Parrots: a guide to the parrots of the world
Abstract
This volume consist of eight main sections. Initially origins and evolutionary relationships are examined, followed by a brief section on the classification of the parrots. Next a section reviews the natural history of the parrots, briefly covering: general behaviour; distribution; habitat; movements; social behaviour; diet; breeding; and nocturnal species. Conservation status ics covered next. The main threats to parrots are then outlined and discussed: habitat loss; live bird trade; introduced species; persecution and hunting; and storms'climatic change. A brief section then looks at captive breeding. The mian body of the book is taken up with colour plates and a systematic section. The systematic section contains the following information, for each species: identification notes; voice; distribution and status (including distribution maps); ecology; description; sex/age; measurements; geographical variation; and references.
... To address these issues, I investigated foraging group sizes in parrots. Parrots belong to a large order of birds with a worldwide distribution including many island populations [23]. Parrots vary greatly in size and diet and yet are also similar in many ways, which simplifies the analysis of the ecological factors that affect group size. ...
... As nearly all parrots are diurnal, I excluded nocturnal species because timing of activity can influence group size [24]. To obtain the minimum and maximum group sizes for each species, I started with two general monographs on parrots [23,35] and updated these values by carrying out searches from primary sources on Google Scholar combining each species name and the keywords flock or group. I did not consider group sizes associated with flying or roosting groups when that distinction was made. ...
... and Tanygnathus spp. [23]. As expected, the range of group sizes for a species increased with research effort. ...
Species living on islands are predictably different from their mainland counterparts in morphology and behaviour, but the source of these differences is still debated. Islands, in particular, are characterized by depauperate predator communities. Relaxed predation pressure might explain why living in groups, a common anti-predator adaptation in animals, is considered less likely on islands. However, the empirical evidence for this effect is scant and alternative explanations have been overlooked. For instance, smaller groups might be more common because island species are less studied, because a more stable food supply associated with benign climate on islands favours territoriality, or because the population density is too low to allow the formation of larger groups. I examined the determinants of foraging group size in parrots, a large worldwide avian order with many island populations. Using a multivariable phylogenetic framework, I found that foraging group size was smaller on islands than on the continents controlling for ecological variables known to influence group size such as diet and body size. In addition, the island effect persisted after controlling for research effort, climate variables and population density, suggesting that impoverished predator communities are an important driver of group size on islands.
... They are arguably one of the most conspicuous cockatoo species in Australia. Cockatoos are adept at extractive foraging and problem solving, which facilitates dietary flexibility (Juniper and Parr 2003;Magat and Brown 2009;O'Hara et al. 2019). In Sydney, they open household bins to retrieve food, a skill that has spread through social learning (Klump et al. 2021). ...
... Sulphur-crested cockatoos live in a fission-fusion social system, where they forage with different individuals during the day and regroup at the roosting site at night using contact calls (Lindenmayer et al. 1996;Aplin et al. 2021). Communal roosting facilitates information sharing about foraging effectiveness and social dynamics (Juniper and Parr 2003). There is evidence of sentinel behaviour when flocks of eight or more forage on the ground (Higgins 1999;Moore 2021). ...
... galerita) is a large (up to 1 kg), stocky, white parrot with a yellow crest (Saunders 2009). It occurs in eastern and northern Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, across a wide range of habitats (Juniper and Parr 2003). Field observations were conducted over 84 days from April to November in 2021, including part of their breeding season (Heinsohn et al. 2003). ...
Storms can have significant impacts on wildlife and many animals, including birds, can predict a storm’s arrival and change their behaviour accordingly. Storms are often associated with changes in environmental variables, particularly with a fall in barometric pressure. Social animals may collectively detect and advertise the potential onset of inclement weather to facilitate group responses. The present study tested the hypothesis that the sulphur-crested cockatoo uses environmental cues to predict the onset of storms and communicates this to conspecifics by emitting a specific ‘rain call’. Field observations were made over a four-month period at four locations in greater Sydney. Cockatoo calls were recorded, along with multiple environmental variables: barometric pressure, relative humidity, rainfall and temperature. We also noted the time of day relative to sunrise and sunset. We found that rain calls occurred throughout the day but were most prominent at dawn and were far more common at two of the four study sites. Rain calls were more likely to occur at slightly lower temperatures, during periods of high humidity and if it was currently raining. We found no evidence that the calls were prompted by current atmospheric pressure, but the observation period did not contain many storms.
... Macaws are large, colourful neotropical psittacines (Juniper & Parr, 1998). They achieve a critical ecological role by dispersing large-seeded plants, mainly palms-albeit also engaging in antagonistic interactions (Blanco et al., 2018;Carrete et al., 2022;Tella et al., 2020). ...
... The Red-bellied Macaw is suitable for this study due to its specialized lifestyle. They inhabit Neotropical flooded and swamp ecosystems mono-dominated by Buriti palm Mauritia flexuosa L.f.-called 'buritizais' or 'veredas'-chiefly within Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado biomes (Forshaw, 2006;Juniper & Parr, 1998). Previous studies have shown that Red-bellied Macaw heavily relies on ripe fruit pulp from M. flexuosa (see Figure 1a) as a food source (Matsufuji et al., 2021;Munn, 1988;Ragusa-Netto, 2022;Roth, 1984;Silva & Melo, 2015). ...
