The Grey-cheeked Parakeet & Other Brotogeris: June 2013

June 8, 2013

White-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus)

Old classification:
Canary-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus versicolurus)

New classification:
White-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus) = yellow and white on the wing span

White Wing Publications:

Brightsmith, Donald. "White-winged and Yellow-chevroned Parakeets" in Poole, A. and F. Gill, eds., The Birds of North America, No. 385-387, National Academy of Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, 1999.
Diamond, Jared M. and John W. Terborgh. "Observations on Bird Distribution and Feeding Assemblages Along the Rio Callaria, Deptment of Loreto, Peru," The Wilson Bulletin," (Sep. 1967) 79:273-282 (re: B. versicolorus: 276,280).
Leck, Charles F. "Observations of birds at Cecropia trees in Puerto Rico," The Wilson Bulletin," (Dec. 1972) 84:498-500 (re: B. versicolorus).
Also see the Yellow-chevroned Parakeet page. Canary-winged parakeets (now called Yellow-chevroned) and White-winged parakeets were often grouped together as the same bird, so many articles may be about both of these Brotogeris parakeets.

Yellow-Chevroned Parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri)

Old classification:
Canary-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus chiriri)

New classification:
Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri) = yellow chevron mark on wing span (no white)


Photo via bib.ge

Print Resources:

Arrowood, Patricia C. "Importation and Status of Canary-winged Parakeets (Brotogeris versicolorus) P.L.S. Muller) in California," in Conservation of New World Parrots (1981): 425-429.
"Back Talk: Canary Wings--They Love L.A.," Bird Talk, 19 (Sept. 2000): 4.
Brightsmith, Donald. "What Eats Parrots?" Bird Talk, Feb. 2000.
Brightsmith, Donald. "White-winged and Yellow-chevroned Parakeets" in Poole, A. and F. Gill, eds., The Birds of North America, No. 385-387, National Academy of Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, 1999.
Brightsmith, Donald. "Wild Science: Great Escapes: Canary-Winged Parakeet," Bird Talk, 19 (June 2000): 26-33.
"Dear Bird Breeder: Feral Flocks of Brotogeris," Bird Breeder, 67 (Feb. 1995): 8.
Davis, B. "Canary-wings Rear One Youngster," Cage and Aviary Birds, 18 (Jan. 1979): 6.
DeLucca, E.J., L.R. Shirley and C. Lanier. "Karyotype Studies in Twenty-two Species of Parrots (Psittaciformes: Aves)," Revista Brasileira de Genetica, 14 (1991): 73-98 (mentions Tui and canary wing).
Doolen, Mike and Nancy Doolen. "Ask the Experts: Psittacine Territoriality," Bird Talk, 8 (Aug. 1990): 22. (re: canary wing)
"Fancy Talk: Canary Wing Parakeets," Bird Talk, 5 (Jun. 1987): 87-88.
