright
orange. Between the scapulars and mantle,
orange feathers are scalloped with dark
navy. The upper back, scapulars, rump,
upper wing coverts and upper tail feather
colouration are lime to grass-green. Along
the underwing coverts the feathers are
orange over lemon underwing primary and
secondary feathers. Primary tail feathers
are dark leaf-green with a grey outer vane
edge, tips and occasional lemon markings
along the edge.
The chest and breast area is various
780
The Red-collared Lorikeet is often mistaken for its cousin, the Rainbow T. h. moluccanus.
The distinct red-orange colour over the nape is unique to this lorikeet
shades of orange, with the abdomen and
underbelly area dark bottle-green. The
thighs, flank, vent and undertail coverts are
yellowish-lime, tinged with lime scalloping
on the outer thighs. Females are very
similar colour to males but have a slightly
smaller head and body. Immatures tend
to be slightly duller than adults, with a
brownish beak.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Red-collared Lorikeets inhabit a large
area of northern Australia, throughout the
Kimberley region of Western Australia and
the Northern Territory. The areas stretch
from around the Broom–Derby region,
across to the Queensland border in the Gulf
of Carpentaria. These lorikeets venture
600km south from Darwin to Daly Waters
and 400km south-east to Mataranka.
Food source and availability depends
on the seasons and to which area the
birds migrate. The main food source is in
open forest, where flowering Eucalyptus
are plentiful. These lorikeets also feed on
flowering Paperbark Trees, rich in pollen
and nectar, in swampy areas. Flowering
native and fruit trees encourage Red-
collared Lorikeets into suburban areas of
Darwin in large numbers in the afternoons.
Thousands of birds congregate and roost
in large trees, creating a noise nuisance in
town areas.
Northern Australia is also an ideal place
to grow mango and other tropical fruit and
an ideal place for Red-collars to get some
nice, juicy mango nectar. Once the last of
the fruit-picking season is over, they eat
the discarded fruit off the ground, even
when it’s fermented. This is a problem for a
few weeks every year because the toxicity
of the fruit causes the birds to display
drunken-like symptoms and paralysis,
causing many birds to succumb.
HOUSING AND BREEDING
Keeping Red-collared Lorikeets in captivity
is very rewarding once pairs become
established—one DNA-sexed pair to each
flight. Sexing saves the disappointment of
so-called pairs (two females) producing
four eggs in the nest box after 12–15
months or no eggs for years (two males).
Housing pairs side by side can be a
distraction to them breeding or, in some
cases, cause birds to pluck because they
would prefer the partner next door rather
than their own.
The ideal housing for lorikeets is a
suspended aviary. Conventional aviaries tend
to get soiled and smelly in damp weather
from excrement build-up on the floors.
Using 25mm square metal tubing, weld
a frame 2.4m long x 90cm square per pair.
Weldmesh is not necessary as lorikeets
are not chewers. The roof area, except for
90cm at the front and 1m on the sides at
the rear, should be sheeted. L-shaped nest
boxes measuring 20cm square at the top x
The usual clutch size is two eggs
30cm deep with a 30cm x 20cm base can
be mounted at the rear of the flight and
lined inside with equal parts of Euchy™
mulch and pine shavings. Pine shavings
alone absorb too much moisture from the
eggs, resulting in low hatch rates.
If a safety flight is built, nest boxes are
better mounted on the outside for easy
access and to prevent birds perching on
them and using them as a toilet.
cop a flogging from established birds.
When the colony starts breeding, young
need to be taken for handrearing or they
may be attacked by dominant pairs when
they fledge.
Two eggs are normally laid and incubated
by the female for 21 days before hatching.
The female broods the chicks for the first
10 days, with both parents helping to feed
the chicks. Young fledge at 42 days and are
independent 10 days later.
If chicks are taken to be handraised, the
breeding pairs will often produce two more
eggs in a few weeks. It’s not uncommon
for pairs to produce five nests of young
per year. Chicks we take for handraising
are syringe-fed Roudybush Formula
3™ handrearing mix. Chicks can also be
handfed on Sheps Lori Wet™ formula, and
thrive on it.
Our birds are fed Sheps Lori Dry™ mix
and Sheps Lori Wet™ mix. The dry mix
should be made available at all times while
the wet mix should be given once daily.
If young are in the nest, we often feed
the wet mix twice a day as this helps the
parents keep the chicks’ crops full. One
pair normally consumes 25ml per day, but
when young are in the nest 40ml is easily
consumed, especially when the chicks are
four weeks or older.
Fresh water needs to be available at all
times and changed regularly when birds are
eating dry mix because some lorikeets grab
a mouthful of dry food then continually run
back and forth to the water bowl to wash it
down. Once their beak becomes wet, the
dry mix sticks to it and gets washed off in
the water, causing it to foul up, especially if
it is in the sun.

Olive mutation in the Red-collared
Lorikeet
Large free-flight aviaries can be used
as a community flight, as long as all pairs
are young and introduced together at one
time. If mature birds are introduced to a
colony after 15–18 months old, they usually
FEEDING
Red-collared Lorikeets will feed on a
variety of diced fruits, consisting of apples,
pears, grapes, mangos, bananas, pawpaw
and guava. It’s more feasible to feed fruit
in cooler climates where it keeps longer,
whereas in hot climates it only lasts a few
hours before it ferments. Most aviculturists
find it easier to feed commercial mixes which
are especially formulated for lorikeets. These
are readily available from all good pet stores.
CONCLUSION
Although these lorikeets inhabit the
warm climate of northern Australia, it has
no effect on their keeping or breeding
performance in cooler climates. Keeping
Red-collars has so many pluses, with
inexpensive housing and the availability of
commercially mixed food. Because of their
outgoing nature, Red-collared Lorikeets
are interesting to keep and observe, with
handraised young making ideal pets.

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781
HOOKBILL HOBBYIST
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY EB CRAVENS

Joys of a Perfectly Trained

Breeder Pair Part 2

M
y arms, neck, and the
back of my hands
are a mess. It’s full-on
fledging time for our
three Yellow-fronted
Amazon babies and,
as their adult weight approaches and their
flight skills lag behind, those 24-count razor
sharp toenails are playing havoc with my
senior citizen skin! It has been so long since
we had Yellow-fronts fledging in the house
that I had almost forgotten the downside
of my staunch belief in no nail trimming for
young psittacines—they need their full nails
to prevent crashes and aid their clumsy
acrobatic landing efforts. So my scratches
and puncture scabs abound. Thank
goodness we have a garden full of fresh
Aloe Vera to soothe and speed healing
during this trying time.
Back at the 10-week mark for the three
siblings, they had been flapping like mad
for over a week and venturing in and out
of their nursery basket into a nearby play
basket. But for some unknown reason,
these three were rather slow to begin to
flap and hop in early fledging flights. They
would prefer to eat, nibbling soft foods
and begging loudly when their crops got
too empty for more warm, sprouted wheat
bread and pellet mush, or the twice-a-day
cup feedings of powdered extruded diet
and baby formula with added probiotic and
mashed fruit.
I have even begun occasionally taking
them over to the master bed and doing
finger flap exercises with a final release to
land them clumsily on the soft bedclothes.
Next step will be when the oldest boy
starts trying flights to the large, second
basket. Offering those preparing-to-fledge
psittacines a familiar point to strive for
generally eliminates any first flight bolting
across the room and crashing, which is
something that causes fearfulness and
inhibits fledging even further. Remember,
first flights are primarily about ‘getting
away’ from a spot, and become more
predictable when the baby bird has a goal
in mind.
Still, the hardest thing for April and I is
that the Amazons are still so awkward that
they cling so tightly to finger, hand, arm,
A typical nursery basket setup as first fledge day approaches. Oldest males are likely first
to leave the dark
shoulder—wherever—with those razor-sharp
claws. It is important to guard one’s face!
One week later all three youngsters are
beginning straight flights back and forth
between the two baskets, now moved
further apart. This activity is a great aid
to concurrent weaning because now the
parrots are burning off more energy and
turning baby fat into muscle. They do not
lose weight, mind, they just become wiry,
denser and exceedingly fit on breast, hips,
etc. I have developed a habit of wearing a
long elastic elbow brace on my right arm
and clothes-pinning a dish towel around
my neck, above the t-shirt, to prevent high-
speed scratches when I am the preferred
landing strip.
Now is also the period when I introduce
a whole assortment of ‘foot toys’ in a large
green tray like the aviary feeding trays. The
various plastic bottle caps, toothbrushes,
empty ball point pens, strung beads, wine
corks and chunks of wood and coloured
cardboard present an awesome tool for
foot and beak co-ordination and gnawing
dexterity.
We just place the tray on the big lanai
bed, lie down next to it, utter a contact call,
and here they come! It’s play time. Certain
human-grade shelled nuts and clippings of
millet spray are added to the mix so that
these fledglings begin to grasp the link
between chewing and feeding. Unsalted
shelled peanuts, cashews, macadamia and
walnuts are the favourites. For some reason
these chicks have no attraction to almonds.
As flight confidence builds, they begin
to fly faster, even heading 7.6m (25ft)
across the room, only to continue in a circle
and zoom back to their original rope and
branch hanging perches. They still prefer
to sleep in the night-time basket after a
final cup handfeeding, but now the basket
is placed on a stand, high up at their end
of the room. Landings are much more
secure. Take-offs can be from any upside
down position. Crashes are a thing of the
past—nearly.
THE OUTSIDE WORLD
It’s time to take the youngsters outside to
the large aviary beside their parents’ flight
cage. One by one we hold them and walk
to the aviary where they are placed on the
long 10cm ship rope opposite the entrance
door. It’s a sunny day and we start with a
gentle hose misting to take their minds off
the strangeness. Amazons and water—does
the trick every time!
Being next to their parents presents a
nice training opportunity. They can watch
and learn adult Amazon behaviours, while
absorbing species vocalisations from Tia
and Killer and other Yellow-front relatives