... br/ ) between 29 May and 01 December 2023. We focused on Brazilian photographs since Brazil's landscape is home to a significant population of Red-bellied Macaws (Forshaw, 2006;Juniper & Parr, 1998). In iNaturalist, we used the keywords Orthopsittaca manilatus and Red-bellied Macaw. ...
Social media platforms focused on wildlife photography have become valuable ecological data sources through citizen science. In this study, we utilized photos shared by citizens on iNaturalist and WikiAves to analyse the interactions of the Red‐bellied Macaw ( Orthopsittaca manilatus Boddaert, 1783) with its food plants. Despite being recognized as specialists in Mauritia flexuosa L.f. palm fruits, our findings suggest some flexibility in the foraging behaviour of the macaws. The photos indicate that palm fruits are an essential food source (20 taxa; highlight the native species M. flexuosa , Euterpe spp., Elaeis oleifera , and Syagrus spp.) in the Cerrado and Amazon biomes. It also confirms the predominance of M. flexuosa ripe pulp fruits in their diet, encompassing 45.2% of the 414 analysed photographs. The results highlight the potential role of the Red‐bellied Macaw in seed dispersal (stomatochory) for various palm species and reveal the consumption of new food sources such as flowers (present in 8% of photos) and alien plants, including the fruits of cultivated Livistona chinensis (Jacq.) R. Br. Ex Mart. palm (10.9%). Our photo analysis provided a comprehensive overview of Red‐bellied Macaws feeding in diverse localities (141 municipalities in 15 Brazilian states) and at different times. As a result, there is a consistent seasonal variation in foraging in the strongly seasonal Cerrado biome, for example, feeding on alien‐cultivated palm fruits in urban areas during the driest period, particularly L. chinensis . Through this photographic approach, we expanded knowledge of the macaw's food plants by 85.7%, now encompassing 26 species compared to the initial 14 documented species. This study underscores the relevance of citizen science in obtaining novel dietary data and deepening our understanding of ecological patterns in specialized species, emphasizing the significance of considerate plant‐bird relationships to support conservation efforts.
... Kakatua-kecil jambul-kuning (Cacatua sulphurea) merupakan jenis burung endemik Indonesia dan Timor Leste (BirdLife International 2017) yang sebarannya meliputi wilayah dataran rendah Sulawesi, pulau-pulau di Laut Flores, Nusa Tenggara termasuk Timor Leste, dan Kepulauan Masalembu di Laut Jawa (Juniper et al. 1998 (Rowley et al. 2018). ...
... Jantan memiliki iris mata yang hitam sedangkan betina memiliki iris kemerahan (Gambar 3) dan paruh yang sedikit lebih kecil. Burung muda kedua jenis kelamin memiliki warna iris coklat abu-abu gelap, tetapi burung betina mulai bertambah warna kemerahan pada irisnya setelah menginjak tahun pertama (Juniper et al. 1998). ...
... Kakatua hidup berkeluarga, melakukan aktivitas bersama dalam kelompoknya seperti bertengger dan melakukan interaksi sosial serta lebih memilih hidup di daerah peralihan antara hutan dengan wilayah non hutan. Kebiasaannya hidup ditepian hutan, hutan, kebun, kebun kelapa, daerah kering dan hutan sampai ketinggian 800m (secara lokal sampai 1200m) (Juniper et al. 1998). C. sulphurea sebenarnya tidak harus menghuni hutan primer dan dari beberapa catatan tidak pernah ditemukan hidup dihutan yang dalam (Jones et al. 1995). ...
... There are about 398 species of parrots in the Order Psittaciformes, comprised of families Strigopidae (3 spp.), Cacatuidae (21 spp.), and Psittacidae (374 spp.), living today (Winkler & al. 2015), most found in tropical and subtropical regions (Juniper & Parr 1998). Undoubtedly, more than any other wild birds, parrotsincluding macaws, parakeets, cockatoos, cockatiels, budgerigars, lories, etc. (hereafter collectively called »parrots«) -have captured the imagination and admiration of people around the world. ...
... Parrots exhibit remarkable morphological uniformity and are easily recognized (Juniper & Parr 1998), though body length can vary 12-fold (Collar 1997) from the tiny Micropsitta pygmy parrots of Papua New Guinea and nearby islands to the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) of South America. All parrots have a relatively large head, which gives them a juvenile appearance, like a large-headed human baby. ...
... Although the required research is difficult to undertake, there is some evidence that flock members remember and recognize individuals (Bond & Diamond 2019) and stay together over many years, with mated pairs and family members living within the context of a larger group. In this regard, most species are gregarious (Juniper & Parr 1998). Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) take social living to the extreme, as they live in communal nests with separate compartments occupied by the mated pairs ( Fig. 7). ...
Summary The approximately 398 species of living parrots (macaws, parakeets, cockatoos, etc.) comprise a more or less homogeneous group of birds found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. No other group of wild birds has attracted such strong human interest, and consequently parrots are the most popular avian pets around the world, from the tropics to the temperate zone. What is it about parrots that draws our interest? In this paper I propose that parrots share many morphological, developmental, and behavioral features with humans. While parrot intelligence, ability to mimic human speech, and strong family bonds are well-known features that converge with human characteristics, I point out additional overlooked humanlike traits of parrots, from their spherically-shaped head to their highly developed grasping ability. Regarding the latter, the prehensility of the parrot's foot-which enables birds to manipulate food and bring items to the mouth-has no equal among modern birds and is convergent with the dexterity of the human hand. Furthermore, there is evidently an association between intelligence, i.e., cognitive ability, and prehensility, and additional animal examples are discussed briefly. The sheer number of similarities between parrots and people calls for a reconsideration of evolutionary dynamics. Accordingly, evolution can be understood as not only the result of the organism's cumulative response and accommodation to shifting external conditions of the environment but also to the internal integration and coherence of dynamically interacting anatomical, morphological, behavioral, and developmental processes. The phenomenological and conceptual framework of convergent morphodynamics is well suited to shed light on these dynamic relationships.
... Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots Loriculus galgulus are found in forested lowlands from South Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and some of the nearby islands (Juniper & Parr 1998;Collar & Boesman 2020). According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. ...
... According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. Juniper et al. (1998) state that their diet contains flowers, buds, fruits, nuts, and seeds. This report provides an update on the diet and foraging behaviour of the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. ...
... Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots Loriculus galgulus are found in forested lowlands from South Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and some of the nearby islands (Juniper & Parr 1998;Collar & Boesman 2020). According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. ...
... According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. Juniper et al. (1998) state that their diet contains flowers, buds, fruits, nuts, and seeds. This report provides an update on the diet and foraging behaviour of the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. ...
... Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots Loriculus galgulus are found in forested lowlands from South Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and some of the nearby islands (Juniper & Parr 1998;Collar & Boesman 2020). According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. ...
... According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. Juniper et al. (1998) state that their diet contains flowers, buds, fruits, nuts, and seeds. This report provides an update on the diet and foraging behaviour of the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. ...
... Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots Loriculus galgulus are found in forested lowlands from South Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and some of the nearby islands (Juniper & Parr 1998;Collar & Boesman 2020). According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. ...
... According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. Juniper et al. (1998) state that their diet contains flowers, buds, fruits, nuts, and seeds. This report provides an update on the diet and foraging behaviour of the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. ...
... Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots Loriculus galgulus are found in forested lowlands from South Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and some of the nearby islands (Juniper & Parr 1998;Collar & Boesman 2020). According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. ...
... According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. Juniper et al. (1998) state that their diet contains flowers, buds, fruits, nuts, and seeds. This report provides an update on the diet and foraging behaviour of the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. ...
... Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots Loriculus galgulus are found in forested lowlands from South Thailand, through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and some of the nearby islands (Juniper & Parr 1998;Collar & Boesman 2020). According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. ...
... According to Forshaw (1977) they feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, blossoms and possibly small insects. Juniper et al. (1998) state that their diet contains flowers, buds, fruits, nuts, and seeds. This report provides an update on the diet and foraging behaviour of the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. ...
... insectos o larvas (Forshaw 1989, Spreyer & Bucher 1998, Juniper et al. 1998, Avery 2020, Burgio et al. 2020, Preston et al. 2021, incluso se sabe que ingieren restos de alimentos como pan y tortillas (Hyman & Pruett-Jones 1995, Molina et al. 2016, Torres-Aguilar 2016, Pruett-Jones 2021. En algunos casos, presentando datos más detallados como los de Benavidez et al. (2018), colectados de diversas publicaciones entre 1970 y 2017 de la biblioteca «The Working Group Psittaciformes» de «International Ornithologist's Union», donde sin especificar localidades, se reporta una dieta compuesta por semillas (46,07%), frutos (32,35%), flores (9,80%), de semillas, corteza (0,98%) y néctar (7,84%). ...
... Un estudio del regurgitado de pichones de Cotorra argentina, en una población silvestre de la provincia de Buenos Aires, determinó ingesta de semillas, frutos y anteras florales de especies del L a composición de la dieta de psitácidos neotropicales se explica usualmente por una interacción entre el tamaño corporal y el área de distribución geográfica con la diversidad de recursos disponibles (Benavidez et al. 2018). Una de las especies más expandidas de psitácidos es la Cotorra argentina (Myiopsitta monachus), ha sido introducida en regiones con ecosistemas tan diferentes como Europa, Norteamérica, El Caribe e incluso Sudamérica fuera de su rango originario (S. de Brasil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, N. y centro de Argentina) (Juniper et al. 1998, Lever 2005, Avery 2020, Burgio et al. 2020, Preston et al. 2021. Una expansión producto del comercio y tráfico de avifauna (Tala et al. 2005, Pruett-Jones 2021), sumado a la tenencia irresponsable de fauna exótica, lo cual, implica individuos liberados, escapados, finalmente asilvestrados. ...
Se presenta una compilación de datos actualizados y novedades acerca de los elementos que conforman la dieta de la Cotorra argentina, dentro y fuera de su rango nativo, con énfasis en la Región Metropolitana de Santiago de Chile, desde donde ha tenido una importante expansión en años recientes.
... Among the many parrot species that are currently threatened, the Vinaceous-breasted Amazon parrot (Amazona vinacea) has declining populations mainly due to habitat loss and the trapping of nestlings (Cockle and Bodrati, 2020;Forshaw, 2010;Juniper and Parr, 1998). Consequently, this species is considered Endangered at global level (BirdLife International, 2017). ...
