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Vol 28 Issue 9 • Jun-Jul 2015
Red-capped Parrots Blue Kakariki Pyrrhura Conures WESTERN ROSELLAS
Black-throated Finches
Vol 28 Issue 9 • Jun-Jul 2015
Red-capped Parrots Blue Kakariki Pyrrhura Conures WESTERN ROSELLAS
COVER IMAGE RED-CAPPED PARROT MALE BY BEN PEARCE
Black-throated Finches
contents Volume 28 Issue 9
features 549 WILD SURVIVOR: THE RED-CAPPED PARROT
By Ben Pearce The Red-capped Parrot is one of Western Australia’s most attractive parrots, but its wild habits are not loved by all. 552 THE RED-FRONTED KAKARIKI BLUE MUTATION
By Frédéric Frange Frédéric is excited to discover a startlingly beautiful new Blue mutation. 562 KEEPING AND BREEDING PYRRHURA CONURES
By Armin Brockner These South America parakeets have become very popular in captivity due to their ease of breeding, beautiful colours and pleasant personality.
regulars 555 FINCH FOCUS: BLACK-THROATED FINCHES
By Russell Kingston The least colourful of the Poephila family, this species is beautifully marked and breeds readily. 558 ABOUT BIRDS: THE SECRETS BEHIND RED COLOURATION
By Kit Prendergast Kit looks at how and why many bird species feature red in their beaks, legs or plumage. 565 BREEDING AUSTRALIAN PARROTS: WESTERN ROSELLAS
By Barry Blanch Small, colourful and quiet, Western Rosellas can be kept by all levels of aviculturists. 568 BUILDING BLOCKS FOR BETTER BIRDS: TRAINING FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
By Rebecca K O’Connor Often we have to train captive parrots to enjoy the simple things in life, which they would discover naturally in the wild.
572 TRAVELS TO FIND THE CITRON-CRESTED COCKATOO
coastline, but how much do you know about them?
By Peter Odekerken Peter visits the island of Sumba in Indonesia and sees Citron-crested Cockatoos in the wild.
592 UNITING FOR A NEW AVICULTURAL CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE
574 THIRD NATIONAL FINCH CENSUS 2014 ANALYSIS
By Gary Fitt & David Pace This report reveals some frightening statistics regarding the future of a number of species in aviculture. 578 THE RED-CAPPED PARROT IN AVICULTURE
By Jade Welch Jade defends this uniquely beautiful parrot’s place in our aviaries.
By Glen Holland The Avicultural Society of Australia and Healesville Sanctuary are holding their first joint conference from 4–6 September. 595 INSPIRED TO WILDLIFE ART
By Annelise Howes Meet the woman who took out the ABK Best Bird Art award and discover her inspiration. 598 KIWI CONVENTION SUCCESS
582 WE NEED A SEA CHANGE
By Jade Welch
By Paul Granston More than 200 species of seabirds are found along Australia’s enormous
As it celebrates its 25th year, Jade rates the jam-packed 2015 Parrot Society of New Zealand Convention simply ‘the best’.
570 BUSH TUCKER: FOODS FROM THE PALM FAMILY
590 AVIAN HEALTH WITH DR BOB: CARING FOR WILD BIRDS
By Des Boorman Palm seed is an excellent and readily available bush tucker.
By Dr Bob Doneley Wild birds that have been found sick, injured or orphaned are presented to vets daily. But what happens to these birds? You might not like the answers.
584 HOOKBILL HOBBYIST: DARLENE PARKER ON WHITE COCKATOO PETS
By EB Cravens After decades working with hookbills, Darlene Parker tells EB her experiences with white cockatoos, and why today she sells very few. 586 THE WISE OWL: SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT
By Milton Lewis Could Darwin’s Theory of Sexual Selection be debunked by a few female singing canaries? 588 CANARY CHATTER: BREEDING METHODOLOGIES
By Brian Bohl Brian looks at the pros and cons of monogamous, polygamous and colony breeding.