782

Mirror and glass training is given to all our fledglings
nearby. Unfortunately, the parents, having
been formerly handfed, are not fully
trustworthy around their offspring once the
babies have been removed and cared for by
humans for several weeks. Our one attempt
to place Tia in with the fledglings ended
with her becoming excited and pushy with
the young. Killer, the male, would be out
of the question. I have had single older
females that could be trusted to train and
interact with fledgling Yellow-fronts, but
not bonded pairs.
The aviary itself is a rather complicated
array of hanging branches, palms, upright
chewed sapling trunks and four corners
of added mango, plum, bamboo and
macadamia nut boughs brought in as
forage. It presents a splendid flight training
opportunity for the kids as they stretch
and flap and almost fall, only to right
themselves and fly abruptly somewhere
else, landing right side up.
Fledgling flight training has always been
a true love of mine, so it is quite satisfying
to see a young Amazon parrot attempt to
land on a 1cm twig that totally bends and
sways downward with the weight of the
bird. It is obvious that the more avid eaters
who linger at the food dish and beg for
extra baby formula turn out to be less spry
and agile—making more clumsy landings
and being slower to take off and recover in
the dense foliage.
THREE PERSONALITIES
Past the 12-week point, it is apparent
there are three separate Yellow-front
personalities. The eldest, left in the box
an extra two weeks, is an obvious male,
dominant and more curious, though
somewhat shy around humans. The
second, of unknown sex, is quite flighty
and skittish, not comfortable accepting
all the cage and feeding changes that
come every week or so. Baby three is
the obvious female, green on the crown,
hence more coloured like a Yellow-naped
Amazon. This green colouration is by far
my favourite in the species. Through my
skin studies in the Smithsonian Institution
Department of Birds, it appears there are
minor races of Yellow-fronts that have this
grading tendency toward nape colouration.
And of course, we know there are Yellow-
naped Amazon subspecies which also
sport yellow patches on the crown or brow.
Howdy, our 30-plus-year-old breeder male
and Tasha Lyn, his granddaughter, who
unexpectedly passed away a decade ago,
are the best green-head examples within
my Ochrocephala flock. Baby three I will be
keeping as a companion Amazon.
It has been almost two decades since I
had a personal Amazon parrot in the house
that I could train and free-fly on the farm.
This little girl excels at both calmness and
affection. I have named her Tiara, daughter
of Tia, and a tribute to a photograph I love
of Princess Diana.
AN ESCAPE
The siblings are going outside daily now.
They love the aviary greenery, not to
mention the breezes and occasional rain
showers in the afternoon. In fact, we have
to watch our house exit door carefully as
they are most aware of what route takes
them outside!
Last Saturday while at the local market,
I received a phone call from April that the
shy, oldest male had flown through a screen
on the deck and was out in the orchards
somewhere. Not too alarmed, I returned
later that day and spent several episodes
of contact calling around the property
and nearby—nary a peep from Shy Boy.
In fact, he spent a night out without a
sound—probably finding a budding guava
or Christmasberry tree and certainly aware
of us from up high. Next morning as the 10
Yellow-fronts began their ‘hey, hey, the sun
is up’ shouting, here comes Shy Boy with
a flight into the orchard and a makeshift
baby begging noise. Thirst was the big
rescuer this time, but usually fledgling
parrot escapees are much easier to recover
provided keepers have instituted contact
calls and recall flight to the hand or baby
basket as training. Young parrots seldom
go far away and even the familiar clink of a
feeding mug and spoon will rouse them to
announce their whereabouts. To be sure, in
an urban environment, it would be different.
SWEET 16 AND MOVING OUT
We are pushing 16 weeks of age now.
Preparations for final home placement are
beginning. Being carried in and out in a
shipping carrier accustoms the youngsters
to being locked inside and that it is only
temporary. Spending time with other
parrots—in this case our Cape Parrot
young—lets them know that not all other
birds are friendly!
The male is spending time with his
prospective mate, a proven six-year-old
female who was living with a handfed male
that bullied her at the food dish. Moonbeam
is excited and accepting, though her sweet-
talking tends to make him a bit fearful—
quite a change for her from years with a
bully of a partner. The two now eat together
in peace.
Tiara and the Yellow-head, who is not yet
named, hang out together and are getting
as much advanced training as possible
prior to being finally separated. They fly
down to the bed first thing in the morning
and play with the toy tray, then eat and
fly furiously before heading outside for
unripe green guava and sprouting herb
seed foraging. It’s lovely to observe them
grow and become more adept, confident
and strong, while still looking to humans
for nurturing. They have seen hawks and
learned the Yellow-front vocals for raptor.
They can fly strongly when soaking wet.
They have sampled flowers and hollow logs
and unripe fruits and more. They alertly
stop and listen intently when a neighbour’s
dog barks, or when a power lawnmower or
chainsaw starts up. They know their correct
species vocalisations. All such experience
will certainly serve them well no matter
what their long-term future may hold.
CONCLUSIONS
All in all it has been a busy and satisfying
spring breeding of Tia and Killer. I am
thankful the parents did so much of the
work for the first 10 weeks or more. Their
babies are absolutely glowingly gorgeous!
And I cannot help but wonder how I did
all this 20 years ago with 19 or more chicks
sleeping in a tiny one-room cabin in the
woods. It certainly is worth the time for any
aviculturist to be patient and let breeder
pairs strengthen their pair bond and, over
the years, learn how to be impeccable
parents. For me, it allows time to be spent
on the finer points of captive parrot-raising
without any worries of whether chicks are
going to survive and thrive.
To be a hookbill breeder you have to love
it with a passion—it is the principal essence
for success.
783
WORDS BY ROSEMARY LOW
Yellow-backed Lory Lorius garrulus
flavopalliatus
C
hattering and Yellow-
backed Lories are
great favourites with
aviculturists for their
beauty and appealing
personalities. For the
same reasons they are popular cage birds
on the Indonesian islands where they occur.
However, in countries where aviculture has
a more serious tradition, the Chattering
and Yellow-backed Lories have declined
almost to the point of rarity and, despite
the thousands imported into Europe
before 1987, there are now few breeders. In
Australia they have never been common.
Unfortunately, the Yellow-backed Lory is
being trapped almost to extinction on the
island of Obi, in the Northern Moluccas and
elsewhere in its small range. In Indonesia,
illegal trapping of parrots continues on a
vast scale. There are seven parrot species
on Obi, including the Chattering Lory. Obi
and Bacan are the only islands on which the
stunning Yellow-backed form Lorius garrulus
flavopalliatus is found. The other Yellow-
backed subspecies L. g. morotaianus occurs
on Morotai, an island a little smaller than
Bacan. Obi is only 84km (52 miles) long and
about 47km (28 miles) wide. Bacan is said
to cover about 1900sq km. Halmahera, the
only place where the nominate race occurs,
is much larger—19,400sq km (7500sq
miles). These are the only four islands on
784
which the Chattering and Yellow-backed
Lories occur.
EXCESSIVE TRADE
Importation of the Yellow-backed Lory into
Europe was banned by EU legislation in
1987 due to excessive trade endangering
its survival. But other regions imported
any parrot species, caring nothing for their
survival.
Export of all subspecies of this lory was
legal, with quotas set at 5900 each year
in 1990 and 1991. The numbers recorded
exported were 4727 in 1990 and 3526 for
the first six months of 1991. The catch
quota for Bacan in 1991 was a mere 250, yet
from October 1991 to February 1992, 2088
were seen in holding cages. Not only is
this lory extremely popular as a pet among
local people, it is trapped and exported
from eastern Indonesia in larger numbers
than any other parrot.
Obviously, the quotas set were exorbitant
and unsustainable, especially relating to
the small island of Obi. Trapping there
is carried out using glue-laden branches
from the breadfruit tree with a caged
Yellow-back used as a lure. When caught,
the unfortunate birds are wrapped in
leaves and taken to trappers’ homes, where
kerosene is used to remove the glue. In
humans, breathing in large quantities of
kerosene can cause dizziness, headaches
P ODEKERKEN
and vomiting. What it does to the delicate
respiratory system of a bird is unknown.
The lories are sold at low prices to
local people—the equivalent of about
US$10—or higher prices to international
traders offshore, US$50. Kept crowded
in small cages, they are taken offshore
in small boats which meet larger ships
of international traders and the birds are
transferred at sea. There are reports of
soldiers and miners, who work on various
islands around Indonesia, buying parrots
and taking them home in sawn-off water
bottles and plastic tubes. The death rate
must be very high.
VULNERABLE OR ENDANGERED
The Chattering and Yellow-backed Lories
have been so heavily trapped in some
areas that they can no longer be found.
Consequently, the species is classified as
J MITTERMEIER
A Yellow-backed Lory trapped in leaves

Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Due
to the continuing rate of unsustainable
trapping, Endangered would surely be a
more appropriate category.
The Vulnerable status was assigned
on the assumption that 5000 Chattering
Lories Lorius garrulus garrulus and L. g.
flavopalliatus were trapped each year across
the entire range. However, in July 2012,
John Mittermeier and Eden Cottee-Jones
visited Obi while carrying out research for
the University of Oxford and Louisiana
State University. They estimated that
5976 Yellow-backed Lories were trapped
annually on the island of Obi alone. This
compared with estimates of 1092 for the
Violet-necked Lory Eos squamata and
much smaller numbers for Eclectus Parrots.
Their estimates were based on interviewing
trappers and other local people. They
found that 32% of householders had caught
parrots for themselves. Their reasons for
keeping them were for entertainment or as
toys for the children.
BirdLife International had used the figure
of 5000 trapped annually to apply across
all islands. Clearly this figure was too low.
If the Yellow-backed race was considered
to be a distinct species it would probably
warrant Endangered status. Even if this was
not the case, the fact that it has gone from
many lowland forest areas, and that large-
scale logging in parts of its range also poses
a threat, would probably justify this status.
The Chattering Lory was first listed as
Vulnerable in 1994. Frank Lambert, working
in BirdLife International’s Indonesia and Asia
Program, wrote in 1998: ‘The Chattering
Lory remains a highly favoured bird in the
domestic market and there is good reason
to be very concerned about its conservation
status’ (Lambert 1998). Legal trade ceased
in 2003, but there was a ready market for
them in many other countries, especially in
the east, so the illegal trade continued.
It is not only the trade figures that I find
deeply disturbing. Anyone who knows
this beautiful bird recognises it as a highly
intelligent, sensitive and sociable species.
Many of those trapped die soon after
from neglect, and many that survive are
destined to spend a lonely life—probably
short, due to incorrect diet. Many of these
playful birds, which desperately need the
company of their own kind, will spend their
lives with a ring around their leg, chained
to a perch, or even permanently confined
in a woven cane fisherman’s trap. It is a
heartbreaking vision.
CONFISCATIONS AND LACK
OF FACILITIES
Confiscations of illegally trapped parrots
occur. Because there are few facilities
where they can be held until fit for release,
birds that cannot even fly have been
NE SIA
J MITTERMEIER
GA KK UM IN DO
Yellow-backed Lory at the home of a trapper
released, according to Mehd Halaouate,
who spends a lot of time in Indonesia. He
was present at the release of confiscated
parrots in December 2016 on the island
of Bacan. There were 50 Umbrella
Cockatoos and 29 Eclectus Parrots. Fifty-
two Chattering Lories were scheduled
for release. Those responsible for freeing
the birds were not knowledgeable about
their identification. Mehd pointed out that
only nine were from Bacan Island and that
the others, from Morotai and Halmahera,
should not be released. The next day he
discussed how important it was not to
release the subspecies in the wrong range.
At one confiscation in South Sulawesi,
a smuggler was intercepted with 75
Greater Bird of Paradise skins bound for
Java. In another raid in the same city they
confiscated eight parrot species which
included Yellow-crested Cockatoos and
Chattering Lories.
WILDLIFE TRADE MEETING
In June 2017 a meeting was held between
government officials and representatives
of conservation organisations to try to
find ways to address the issue of illegal
wildlife trade, local and international. Many
organisations attended, including forestry
officers from Ternate, Halmahera, Bacan
and North Sulawesi, law enforcement
agencies in the region, the TRAFFIC
organisations from Malaysia and the
Philippines, head of Profauna in the
Moluccas, Wildlife Reserves Singapore,
the Indonesian Parrot Project, Wildlife
Conservation Society, Planet Indonesia and
the World Parrot Trust.
The head of the Forestry Department in
North Sulawesi spoke about the challenges
his department faces in the growing trade
in wildlife and how it was crucial that all
those involved worked together to find
solutions. He explained the problems in
controlling the borders, as these coastlines
are vast, and said everyone’s collaboration
was needed for success, including that of
the local people.
Violet-necked Lories confi scated on
Ternate on 21 June, 2017—a heart-
breaking picture of bewildered birds
The head of Profauna’s North Maluku
office, Ekawati Ka’abe, showed a film about
the trapping of parrots on Halmahera,
especially Umbrella Cockatoos. The
organisation works with local people
and schools in raising awareness about
protecting parrots and their habitats,
visiting 50 villages on the island.
The Wildlife Trade Monitoring
Network, known as TRAFFIC, had two
representatives from the Philippines,
Serene Chng and Emerson Sy. TRAFFIC
has assisted in major confiscations.
Unfortunately, in some of them, all the
confiscated birds were killed by the
authorities, who feared bird flu entering
the country.
A worrying development is that wildlife
smuggled from Indonesia is laundered
with CITES papers stating that they were
bred in captivity. It is thus easy to export
to foreign countries. A new piece of
information was that traders bring alcohol
into Indonesia and exchange it for wildlife.
Dr Jessica Lee, from Wildlife Reserves
Singapore, and Dr Neo, from the
veterinary services, described the trade
as being unsustainable and discussed the
negative impact on the wild populations.
Diseases and disease transmissions, the
different viruses and the poor hygiene
and husbandry management, were also
discussed. They ended their presentation
by suggesting the need for assistance from
zoos, such as training in avian health and
husbandry, conservation and research,
captive breeding programs and education
and communication.
A representative of the Forestry
Department in North Maluku explained
the different challenges in this vast area.
In one confiscation, in July 2016, they
secured 120 parrots. The smugglers’ route
started in Ternate, continued to Jakarta, via
Surabaya, and ended in Singapore.
TRAINING PROGRAM
At this meeting, Angela D’Alessio and
Mehd Halaoute started to train forestry
785
rangers and staff (14 individuals from
different islands) in wildlife management
and preparations for release. They
discussed health (including identifying
sick birds), husbandry and enrichment and
the issues surrounding caring for wildlife
after confiscation. Training will continue
in the offices in the Moluccan islands,
starting in Ternate. I have sent out my own
books on lories and parrot care which,
hopefully, will be useful to those looking
after confiscated parrots.
ANOTHER CONFISCATION
On 21 June, 2017, just days after the
meeting, officials in Ternate (an island off
the coast of Halmahera) confiscated more
birds. They had already been advertised
on the internet—20 Red-flanked Lorikeets
Charmosyna placentis at the equivalent
of US$15.38 each and five Violet-necked
Lories Eos squamata at US$38 each. Red-
flanked Lories weigh only about 35g.
They have an extremely fast metabolism
and need to feed frequently. Deprived
of food, they soon become stressed and
dehydrated, and thus are much more
vulnerable to trapping and transport.
Mortality rates are high.
The photographs show the tiny lorikeets
crammed together inside mesh, without
food or water. The officials of KSDA
(Office of Conservation and Natural
Resources) seized these birds. ProFauna, an
Indonesian non-government organisation,
assisted in this.
WORK URGENTLY NEEDED
ON OBI
John Mittermeier and Eden Cottee-
Jones published an article in which they
recommended urgent fieldwork to estimate
the remaining population of these birds on
Obi. This has not happened. They wrote
that given the small number of trappers on
Obi ‘a series of stakeholder meetings at the
key trappers’ villages may be sufficient to
launch a no-take zone system’.
I suggest that a conservation education
program, targeting the villagers who catch
lories for their own use, would also be very
valuable, hopefully reducing the numbers
caught by individuals who are not selling
them. Investigation is also needed into the
current situation on Bacan.
If no actions are taken, it is extremely
likely that the Yellow-backed Lory will be
trapped to extinction. That is unthinkable.
If you can donate or raise money which can
be used for education purposes on Obi and
Bacan, or to help improve the conditions
of confiscated lories there, please make a
donation to the Lory Network of the World
Parrot Trust.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My thanks to Mehd Halaoute for reporting
on the wildlife trade meeting and for
arranging for my books to reach those
concerned with rehabilitating confiscated
birds; also for his interest in helping the
parrots of this region.
REFERENCES
Cottee-Jones, HEW, Mittermeier, JC,
Purba, EC, Ashuri NM, & Hesdianti, E
2014, ‘An assessment of the parrot trade
on Obi Island (North Moluccas) reveals
heavy exploitation of the Vulnerable
Chattering Lory Lorius garrulus’, Kukila
vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 1–9.
Lambert, F 1998, ‘Conservation priorities
for parrots in Indonesia, Proceedings,
IV International Parrot Convention, pp.
142–171, Loro Parque, Tenerife.
Proceeds for the writing of
this article by Rosemary
are being donated to WPT. If
you wish to donate towards the
conservation work being conducted
by organisations including the
WPT please contact ABK at
birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au
or Nicholas Bishop at
australia@parrots.org.