... Consequently, this species is considered Endangered at global level (BirdLife International, 2017). The historical range of the species, which is endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Vale et al., 2018), comprises the southeastern Brazil (from southeastern Bahia to Rio Grande do Sul), southeastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina (Cockle and Bodrati, 2020;Forshaw, 2010;Juniper and Parr, 1998), covering more than 400, 000 km 2 (Zulian et al., 2021). Its population is estimated in 8500 individuals in the wild, located mainly (~90%) in Brazil (Zulian et al., 2020). ...
... However, they never landed on the platforms, and no active monopolisation by Goffins was observed. While corn might not be suitable for nectarivore and mainly frugivore species (Blue-streaked lorries and Red-cheeked parrots; Collar, 1997;Juniper and Parr, 2010), this foraging limitation should not apply to the larger psittacine species, as they can readily feed on corn in captivity (e.g., Eclectus parrot; Rachmatika et al., 2020). However, the other psittacine species on the Tanimbar Islands seem to typically forage on easily accessible food sources (such as fruit, nectar, or small seeds; Collar, 1997;Juniper and Parr, 2010) and might not need to explore novel foraging opportunities (such as agriculture fields or feeding platforms; Mioduszewska et al., 2022). ...
... While corn might not be suitable for nectarivore and mainly frugivore species (Blue-streaked lorries and Red-cheeked parrots; Collar, 1997;Juniper and Parr, 2010), this foraging limitation should not apply to the larger psittacine species, as they can readily feed on corn in captivity (e.g., Eclectus parrot; Rachmatika et al., 2020). However, the other psittacine species on the Tanimbar Islands seem to typically forage on easily accessible food sources (such as fruit, nectar, or small seeds; Collar, 1997;Juniper and Parr, 2010) and might not need to explore novel foraging opportunities (such as agriculture fields or feeding platforms; Mioduszewska et al., 2022). A similar adaptation to anthropogenic food sources (crops or ornamental plants) by only some potential species in an area was observed in insects (for a review, see Sih et al., 2011). ...
The study of animal behaviour and cognition would not be complete without investigations of wild, free-ranging individuals in their natural environment. However, direct observations of species living in dense habitats can be challenging, leading many studies to focus on attracting target species to pre-selected, monitored locations baited with food. So far, researchers have rarely applied this approach to studying wild psittacines – an avian group of high scientific interest due to their advanced cognitive skills and conservation threats. We developed hoistable feeding platforms and tested their suitability for reliably attracting groups of wild Tanimbar corellas (hereafter: Goffins), opportunistic feeding generalists well-known for their advanced cognitive skills. To this end, we recorded the visitation rates of free-ranging groups at feeding platforms temporarily baited with dry corn. Moreover, we investigated the effects of several weather-related measures, the temporal distribution of foraging activity, and the effect of conspecific contact calls (playback stimulus). The results indicate that Goffins accepted the feeding platforms and reliably aggregated within their natural daily foraging bouts. While group size during visitation bouts depended on rainfall and resource abundance, platforms were still regularly visited by fewer, possibly locally residing individuals. These results provide the first systematic investigation of the temporal distribution and social dynamics of foraging bouts in wild Goffins. This study presents a novel method for reliably attracting wild opportunistic feeding generalist psittacines to a standardised, monitored location. It provides a suitable approach for observing foraging aggregations and, in the future, testing the problem-solving abilities of free-ranging Goffins in their natural habitat.
... During the time when we observed nectar feeding in B. zonarius barnardi, the flowering of E. maculata was particularly prodigious as South Australia was experiencing rainfall 125% above average, its highest spring rainfall since 2010 (Australian Bureau of Meteorology, December 2022). Honeyeaters are known to track floral resources (Chan 2001) while Barnardius zonarius is considered a largely sedentary omnivore that consumes flowers opportunistically (Forshaw 1973;Juniper and Parr 1998;Higgins 1999), with little information available on the degree of flower visitation for specific subspecies. We never observed B. zonarius barnardi visiting flowers other than those of E. maculata, even though other plants were flowering (e.g., Grevillea huegelii, Myoporum sp., and other species of Eremophila). ...
Opportunistic nectarivory occurs in many avian lineages around the world. In order to understand the implications of this behavior to plant reproduction via pollination and to other nectarivores via competition, more thorough descriptions of opportunistic nectar‐feeding behavior are necessary. We observed nectar feeding of the mallee ringneck, Barnardius zonarius barnardi, on flowers of the spotted emu bush, Eremophila maculata, in the temperate mallee of South Australia. Here, we describe the nectar‐feeding behavior of B. zonarius barnardi and discuss the implications for competition with honeyeaters and the reproduction of E. maculata. We also compare the morphology of the feeding apparatus of B. zonarius barnardi with that of nectarivorous parrots, lorikeets and lories, to determine whether they share convergent morphological features to facilitate the consumption of nectar. Finally, we suggest avenues for future natural history work to better document opportunistic avian nectarivory in Australian ecosystems.
... Some taxonomic groups have in fact specific needs and show different sensitivities when exposed to similar environmental stimuli, making generalisation of findings to other genera sometimes difficult or irrelevant. It should be emphasised that data extrapolation should be performed with caution even within the same genus, as for example Amazona, Ara and Cacatua each contain several species adapted to different natural habitats and showing distinct behaviours within the same genus (Parr & Juniper 2010). As such, extrapolating findings to other species, even within the same genus, may be improper and counterproductive, emphasising the need for further research to bridge these knowledge gaps for understudied species. ...