596 CONSERVATION:
• Giving Nature a Hand at Loro Parque By Dr Matthias Reinschmidt • Working to Save Lilian’s Lovebirds By Carolyn Pradun 600 YOUNG BIRD KEEPER: MY BIRD KEEPING JOURNEY
By Tain Rushworth Tain, joint winner in the Syd Smith Young Bird Keeper Competition, shares his enjoyment of the hobby. 601 WHAT’S NEW
• Pigeons and Doves in Australia By Joseph M Forshaw 602 LAST CHIRP:
• Train Birds? Get Qualified By Kenny Coogan
603 classifieds 547
WILD SURVIVOR The Red-capped Parrot WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY BEN PEARCE
INTRODUCTION
Often referred to as Western Kings or just Kings, Red-capped Parrots must be one of Western Australia’s most attractive parrots. Confined to the south-western corner of the state, they have had to adapt to many different environments. The landscape has changed greatly since settlement and the Redcapped Parrot has not only coped but adapted very well. Southern farming areas are sparsely timbered but, remarkably, Red-caps still exist there. Their preferred habitat is the heavily timbered Jarrah and Red Gum forests of the Perth hills and further south. However, they also remain residents in Perth suburbs, breeding in parks and gardens— although not always popular with the suburban gardeners. Red-capped Parrots have an inexhaustible passion for fruit, which drives them to seek out even solitary trees in back gardens. They can sneak in and smash the crop—often well before it has a chance to ripen. But it is the professional orchardists that despise them most. They can be shot in shires where fruit is grown (until this year, all year round). The shooting and trapping of all parrots in Western Australia has now been closed for the breeding season after outrage from around the world at the practice of allowing thousands of young from trapped birds to starve to death in the nests. Many Red-caps are still trapped for the pet trade and there is always good demand for these wild-caught birds. Shooting and trapping Red-capped Parrots has occurred for 80 years that I know of, and probably long before that. In my local shire, as in many shires during the 1930s, a bounty of one penny per parrot head was paid—which was good money! There is no talk of a ceasefire, so the war on this parrot goes on. But despite this, Red-caps are still around and doing remarkably well considering the punishment dished out over the years.
Red-capped Parrot pair
MY PASSION
The Marri tree (Red Gums) has large bowl-shaped fruit sometimes called honky nuts, and Red-caps appear closely associated with this tree and its fruit. During the winter months, when food is harder to find, they turn to the green nuts still on the tree for food. The seeds are buried deep inside the hard, woody fruit, which is where their long, tapered top mandible is required. It seems adapted perfectly to extract the seeds out of reach of other parrots. Black cockatoos smash the fruit up with their powerful bills to reach the seeds, but others like Galahs and ringnecks have to wait until the fruit dries and falls to the ground, releasing the seeds. Red-caps first bite the nut off, leaving the stem. Then, grasping the nut in either foot, they remove the seeds while the nut is being rotated. The seeds, when green, are firmly lodged in the nut and the Red-caps work very hard to extract them. Feeding on the nuts leads to a build-up of gum on the beak which can be quite pronounced at times.
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B FRANCOIS
The Red-fronted Kakariki
Blue Mutation WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY FRÉDÉRIC FRANGE
PRIMARY MUTATIONS AND COMBINATION COLOURS IN THE RED-FRONTED KAKARIKI
Turquoise
INTRODUCTION I first kept a single Red-fronted Kakariki some 20 years ago and my love of this beautiful bird has remained. This turbulent clown gave me hours of pleasure as I watched him in his garden aviary. As time went by, I kept more of this species and bred what I thought was all of the mutations—then I discovered photos of the new Blue mutation. After further investigation, I discovered a well-known aviculturist named Geldhof and that a French bird magazine, Oiseaux Exotiques, produced by the Club des Exotiques (CDE), featured an article by Roland Seitre on the breeding of the Blue mutation in Issue 327 (February 2008). I contacted Jurgen and Noël Geldhof to arrange an appointment to photograph these Blue Red-fronted Kakarikis.