PARROT SOCIETY
OF NEW ZEALAND
CONVENTION 2018
20th to 22nd April 2018
Auckland, New Zealand

FEATURING NEW ZEALAND,

AUSTRALIAN & INTERNATIONAL
GUEST SPEAKERS

For more information, visit our website

www.parrot.co.nz

786
 CONSERVATION
WORDS BY WORLD PARROT TRUST PHOTOGRAPHS BY TANYA MARTÍNEZ

Hurricanes Challenge
Puerto Rican Amazons

T
he Puerto Rican Amazon
Amazona vittata is the
world’s rarest Amazon
parrot. It is endemic to
Puerto Rico and once
occurred throughout the
forested parts of the island. These parrots
were formerly found in all vegetation types,
from mangrove to montane and dry forest
in the south of Puerto Rico. They eat seeds,
fruits, flowers and leaves.
The subspecies A. v. gracilipes was once
found on the island of Culebra, but became
extinct by 1912.
Overall population numbers of the
Puerto Rican Amazon declined from about
2000 in the 1930s to a low of 13 individuals
in 1975. Threats to this species, past and
present, have included habitat loss and
degradation, hunting, capture for the wild
bird trade, an increase in severe weather, Puerto Rican Amazons rely on the Puerto Rican Amazon breeding pair
competition for suitable nest sites, and loss food supply in the forest, which has
been destroyed
of young to parasites and predation.
Natural disasters can prove devastating
to native island species, even those that
have adapted to these extreme events over
millennia. Recent severe hurricanes have
put the already-threatened Puerto Rican
Amazons at serious risk. Unfortunately, we
have seen the potential consequences in
the past. In 1989 Hurricane Hugo halved
the population from 47 to 23. It wasn’t until
about 2011 that the population stabilised
and grew to over 300 individuals, both
captive and wild.
‘Before and after images give a sense
of the damage done to the forest by
Hurricane Maria,’ said Tanya Martínez,
conservation biologist on site at Rio Abajo
Aviary in Puerto Rico.
‘The forest has no more canopy. It will
take many years for Rio Abajo to recover.’
Hurricane Irma hit Puerto Rico in early
Puerto Rican Amazons at a wild nest
September, followed by Hurricane Maria

www.parrots.org
AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS

Representatives Media
Nicholas Bishop nicibird@gmail.com Sheryll Steele-Boyce
Carolyn Pradun Australian BirdKeeper
australia@parrots.org birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au

787
Before After
barely two weeks later. Amid chaos in the
aftermath of both these hurricanes, project
workers are, remarkably, spotting small
groups of parrots in the Rio Abajo forest.
The birds have been seen consuming
Royal Palm fruits, the only fruit to survive
the storms. Staff provide supplemental
food for the birds. Since the storm wiped
away the forest canopy, there is no shade,
so staff are layering palm fronds on top
of the breeding centre’s flights to protect
the birds from the scorching sun. Project
workers have been working continuously
in the weeks since the hurricanes, to clear
debris and repair outdoor flights.
Before After It’s been a difficult situation for both
parrots and people, but thanks to the
incredible generosity of concerned, caring
supporters, aid will be sent to the Rio Abajo
facility so staff can get the project back up
and running.
To donate to WPT’s work on the
hurricane recovery, please go to
https://www.razoo.com/story/Pramazon.
For further background information on the
Puerto Rican Amazon, please visit
https://www.parrots.org/projects/puerto-
rican-amazon. Alternatively, please contact
WPT Australia representatives Carolyn
Pradun and Nicholas Bishop via email at
Hurricanes have devastated the conservation project for the Puerto Rican Amazon
australia@parrots.org.

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or Phone 07 5568 0011.

788
 CONSERVATION
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RAFAEL ZAMORA PADRÓN

Healthy Feather Growth

is a Vital Start

T
he plumage quality of
parrots is very important
during their initial
feather growth and until
they reach full adult
plumage. Good condition
is an indicator of good food and care by
their parents.
Feathers can tell us so much about a bird,
so we observe the plumage of the chicks
in detail during this first period to address
potential problems early. If the tail feathers
are dirty or always moist, it is often a sign of
possible infection or too bland a diet.
In the case of bitten or cut plumage,
or if the feather doesn’t look healthy, it is
probably affected by parasite. When this
occurs during the growing phase, it will
leave the chick exhausted and anemic due
to loss of blood. When it comes to massive
mite infestation, immediate action must be
Yellow-billed Amazon in excellent adult plumage have a quiet disposition but need privacy
taken to remedy the situation. when breeding
In some cases, youngsters have
unopened feathers in the growth phase,
Young birds need to practise their flying including water to splash in during the
such as spears or barbs. This is an indicator
skills as much as possible. This will activate hottest part of the day—turn them into very
that parents may have disease, dietary
their metabolism and help them to develop well-balanced species with an excellent
deficiencies or there may have been lack
strength for when they are shedding flight body structure.
of grooming due to thermoregulation
problems. There is a long list of possibilities feathers and growing new ones, without
suffering physiological wear. BLACK LORIES AND
that deserves a thorough analysis. JAMAICAN AMAZONS
The presence of plumage stress marks Many members of Loro Parque
Fundación ask us why our species are larger The lories reproduced at the start of the
in the form of dark bars is an almost year and by August you could already see
unmistakable sign of bad nutrition that and have brighter plumage than other
should be acted upon. This is more birds. The answer is that a compendium of
prevalent in handrearing, when the factors—a good diet provided by Versela
formulas are not adequate or not properly Laga™ and fresh fruit and vegetables
supplemented for the species. coming from our own 100% ecological
It is also essential to keep the first cultivation, as well as a large flying
feathers of handreared chicks in good enclosure with environmental enrichment
condition for hygiene reasons. The
importance lies in reaching optimum
thermoregulation according to the species.
A spotted feather or remains of porridge
can affect the basic function of the
plumage and will create a concentration of
bacteria and fungi. We also clean the pick,
the area of the crop, legs and tips of wings
and tail to avoid problems.
It is normal that first-year plumage
is not as bright or robust because it is a
‘temporary dress’. The feathers will become
stronger, more showy and colourful after Black Lory Chalcopsitta atra and Blue-fronted Amazon Amazona aestiva chicks
developing their first plumage
passing the first moult.

789
 M KORTMANN
Keas love bathing

Keas were stimulated in The trainer team of the LP

having to work for their food show created environmental
enrichment items

how bright and strong the feathers of the Black Lories Chalcopsitta
atra had grown. These curious consumers of forest flowers,
including mangrove forests in Indonesia, are an overall black colour
but they show purple litmus with violet reflections in their plumage
and, along with the yellow end of the back of their tails, they are
very attractive.
The beautiful Jamaican Black-billed Amazon A. agilis and
Yellow-billed Amazon A. collaria also successfully reproduced this
year. They are delicate species, which have a mild character during
the breeding season, but can be of strong and decisive character
when it is necessary. Their chicks are extremely sensitive when they
are born, so their parents need extreme tranquility.
THE JOYS OF WATER
Water is an essential part in the environmental enrichment program
of Loro Parque Fundación. We know that the birds have different
bathing needs, so we offer them different ways to bathe. For
example, some species like a fine spray of water; some birds bathe
by rubbing their feathers against moistened green pine branches;
others, like the Kea Nestor notabilis, love bathing in water streams
where they splash about to keep their feathers looking perfect.
All the parrots love having water around for bathing and keeping
their plumage in good condition. They love to play in the water
and relish their time with others in the bird bath, especially during
the hottest part of the day. Even when the females are due to lay,
they instinctively bathe to moisten the shells after laying.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT
During a recent LPF workshop we developed environmental
enrichment tools with one of the speakers, Jennifer Gekeler. We
could see the importance and challenges of these items for the
parrots. For example, the curious Keas from New Zealand spent
long hours trying to figure out how to get food under different
circumstances. The LP show team also showed their skills to
create enriched hangers for macaws and other species. Main
trainer, Montse Buch and curator, Marcia Weinzettl, explained
how important it is to offer changing elements to parrots,
since it directly affects their good health and development of
psychomotor skills.

790
 WHAT’S NEW
THE AUSTRALIAN BIRD GUIDE
BY PETER MENKHORST, DANNY ROGERS, ROHAN CLARKE, JEFF DAVIES, PETER MARSACK &
KIM FRANKLIN PAPERBACK, 576 PAGES, 4700 COLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS, RRP $49.95 + $15 P&H
T
his is the most
comprehensive and
beautifully illustrated field
guide to Australia’s unique
birdlife.
Australia’s variety of avifauna
is large, diverse and spectacular, reflecting
the continent’s impressive range of habitats
and evolutionary history. With specially
commissioned paintings of over 900 species,
The Australian Bird Guide is the most
comprehensive field guide to Australian birds
ever seen.
VANISHED AND VANISHING PARROTS:
Profiling Extinct and Endangered Species
BY JOSEPH FORSHAW ILLUSTRATED BY FRANK KNIGHT HARDBACK, DUST JACKET, 352 PAGES, RRP $150 + $20 P&H
T
his beautiful, if
heartbreaking, large
reference book provides a
detailed illustrated account
of parrots which have
become extinct or are
facing extinction.
Joseph M Forshaw, one of the world’s
leading authorities on parrots, calls attention
to the threats these birds face. They are
one of the most endangered groups of
birds, with a growing number of species
nearing extinction. The main threats arise
from habitat loss through deforestation and
agricultural development and from the taking
of birds for the international live-bird trade.
Vanished and Vanishing Parrots brings
FINCHES IN AUSTRALIA
BY HARRY DOVEN RRP $39.95 + P&H SOFTCOVER, 172 PAGES, 350 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS
A
couple of years back,
Harry Doven spoke to
me about writing a book
aimed at newcomers
to keeping finches in
Australia, and wanted
to know if I thought it was needed. I
instantly said ‘yes’, because for many years as
a keeper and breeder of finches, a part-time
bird dealer, and working in pet shops after
retiring, I was constantly being asked if there
was a book available that gave newcomers
to the hobby a general overview. This book
fulfils that need, as the author has laid out the
book in a simple easy-to-read format, taking
The 576-page guide features about 4700
colour illusrations, with particular emphasis on
providing the fine detail required to identify
difficult groups and distinctive plumages.
This detail has not been as comprehensive
in previous versions (ie details of subspecies,
immature and adult breeding and non-
breeding plumage phases). Comprehensive
species accounts have been written by a
dedicated team of ornithologists to ensure
identification details, distribution and status
are current and accurate. Measurements
include weight and wing, bill and tail lengths.
together material on species that have
become extinct as well as information on
species that are in danger of becoming
extinct, in order to increase public awareness
of the plight of these magnificent birds.
Vivid, full-page colour plates by wildlife
artist Frank Knight draw attention to the
spectacular species that we have lost or are
in danger of losing. Forshaw’s work gives us
fascinating insight into these endangered
and extinct parrots.
Divided into Australasian, Afro-Asian and
Neotropical regional distribution, the content
details are according to superfamily, family,
subfamily, tribe, genus and subgenus. The
species accounts provide comprehensive
detail including measurements of males,
Review by Bruce Hockley
the reader through different types of cages,
feeding, husbandry, health, breeding etc.
The book also lists the most common
finches kept in Australia and gives a
brief outline of their needs, such as
housing, nesting requirements, extra food
recommended when breeding, compatibility
with other types of finches and other species.
It also lists the level of expertise required to
keep and breed each species, rating them
from low, easy to keep and breed, to those
birds that require more skill. This allows the
newcomer to see what birds they should start
with and, as their passion and bird-keeping
skills evolve, what birds they can move on to.
Distribution maps
are located at
the bottom of each text page, and on the
opposite page the species are depicted
in excellent true-to-life illustrations. The
checklist of species provides the taxonomic
level of order, family and species, quoting
English and scientific name.
Fully indexed, The Australian Bird Guide
sets a new standard in field guides, providing
an indispensable reference for all birders
and naturalists looking to explore Australia’s
magnificent and unique birdlife.
females, unsexed
and juveniles. The
history of sightings
support the
distribution, general
notes, status, habitat, movements, habits,
call, diet and feeding, breeding and clutch
information. The extent of information is
impressive and is a reminder of one
of Forshaw’s previous works, Parrots
of the World.
Vanished and Vanishing Parrots is a valuable
reference for scientific, ornithological and
avicultural organisations, as well as individual
lovers of birds and of illustrated natural
history books. A wonderful gift for the
discerning bird-lover.
The book also
covers things like
belonging to bird
clubs, and how you
can make friends
and learn from other
people who share
the same passion, and perhaps get involved
in the showing of finches. The author has also
included great photos of all the finches, as well
as equipment associated with keeping finches,
making it all very easy for the reader to not
only read but also to see what is required. This
book is a must for anyone interested in the
great hobby of keeping finches.
791
WILD CORNER
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CLAUDE LACASSE DVM, MANZCVS (Australian Wildlife)