Parrots are popular companion animals but show prevalent and at times severe welfare issues. Nonetheless, there are no scientific tools available to assess parrot welfare. The aim of this systematic review was to identify valid and feasible outcome measures that could be used as welfare indicators for companion parrots. From 1,848 peer-reviewed studies retrieved, 98 met our inclusion and exclusion criteria (e.g. experimental studies, captive parrots). For each outcome collected, validity was assessed based on the statistical significance reported by the authors, as other validity parameters were rarely provided for evaluation. Feasibility was assigned by considering the need for specific instruments, veterinary-level expertise or handling the parrot. A total of 1,512 outcomes were evaluated, of which 572 had a significant P -value and were considered feasible. These included changes in behaviour (e.g. activity level, social interactions, exploration), body measurements (e.g. body weight, plumage condition) and abnormal behaviours, amongst others. Many physical and physiological parameters were identified that either require experimental validation, or veterinary-level skills and expertise, limiting their potential use by parrot owners themselves. Moreover, a high risk of bias undermined the internal validity of these outcomes, while a strong taxonomic bias, a predominance of studies on parrots in laboratories, and an underrepresentation of companion parrots jeopardised their external validity. These results provide a promising starting point for validating a set of welfare indicators in parrots.
... We helped the birds learn to feed on the macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata), which is common at the site and known as a valuable food source for macaws [36]. At 140 ± 25 days old (n = 6), we gave them cut-up pieces of palm fruits irregularly for about 1 week. ...
As habitat loss and other threats accelerate, ecological restoration and reintroduction science are becoming progressively more important. The psittacines are among the most endangered bird groups and are prime candidates for restoration through reintroduction. Unfortunately, post-release survival of captive-raised animals is often quite low because, in part, of high predation rates, low site fidelity, poor flight ability, and low flock cohesion. Current best practices in parrot release hold the birds in captivity for a year or more and include distinct methods to address each of these challenges. Here, we conduct a small-scale, proof-of-concept study using free flight methods and human-socialized trained adult birds to hand raise and release a group of six fledgling Blue-and-yellow Macaws in their historical range in southeastern Brazil. All six released birds showed strong flock cohesion and fidelity to the release site, avoided predation, and survived without supplemental feeding for over one year. One bird was captured by local people but was recovered and rereleased and it has reintegrated into the group and is still alive and doing well. The human-socialized trained adult birds modeled both desirable behaviors (flocking, foraging, reacting to predators) and undesirable behaviors and they were returned to captivity before the conclusion of this study. Our study suggests that free flight training has great potential to help captive-raised young attain a broad array of vital skills needed for survival post-release.
... The rose-ringed parakeet often occurs around human habitation (Grandi et al. 2018;Mentil et al. 2018). It is a social species and is native to parts of eastern and southern Asia and from eastern to central Africa (Parr and Juniper, 2010). Humans have been responsible for translocating this species across the globe as part of the pet trade, and many are purchased for companionship (Menchetti et al., 2016;Vall-llosera et al., 2017). ...
The present study was carried out in the town of Maroua, Far North Region of Cameroon with the main objective of contributing to the knowledge of the population status of the Rose-ringed Parakeet (RRP) with a view to its sustainable management. The Rose-ringed Parakeet (RRP) inventory was carried out using the linear strip transect method. The counts were made from, all between 6 a.m.-9:30 a.m. for the morning and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. for the evening on all sites. The information collected in the field was processed and analysed using Distance 6.0, PAST 4.03 and QGIS.3.22 software. It appears from this analysis that the population of RRP is estimated at 47,391 individuals in the study site with an average density of 20.6 individuals per hectare. In the rainy season, the surface density was estimated at 12,488 individuals/ha for a total of 28,723 individuals while in the dry season, the density was 7.1815 individuals/ha for a total of 16,517 individuals. Depending on the type of habitat, the abundance of parakeets was higher in mixed zones composed of housing and plantations compared to other habitats. RRP are found everywhere in the territory of the city of Maroua. Modelling the spatial distribution using the IDW interpolation method using QGIS software shows that RRP in general and in the rainy season are more abundant in the Maroua 1 subdivision, and this distribution was dependent on the availability of food resources. Les principales activités humaines rencontrés sont le pâturage et l'exploitation forestière. The main human activities encountered were pasture and logging. Although RRPs are still encountered in large numbers in Maroua, conservation should be done as a priority in the districts of Maroua 1 and Maroua 3.
... We used a consensus tree built from a combination of molecular data from 80 to account for phylogeny in our PGLS and phylogenetic ANOVAs. Maximum living altitude (e.g. the highest above sea level the species have been observed living) and latitude of the centroid of species' distribution, and social variables (flock size, breeding system, and whether species were considered sexually dimorphic or not) were taken from a combination of 81 , iNaturalist, and previously published species' level data 82,83 . The breeding systems included in our data set are Colonial, Cooperative, Monogamous, and Polyandrous. ...