Red-fronted Kakariki status
The Red-fronted Kakariki Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae novaezelandiae is native to New Zealand and neighbouring islands. This species forages on the ground in bush habitat and in the canopy for fruits and buds. It is an opportunist which also consumes animal proteins. In the wild it is classified as Vulnerable by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). In captivity in France, it is a productive breeder.
MUTATIONS Cinnamon Lutino (sex-linked) Lutino (recessive) Fallow (pale and bronze) Pied (Recessive) Pied (Dominant) Pied Mottle Dark Factor Green Blue Parblue (Turquoise)
GENETIC INHERITANCE Sex-linked Sex-linked Recessive Recessive Recessive Co-dominant Recessive Co-dominant Recessive Recessive
COMBINATION COLOURS Gold-checked (Dominant Pied + Recessive Pied) (Yellow Black-eyed) Creamino (Turquoise + recessive Lutino) Albino (Blue + recessive Lutino) Cinnamon Fallow Cinnamon Pied Recessive Lutino Fallow Cinnamon Blue Blue Pied Blue Fallow Cinnamon Blue Pied Dark Factor Blue Double Dark Factor Blue
PRIMARY MUTATIONS CROWN AND LORES Red Red Red Red
LEGS
BEAK
IRIS
PUPIL
Clear Green Brown-green Lemon Yellow Lemon Yellow
PRIMARY FEATHERS Blue-purple Clear Blue White White
Grey- brown Grey- pink Pink Pink
Red Orange-red Clear Red Clear Red
Black Black Red Red
Clear Greygreen
Pale Blue-grey
Red
Pink
Clear Red
Black
Pied Disseminated Pied Progressive Pied
Blue-purple Blue-purple Blue-purple
Red Red Red
Greyish with Pink Greyish with Pink Greyish with Pink
Grey-blue Grey-blue Pink Pink Pale Greyblue Blue-grey Blue-grey Blue-grey
Dark Red Dark Red Dark Red
Black Black Black
Dark Green
Blue-purple
Red
Grey- brown
Blue-grey
Red
Black
Olive Green
Blue-purple
Red
Grey- brown
Blue-grey
Red
Black
Clear Blue Clear Green
Grey Grey
Pink Pink
Greyish- brown Greyish brown
Blue-grey Blue-grey
Red Red
Black Black
MUTATION
FEATHERS
Wild-type Cinnamon Sex-linked Lutino Recessive Lutino Fallow (Pale and Bronze) Recessive Pied Dominant Pied Mottle Pied Green Single Dark Factor Green Double Dark Factor Blue Turquoise
COMBINATION COLOURS Black-eyed Yellow Recessive Lutino Fallow
Yellow- orange
White
Red
Pink
Pink
Red
Black
Yellow- grey
White
Red
Pink
Pink
Orange-red
Black
Cinnamon Fallow
Green- grey
Red
Pink
Pink
Red
Red
Cinnamon Blue
Blue-grey Clear Yellowwhite
Clear Pink Pale OrangeYellow White
Pink
Grey
Black?
Black
Pink
Pink
Black?
Black?