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease in a

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

I
am always impressed when I
see the severe injuries that wild
birds can endure and their will
to survive. This juvenile Sulphur-
crested Cockatoo was a prime
example.
This was one of the worse cases of
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
(PBFD) I had ever seen. The upper beak
was so long it was actually touching the
bird’s neck and the cockatoo only had
pin feathers over its entire body. How it
survived without starving to death with this
abnormal beak is beyond me.
PBFD is endemic in Australia’s wild
parrot populations and has the potential
to impact on several endangered species,
including the Orange-bellied Parrot.
PBFD is caused by a Circovirus and there
are three forms:
1) Peracute disease in neonates that causes
rapid death.
2) Acute disease in fledglings, characterised
by depression, diarrhoea, crop stasis,
feather abnormalities and death.
3) Chronic disease in juveniles undergoing
their first moult or adult birds, which
results in progressive appearance of
abnormally developed feathers during
each successive moult. Loss of powder
down can be one of the first symptoms.
Beak elongation, fractures, and necrosis
may occur, especially in cockatoos.
Rainbow Lorikeets can be carriers and
shed the virus while appearing clinically
normal. When clinically affected, a typical
presentation in this species is the loss of all
tail feathers and 4–5 outer primary feathers
on each wing. The birds therefore cannot
fly and are called ‘runners’.
There is no treatment and birds
affected by PBFD usually succumb
to secondary infections. The virus is
extremely stable in the environment and
the only disinfectant that has been shown
to be effective is Virkon-S™. Euthanasia is
usually recommended in wild birds and this
severely affected cockatoo was humanely Juvenile Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
with PBFD
euthanised to end its suffering.

Young Bird Keepers

Syd Smith Memorial Young Bird Keeper
Writing Competition - Entries close Friday 30 December 2017
Open to all young bird keepers up to and including 20 years of age. Submissions are
invited on any avicultural theme and should be no more than 1500 words with appropriate
photographs or digital images in high resolution, minimum 3 mega pixel capture format.
Submissions should be computer generated, preferably in Word format. A brief description
of the author plus a ‘head and shoulders’ photograph must accompany the article.

LY D IF ICATE
IZ E H IGH N C E RTM
F IR ST P R COM M E
DE OF E R
IT

• 12-month subscription to Australian

• 12-month subscription to • $30 ABK Gift Voucher
BirdKeeper Magazine
Australian BirdKeeper • Publication of article on
• Publication of winning article in
Magazine Young Bird Keeper
Australian BirdKeeper Magazine and
• Publication of article on web site
Young Bird Keeper web site
Young Bird Keeper web site
• $30 ABK Gift Voucher
lose
En tries C 20 17 Please send submissions to
b er
30 Decem birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au or phone (07) 5568 0011

792
 LAST CHIRP

DIVERSITY COULD BE CRITICAL FOR PROTECTING PARROTS

WORDS BY ELISE SNASHALL-WOODHAMS

D
eakin University
scientists have
discovered the genetic
diversity of Australian
parrots affects their
chances of contracting
the common but deadly Psittacine
Beak and Feather Disease virus, and
how much of the virus they harbour.
The study, published in the journal
Scientific Reports, indicates that small
threatened populations like the Orange-
bellied Parrot may therefore be more
susceptible to disease.
Lead author Dr Justin Eastwood,
who completed the research as part of
his PhD studies in Deakin’s Centre for
Integrative Ecology, said the Beak and
Feather Disease virus was thought to
affect all of Australia’s parrot species, with
the Orange-bellied Parrot experiencing a
deadly outbreak in 2014.
‘The virus disrupts the production of
keratin, the building blocks of a bird’s
feathers and bill. So it can be pretty
nasty for the birds and even be fatal,’ Dr
Eastwood said.
‘If birds get infected, the main symptom
is that they develop feather deformities, and
this can progress to the point where they
are completely bald. Some species, like the
cockatoo, can also get a beak deformity.’
Dr Eastwood said the Deakin research
specifically looked at rosellas because their
large variety of colours made it easier to
study genetic diversity, but the results
could help conservation efforts in a wide
range of species.
The Deakin research team, academics
from the University’s Centre for
Integrative Ecology and School of
Medicine, spent eight years studying the
Crimson Rosella and its subspecies across
Victoria, New South Wales and South
Australia. The group collected blood
samples to determine the birds’ genetic
variability and to test for the Beak and
Feather Disease virus.
‘In rosellas, the virus rate is between 20
and 100%, but many of these birds may
not have obvious signs of the disease,’ Dr
Eastwood said. ‘In this study we found that
having a higher level of genetic diversity
decreased the chance of becoming
infected. But, once infected, it was in
genetically common individuals in the
population that had higher levels of the
virus. Those with a more unique genetic
make-up weathered the virus better.’
Study co-author Dr Mathew Berg said
low genetic diversity was mainly linked
to inbreeding. ‘So if two birds were
closely related—a brother and sister or a
parent and child for example—and they
bred, they would have very low genetic
diversity,’ he said.
Dr Berg said a large population size
could help improve genetic diversity
across parrot populations, which was why
extremely rare species, like the Orange-
bellied Parrot, could be most at risk.
‘Inbreeding is a big problem in all small
threatened parrots. With Orange-bellied
Parrots there are a tiny number of breeding
pairs left in the wild, and those pairs are
already closely related, with poor genetic
The Crimson Rosella species and
subspecies is the subject of a Psittacine
Beak and Feather Disease study
diversity themselves,’ he said.
‘This is why a lot of conservation
management is worried about the
fragmentation of habitat and improving
the connection of small populations that
can often become cut off from others of
the same species. That’s why we’re trying
to further understand the effects of low
genetic diversity on parrot populations,
so we can better address these issues with
management practices.’
Dr Berg said parrots were one of the most
threatened groups of birds, with almost
one-third of species around the world
considered at risk of extinction, making the
virus a major conservation concern.
The Deakin team is now working with
BioSecurity Victoria, Zoos Victoria and
Geelong’s Centre for Emerging Infectious
Diseases to determine if the results also
apply to another bird disease caused by
bacteria. The research team includes Dr
Eastwood, Dr Berg, Prof Andy Bennett,
Prof Ken Walder and Prof Kate Buchanan.
Funding was provided by Deakin University
and the Australian Research Council.

The ultimate magazine for parrot lovers!

