Magazine of the

Spring 2018 Spring 2018 CONTENTS

Message from WPT Chairperson 5 4 Alison Hales Glanmor House, Hayle Cornwall TR27 4HB UK Africa Round-up info@parrots.org +44 (0)1736 751026 5 Accomplishments and future plans to protect www.parrots.org some of Africa’s most at-risk parrot species

Hyacinth Macaws: ABOUT The WPT 10 Conservation in a Parrot Paradise

Capture for the live-bird trade, habitat loss and other factors put wild parrots Species Focus: at risk. One in three parrot species are currently threatened in the wild. 16 Yellow-naped Amazon

As an international leader in parrot conservation and welfare, the World Grey Parrots of the Sseses Parrot Trust works with researchers, in-country organisations, communities 18 Lake Victoria, Uganda and governments to encourage effective solutions that save parrots. PsittaNews Since 1989 the WPT has grown to become a global force that moves 22 Parrot News and Updates quickly to address urgent issues and 2017 PsittaScene Issues Index support long-term projects for parrots. WPT has led projects in 42 countries WPT Contacts for 67 species of parrot. Parrots in the Wild Saffron-headed Parrot (Pyrilia pyrilia) CHARITY INFORMATION 24 United Kingdom: # 800944 10 United States: EIN 62-1561595 Canada: BN 89004 1171 RR0001

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ON THE COVER

A Yellow-naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata) warily regarding the photographer. Photo © J Gilardi

With wild populations in serious decline in all six countries in its native range, the Yellow-naped Amazon is at risk of extinction. Editor: Desi Milpacher Layout and Design: Michelle Kooistra WPT has been supporting a number of studies and local projects Production: Karen Whitley 18 aimed at protecting remaining populations, including research on the species’ ecology, nest monitoring and population surveys. The World Parrot Trust does not necessarily endorse any views or statements made by contributors to PsittaScene. It will consider articles or letters from Learn more on Page 16 in Species Focus: Yellow-naped Amazon. any contributors on their merits. Visit parrots.org/ psittascene for Guidelines. Anyone wishing to reprint PsittaScene articles in full or in part needs permission from WPT and the author/photographer(s) and must state that it was copied from PsittaScene. All contents © World Parrot Trust

Printed by Complete Business Solutions, Helston Tel: 01326 563424 Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 3 | Editorial What will be your legacy? Let your dedication to parrots live on! Leaving a legacy gift to the parrots through your estate may be one of the most fulfilling contributions you will ever make.

Visit our website at parrots.org/legacy

A message from the or contact an office near you (see page 23.) © John Leverton Lovebirds Lilian’s Chairperson

If you want to know what can be achieved when good people work hard, read this issue of PsittaScene!

In Bolivia we see what has been accomplished to help Hyacinth Macaws at the edge of their range, and an update on Lilian’s Lovebirds in southern Africa explains how we are finding out about the actions needed to protect them.

We have given Africa’s Grey and Timneh Parrots much thought these past few years, in fact for decades – it’s been a troubled journey for these wonderful, intelligent birds. Our Africa Programme Director Dr. Rowan Martin updates us on their trade and research.

Plus, we take a look at Greys around Uganda’s Lake Victoria through the eyes of Elaine Henley and Lori J DeLeo. They spent time observing the behaviour of wild birds, taking their insights back to benefit companion parrots in the UK, USA and beyond. And lastly, I am very glad of this opportunity to AFRICA express our gratitude to everyone who supported our ‘Make a Change for Parrots’ campaign; we have been overwhelmed by your generosity. Dr. Rowan Martin heads ROUND-UP Learning about and protecting parrots can only up the World Parrot Trust’s Africa Conservation happen because good people have been so Working for the World Parrot Trust there is never a dull thoughtful. Thank you! Programme. Established in 2013, the programme works moment. Whether it’s dealing with a broken down vehicle with partners throughout as night falls in a remote corner of west Africa, hauling nest Africa to address threats boxes 30 metres up into giant trees, speaking to international to wild parrots through delegates at a CITES meeting in Geneva, or staring in supporting primary research, disbelief at a screen while researching illegal online trade, direct conservation it’s impossible to know what challenge lies around the corner. Alison Hales interventions, raising WPT Chairperson awareness and education, While there’s always more to be done, it’s always worthwhile and help for parrots seized taking a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved and plan from illegal trade. carefully where we can make the biggest difference in the Leave a future. Here is a round up look at our recent work in Africa Legacy and where we’re headed in 2018.