Gallerstein, Gary A. The Complete Bird Owner's Handbook, New York, NY: Macmillan Publishing Co. (1994): 276 (briefy mentions canary wing).
Gaskin, Jack M. "Herpesvirus Infections" in Companion Bird Medicine, ed. Elisha W. Burr, Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press (1987): 107-110 (canary wing: 109).
Harris, Robbie. "Breeding the Canary-Winged Parakeet," Bird Breeder, Oct. 1996, v. 68, no. 5, p. 24-27.
Harris, Robbie. "Canary Wings Revisited," Bird Breeder, 69 (Apr. 1997): 4.
Koepcke, Marie. The Birds of the Department of Lima, Peru, 2nd ed., Newtown Square, PA: Harwood Books, 1988: 75 (mentions canary wing).
Kricher, John C. A Neotropical Companion, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1989: 261 (canary wing) & 234-235 (orange chin).
Leck, Charles F. "Observations of birds at Cecropia trees in Puerto Rico," The Wilson Bulletin," (Dec. 1972) 84:498-500 (re: B. versicolorus).
Mizera, Richard. "Small Birds: Take Flight With the Canary Wing," Bird Talk, 20 (July 2002): p. 74-75.
Molenda, Sandee L. "The Affectionate Canary-winged Parakeet."
Morlan, Joe. "Feral Parrot Populations in San Francisco."
Navas, J.R. and N.A. Bo, N.A. "The Distribution of the Canary-winged Parakeet in Argentina," Hornero, 14 (1996): 90-92.
"The Next Box: Canary Winged Parakeets," Bird Talk, 7 (May 1989): 70.
Owre, Oscar T. "A Consideration of the Exotic Avifauna of Southeastern Florida," The Wilson Bulletin," (Dec. 1973) 85:491-500 (B. jugularis: 494, 502/: 492, 502,506-508).
Polinski, Yvonne. "Handling BeeBee," Bird Talk, 10 (Feb. 1992): 106-107 (re: canary wing).
Porter, Stephanie. "Mailbag: Canary-wing Sighting." Bird Talk (Nov. 2006): 4.
Samuelson, Phillip. "Iquitos, Peru: A Bird Lover's Paradise," Bird Talk, 15 (April 1997): 30-32,34-38,40 (briefly mentions Tui & canary wing).
Skinner, Martin. The Proper Care of Parrots, Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1992: 128-129 (canary-wing photo & caption).
VanDerHeyden, Nicole. "Avian Tuberculosis: Diagnosis and Attempted Treatment," Proceedings of the Association of Avian Veterinarians (1986): 203-214 (mentions grey cheek and canary wing).
Vane, E.N.T. "Breeding the Canary-winged Parrakeet (sic)," Avicultural Magazine, 60 (1954): 227-231.
Vriends, Matthew M. "Canary-Winged Parakeets and Other Brotogeris," American Cage-Bird Magazine, 62 (Oct. 1990): 58-59.
Wiley, James W., F.R. Noel, F.R. Synder; and Rosemarie S. Gnam "Reintroduction as a Conservation Strategy for Parrots" in New World Parrots in Crisis: Solutions from Conservation Biology, 1988: 168-171 (mentions canary wings).
Vriends, Matthew M. Simon & Schuster's Guide to Pet Birds, New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1984 (canary wing: 170/orange chin: 171).