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793
LAST CHIRP

S HIGGINS
MOONLIT SANCTUARY WINS PREMIER’S
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

M
oonlit San
Sanctuary’s breeding grounds and the Werribee Open
Orange-be
Orange-bellied Parrot Range Zoo.
Breeding forfo Recovery Sanctuary founder and director Michael
Program hasha taken Johnson said they were ‘thrilled and Orange-bellied Parrots
out the Environmental
Env honoured to win’.
Protection category ‘Moonlit Sanctuary will continue to
Prem
in this year's Victorian Premier's breed OBP for the recovery plan until
Sustainability Awards. there is a viable wild population again,
Pa
The Orange-bellied Parrot (OBP) saved from extinction. We have committed
Pla calls for a
National Recovery Plan to run our program for at least the next 10
ustainable captive
sustainable capti breeding program of years,’ he said.
400 birds to help protect this endangered The first birds were released some
species from extinction. Based on weeks ago, with another release on
information gained from a trial block of October 24 including three Moonlit birds From left, Minister for Energy,
five aviaries, Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife and five from Zoos Victoria, and a third Environment and Climate
Conservation Park designed a 20-aviary release in early November. Change Lily D'Ambrosio, Moonlit
Sanctuary founder and director Michael
complex for up to 40 breeding birds and Melbourne company eWater Systems Johnson, EPA chief Nial Finegan and
100 offspring. Last year, with support won the night’s top honour—the Premier's Moonlit Sanctuary Life Sciences manager
from Zoos Victoria, Moonlit Sanctuary Recognition Award—for developing Lisa Tuthill.
opened a new OBP breeding facility at its water-splitting technology to clean and
Mornington Peninsula premises in time for sanitise facilities such as hospitals, schools, executive Stephanie Ziersch said the awards
the 2016-17 breeding season. manufacturing businesses and restaurants showed how management of environmental
Twelve pairs produced 25 offspring, chemical-free. issues was of growing importance for both
which supplied birds for Tasmanian Sustainability Victoria’s interim chief individuals and businesses.

LAST CHIRP
HUNTER VALLEY FINCH CLUB SALE ‘A CRACKER’
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPH BY MARCUS POLLARD

T
he annual Hunter Valley
Finch Club sale in
Singleton on October 22
was ‘a cracker’.
At 10am the door flew
open and potential buyers
and spectators descended on the venue
like a biblical horde. The ensuing crush
to get at the finches soon gave way to a
ramble through the cages and cages of
finches on display. He who hesitated was
lost at this sale!
Club president David Jackson hailed it as
a great success.
‘We had people from all over South
Australia, Victoria, Queensland, NSW, and
even one from Tassie,’ he said.
‘Total birds through the door was 3067, Hunter Valley Finch Club sale in Singleton
up 100 from last year, with 958 sellers and
buyers, with over 75% of birds sold.’ it in as not to be missed. nights for four people at Diamond Beach
That’s a great sign for next year, so pencil Bob Elgood won the raffle for three Resort.

794
M A K E S A L E S B Y A D V E R T I S I N G I N A U S T R A L I A’ S H I G H E S T C I R C U L AT I N G B I R D M A G A Z I N E

CASUARINA
PARROT GARDENS CLASSIFIEDS
Classified deadline for next issue—3pm, 19 January, 2018
FREECALL 1800 633 493 • FAX: 07 5568 0300 • EMAIL: birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au

Perky Parrots R ROT P

ATCH AVIA
RIE
QUAKER PARROT MUTATIONS Gold Coast

PA

S
last seasons, Pallid Blue, Pallid Green,
Cobalt, Greygreen, Albino
MEYER’S PARROT pairs
SENEGALS
Lovely JARDINE pairs
MACAWS All Parent Raised
BLUE & GOLD male adult $2000, 2016 Bred unrelated pairs
HAHN’S young pair, older male Severe’s & Yellow-collared
GOLD-CAPPED CONURES Macaws
AMAZONS Double Yellow-headed
ORANGE WINGED Amazons
Adult unrelated pair and young pair Fiery-shouldered
YELLOW-NAPED AVAILABLE NOW Conures
Handreared, tame and talking PAIRS IN Pairs in
LILAC-CROWNED RED-BELLIED PARROTS
Handreared hen
YELLOW-CROWNED AMAZONS SENEGALS
BLACK-HEADED CAIQUE HAHN’S MACAWS MEYER’S
4 years old
Handreared hen DOUBLE YELLOW-HEADED All Ready to Breed Now
BROWN PIGEONS AMAZON SPARES Will Consider Trades for
FOR BIRD AVAILABILITY AND ORDERS SENEGAL MALES Rare Amazons
Phone 02 6644 9513 or Email YELLOW-COLLARED MACAWS
neville2@ipstarmail.com.au Phone: Darryl 0438 009 189
spare cocks
HANDREARED
GREEN-WINGED MACAWS
BLUE AND GOLD MACAWS
Specialising in Well-socialised
Parrots for Pet or Breeding Stock

ALL NEW Phone Mark on

0400 401 141 or (07) 5533 2284
IMPROVED www.perkyparrots.com ROSEWOOD BIRD GARDENS
& BREEDING FARM
BROODERS Speciiali
Specialising
lising
i in
in BLACK
COCKATOO species
BL
L AC
ACK

Brooders run on a digital thermostat which
operates 2 ceramic globes and a fan
Glass Sliding Doors • Slide-out Tray
$490 plus Freight
Contact David 0448 414 588
or Michael 0411 706 664
Email: info@pethavenshop.com.au
www.pethavenshop.com.au
& subspecies
LORIKEETS & other
AUSTRALIAN NATIVES
Handreared Birds Available
HARBOUR VIEW AVIARIES Phone Barry 0413 050 553
Specialising in Indian Ringnecks Email barry@rosewoodbirds.com.au
O li Vi
Opaline Violet
l hhen Web www.rosewoodbirds.com.au
Violet Green Opaline hen
Emerald Opaline hen
Emerald split Opaline cock
Cobalt Whitehead Whitetail cocks and hens Quality
Emerald split Whitehead and Whitetail cock Nutrition
Emerald Cobalt split Whitehead Whitetail hen for
Opaline split Green Buttercup hen Healthy
Blue Opaline split Buttercup hen Birds
Split Blue Buttercup cock and hens
Cobalt Green split Buttercup cocks and hens
Emerald split Buttercup hen www.wombaroo.com.au
Phone Joe 0414 752 039 ph: (08) 8391 1713
795
M A K E S A L E S B Y A D V E R T I S I N G I N A U S T R A L I A’ S H I G H E S T C I R C U L AT I N G B I R D M A G A Z I N E

PIED BOURKE’S

SPECTACULAR PVC NESTBOXES

SCARLET MACAWS
Large Nicaraguan Subspecies
Birds Available at Various Ages
GREEN-WINGED MACAWS
Unrelated Parent Reared Pairs
Catalinas Now Available
5 year old for cock same age
Phone 0414 865 495 or 02 6628 1645
WHY IS PVC BETTER THAN WOOD?
• PVC Prevents Rotting and Disease
• Smooth Surface Makes Cleaning Easy
• Long Lasting Design
• Attractive Circular Design similar
to Wooden Log
Variety of Sizes, Colours and Designs Available
Phone John on 0411 209 748
Email: info@pvcnestboxes.com.au
www.pvcnestboxes.com.au
Normal Pieds with reasonable
markings available
Also Rosa Pied hens with pied
flights and split cocks
All birds closed rung
Phone Athol 0421 164 781 or
Email: piedbourkes@hotmail.com

HANDREARING ROBBY
FORMULAS
IN BULK
BIRDS
Breeders of
GANG GANGS
RED-TAILED BLACK
COCKATOOS
NORTHERN ROSELLAS
BLUE KAKARIKIS SCARLET MACAWS
Top Quality Birds
Freight Australia Wide Freight Aust Wide
Plus Guaranteed splits (in writing)
Other Colours Available including Cinnamon Phone Kim 0414 342 087 Phone (08) 9535 3983
Phone 0419 646 861 for the Best Pet City, Mt Gravatt (Mandurah, WA)
AFRICAN GREYS KALGARI AVIARIES GOLDEN DOWN AVIARIES
Breeder of
Breeding Pairs including the REDUCTION SALE AMAZONS Yellow-crowned
Suspended aviaries LORIES Yellow-winged Blue-fronted
they are housed in CHATTERING BLACK-HEADED CAIQUES
Also Spoon-fed Babies BLUE-FRONTED BLACK-CAPPED
YELLOW-STREAKED Vosmaeri Eclectus
AMAZONS YELLOW-BIBBED
LUTINO RED-COLLARED
PRINCESS PARROT
Mutations
Lilac-crowned Phone 0415 682 602 Phone Chris 0427 640 211
Breeding pair & 2016–2017 pairs
CAIQUES AFRICAN GREYS
Handraising Babies Now
ORANGE-WINGED
Black-headed & White-bellied— AMAZON
Suit Pet or Breeding SCARLET MACAW Unrelated young pair
Also split Blue pair 2016 large cock
SENEGALS LILAC-CROWNED AMAZON WHITE-BELLIED CAIQUES
2016–2017 Suit Pet or Breeding 2016 hen plus this season’s young Young—2 pair
Phone Ian 0429 899 932 Phone Klaus 0419 677 430 Phone Frank 048 809 0209
AFRICAN GREYS
BONDED
MACAW PAIRS
MACAWS
SCARLET Breeding pairs
2015 bred unrelated pair plus cock
2017 harness-trained super tame pets
BLACK-HEADED CAIQUES
Parent reared unrelated pair plus spares
SCARLET 5 month old hen RED-TAILED BLACK
Greenwinged Macaws, HARLEQUINS 11 year old pair COCKATOO C. b. banksii
Blue and Gold Macaws Contact Steve 0422 009 742 Parent reared 2 year old hen
ALL QUALITY YOUNG
Phone Leanne 0438 137 721 Annette 0400 948 410 Phone Ken 07 4155 6663 AH

796
M A K E S A L E S B Y A D V E R T I S I N G I N A U S T R A L I A’ S H I G H E S T C I R C U L AT I N G B I R D M A G A Z I N E