4 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 | AdobeStock © Hecke71 Cactus Conures in Brazil Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 5 WPT IN AFRICA

Since the Africa Conservation Martin © Rowan Programme started, WPT has supported The message field activities all over Africa: is now clear, Support for rescue and rehabilitation of parrots seized from trade “there is no legal

Community-focused initiatives to international protect key sites for Timneh Parrots trade of wild Field research on the status of Grey and Timneh Parrots African Grey

Investigations of the scale and nature of trapping and trade of Parrots.” Grey Parrots

Community education and field research on Cape Parrots

Field research on the status and threats to lovebirds in the Zambezi basin and surveillance of waterholes to deter poisoning of Lilian’s Lovebirds Wild Timneh Parrot at a nest in Guinea-Bissau.

Ending harmful trade in wild parrots 2017 started on a positive note pre-Appendix I suspension on WPT Science with Grey and Timneh Parrots exports remained in place (CITES being officially placed on Appendix rules can be complicated). Following Conducting rigorous science is critical Protecting threatened for identifying ways to best protect View the infographic in larger format I of CITES (the Convention on concerted international pressure, wild parrots, prioritise resources and Timneh Parrots in West Africa online at: tinyurl.com/Timneh-poster International Trade in Endangered and led by several Grey Parrot range build consensus for conservation Species of Wild Fauna and states, the EU and others, the three approaches. Research is therefore Timneh Parrots (Psittacus timneh) were artificial nest cavities. Studying Flora). With this move the legal countries with reservations pledged a core pillar of our conservation recognised as a distinct species in parrots is rarely easy and especially international trade in wild-caught in November 2017 to stop all trade strategy. Recent publications from the WPT Africa Programme include: 2012 - their smaller size, subtler tail challenging on remote islands in Grey Parrots came to an end. This in wild Grey Parrots. WPT’s role and horn-coloured bill distinguishes West Africa, however the efforts was a huge landmark for parrot in this process was conducting Martin, R. O. 2018. Grey areas: them from their Grey Parrot (Psittacus of a hugely dedicated team came conservation. More than 1.2 million research into trapping and trade, temporal and geographical erithacus) cousins. Largely restricted to to fruition earlier this year, with the Grey Parrots have been reported in liaising with partners in the DRC, dynamics of international trade of forest fragments of the Upper Guinean publication of the first study of legal trade since the early 1980s, with preparing reports and peer-reviewed Grey and Timneh Parrots (Psittacus erithacus and Psittacus timneh) under region in West Africa, they were the breeding ecology of Timneh many more dying before export or publications, and travelling to CITES CITES. Emu - Austral Ornithology 118, recently declared globally Endangered Parrots. Check out some of the trafficked illegally. meetings to ensure that the latest 113–125. doi:10.1080/01584197.2017. by the IUCN. Despite concerns over findings of the research in the information got in front of the 1369854 declines, very little is known about the infographic (pictured at right Announcements by the Democratic right people. status of wild populations, threats or © Daniel Lopes). Republic of Congo (DRC), Saudi Martin, R. O. 2018. The wild bird trade and African parrots: past, present and basic aspects of their ecology – in fact, Arabia and the United Arab Emirates These efforts have paid off and future challenges. Ostrich-Journal of it was impossible to even track down a Encouragingly, there are signs to take reservations to the listing the ‘loop-holes’ that remained are African Ornithology, 1–5. doi:10.2989/ photo of a wild Timneh parrot when that trapping at two of the most on Appendix I caused some initial now closed, providing clarity much 00306525.2017.1397787 the Africa Programme started. important breeding sites has concerns over how effective it would welcomed by enforcement agencies. be for protecting key populations in Lopes, D. C., Martin, R. O., Henriques, declined. Community-focused The message is now clear, ‘There is M., Monteiro, H., Regalla, A., WPT has been collaborating with efforts at these sites are ongoing, the Congo Basin – under the rules no legal international trade of wild Tchantchalam, Q., et al. 2018. Nest- partners in Guinea-Bissau since 2013 with emphasis on inspiring better of the convention, reservations can Grey Parrots.’ site characteristics and aspects of the to build knowledge of the species stewardship of forest habitat and be taken by countries that wish to breeding biology of the endangered and engage local communities in sharing the benefits of conservation continue trading among themselves. The listing of Grey and Timneh Timneh Parrot Psittacus timneh in Worryingly, this might have led to Guinea-Bissau. Ostrich-Journal of conservation. Former parrot trappers more broadly within communities. parrots on CITES Appendix I will not African Ornithology, 1–8. doi.org/10.2 have been employed to help protect In 2017, WPT began supporting Nigeria to understand the status of wild some exports from the DRC, which itself end trade in these species, and 989/00306525.2017.1369467 nests, monitor breeding areas, and assist new initiatives for Timneh Parrots populations and identify key sites for acts as a conduit for illegal trade it is critical that enforcement agencies with other activities such as installing in Sierra Leone and Grey Parrots in conservation. from other countries, although a are supported in its implementation.