Orange-chinned Parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis)

The Orange-chinned Parakeet is also known as the Tovi parakeet or the Bee Bee parrot.

Photo via avconline.avc.edu

Enjoy Nature.com
Honduran stamp
Orange-chin vocalizations (click on the sounds tab)
Parrots Home page
Photos: Google | Flickr
Species Profile - Avianweb.com
Species Profile - BirdChannel.com
Species Profile - Birdlife International
Species Profile - IBC
Species Profile - Lexicon of Parrots
Species Profile - Neotropical Birds
Species Profile - Website of Everything
Species Profile - Wikipedia
Species Profile - World Parrot Trust
Videos: YouTube
World Bird Guide page
Xeno Canto.org
Zeco's page

Publications mentioning Orange Chins:

Brightsmith, Donald. "Nest sites of wild parrots," Bird Talk, Feb. 2000.
Callender, G.R. and J.S. Simmons. "Trichomoniasis (T. columbae) in the Java sparrow, Tovi parakeet and Verraux's dove," American Journal of Tropical Medical Hygiene, 17 (1937): 579-585.
Clark, George A., Jr. "Avian Bill-Wiping," The Wilson Bulletin," (Sep. 1970) 82:279-288 (re: B. jugularis: 282).
Harris, Robbie. "The Tovi Parakeet," A.F.A. Watchbird, 1 (1988): 61-63.
Hood, R. "Tovi Parrakeets (sic)," Foreign Birds, 27 (1961): 74-?.
Janzen, D.H. "Brotogeris Jugularis," in Janzen, D.H., Costa Rican Natural History, Chicago University Press: Chicago, 1984: 548-550.
Janzen, D.H. "Ficus ovalis seed predation by an orange-chinned parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis) in Costa Rica," Auk, 28 (1982): 841–844.
Kricher, John C. A Neotropical Companion, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1989: 261 (canary wing) & 234-235 (orange chin).
Kricher, John. "Neotropical Birds" in A Neotropical Companion, Chapter 12 [mentions orange chin].
Kroodsma, Donald E., Edward H. Miller, and Henri Ouellet, Eds. Acoustic Communications in Birds, "Song Learning and Its Consequences," vol. 2, Academic Press: New York (1982) (orange chin).
Kroodsma, Donald E. and Edward H. Miller, Eds. Ecology and Evolution of Acoustic Communication in Birds, Cornell University Press: Ithaca & London (1996): 115,401 (orange chin).
Martin, Thomas E. and James R. Karr. "Temporal Dynamics of Neotropical Birds with Special Reference to Frugivores in Second-Growth Woods," The Wilson Bulletin," (March 1986) 98:38-60 (B. jugularis).
Power, Dennis M. "Agonistic Behavior and Vocalizations of Orange-chinned Parakeets in Captivity," Condor, 68 (1966): 562-581.
Power, Dennis M. "Antiphonal Dueting and Evidence for Auditory Reaction in the Orange-chinned Parakeet," Auk, 83 (1966): 314-319.
Power, Dennis M. "Epigamic and Reproductive Behavior of Orange-chinned Parakeets in Captivity," Condor, 69 (1967): 28-41.
Vriends, Matthew M. Simon & Schuster's Guide to Pet Birds, New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1984 (canary wing: 170/orange chin: 171).

Grey Cheek Cuisine

Ask the Experts: Grey Cheek Cuisine

by Gail Worth

Q. Our grey-cheeked parakeet's diet consists almost exclusively of vanilla wafers. We offer him various seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, but all he really seems to eat are the wafers, which we realize are not a healthy diet. Could you please tell us how to get our picky eater to eat better?

A. Grey-cheeked parakeets definitely have a sweet tooth! Years ago, when I cared for several imported groups of baby grey cheeks, I discovered that they loved baked sweet potatoes or yams, platano bananas (the large, cooking bananas) and fresh papaya. The young, just-weaning grey cheeks ate these foods with gusto! As the birds weaned, I introduced budgie or cockatiel seed mix, spray millet, sliced apples, grapes and a variety of chopped fresh vegetables, including green beans, broccoli, yellow and green squash, and cucumbers. They ate everything in sight!

The problem you have with your grey cheek is that you are allowing the bird to dictate what it will and will not eat. Who's in charge here? You wouldn't allow a child to eat only cake and ice cream three times a day, would you? Take the vanilla wafers out of your bird's diet, and offer a variety of the goods mentioned above. Give the fruits and vegetables in the morning, and change them daily. Sprinkle a vitamin and mineral powder on your bird's soft foods, and vary the selection to keep your bird interested. Other foods, such as brown rice, boiled red wheat and lentils, and occasional tidbits of healthy table food, may interest your grey cheek. Finally, offer its seed mix in a separate dish.

Remember that avocado can be lethal to parrots, so don't offer guacamole to your pet. Keep it away from chocolate and other sweets, as well. Your bird should receive enough natural sugar in its new diet to satisfy its sweet tooth.

Article originally appeared in the September 1992 issue of Bird Talk. This is copyrighted material, reprinted with the author's permission. This article may not be reprinted without written consent from the author.

Grey Cheek Nutrition

Ask the Experts: Grey Cheek Nutrition

by Gail Worth

Q. How can I get my grey cheeked parakeet to eat better? All he will accept are grapes, apples, cheese, and sunflower and safflower seeds. The pet shop in Florida said he was a locally bred bird, but his leg band was open, and I think he was really an import. My vet agrees and said the band indicated a Florida quarantine station. Where could he have been imported from?