Creamino
Washed-out Blue Dark Grey White
Prepared with the assistance of the Mutavi Research and Advice Group (www.mutavi.info)
552
Matings
Green (bl+bl+) x Blue (blbl) Breeding outcome = 100% Green split Blue The birds will appear green but will carry the blue gene on one of the two chromosomes. Green (bl+bl+) x Green/Blue (bl+bl) Breeding outcomes = 50% Green + 50% Green/Blue Green birds are not distinguishable visually and this mating is to be banned. Green/Blue (bl+bl) x Blue (blbl) Breeding outcomes: 50% Green/Blue + 50% Blue. This is the best result and maintains the shape and colour well. Green/Blue ((bl+bl) x Green/Blue (bl+bl) Breeding outcomes: 25% Blue + 25% Green + 50% Green split Blue. It is impossible to visually differentiate between the normal Green and Green/Blue, which can create problems in future matings. Blue (blbl) x Blue (blbl) Breeding outcome: 100% Blue. This breeding combination is avoided as the progeny becomes impoverished and colour and size is compromised. Noël Geldhof preferred to mate Blue birds with birds that carry the blue gene. We offered the Geldhof family 400 euros for a Green/Blue and 1600 euros for a pair of Green/Blue x Blue. They politely indicated that they would think about it, considering that the Kakariki is a very prolific breeder and mindful that the prices may fall fast in the coming years—this occurred with the Blue Red-rumped Parrot mutation. This family also bred Queen of Bavaria Conures, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos as well as mutations I had not seen before in the Indian Ringnecked Parrot. After viewing these birds, we were taken behind the aviaries through a corridor and I became speechless at the sight of cabinets housing 40 in one room and about 12 pairs of Red-fronted Kakarikis in Blue and other mutations developed from the Blue—Cinnamon Blue, Blue Pied, Cinnamon Blue Pied, Dark Factor Blue, Turquoise (Parblue) and Creamino. They were working on the Albino and had experienced mortality in the nest from this mating. They were also working on a Blue x Fallow mating. The Cinnamon Blue was developed from breeding the Blue x Cinnamon, the Blue Pied was developed with a Dominant Pied, and the Dark Factor Blue was bred from a Blue x Dark Green—to me this bird was even more beautiful than the Blue. The Creamino was bred by crossing a Blue with a Goldchecked Yellow—the yellow reflections on the wings, body and crown are distinguished from the orange-pink on the head—a magnificent bird. After discussions, it was evident that the Creamino is never the result of crossing with a pure Blue. In literature, I read about the Parblue and after contacting various French specialist breeders I established the parallel between Parblue and Turquoise. The Turquoise is a part of the same genetic family as the Blue mutation—it is recessive in inheritance with multiple alleles on the same locus. This mutation is dominant over the Blue. In the Blue mutation, there is a partial reduction of the yellow that gives the bird a pale blue colour with a green tinge. Certain feathers are more green than blue, giving an overall emerald green or ‘turquoise’ colouration. Jurgen Gheldof explained in later correspondence that he had bred two mutations—a Blue and a Turquoise.
YELLOW-FRONTED KAKARIKI
It is expected that breeders will develop the Blue mutation in the Yellow-fronted Kakariki. The Blue mutation has been bred in the lovebird by crossing the Agapornis Fischer’s and Masked Lovebirds—the Agapornis genus is a homogeneous group and both species are very close genetically and geographically.
554
Similarly, in aviculture in France, this kind of transmutation has been bred between the Yellow-fronted C. auriceps and the Red-fronted C. novazaelandiae Kakarikis and been incorrectly named the Orange-fronted Kakariki—in fact this species exists in New Zealand as C. malherbi. It is likely that the Blue Cinnamon, Cinnamon Blue Pied and the Creamino will be developed in the Yellow-fronted Kakariki.
CONCLUSION
I consider that the appearance of this new Blue mutation in the Yellow-fronted Kakariki is going to develop a strong interest with breeders. It is going to become the emerald of our aviaries and hopefully I will successfully breed this precious colour.