External eye appearance in avian taxa has been proposed to be driven by social and ecological functions. Recent research in primates suggests, instead, that, photoprotective functions are important drivers of external eye appearance. Using similar methods, we examined the variation in external eye appearance of 132 parrot species (Psittaciformes) in relation to their ecology and sociality. Breeding systems, flock size and sexual dimorphism, as well as species’ latitude and maximum living altitude, and estimated UV-B incidence in species’ ranges were used to explore the contribution of social and ecological factors in driving external eye appearance. We measured the hue and brightness of visible parts of the eye and the difference in measurements of brightness between adjacent parts of the eye. We found no link between social variables and our measurements. We did, however, find a negative association between the brightness of the inner part of the iris and latitude and altitude. Darker inner irises were more prevalent farther away from the equator and for those species living at higher altitudes. We found no link between UV-B and brightness measurements of the iris, or tissue surrounding the eye. We speculate that these results are consistent with an adaptation for visual functions. While preliminary, these results suggest that external eye appearance in parrots is influenced by ecological, but not social factors.
... Thus, the Monk Parakeets became a globally naturalized species (Pruett-Jones, 2021). In Europe it has already established (mainly in the last 50 years) colonies in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain (Lever, 2005, Nankinov, 2006, Juniper & Parr, 2010, Mori et al., 2013. ...
An adult individual of the Monk parakeet has been recorded in the City of Piraeus (SE Greece), a new unknown so far locality of the species.
... Some taxonomic groups have in fact specific needs and show different sensitivities when exposed to similar environmental stimuli, making generalisation of findings to other genera sometimes difficult or irrelevant. It should be emphasized that data extrapolation should be performed with caution even within the same genus, as for example Amazona, Ara and Cacatua each contain several species adapted to different natural habitats and showing distinct behaviours within the same genus (114). As such, extrapolating findings to other species, even within the same genus, may be improper and counterproductive, emphasizing the need for further research to bridge these knowledge gaps for understudied species. ...
Parrots are popular companion animals but show prevalent and at times severe welfare issues. Nonetheless, there are no scientific tools available to assess parrot welfare. The aim of this systematic review was to identify valid and feasible outcome measures that could be used as welfare indicators for companion parrots. From 1848 peer-reviewed studies retrieved, 98 met our inclusion and exclusion criteria (e.g. experimental studies, captive parrots). For each outcome collected, validity was assessed based on the statistical significance reported by the authors, as other validity parameters were rarely available for evaluation. Feasibility was assigned by considering the need for specific instruments, veterinary-level expertise or handling the parrot. A total of 1512 outcomes were evaluated, of which 572 had a significant p-value and were considered feasible. These included changes in behaviour (e.g. activity level, social interactions, exploration), body measurements (e.g. body weight, plumage condition) and abnormal behaviours, amongst others. However, a high risk of bias undermined the internal validity of these outcomes. Moreover, a strong taxonomic bias, a predominance of studies on parrots in laboratories, and an underrepresentation of companion parrots jeopardized their external validity. These results provide a promising starting point for validating a set of welfare indicators in parrots.
... This bird is distributed originally in the Arusha Region of Tanzania and has been introduced to Burundi and Kenya. The lovebirds eat primarily seeds of trees and grasses, including Acacia seeds, millet and sorghum, mixed vegetable and some fruits (Appleyard, 2001;Juniper and Parr, 1998). Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the anatomical and histological structure as well as the immunohistochemical properties of the pancreas in the love bird (A. ...
Background
Lovebird (Agapornis personatus) is a monotypic species of bird of the lovebird genus in the parrot family Psittaculidae and order Psittaciformes.
Objectives
The present study was designed to investigate the histology and immunohistochemistry of the pancreas in the lovebird.
Methods
Totally, three adult birds were used. The pancreas was assessed using histological and immunofluorescent staining to detect insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and neuropeptide Y (NY).
Results
The exocrine pancreas was composed of pyramidal acinar cells with zymogen granules at the apical cytoplasm. The endocrine pancreas was identified as large alpha, small beta and mixed islets of Langerhans. No intercalated duct was observed. Alpha cells with a density of 28.55% were the most numerous cell type, which were populated throughout the large islets, especially at the periphery. The beta cells with a density of 15.78% were accumulated mostly at the periphery of islets. The delta cells exhibited 17.81% intensity. Despite their lower density, the distribution of delta cells was like that of A cells throughout the islets. PP and NY cells were distinguished with densities of 14.69% and 20.63%, respectively.
Conclusions
Although the arrangement of acinar cells, ductal systems and endocrine islets reflects patterns observed in various avian species, the absence of intercalated duct, the presence of three types of Langerhans islets as alpha, beta and mixed islets and the high expression of NY in the islets were some unique features observed in the current study. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of avian pancreas histology.
... Le Dodaro and Battisti 2014), these parakeets are likely to threaten vegetation because of their herbivorous diets. In this regard, it has been shown how they can cause crop damages in their native range, with a significant economic impact on agriculture (mainly orchards ;Shivanarayan 1981;Lever 1987;Juniper and Parr 1998;Tillman et al. 2000;Kleunen et al. 2010;Vergnes 2011, El-Shafie et al. 2018). ...
Alhough the role as pest of the two most common invasive parakeets (rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri and monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus) has been largely recognized, nevertheless analytical data on foraging diet on cultivated plants are still scanty in non-native countries. Here, we carried out a revision about the impact of these birds on ornamental and commercial plants in Italy, both for urban and rural sites. Reviewing scientific papers, grey literature and personal observations , we obtained two species-specific checklists of edible plants. In this regard, we focused on plants of commercial interest in rural areas, implying a possible economic impact. We obtained evidences for 81 plant taxa belonging to 34 families (Rosaceae: the highest impacted). Almost all the evidences were related to ornamental species in urban parks and only a limited number of records refer to cultivated plants located in rural sites. Rose-ringed parakeet showed a significant higher percentage of foraged species when compared to monk parakeet. Nevertheless, when considering the plants of commercial interest in rural sites, monk parakeet showed a significantly higher number of records. Thanks to large distribution and easy detectability of these species, we obtained a large number of 'grey' data (local papers, unpublished reports and personal observations) that, although with a lower reliability, defined a first arrangement at large (national) scale. Future systematic field studies and citizen science actions will be necessary to obtain further quantitative data to support management and control strategies focused on these invasive birds.