A. Grey cheeked parakeets are very popular small birds of the Brotogeris genus. Their native habitat is arid scrublands in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. One of the reasons that grey cheeks are so popular is that they are imported in the late fall as hand-feeding babies are sold quite young and usually quite tame. Thus they can appear to be hand-raised, domestic-bred birds. Actually, grey cheeks are not bred easily in captivity, so the great majority of the birds on the market are imported. The presence of an open band on a bird is not proof that the bird is an import, but in this case, the odds are that your bird was indeed imported.

Grey cheeked parakeets enjoy soft fruits and vegetables. In their native habitat, they are often seen around banana plantations and, indeed, they are quite fond of bananas and plantains (cooking bananas). They also love steamed, baked or boiled yams, carrots and beets. Papaya is one of their favorite fruits. I recommend removing most of all of the safflower and sunflower in your bird's diet and replace them with small seeds, such as you might feed a budgie or cockatiel. Spray millet is an excellent small seed to feed small birds.

In addition to the above-mentioned foods, offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, green beans, corn on the cob, peppers and other nonacid fresh fruits and vegetables in season. If your bird does not accept these new foods readily, don't despair. Continue to offer them. Most birds will learn to enjoy new foods once they become familiar with them.

Article originally appeared in the June 1992 issue of Bird Talk. This is copyrighted material.

Grey-cheeked Parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera)

Online Resources

Photo via free-pet-wallpapers.com

Suggested Reading Materials for Grey Cheeks

The following resources were found to be very useful in researching grey cheeks for their pet potential or may be read just for fun. Robbie Harris' book and many of her articles mention other members of the Brotogeris family as well as grey cheeks.

Photo via birdway.com.au

Articles (Miscellaneous):

Aschenborn, Carl. Keeping and Breeding Parrots: 53, 56-57.
Castanza, Joe. "Pilot Pookie Takes an Unscheduled Flight."
DuBois, Sharon. "Animal Communication - A Success Story" (mentions grey cheeks).
Germeau, Smiles. "Greycheek Parakeets."
Greeson, Linda. "A Little Bird Made a Big Difference."
"Grey-cheeked Parakeets," Petland.
"The Grey-cheeked Parakeet," (24 pg. booklet--no author given).
Mandis, Kathleen. "The Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde Syndrome."
Marsh, Beverly. "The Accident Prone Grey Cheek."
Marsh, Beverly. "The Pet Potential of the Grey-Cheeked Parakeet."
Pitz, Lynn & Richard. "Keeping Birds in the Office."
"Sam's Story."
Sheehan, Leah. "Grey Cheeked Parakeets."
"Tumbesian Parrots, Ecuador," Loro Parque.

Books:

Alderton, David. The Atlas of Parrots of the World, 1991: 290-291.
Alderton, David. "Captive Breeding" in Companion Bird Medicine, ed. Elisha W. Burr, Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press, 1987: 15-19 (Brotogeris: 16).
Alderton, David. You and Your Pet Bird, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1992: 90.
Coburn, John. The Professional's Book of Conures, New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1991: 11,104-109 (photos: 8, 39-40, 43, 45-46, 50-51,55, 59, 62-63, 66, 70, 79, 108-109).
de Grahl, M. The Parrot Family, New York: Arco Publishing Inc., 1979: 122.
Freud, Arthur. The Complete Parrot, 1995: 191-192.
Forshaw, Joseph M. Parrots of the World, 3rd ed., Willoughby, Australia: Lansdowne Editions, 1989: 531-533.
Howard, Richard and Moore, Alick. A Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World, 2nd ed., San Diego, CA: Academic Press Ltd., 1991: 110.
Juniper, Tony and Parr, Mike. Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World, New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1998: 178-179, 490-491.
Kolar, Kurt and Spitzer, Karl Heinz. Encyclopedia of Parakeets, 1990: 10,36,172,175.
Low, Rosemary. Handrearing Parrots and Other Birds, rev. ed., Blandford, London: Silvo Mattacchione & Co., 1991: 74, 88-89.
Low, Rosemary. Parrots in Aviculture: A Photo Reference Guide, Ontario, Canada: Silvo Mattacchione & Co., 1992: 12-15, 228.
Low, Rosemary. The Parrots of South America, London: John Gifford Ltd., 1972: 165-166 (photo: 168).
Low, Rosemary. Parrots: Their Care and Breeding, 2nd ed., Ontario, Canada: Silvo Mattacchione & Co., 1986: 274, 276-277 (section on Brotogeris).
Silva, Tony. Psittaculture: The Breeding, Rearing & Management of Parrots, Silvo Mattacchione & Co.: Ontario, Canada, 1991, p. 270-273 (small section on Brotogeris).
Skinner, Martin. The Proper Care of Parrots, Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications Inc., 1992, (photos: 68, 70-71, 140-141).