Comment
The reader, when viewing the accompanying photographs, might wonder whether this Red-fronted Kakariki mutation is really a true Blue or a Parblue-type mutation and is there really two mutations or simply variations of just one? There is no simple way of being entirely certain, but the situation in a few other species is worth considering. In the Peachfaced Lovebird A. roseicollis, the Turquoise mutation has been selectively bred to produce specimens almost pure blue in colour. Yet it is still based on the original Parblue mutation. On the other hand, the Blue mutation in the Western Rosella we have in Australia visually appears to have areas of blue-green tones in many specimens. Yet when combined with a pale Fallow mutation, the combination colour is clear of any yellow tones and this confirms that the primary mutation is indeed a true Blue. It is true that Parblue and Blue mutations have a genetic relationship as they are alleles of a single locus. This does not imply that one mutation extends or develops from the other, although in rare instances that might be possible. It will be a matter of time and experience with this new Kakariki mutation to determine its exact nature and whether there are indeed two mutations or only one. Dr Terry Martin BVSc
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Prin, J & G 1994, Les inséparables et leurs mutations, Editions Prin. Prin, J & G 2008, Les kakarikis, genre cyanoramphus, Editions Prin. Prin, J & G 2011, Les inseparables: La génétique des accouplements: vol. 4, Editions Prin. Wilson K 1990, A guide to Australian long and broadtailed parrots and New Zealand Kakarikis, their management, care and breeding, ABK Publications. Martin T 2011, A guide to colour mutations and genetics in parrots, ABK Publications. Van Den Abeele D 2005, Lovebirds: Owner’s manual and reference guide, About Pets. Lacroix R 2008, Les Kakarikis, Elevage et soins, Ulmer. Francois B et al 2010, Perruches d'océanie, CDE. Gille D & Francois B 2003, La famille des inséparables, CDE. Dyer IS 1987, New-Zealand parakeets (Kakariki): Their care and breeding, Hampshire Breeders and Books. Dyer IS 2001, The Kakariki colouring book, Hampshire Breeders and Books. Campagne A, Wouters P & Laubscher C 2007, ‘Dossiers des Kakarikis’, Magazine du CDE, vol. 320 (June), pp. 64–77, CDE. Frange F 2002, ‘Kakariki à front rouge’, Magazine du CDE, vol. 271(November), pp.16–27, CDE. Frange F 2005, ‘Canaille au pays des pitchounes’, Magazine du CDE, vol. 297, (April), pp. 9–11, CDE.
BREEDING
Pyrrhura conures reproduce in captivity with comparative ease. The only real requirement is finding a true pair which is compatible. The breeding data we have is much the same for all our Pyrrhura conures, except the Blue-throated Conure which, unfortunately, we have only been successful in breeding three times over a number of years, with other clutches proving infertile, or the embryo dying in the egg. Although there are certain differences between male and female in the appearance of the head, it is hard to predict sex accurately by visual examination, so DNA testing or endoscopy is necessary for 100% certainty. We prefer endoscopy, even if it is more complex because it also provides details as to breeding health of the bird. What good is the certainty of having a male if it is infertile or has an atrophied testes?
Nesting
Although Pyrrhura conures can lay outside the breeding season, we remove the nest boxes after breeding, and the pairs are therefore forced to take a break. Crimson-bellied Conure, for instance, can lay up to three clutches in a year, which is a huge drain on the female when almost every clutch comprises 5–7 eggs. Nest boxes are attached to the individual pairs’ aviaries in early March. It does not take long before the birds are loudly clamouring and posturing to take a closer look. From the first night they will begin investigating, staying longer over the following days. Breeding activities slowly increase and daily pairings are observed. It is interesting to watch the birds courting as the male spreads his tail and neck feathers. Often the female returns the calls, indicating that she favours the male. Days before the first eggs are laid, the two birds disappear into the nest. We do not clean during this time so as not to disturb the pair. The female’s belly can clearly be seen to be swollen. Eggs are laid every two days until they number 5–7, and the female begins incubation after the first 2–3 are laid. We have observed, in the case of the Crimson-bellieds, that the eggs are half-buried in the nest litter. At first we were afraid that they would not get enough oxygen and tried to clear some of the litter away, but by the next day they were again sunk halfway into it.
Chick Development
The incubation period for each species is an average of 23 days. The male spends much time with the female in the nest box and we have found them to be very reliable sitters. During rearing, the male also participates very actively in the care of the young birds. Generally 3–5 young birds are raised, and we make sure that fresh food is continuously available, checking it 3–4 times per day. Many parrots like some food soaked in water, so we also change the water twice a day. Rose-headed Conure chicks start out covered in long, white feathers and have a light horn-coloured beak. The eyes are closed, as in all young parrots, in this case until about 11–15 days. Within 10 days, the first black pin feathers can be seen under the skin. At about 20 days, the tail and wing feathers begin to break through the skin. The horn-coloured beak also begins to discolour at this time, changing to black. At 25 days, the feathers on the head, back and abdomen begin to push through the skin, becoming clearly visible from about day 28. A few days later the youngster is covered in quills and at approximately 40–42 days, the young Rose-headed Conure is fully feathered. At about 50–52 days old they leave the shelter of the nest box, having begun to appear at the entrance hole a few days earlier. The young may return to the nest box at night. They begin to self-feed a few days after leaving the nest box, but the adults will still feed them when they beg.