6 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 7 Acknowledgments

WPT is incredibly grateful for the hard work The WPT investigations team have and dedication of many individuals and been continuing to closely monitor organisations who have helped to make trade in Grey and Timneh Parrots huge strides for African parrots over the and share information with CITES last few years. The Africa Programme in authorities and enforcement particular would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the following (in no particular order): agencies so they can take swift and © Rowan Martin © Rowan decisive action. IBAP - Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Top: Veterinarians David Grant Areas of Guinea Bissau, University of Lisbon, In 2018, a new collaboration with (left), Andrea Pizarro (centre) ISPA, Dr. Paulo Catry, Hamilton Monteiro, and Jorge Caro (right) perform Mohammed Henriques, Daniel Lopes, World Animal Protection is increasing health checks on rescued birds at capacity to do this vital work. While Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Aissa Regalla, Quintino Tchantchalam, Sierra Leone. Bucar Indjai, Seco Cardoso, Celestino trafficking remains a major concern, Manuel, Manjaco Cunha, Domingos Cunha, there are signs of improvement, with Bottom: Lilian’s Lovebird at a nest Explore Trees, David Wiles, Martin Spooner, reductions seen in some key importing cavity, Zambia. BirdWatch Zambia, Zambian Wildlife countries. Two recent seizures of Authority, the University of Edinburgh, Grey parrots at the point of export in the Museums of Malawi, Dr. Casey Ryan, DRC and in transit in Istanbul are very Dr Tiwonge Gawa, Dr. Hemant Tripathi, encouraging - such enforcement is Chaona Phiri, Guida Bell-Cross, Chinga Lufwino, Thor Kirchner, Munyamadzi critical for disrupting trade networks. Game Reserve, Roddy Smith, Mwambashi River Lodge, Dr. Craig Symes, Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge, Lisa Martus, David Letsoalo, Paul Nkhumane, Aeri Wittenburgh, World Ending trade through © Dominique Schreckling Animal Protection, Wildlife Conservation support for seized parrots Society, University of Cape Town, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, Efforts to support the care of parrots Dr. Arjun Amar, Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary, Understanding threats to southern Africa’s lovebirds Julie Vanasche, Wara Conservation Project, seized from trade are central to WPT’s Charlotte Houpline, Cecile Viry, Davide de strategy to end illegal trafficking. Lilian’s Lovebirds (Agapornis lilianae) are Tripathi, using the latest statistical Guz DVM, Jean-Pierre Chollet, Tacugama By providing support in emergency one of two lovebird species that are tools to analyse the mass of field data Chimpanzee Sanctuary, University of Sierra situations, and by building local restricted to the Mopane woodlands of to understand the habitat requirements Leone, Momoh Sesay, Dr. Arnold Okoni, capacity to manage seized parrots, the Zambezi basin in southern Africa. for Lilian’s Lovebirds, and infer their Wildlife Impact, Every Living Thing, Yusuph we are able to free up enforcement This unique ecosystem is under threat, current and historical distribution. Musanja, Ifeanyi Ezenwa, Dr. Ulf Ottoson, the TL2 Project of the Lukuru Foundation, John agencies to get on with the job of with trees being converted to charcoal, Using this approach it is possible to and Terese Hart, Robert Abani, Leon Salum, stopping traffickers, so we can be sure cleared for agriculture and felled for Andrew Barnard. the parrots get the care they need. timber, as well as being impacted by identify which forms of land use are mega-herbivores including elephants. In most (and least) harmful to Lilian’s And our funders: In 2017, WPT supported rescue 2014, WPT began working with partners Lovebirds and bird communities Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, efforts in Senegal, Liberia, DRC, in Zambia and Malawi to determine the in general. With pressures on Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, Zoomarine, Pamela and Neville Isdell, Sierra Leone and Tanzania, providing status of the species and understand land increasing rapidly, this information is vital for decision-makers seeking The Isdell Family Foundation, Save Our technical support and emergency threats to populations. Species, Folke Peterson Foundation, Painted funds where necessary to build to balance economic development Bunting Fund, Companion Bird Club of housing, provide food and other vital Dr. Tiwonge Gawa, a Post-doctoral with conservation. Charlotte County, IFAW, Bridging Peace care. In 2018, we are excited to be part Fellow at the University of Cape Town Foundation, Parrot Wildlife Foundation, of a new project in Angola, partnering and Ornithologist at the Museums of Looking forward, WPT will be working World Animal Protection, Bill and Terry with the Government of Angola, the Malawi, has led several expeditions, to ensure that land use is compatible Pelster, and last but by no means least, the Thank together with field staff from BirdWatch with lovebird conservation, and many WPT members and donors whose US Fish and Wildlife Service, and generous contributions have made much of examining ways in which the negative you! Wildlife Impact to build capacity and Zambia, Zambian students and our work possible. provide training to local staff in the researchers from the University of impacts of development can be care of rescued wildlife, including Edinburgh. Following a break, Dr. Gawa mitigated, such as establishing new Grey Parrots in Angola. has been working with Dr. Hemant roosting areas using artificial cavities.