GANG GANG
Handraised Male AFRICAN GREY MACKAS PARROTS
RED-TAILED BLACK Babies to Handfeed Specialising in
CONURES
COCKATOOS Also Parent Raised Sun, Crimson-bellied,
C. b. samueli bonded pair Various Ages Quakers and Peach-fronted
Handraised and Aviary bred Phone 08 8538 5043 KAKARIKIS
1 year olds
Handraised 2017 bred Mobile 0432 920 962 RED-RUMPED PARROTS
Phone Charles 0418 946 363 Email: gerry@stirlingparrotfarm.com Phone Sean 0432 259 925

CRICKETS ECLECTUS PARROTS—

Young, handreared and unrelated young pairs.
YOUNG & DISTRICT
CAGE BIRD SOCIETY
MEALWORMS Phone 02 4571 2141 Handraised Vosmaeri. Phone
0402 370 488 Email blane91@dodo.com.au
20TH ANNUAL BIRD SALE
1ST SALE OF 2018 SEASON
Phone Biosupplies
COCKATOOS— Sunday 25 February 2018
for your nearest Aviary bred and parent reared Carnaby’s PCYC, LACHLAN STREET, YOUNG
stockist on White-tailed Black Red-tailed Black C. b. samueli
Major Mitchell’s Phone Colin (WA) 0417 937 370
SATURDAY BBQ & TALK BY DR MIKE CANNON
6.30PM At Young Hotel
(02) 9793 8199 BIRD SALE
Birds Benched from 7am—bookings appreciated
Bird Entry $1.00 per bird
BIRD SALES BENCHING SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 3PM – 5PM
CONDITIONS OF SALE APPLY
Surgical Sexing Available
Parrot Breeders Mornington Peninsula TRADE DISPLAYS WELCOME
and Exhibitors Avicultural Society Inc Open to Public 10am
Sale 10am to 2pm
Society of NSW Inc 34th Annual $2 ENTRY FEE, BBQ & Canteen available
ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS:
BIRD SALE SKYE BIRD SALE & EXPO CLIFF WEBSTER 02 6385 3058
ALAN STORM 0407903220
Sunday 6 May 2018 Proposed Date
Fairfield Showground, Smithfield Rd, ORANGE BIRD SOCIETY
Prairiewood, Sydney NSW
Sunday 27th May 2018
Venue: State Dog Centre BIRD SALE
Parrots, Finches, Budgerigars,
655 Western Port Hwy, Skye (Melway 128-J12) Saturday 3 March 2018
Canaries and Ornamental Fowl
Spectacular 4680 square metre Indoor Complex Orange PCYC, 2 Seymour Street, Orange
Benching Time: 7.00am–9.30am sharp The Sale & Expo also incorporates
Sale Time: 10.00am–1.30pm Bench Time: Friday 2pm – 8pm
The Victorian Zebra Finch Inc. Show
Sellers $1.00 per bird, minimum $10 BIRD SALE: OPEN to the general public from
Sat 7am to 9.30am
Buyers $3 11am to 2pm ~ Set up time from 8.30am SALE Time: 10am to 2pm
NSW Bird Sale Voluntary Code of Practice applies.
TRADE DISPLAYS TRADE Section: OPEN to the public from For more details
For All Enquiries and Bookings Phone 9.30am until 2pm ~ Set up time from 8.00am www.orangebirdsale.com or phone
Refreshments available Jason Townsend 0429 867 276
Wally (02) 4681 8589 (AH)
for bird table bookings
Bruce Sullivan (02) 9607 9334 TRADE STANDS, CODE OF PRACTICE DETAILS, Heather Fardell (02) 6362 8605 A/H
NSW Voluntary Bird Sale GENERAL ENQUIRIES AND for Trade Stand bookings
Code of Practice Applies ALL BIRD SALE BOOKINGS: Saturday Night Dinner Returns at Great New Venue
Max of 4 Parrots and 10 Finches Per Cage David Over: Mobile 0402 634 108 Phone Tony Ford 0409 912 370
Email: david-over1@hotmail.com for Dinner Bookings
Sellers Must Prove Membership to Club Accommodation is hard to get so book now!
affiliated with Canary & Cage Bird Federation Table bookings are necessary prior to the sale. Sponsored by
or show personal Public Liability COC MDS Australia, Vetafarm and
Proudly Sponsored by ABK Publications
Sponsored by ABK Publications
ABK Publications
GUNNEDAH BIRD SALE
AND EXPO
ORANGE BIRD SOCIETY BIRD SALE BIRD BEHAVIOURISTS Saturday 7 April 2018
Saturday 3 March 2018
BIRD ENTRIES:
Orange PCYC, 2 Seymour Street, Orange
Bench Time: Friday 2pm – 8pm PARROT FRI: 5-8:30pm SAT: 7-9am
Sat 7am to 9.30am SALE Time: 10am to 2pm
NSW Bird Sale Voluntary Code of Practice applies. PARENTING SALE: 10am-2pm
www.orangebirdsale.com or phone
Jason Townsend 0429 867 276 for bird tables
Heather Fardell (02) 6362 8605 A/H for Trade Stands
PROGRAM TRADE STANDS OPEN
8am-2pm
Phone Tony Ford 0409 912 370 for Dinner Bookings PET CITY, MT GRAVATT Canteen and Hot Breakfast 7am
Sponsored by MDS Australia, Vetafarm and
For more information General Enquiries
contact Kim on (07) 3349 2086 Phone Greg on 0488 252 720
www.petcity.com.au Bird Bookings Jeff on 0438 844 381
PET ADOPTION
Trade Enquiries
Phone Dave (02) 6744 1179
ADOPT A PRELOVED PARROT Or info@gunnedahbirdsale.com
www.gunnedahbirdsale.com
Small to Large Birds available For more information please visit
www.parrotrescuecentre.com/adoption Proudly sponsored by ABK