564
After approximately 70–75 days, the Rose-headed Conure is fully independent and separated from its parents. Often the adults begin breeding again with a new clutch and, for this reason, we separate out the males at this time. After the second brood, the nest box is removed to allow the birds to rest. Even in cases where we have found new eggs in the box after the second clutch, these have been removed for the good of the birds. These birds are very sociable and peaceful. We were able to leave young birds with their families for up to eight months after leaving the nest. It was never a problem, even if the little flock was up to nine birds. Sometimes chicks, numbering up to 25, are housed together in a large aviary without disputes.
CONCLUSION
We have found Pyrrhura conures are absolutely worth keeping. We find the conure group to be one of the most fascinating of all South American parrot species.
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M GOUGH
Red-capped Parrot male
Red-capped Parrot female
INTRODUCTION
roadside verges and at times on the ground where they may feed on grass seeds and fallen seeds. As with any species that eats from the ground, grit may form part of the bird’s diet and it seems bark may also be ingested during the extraction of insect larvae. In captivity, the Red-cap’s dietary care is straightforward. However, much of what a bird will eat is in part due to what they are first introduced to. As such, it is important to feed a range of foodstuffs early on. Where fed a seed-only diet, Redcaps may be inclined to eat only this. With the increased focus on nutrition and health-related links, many breeders prefer to supply a quality, formulated pelleted diet as a base for their birds. Providing Red-capped Parrots are introduced to a pelleted diet early on, they will take to them readily. There are many brands of pellets on the market to cater for a range of birds. More often than not these birds are offered a small parrot or Budgie seed mix. Some breeders add extra sunflower leading up to and during the breeding season. Cuttlebone gets a good working over from these birds. A supply of fine grit and charcoal is also welcomed and because grit is a natural part of the Red-cap’s wild diet, it is worth adding. Birds in conventional aviaries with earthen floors may get their grit from the floor. A supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens and sprouted and soaked seeds, is of great importance and supplied daily helps give pairs the essentials to remain healthy and reproduce. A number of weed species collected from pesticide-free areas are relished, as are seeding grasses, which are easily grown at home. Of course the seedpods of various plant species such as from Marri and Jarrah are also appreciated. As Red-caps are known to take larvae in the wild, mealworms can be offered. They are easily obtainable and can be bred at home or purchased through a number of sources.
Endemic to the south-west of Western Australia, the Redcapped Parrot is also known as the Western King or Pileated Parrot. This unique species, with its pronounced beak, is hard to confuse with any other species but can be extremely timid. It is found in Eucalypt forests and man-made landscapes such as farmland, orchards, parks and gardens. Permits are issued to farmers to cull the birds, which are deemed crop pests. The Red-cap has a long affiliation with aviculture and taking one look at the beauty of these birds, it is not hard to see why. Unfortunately, however, the species has suffered somewhat due to its reputation of being flighty and unpredictable. It is hoped that this article may shine a light on this beautiful species and its deserving place in our aviaries.
FEEDING
Seeding grass heads are relished by Red-capped Parrots
The Red-cap’s beak is ideal for extracting the seeds from seedpods of trees such the Jarrah and Marri, which make up a good part of their natural diet. Mature birds make this seed extraction look easy, but it is interesting to watch young birds struggle to master the art. Red-caps also take the seeds, and/or flower and nectar of other Eucalypts, Proteaceae and more. As with many other Australian parrots, insects and their larvae form part of the Red-cap’s diet. They are often found along
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