... Incubation period is considered as the time between egg laying and hatching (in days), whereas fledging period is considered as the time between hatching and first abandonment of the nest (in days) (Geffen and Yom-Tov 2000). Data were obtained from several published sources (Forshaw 1989, Juniper andParr 1998), complemented with data from the Handbook of Birds of the World and BirdLife (HBW-BirdLife ver. 5.0 2020) from the museum (Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University, MCZ), form AVONET (Tobias et al. 2022), from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2022) and from web resources (www.parrots.org). ...
How the origin of novel behaviors can shape the evolutionary trajectory of organisms in response to environmental change remains poorly understood. Birds, especially those with big brains like parrots, are benchmarks for their behavioral innovation capacity in novel environments. Here, we assess whether and how the emergence of open areas in the Neotropics that started in the middle Miocene influenced the evolution of nesting behavior in parrots and how they triggered changes in other life‐history traits. To address these questions, we use a phylogenetic‐based analyses of trait evolution in the subfamily Arinae (Neotropical parrots), focusing on habitat, nesting behavior, morphology, and life‐history traits (clutch size, incubation period and fledging period). Evolutionary reconstructions show that transitions to excavating behavior mostly happened when species colonized open areas, providing evidence that this behavior originated in open environments. Evolutionary models suggest that the new open areas and the excavator nesting behavior exerted new selective pressures on morphology and life‐history traits, leading to evolutionary changes towards larger clutch sizes and shorter fledging periods in excavator parrots. Our study indicates that excavator nesting behavior in Neotropical parrots has likely played a key role in allowing them to exploit the ecological opportunities available in newly formed open biomes.
The Rio Doce Hydrographic Basin (RDB) lies almost completely in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a highly threatened tropical rainforest. The RDB has suffered dramatic anthropogenic impacts during the last two centuries and is currently one of the most degraded regions in southeastern Brazil. In this paper, we gathered 140,742 bird records collected since the early 19th by more than two thousand naturalists, professional scientists, and citizen scientists. This vast database was compiled from several sources, including published literature, unpublished technical reports, natural history museums, and citizen science platforms. After checking and standardizing the database, we found high species richness in the RDB, with 689 species recorded to date, from which 675 (98%) were documented by specimens or digital vouchers. This database is presented as a detailed catalogue, including maps containing all localities in which each species has been recorded. We present text accounts for 40 noteworthy species recorded in the RDB, and a complete gazetteer for the 636 localities sampled. Preliminary analyses reveal that the RDB avifauna suffered a dramatic change in its species composition during the last two centuries, mostly due to human activity. Highly sensitive species associated to pristine forests vanished, while species associated to dry and open habitat expanded their ranges in the RDB. Finally, in addition to thoroughly characterization of the RDB avifauna, this paper provides the basis for a series of studies about the avifauna of one of the hottest hotspots of biodiversity in the entire Neotropical region.
The blue-winged parrot Forpus xanthopterygius is widely distributed in South America, where it lives in groups in different
types of environments and feeds on fruits, seeds, flowers and nectar. In 2023 we observed a group of these birds
moving from a forested area to an area of aquatic vegetation on the bank of a water reservoir in Southeast Brazil. The
birds landed among the leaves of a cluster of Polygonum ferrugineum, approximately 45 cm above the water surface, and
consumed flower buds and flowers — a plant species not yet reported for their diet. This behavior occurred during the
driest period of the year (April), and may represent an alternative diet due to the scarcity of the preferred resources of
this bird species during this period. The species is known to use habitats associated with water and to feed at low heights
or even on the ground. However, this behavior of searching for resources on aquatic vegetation at the water surface in
the middle of an urban reservoir has not been described and shows the adaptability of these birds to human environments
and their high capacity to find food in the most varied types of habitats.
This research aims to determine the habitat conditions and behavior of the Cacatua goffiniana in Lorulun Village, Tanimbar Islands Regency. The method used for vegetation community data is a combination of the path method and plotted lines at 4 growth levels including seedlings, saplings, poles and trees, there are 15 paths with 75 plots in 3 observation blocks. Determining the location for observing the behavior of the Tanimbar Cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana) was carried out using the concentrated point method and also the All Occurrences method. The research results show that the main habitat of the Tanimbar Cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana) is primary and secondary tropical forests which have the availability of tall trees for nests and food sources. This bird is also found in plantations and forest edge areas, showing adaptability to habitat changes. The social behavior of Tanimbar cockatoos is very complex, showing a high level of intelligence, often seen in activities in small groups of 5-10 individuals. Social interactions between these individuals include various behaviors such as coordinating vocalization behavior, vocalization behavior feeling threatened, aggressive agonistic behavior, submissive agonistic behavior, affiliative behavior of feather probing, affiliative behavior of mutual probing, affiliative behavior of playing, affiliative behavior of perching. This research also notes the existence of a strong territorial behavior pattern, groups of Tanimbar parrots will defend their territory from other groups when food sources are abundant, these territorial boundaries become more flexible.