Magazine Articles:

Photo credit: unknown

Anderson, Sue & Elizabeth. "The Plight of Brotogeris," Bird Talk, 19 (May 2001): 60-69.
Beisser, Mary. "Rehabilitation of Exotic Birds," Bird Talk, 14 (June 1996): 110-125 (very briefly mentions grey cheeks).
Brightsmith, Donald. "The Wild Side of Brotogeris Parakeets," Bird Breeder On-line, June 1999.
"Causes & Cures: Scruffy Grey Cheek," Bird Talk 5 (Sept. 1987): 16.
Cota, David. "A Taste of Fame," Bird Talk, 9 (April 1991): 52-54,56,58-59.
Forster, Susan (Chamberlain). "Small Talk: More About Pocket Parrots," Bird Talk, 9 (May 1991): 10,12.
Forster, Susan (Chamberlain). "Perky Pocket Parrots," Bird Talk, 9 (March 1991): 80-81,84-95.
"From the Nest Box: Grey Cheeked Parakeets," Bird Talk, 10 (Jan. 1992): 112.
Germeau, Smiles. "Breeding Grey Cheek Parakeets," The Domesticated Parrot (Mar. 1997): 14-17.
Grindol, Diane. "FYI: Brotogeris Society Formed," Bird Talk, 19 (July 2001): 8.
Hampe, Helmut. "Brotogerys Parrakeets (sic)," Avicultural Magazine, 4 (1939): 402-406.
Harris, Robbie. See her page of articles.
Hoss, Susan. "Hello, My Name Is Captain Flint," Bird Talk, 11 (Sept. 1993): 108-112.
Hoss, Susan. "Hooked on Grey Cheeks," SPBE Journal, (OND 1996): 22-26.
Kauffman, Melissa L. "Best First Birds," 1997/98 Birds USA: 4-18 (mentions grey cheeks: 12,14).
Laubscher, Cyril. "The First Recorded Mutation of The Grey-Cheeked Parakeet," Bird Talk, 16 (Jun. 1998): 56.
Levine, Ray. "Back Talk: Pretty Baby - My Best Friend," Bird Talk, 17 (Sep. 1999): 4.
Low, Rosemary. "Breeding Two Species of Brotogeris Parrakeets (sic) at Loro Parque," Avicultural Magazine, 93 (1987B): 198-201 (re: grey cheeks & cobalt wing).
Marsh, Beverly. "The Grey Cheek: Larger Than Life," Winged Wisdom, (May 1998).
Oberkircher, Jeannine. "Special Birds: Grandma's Grey Cheek," Bird Talk, 10 (June 1992): 54.
"Parrot Psychology: Bratty Bird?," Bird Talk, 8 (Feb. 1990): 14.
"Parrot Psychology: Cheeky Grey Cheek," Bird Talk, 6 (Mar. 1988): 26.
"Parrot Psychology: Garrulous Grey Cheeks," Bird Talk, 9 (June 1991): 82-83.
"Parrot Psychology: Grey Cheek Mood Swings," Bird Talk, 7 (Nov. 1989): 36,38.
"Parrot Psychology: Is Harmony Possible?," Bird Talk, 8 (Oct. 1990): 17.
"Parrot Psychology: Night Fright," Bird Talk, 9 (Feb. 1991): 58,60.
Pies, Bernita. "Special Birds: Never a Dull Moment," Bird Talk, 7 (Nov. 1989): 26.
Pietroski, Linda. "Ask the Experts: Loud Birds," Bird Talk, 9 (Feb. 1991): 39.
Randall, Thomas and Porter, Patricia. "Back Talk: Brotogeris Buffs," Bird Talk, 8 (Mar. 1990): 4.
"These Birds, Too - Might Be Right For You," Birds USA, 2001: 38-55 (gc's mentioned p. 48; photo p. 38).
Thompson, Dale R. "Brotogeris - An Introduction," ASA Avicultural Bulletin, (June 1993): 12-13.
Thompson, Dale R. "Brotogeris: Pocket Parrots," Bird Talk, 7 (Sep. 1989): 72-77.
Thompson, Dale R. "The Nest Box: Grey Cheeked Parakeets," Bird Talk, 10 (Jan. 1992): 112-113.
Voren, Howard. "Brotogeris: The International Diplomat," 1996/97 Birds USA: 110-112.
Voren, Howard. "Brotogeris: The Masters of Adaptation," Bird Talk, 15 (May 1997): 50-52,54-57.
Voren, Howard. "Parrots of the New World," 1998/99 Birds USA: 4-6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18-20, 22 (section on Brotogeris: 20,22).
Worth, Gail. "Ask the Experts: Grey Cheek Cuisine," Bird Talk, 10 (Sept. 1992): 64.
Worth, Gail. "Ask the Experts: Grey Cheek Nutrition," Bird Talk, 10 (June 1992): 40-42.
Worth, Gail. "Grey-cheeked Parakeet," ASA Avicultural Bulletin, (June 1993): 10.