8 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 © photocech | AdobeStock

Hyacinth macaws: Conservation in a Parrot Paradise by Willy Armin Montaño Villarroel and José Antonio Díaz Luque

Bolivia is a parrot’s paradise. With over 50 species - three of them endemic - the country proudly hosts one of the largest collections of psittacines in the world. Sadly, one-third are under threat in the wild.

10 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 11 Among all the incredible parrot species in Bolivia, there is one that is virtually impossible to not fall in love with the first time you see it in the wild: the Hyacinth Macaw.

Clockwise from top left: Team member surveys a nest cavity. Upper right: A single Hyacinth egg resting in a nest cavity. Middle and lower right: Palm nuts, preferred foods of Hyacinth Macaws.

Photos © José Antonio Díaz Luque

It actually took a long trip to And there they were. Hyacinth Threats to its survival include capture with the same vision: to support the species with eastern Bolivia to see them for the Macaws, up in the sky. It was 10:20 at for the pet trade, and the degradation direct conservation actions along its natural range. first time in the wild. It was an night but the moon was full and bright, and loss of its habitat. The San Matías Protected Area, a parcel of land rich interesting initial encounter. We so we could see them moving quietly in biodiversity in Santa Cruz department in Bolivia, travelled in a caravan with four other between the roosting sites. Hard to There were three projects between holds the majority of Hyacinth Macaws found in the 4-wheel drive vehicles to the San Matías forget such a wonderful experience! 2008 and 2011, one of them funded by country. Thankfully, officials working for the preserve Protected Area, spending a lot of time the World Parrot Trust. The aim was are more than interested in this initiative, supporting digging each other out of the rainy- Hyacinth Macaws (Anodorhynchus to better understand the species’ status, the project as much as they can. season mud. hyacinthinus) are distributed mainly in and to develop conservation activities the cerrado and pantanal ecosystems based on the data collected. In 2016, we The fieldwork started in June at the beginning of the We arrived at San Fernando’s village, in three countries: Brazil, Paraguay began a serious conservation initiative dry season in the Pantanal ecosystem, mainly inside San in the heart of the Protected Area, and Bolivia. Brazil holds the biggest with these macaws in Bolivia, under Matías Protected Area. We were lucky to have a lot of after a full day’s driving. The mayor population; Paraguay the smallest. the umbrella of the Hyacinth Macaw past published information collected by other researchers, of the village had kindly given us A very charismatic species, the Project (Proyecto Paraba Azul). including the important work done by the World Parrot space at his house for our camp, so we Hyacinth Macaw has commanded Trust and the Noel Kempff Mercado Foundation. This got to work setting up our tents. We attention from both enthusiasts and The project, jointly funded by Zoo definitely made our lives easier, but we still had limited remember being so exhausted from conservationists. It is considered Berlin and the World Parrot Trust, knowledge of the population’s status (abundance and that and the day’s effort that we finally Vulnerable by IUCN and is on the also involves a diverse group of trend), and underlying ecology (breeding, recruitment, just stopped and looked up. Bolivian Red List of Wild Vertebrates. international and local organisations dispersal, mortality, food preferences, habitat use).