797
M A K E S A L E S B Y A D V E R T I S I N G I N A U S T R A L I A’ S H I G H E S T C I R C U L AT I N G B I R D M A G A Z I N E
AVICULTURAL ORGANISATIONS
AFRICAN LOVEBIRD SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA INC
meets on 3rd Wednesday bi-monthly, February to December at Thompson
Hall Activity Room, Baulkham Heights Estate, 92 Seven Hills road,
Baulkham Hills. We have a quality bi-monthly magazine. Meetings are
friendly and informative, commencing at 8pm. Phone Colin Isbister on
(02) 9674 4256
AVICULTURAL SOCIETY OF TASMANIA INC
meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Geilston Bay Boat Club,
DeBomford Lane, Geilston Bay. New members and visitors welcome.
Enquiries PO Box 714 Moonah TAS 7009. Phone 0408 720 130
www.asst.org.au
BEAUDESERT PARROT AND FINCH ASSOCIATION INC.
Meets 2nd Friday of each month at VASA Bldg, Jimboomba Park,
South St, Jimboomba. Monthly magazine and guest speakers.
Friendly atmosphere. Starts 7:30pm. Enquiries: Anne Da Costa
Phone 0402 920 813 PO Box 222, Beaudesert QLD 4285
BUNDABERG BIRD BREEDERS CLUB INC.
PO Box 5471, West Bundaberg Qld 4670. Meetings are every 3rd Tuesday
of the month, at Family Centre, Bundaberg Showgrounds, Bundaberg at
7.30pm. New members and visitors most welcome.
Enquiries Phone Ray Pratt (07) 4155 6221
DOWNS BIRD BREEDERS ASSOCIATION INC
Meets second Friday of each month at 7.30pm. Venue—Win Building,
Toowoomba Showground, Glenvale Road, Toowoomba, QLD.
Phone Des English (07) 4630 4469
GOLD COAST AVIARY BIRD ASSOCIATION INC. PO Box 7003,
Gold Coast Mail Centre, Bundall QLD 4217. Meeting third Friday of each
month. Mudgeeraba Show Grounds 7.30pm.
Sec. Sue Brown (07) 5522 6666 Email innfl yte@tpg.com.au
www.goldcoastaviarybird.org.au
HUNTER VALLEY AVICULTURAL SOCIETY INC. Meeting every
3rd Friday of the month at Telerah Bowling Club, Clark Street, Telerah.
Phone Andrew Rankmore 0411 952 044
PO Box 25, RAAF Base, Williamtown NSW 2314
Email secretary.hvas@hotmail.com
AVIAN VETERINARIANS
NEW SOUTH WALES
Dr M. Cannon BVSc MACVSc (Avian Health)
Dr Kym Fryer BSc BVSc MANZCVSc (Avian Health)
Cannon & Ball Veterinary Hospital, 461 Crown Street, West Wollongong,
NSW 2500, Phone (02) 4229 8888
Dr J. Gill BVSc MVM MACVSc (Avian Health)
Canley Heights Veterinary Clinic, Shop 6, Harden Street and Avoca Road,
Canley Heights, NSW 2166 Phone (02) 9604 9792, 9604 9300
Dr Karen Dobson BVSc MACVSc (Avian Health)
Railway Row Veterinary Clinic, 1 Station Street, Emu Plains NSW 2750
Phone (02) 4735 3268
Dr R. Marshall BVSc MACVSc (Avian Health)
Carlingford Animal Hospital, 772 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford, NSW 2118.
Phone (02) 9871 7113
Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital, University of Sydney
415 Werombi Road, Camden NSW 2570, Phone (02) 9351 1798
Dr Mathew Grabovszky BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Avian Health)
Pacific VetCare Coff s Harbour 320 Harbour Drive, Coff s Harbour NSW 2450.
Phone (02) 6652 3455 www.pacificvetcare.com.au
diagnosis@pacificvetcare.com.au
Dr R A Perry BVSc (Hons) FACVSc (Avian Health)
Registered Bird Specialist, 132 Gabal Road, Lillian Rock, NSW 2480
Phone (02) 6689 7166 or 0419 693 279 drrossperry1@gmail.com
Dr Kathy Fearnside BVSc (Hons) MANZCVSc (Avian Health)
Hills District Veterinary Hospital Unit 1, 276 New Line Road, Dural NSW 2158
(02) 9653 9992
798
ASSOCIATED
BIRDKEEPERS OF
AUSTRALIA INC
UNITY IS STRENGTH
Your Watchdog
Protecting our Hobby
Public Liability Insurance
available to CLUBS
For Membership Details
Phone Craig Jeffery
Phone/Fax (02) 4464 3229 or
0457 591 118
Visit the ABA’s website
www.birdkeepers.com.au
AVICULTURAL SOCIETY
OF AUSTRALIA INC.
The monthly journal Australian Aviculture features original
articles about Australian birds and related topics.
Meetings held at 8pm, fourth Wednesday every month,
The Pines Learning Centre, 520 Blackburn Rd,
Doncaster East VIC 3109 Melway ref 34 D5
Subscription – Australia – $45 with Journal,
$25 Non-Journal – Overseas $75
Stephanie Gough 52 One Tree Hill Rd, Ferny Creek, VIC 3786
Email sgough52@gmail.com
Website www.birds.org.au
ILLAWARRA PARROT CLUB INC. meets every 4th Monday of the
month at Berkeley Sports and Social Club, 5 Wilkinson Street, Berkeley
NSW at 7pm. Club contact number is 0455 613 457 or
secretary@illawarraparrotclub.org.au au and website
www.illawarraparrotclub.org.au
LOWER MURRAY BIRD CLUB INC.
Meets third Tuesday of the month at the Salvation Army Hall 7.30pm.
Fourth Street, Murray Bridge, South Australia. Phone Brian (08) 8569 1853
MORNINGTON PENINSULA AVICULTURAL SOCIETY INC.
PO Box 4210 Frankston Heights LPO Vic 3199.
Meets on every 3rd Monday of the month at 8pm at Baptist Church Hall,
Craigie Rd, Mt Martha. Visitors always welcome. Excellent guest speakers.
More details contact David 0428 518 646 www.mpas.webs.com
ORANGE BIRD SOCIETY
meets every 3rd Wednesday of each month (excluding December) in
Senior Citizens Centre 77 Kite Street. Secretary Gisela Deasey
Phone (02) 6368 7319 or Fax (02) 6368 7294
PARROT BREEDERS & EXHIBITORS SOCIETY OF NSW INC.
PO Box 87, Casula Mall, NSW 2170.
Hon. Sec. Irene McNamara Phone (02) 9607 5591
QUEENSLAND
Dr Bob Doneley BVSc FACVc (Avian Medicine) CMAVA
Registered Specialist in Bird Medicine
Veterinary Medical Centre, School of Veterinary Science
University of Queensland, Gatton QLD 4343, Phone (07) 5460 1788
Dr A. Gallagher BVSc (Hons) MACVSc (Avian Health)
Brisbane Bird Vet 248 Hamilton Road, Chermside, QLD 4032.
Phone (07) 3359 2233 www.brisbanebirdvet.com.au
contactus@brisbanebirdvet.com.au
Dr Peter Wilson BVSC MACVSc (Wildlife)
Currumbin Valley Bird, Reptile and Exotic Veterinary Services
1596 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley,
Gold Coast, QLD 4223 Phone (07) 5533 0381
Dr Deborah Monks BVSc (Hons)
CertZooMed DipECAMS FACVSc (Avian Health)
Brisbane Bird and Exotics Veterinary Service
Cnr Kessels Rd and Springfield St, Macgregor QLD 4109
Phone (07) 3420 6773 www.bbevs.com.au
VICTORIA
Dr P. Macwhirter BVSc (Hons) FACVSc (Avian Health)
Dr P. Sacks BSc BVSc (Hons) MACVSc (Avian Health)
Bird Vet Melbourne, 128 Highbury Rd. Burwood, VIC 3125
Phone (03) 9808 9011 www.birdclinic.net
Dr Colin Walker BSc BVSc MACVSc (Avian Health)
Dr Corrie Pinkster BVSc MANZCVSc (Avian Health) Dr Stacey Gelis
BVSc (Hons) MACVSc (Avian Health)
Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic 1 George St (corner Stud Rd), Scoresby,
VIC, 3179, Phone (03) 9764 9000 www.melbournebirdvet.com
Dr Matthew Gosbell BVSc MACVS (Avian Health)
Springvale Animal Hospital, 570 Springvale Rd, Springvale South, VIC 3172
Phone (03) 9546 5022 greencross.springvale@greencrossvet.com.au
www.greencrossvet.com.au
QLD FINCH SOCIETY INC.
Receive “Finch News” the monthly colour
glossy magazine dedicated to finches.
At the same time joining the most progressive
club in Aviculture and reap the benefits.
Australia A$40.00
Overseas (Airmail) A$55.00
Send Subscription to:
the Membership Registrar,
P O Box 1600, Coorparoo DC
Qld, 4151, Australia
Ph: (07) 3802 1511 Fax: (07) 3802 2792
THE AVICULTURAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH
AUSTRALIA INC Founded 1928
BIRD KEEPING IN AUSTRALIA
the monthly full-colour magazine features articles on all
aspects of aviculture. Sample copies available
Monthly meetings held at Estonia Hall, Jeffcott Street,
North Adelaide, at 8:00pm on the second Tuesday of the
month. Also three country branches
For further details contact the Secretary,
P.O. Box 485, North Adelaide, South Australia, 5006.
Ph (08) 8337 7134 or
email assa@birdkeepinginaustralia.com
www.birdkeepinginaustralia.com
THE AVICULTURAL SOCIETY
OF NEW ZEALAND (INC)
President: Dave Creed Ph +64 3 9428989
Vice President: Luke Greenfield
amber133@windowslive.com
AGM once a year
Bi-monthly magazine and weekly email trading
service for members
Overseas members welcome
For membership details email the Secretary,
Amber Greenfield on amber133@windowslive.com
www.facebook.com/aviculture
PARROT SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND. High quality magazine
including colour. Enquiries to PO Box 79202, Royal Heights, Auckland,
New Zealand. Rates: NZ$45.00, Australia $55.00, Rest of World $85.00.
www.parrot.co.nz
THE AUSTRALIAN BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY INC.
Meetings held on the third Thursday evening of each month at the Eagleby
Community Hall, 4 Cowper Avenue, Eagleby QLD 4207. Show Table with up
to 82 budgies benched, Mini Workshop, Guest Speakers, Events discussed,
FREE supper provided by Café ABS, super raffles.
www.absbudgieclub.org.au/
THE PARROT RESCUE CENTRE is an organisation dedicated to
improving the lives of suffering, abused and unwanted pet parrots by
providing an appropriate environment for their individual needs. One of
our main aims is to educate as many people as possible on the correct diet,
housing, enrichment and training of parrots.
Please visit www.parrotrescuecentre.com.
You can also phone (07) 5569 2840 Email zarita@parrotrescuecentre.com
or write to PO Box 797, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213.
Dr. Susan Bibby BVSc (Hons), BAnSc, MANZCVS (Avian Health)
myvet Strathfieldsaye, 942 Wellington Street Strathfieldsaye VIC 3551
Phone (03) 5439 5066 clinic@myvetstrathfieldsaye.com.au
www.myvetstrathfieldsaye.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Dr D J Needham BVSc DDA
Glenside Veterinary Clinic 294 Greenhill Road, Glenside, SA 5065
Phone (08) 8379 0222
Dr Anne Fowler BSc, BVSc, MANZCVS (Avian Health) Unusual Pets
Adelaide Bird and Exotics Vet Centre,
129 Richmond Road, Richmond SA 5033
Phone (08) 8443 4838 Fax (08) 8443 4758
info@abevc.com.au www.aaerc.com.au
Dr Brett Russell BVSc
35 Saltfleet Street, Port Noarlunga SA 5167
Phone (08) 8384 4363 Fax (08) 8384 7955 staff @scah.com.au
ACT
Dr Sandy Hume BVSc MVSc MACVSc (Avian Health)
Inner South Veterinary Centre
47 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah, ACT 2604
Phone (02) 6295 0770 www.innersouthvets.com.au
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Dr Ray Butler BVSc MACVSc, Dr Ian McDowell BSc BVMs &
Dr Toni Cockburn BSc BVMs MANZCVS (Avian Health)
Avian & Pet Practitioner Risley Veterinary Clinic
Unit 13, 110 Holme Crt, Myaree WA 6154 Phone (08) 9329 9222
TASMANIA
Dr James M Harris BSc DVM
Mayfair Veterinary Clinic, 2 Russell Crescent, Sandy Bay, TAS 7005
Phone (03) 6224 4244
 OUT OF PRINT ABK A GUIDE TO BOOKS
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64 COLOUR PAGES
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INE THE PREM
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3 • J U N -J U L 2016 5 • O C T- N OV 7 • FEB-MAR 9 • J U N -J U L 2017
2016 2017

Purple-crowned Blue-winged
Blue Rainbow
Parrots
Exotic Finches Red-bellied Major
Mitchell’s
Green-winged
Macaws Goldie’s Lorikeet Parrot Scaly-breas
aste
ted
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COC P O U LT R Y T MYTH BU PET PARRO
B AC K YA R D STERS T MYTH BU IRDS
BIRD TRAI
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rott N A N DAY C
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BLUE LILIA
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B LU E PA R R ORANGE-B
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