Scholarly Publications:

Photo via jotaecuador.blogspot.com

Best, Brinley J. & Michael Kessler. Biodiversity and Conservation in Tumbesian Ecuador and Peru, Cambridge, UK: Birdlife International, 1995: 49, 124, 130-131, 151, 154, 163-172, 175, 187, 201. [pdf]
Best, Brinley J., Christopher T. Clarke, Matthew Checker, Amanda L. Broom, Richard M. Thewlis, Will Duckworth and Angus McNab. "Distributional records, natural history notes, and conservation of some poorly known birds from southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru," (Part I) Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club 113, 1993: 108-119. [BHL]
Best, Brinley J., Niels Krabbe, Christopher T. Clarke, and Amanda L. Best. "Red-masked Parakeet (Aratinga erythrogenys) and Grey-cheeked Parakeet (Brotogeris Pyrrhopterus): Two threatened parrots from Tumbesian Ecuador and Peru?" in Bird Conservation International 5, 1995: 233-250. [BCL]
Bloch, H., M. K. Poulsen, C. Rahbek, and Rasmussen, J. F. 1991. "A survey of the montane forest avifauna of the Loja Province southern Ecuador", ICBP Study Report 49, Cambridge. [book]
Clubb, Susan L. "Private Aviculture in Conservation of Neotropical Psittacines" in New World Parrots in Crisis: Solutions from Conservation Biology, ed. Steven R. Beissinger and Noel F.R. Snyder, Washington and London: Smithsonian Institute Press, 1988: 124-127 (portion of article pertains to grey cheeks).
Collar, N.J. and P. Andrew. Birds to Watch: The ICBP World Checklist of Threatened Birds, Technical Publication No. 8, Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988: 76. [ORYX]
Collar, N.J. and A.T. Juniper. "Dimensions and Causes of the Parrot Conservation Crisis" in New World Parrots in Crisis: Solutions from Conservation Biology, ed. Steven R. Beissinger and Noel F.R. Snyder, Washington and London: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988: 3-21 (portion of article pertains to grey cheeks). [pdf]
Davis, Christine. "Avian Behavior" in Companion Bird Medicine, ed. Elisha W. Burr, Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press, 1987: 28-32 (grey cheeks: 28).
Davis, Christine. "Common Types of Caged Birds and Comments on Their Temperaments and Pet Quality" in Diseases of Cage and Aviary Birds, ed. Walter J. Rosskopf, Jr. and Richard A. Woerpel, Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1996: 11-18 (grey cheeks/Brotogeris: 14).
Meyer de Schauensee, Rodolphe. The Species of Birds of South America and Their Distribution, Norberth, PA: Academy of Natural Sciences, 1966: 129-130 (small section on Brotogeris).
Parker, Theodore A., III, Thomas S. Schulenberg, Michael Kessler, and Walter H. Wust. "Natural history and conservation of the endemic avifauna in north-west Peru," Bird Conservation International, 5 (1995): 201-231. [pdf]