12 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 13 Clockwise from left: Hyacinth Macaws forage in a palm. Above: Researchers José Antonio Díaz Luque (left) and Willy Armin Montaño Villarroel. Far right: Macaw beaks are vital tools in obtaining food. Far upper right: Collecting data on food sources. Far lower right: Seasonal rains in the Pantanal can slow progress!

Photos © José Antonio Díaz Luque

Knowing the answers is very We also found out that the macaws population here declined in past years found on the ground, and the macaws alarmed by the decline of the important for developing the best don’t really like dense chiquitano, so or if the birds moved to other areas. forage for them there among the locals’ population in their area. We were About the Authors: conservation strategy for the species. they stay on the edges. Interestingly, We also studied the availability of cows, goats and sheep. It’s incredible, delighted to hear that these people were Willy Armin Montaño Villarroel leads And just as crucially, we wanted to these are the areas that are the most nest sites and food resources. Most their strong relationship with humans. practicing conservation long before the Hyacinth Macaw Project. Willy start developing a relationship with heavily degraded by humans. In an breeding activities were found in the It’s sometimes hard to believe they we got there! We were also happy grew up working with his father, a some of the people living in the San ideal world, we would love that the pantanal, and numbers suggest there are macaws, especially since we’ve to learn that they are very interested forest ranger at Amboró National Matías Protected Area. Conservation areas these birds exist in be full of are enough nest sites for the breeding been working with Blue-throated in ecotourism centred around the Park. He is finishing a Degree in Biology at the Gabriel René Moreno is all about good relations with the pristine forest, but the evidence shows population of Hyacinth Macaws. We Macaws (Ara glaucogularis) for almost Hyacinth Macaw and the incredible University, and has extensive fieldwork locals, as they interact with the wildlife that they can potentially benefit from found nest competitors - Collared 10 years now and had never seen them biodiversity there. experience with a variety of species. every day. We needed to take time to some level of clearing of their habitat. Forest Falcons (Micrastur semitorquatus), on the ground! He has been involved in parrot conservation projects since 2011. sit down and listen to them because African Bees (Apis sp.) and Toco Amazingly, there’s never been The last item we focused on in our they were the real experts. In addition, Another key aspect of our work was Toucans (Ramphastos toco) – but overall, ecotourism here. What a treat it would José Antonio Díaz Luque is WPT’s we surveyed transect routes within the surveys. We visited known nesting resources are available for the macaws. research was to determine how be for visitors to see Hyacinth Macaws Bolivia Programme Manager and the Executive Director of the Bolivian the study area by car, boat, horseback, and roosting sites, accessing extensive parrot trade is in the area, resting on trees around the central and also examine the possibility of Parrots Conservation Foundation and on foot. 32 different properties and From the four active nests we found, plaza of the village like they were right (CLB). He has worked in conservation communities on the North and South we confirmed that one of them developing ecotourism in the area. at home. We thought that there must projects with macaws and Amazons Much of the park is inaccessible, so sides of the San Matías protected had been predated. The other three Thankfully, parrot trade is not a big be a way to help the villagers to realise in Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, problem here now. But people from Costa Rica and Bonaire, and has been the area sampled in our surveys has a area. We recorded 180 Hyacinth successfully fledged one chick each. this dream, and help protect the involved with surveys, nest protection bias for road-accessible, and therefore Macaws, with 38 of them exhibiting More data is needed to determine what San Fernando´s village were telling us macaws, too. activities, and captive bird releases. developed, habitat covering more signs of breeding behaviour. This else is affecting the breeding success incredible stories about the 1990s, when than 50,000 ha in each habitat type: is near the high end of the 20% of the species and on what scale, but it Paraguayan traders came in airplanes This work was a great experience for Thanks to Zoo Berlin and the project dry chiquitano forest, cerrado, and breeding propensity noted for macaws appears that this is one of the areas in to the villages to exchange tools for all of us, and we are looking forward team and assistants who make this Hyacinth Macaw chicks, which were to the second season in 2018, where work possible. We also thank the pantanal. We found that the threats to in general. Among these paired which we need to intervene to increase dedicated forest rangers of the San habitat were very similar to what has birds, we found just three juveniles. the breeding success of the wild pairs. transported to Paraguay and probably we can provide educational programs Matías Protected Area, Sr. Marcel already been recorded, with burning Based on our observations, young sold on the international market. We and training for forest rangers to help Caballero, the Bolivian National The birds’ diet consists mainly of were amazed to learn that some of with the project. These activities are Protected Areas Service, project leader affecting mainly chiquitano and birds surviving to be added to the Biodiversity Institute of San Simon’s cerrado, while the pantanal is more population, or recruitment, is potentially motacú and totaí pulp and nuts, which the local people decided to stop the important to ensure the medium-to-long University, and the Bolivian Parrots protected, surrounded by swamp areas. not very high. It’s unclear if the are abundant. The nuts are often exchange of birds, as they were term conservation of the species. Conservation Foundation (CLB).