Resumo: Poucos trabalhos sobre interação plantas-aves em ambiente urbano foram desenvolvidos no Brasil. Assim, este estudo monitorou a composição específica e ecologia da avifauna em floradas de Handroanthus impetiginosus na malha urbana de Iporá, Goiás, entre maio a setembro de 2022; junho a julho de 2023. O trabalho de campo ocorreu entre 6h30 e 9h30 da manhã, sendo a copa de cada árvore inspecionada durante 30min. Foram monitorados 72 espécimes de Ipê-Roxo (36 horas-atividade), com o método árvore focal. Um total de 36 espécies de aves em 13 famílias foi registrado, sendo Thraupidae (7 espécies), e Tyrannidae (5) as famílias com maior riqueza. O estimador Jackkniffe1=42,9 e as curvas de acumulação assintóticas demonstraram que a riqueza foi satisfatoriamente obtida. O periquito-de-encontro amarelo Brotogeris chiriri (Vieillot, 1818) e o canário-da-terra Sicalis flaveola (Linnaeus, 1766) apresentaram maior frequência relativa, seguidos pela cambacica Coereba flaveola (Linnaeus, 1758). B. chiriri praticou florivoria nas árvores estudadas e C. flaveola é frugívora-nectarívora conforme a literatura. A categoria floral predominante foi "neutra", mas as categorias "antagônica" e "não-antagônica" juntas representaram 35,4% das presenças. Assim, provavelmente as floradas de ipê-roxo são um recurso importante para estas espécies de aves interatuantes, durante a estação seca na malha urbana iporaense. A manutenção de H. impetiginosus nos espaços públicos urbanos pode favorecer estas espécies na estiagem, quando os recursos alimentares são escassos. Palavras-chave: Brasil Central. Sazonalidade. Arborização. Interação Floral. Abstract: Few studies on plant-bird interactions in urban environments have been carried out in Brazil. Therefore, this study monitored the specific composition and ecology of the avifauna in Handroanthus
En las últimas décadas, los ecosistemas urbanos han crecido en extensión sustituyendo espacios agrícolas y
naturales. Las ciudades se han constituido en hábitat de algunas especies silvestres que, al adaptarse a estos
espacios, utilizan las infraestructuras para anidar, y de esta forma, la coexistencia entre humanos y animales
silvestres está generando nuevos retos y oportunidades de manejo. En este artículo, describimos la anidación
del perico frentirrojo (Psittacara finschi) en edificaciones del Gran Área Metropolitana de Costa Rica. Los datos fueron obtenidos por medio del uso de redes sociales (ciencia ciudadana), entrevistas personales y visitas a los sitios de anidación. Geolocalizamos 69 nidos y los clasificamos según tipo de edificio, material y ubicación del nido. Se determinó que el perico frentirrojo anida en edificios de usos variados, tales como de uso residencial,
religioso, educativo y gubernamental. La mayoría de los nidos se ubicaron en aleros de los edificios y se
encontraron en estructuras de cemento, fibrocemento, madera, metal y piedra pómez. Algunos efectos negativos de la actividad de anidación que reportaron los entrevistados fueron ruido, daños a las estructuras e instalaciones eléctricas y suciedad por las deposiciones. En algunos casos, las personas optaron por capturar y extraer a los pericos. Dado que existe poca información con relación a la anidación de pericos frentirrojos en edificaciones, es necesario realizar más esfuerzos de investigación para explicar por qué estas aves seleccionan estos sitios para anidar, así como para mejorar el manejo que las personas den a estos eventos.
In 1822, John Latham gave the name Rose-fronted Parrot to a single specimen owned by Edward Smith Stanley. This specimen, now at World Museum, Liverpool, has never been given a formal scientific name but had been thought to be an undescribed, possibly extinct species, or an unusual young individual of the genus Psittacula. Based on a short mitochondrial DNA sequence obtained from the specimen that has 100% similarity with sequences on NCBI GenBank, we conclude that the most plausible identity of the Rose-fronted Parrot is a juvenile Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala.
Biological invasions are often one of the main causes of global biodiversity loss. Parrots are among the most globally traded taxa and have successfully invaded urban areas. Studies analyzing alien parrot–habitat relationships are scarce in cities of the southern hemisphere. This study aims to determine habitat characteristics influencing exotic parrot species richness, presence, and composition in urban parks in Buenos Aires City and to analyze variations during breeding and non-breeding seasons. A total of 35 parks were sampled during the breeding season and the non-breeding season, and habitat variables at local and landscape scales were measured. Parrot species richness was positively associated with tree species richness and a shorter distance to the La Plata River throughout the year. During the non-breeding season, parrot species richness increased in parks with a higher abundance of tree genera such as Eugenia, Podocarpus, Olea, and Washingtonia. However, during the breeding season, parrot species richness decreased with increased environmental noise. Taxonomic richness was higher during the breeding season. The occurrence of different species and composition depended differentially on each variable, and it varied between seasons. Our findings suggest that exotic parrot richness and presence may be influenced not only by tree diversity and park proximity to green corridors but also by specific exotic tree species providing resources for the parrots. Future urban green space designs should prioritize native tree planting to support local biodiversity over exotic trees that benefit invasive bird species.
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