June 7, 2013

The Plain Parakeet (Brotogeris tirica)


ArthurGosset.com Avianweb Birdforum.net Interaktv.com gif Lexicon of Parrots Birdlife International Edson Endrigo's pic	Photos: Google \| Flickr Species Profile Videos: YouTube Wikipedia World Parrot Trust Xeno-canto Zeco's page

Publications mentioning Plain Parakeets:

Argel de Oliveira, M.M.; Figueiredo, R.A.D. "Birds Visiting an Isolated Fig-tree in Open Landscape, Espirito Santo, Brazil," Iheringia Serie Zoologia, 80 (1996): 127-134 (mentions plain parakeet).

Lovell-Keays, L. "The Breeding of All-Green Parakeets (Brotogeris tirica) and Cactus Conures....," Bird Notes, 5 (1914B): 347-9.

Pizo, Marco Aurelio, Isaac Simao and Mauro Galetti. "Daily Variation in Activity and Flock Size of Two Parakeet Species from Southeastern Brazil," The Wilson Bulletin," (June 1997) 109:343-348 (re: plain parakeet).

Silva, Tony. "The Cyanistic Mutation of the Plain Parakeet," Avicultural Bulletin, 8 (1984B): 18-19.

June 2, 2013

Toxicity in Pet Birds

Articles concerning toxicity in Pet Birds:

Bennett, Jean. "Back Talk: Dangerous Sweets," Bird Talk, 8 (Jul. 1990): 4 (mentions grey cheeks).
Bond, Matthew W. and Katherine K. Muser. "Ask the Vet: Vitamin D₃ Toxicity," Bird Breeder, 67 (Jan. 1995): 68 (mentions grey cheeks).
Clipsham, Robert. "Avocado Toxicity," Bird Talk, 17 (May 1999): 60-61.
Gaines, James. "Get the Lead Out," Birds Talk, 17 (Nov. 1999): 56-57.
Vaughn, Samuel B. "Malnutrition: A Silent Killer," Bird Talk, 19 (May 2001): 40-49.
Wissman, Margaret. "Causes and Cures: Lead & Zinc Poisoning," Bird Talk, 23 (June 2005): 62-63.

Giardia Infections in Pet Birds

Articles about Giardia:

AvianWeb.com. "Giardia in Birds."
BirdChannel.com. "Giardia."
BirdChannel.com. "Medical Conditions: Giardia."
Birdsafe.com. "Giardia."
Eilers, Anne. "Health Issues in a Parrot."
Gillogly, Gail. "Giardia, the Monster Parasite."
Stern, Hillary S. "Giardia and Other Intestinal Protozoal Infections."
Wissman, Margaret A. "Giardia."

Chronic Egg Laying in Parrots

View the online sources below to help demystify chronic egg laying in parrots, how to deal with it, and about the other accompanying conditions it causes.

Beautyofbirds.com. "Chronic Egg Laying."
BirdTricks.com. "Chronic Egg Laying in Parrots."
Bukett, Dr. Greg. "Chronic Egg Laying."
"Excessive or Chronic Egg-laying in Birds: Causes, Effects, and Treatment."
Hartman, Steve. "Chronic Egg Laying."
Parrot-and-Conure-World.com. "Chronic Egg Laying."
VA Animal Hospitals. "Chronic Egg Laying in Birds."

Just heard about a product that is supposed to stop chronic egg laying. It is called Releaves Dietary Supplement. Though I am not endorsing it by any means, you can order it from www.HEALx.com.

June 1, 2013

Living with Noisy Parrots

Do you have a noisy bird beyond the normal? Does your parrot engage in nuisance screaming? Here are some online and print resources for you to check out at your convenience.

Athan, Mattie Sue. "Correct Excessive Screaming: Easy As 1-2-3," Bird Talk, 14 (Aug. 1996): 56-60.
Blanchard, Sally. "Keep It Down!," Bird Talk, 13 (Sep. 1995): 60-65.
Blanchard, Sally. "Negative and Acceptable Screaming in Parrots."
Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: Garrulous Grey Cheeks," Bird Talk, 9 (June 1991): 82-83.
Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: Is Harmony Possible?" Bird Talk, 8 (Oct. 1990): 17.
Blanchard, Sally. "Parrot Psychology: Silence the Screaming," Bird Talk, 17 (July 1999): 74-75.
Blanchard, Sally. "Stop That Screaming!, Nippy Fits, Do You Dislike Your Bird?" Bird Talk, 12 (Apr. 1994): 118-123.
Blanchard, Sally. "What Those Screams Mean," Bird Talk, 9 (Mar. 1991): 117.
Davis, Chris. "Heart to Heart: 5 Steps To Control Screaming" Bird Talk, 19 (Nov. 2001): p. 24-25.
Davis, Chris. "Why Is That Bird Screaming?" Bird Talk, 12 (Aug. 1994): p. 24.
Harris, Robbie. "About the Aviary: Bonded Grey Cheeks Are Loud Grey Cheeks," Bird Breeder On-line, July 1997.
Johnson, Anne. "Bird Noise - Sound of Music or Torture Alley," Winged Wisdom (May 1997).
Kaplan, Elise. "Stop the Squawk," Bird Talk, 22 (Nov. 2004): p. 60-63.
Kaufman, Melissa. "Quiet! Oh, Those Noisy Birds," Bird Talk, 15 (Feb. 1997): p. 20-39.
Micco, T. & M. "Why do Birds Scream and Bite?" Bird Talk, 4 (Apr. 1986): 25.
Moustaki, Nikki. "Turn Down the Volume," Bird Talk, 20 (Apr. 2002): 51-59.
New. K. "Tips on Quieting Birds" Bird Talk, 6 (Mar. 1988): 84.
Pietroski, Linda. "Ask the Experts: Loud Birds," Bird Talk, 9 (Feb. 1991): 39.
Rind, Sherry. "Living With A Noisy Parrot: Learn how to quiet a raucous parrot--and how to live with one," Bird Talk, 10 (Sep. 1992): 120-127.
Sweat, Rebecca. "The Truth About Bird Noise (And Lack of)," Bird Talk 22 (July 2004): 18-25.
Wilson, Liz. "Is Your Bird Quieter Than You Think," Bird Talk 23 (May 2005): 20-24.
Wilson, Liz. "Parrot Psychology: Excessive Screaming," Bird Talk, 19 (May 2001): 46-48.

Feather Plucking & Self Mutilation

Photo by parsipet.ir

A number of bird owners deal with parrots who pluck out their own feathers or mutilate themselves. Learn why they do it and ways you can work with your (birds) in the online and print resources below.

Selected Online Resources:

Highfill, Carol. "Feather Mutilation," Cockatoo Heaven.
Johnson, Anne. "Feather Mutilation," Winged Wisdom (Oct. 1996).
Newman, Chick Ph.D, D.V.M. "Feather Picking by Pet Birds," Newman Veterinary Medical Services.
Newman, Chick Ph.D, D.V.M. "Feather Picking Relationship to Species," Newman Veterinary Medical Services (mentions grey cheeks).
Wikipedia. "Feather-Plucking."