14 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 15 project focus

Yellow-naped AMAZON (Amazona auropalliata)

With wild populations in serious decline Photos © J Gilardi Photos © due to trapping and habitat loss in all six countries in its native range, the Yellow- naped Amazon is at risk of extinction.

The World Parrot Trust has been supporting a number of studies and local projects aimed at protecting remaining Yellow-naped Amazon populations, including research on the species’ ecology, nest monitoring, population surveys, and education and awareness.

WPT has recently backed surveys and research in Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua, and an effort in Mexico in the Biosphere Reserve La Encrucijada to disperse environmental education, monitor parrot populations and stop illegal trade. In Costa Rica, there are plans to implement monitoring of the wild Yellow-naped Amazons there and to regularly track the effectiveness of release programs.

WPT will also support confiscations of wild-caught birds, which will be rehabilitated and released back to the wild if possible. Any birds unable to be released will be held back for a breeding program. A release program and community awareness will be developed in select locations in the birds’ former range, building local support for these parrots.

16 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 17 Grey Parrots © Elaine Henley © Elaine Henley of the Sseses by Elaine Henley and Lori J. DeLeo

Referring to Uganda as “The Pearl of Africa” is far more accurate than one might imagine. The myriad landscapes – rain forests, mountains, lakes, savannahs – are on their own, magnificent. Moving forward, we watched large to express ourselves similar to the they are seldom seen unless they tree trunks piled high on barges and in way the palm industry had stolen the are feeding on certain seasonal fruits When then considering the extraordinary variety of wildlife that boats, but were unaware of what was habitat of the island’s wildlife. There are before flying off to other islands. Many calls this nation home, one is left at a loss for superlatives. yet to come, nor did we realize that this 1,061 species of birds in Uganda – and of the people spoke quite openly of activity was part of a larger story. But, yet, we neither saw nor heard a single the manner in which the palm oil the birds and the people had their own one. The abundant, rich habitat of so industry hyped the benefits the palm stories to share. many species – including the Grey trees would bring to their communities We first visited Uganda’s Lake Victoria region in the evenings. What we learned in 2016 inspired a Parrot – had faded into the past. in the form of money for families that 2016, hoping to observe the Grey Parrot in the wild. return trip to the Ssese Islands in November of 2017 Leaving the villages, we were struck sold or leased their farmland to the During our stay, we spent several days on one of to observe the behaviours of the Grey Parrots and by the abundance and variety of trees As we continued our journey over the palm oil companies. the 84 islands that comprise the Ssese Islands in the interview villagers as well. and wildlife. All too soon, however, the next several days, we enjoyed the lake’s northwest region. During our visit we had the only vestiges of what had once been opportunity to be among the local However, what the families did not privilege of watching small groups Upon returning to the Ssese Islands, dense forest were acres of tree stumps population and to interview more realize was how this would impact their (numbering 4-9) of visiting Grey we looked to examine trends in the and palm seedlings eventually laying than 70 island residents. The majority ability to grow dietary staples or would Parrots forage in trees, socialize in parrots’ flight patterns, threats to their way to miles upon miles of palm trees. of the Ugandan people we met – affect the wildlife they enjoyed as a Musizi trees (Maesopsis eminii - a population, and their behaviours in the These thousands of hybridized palm from hotel managers to fishermen – part of their daily lives. tree of a softer wood than those in wild, to help better meet the needs trees (cross bred for disease resistance enthusiastically expressed pride in their which they choose to roost), and, of Greys in captivity. That is what we from varieties native to Ivory Coast and country’s wildlife, flora and fauna alike. Our goal of observing the natural on one afternoon, we had the rare expected. What we did not foresee Costa Rica) yield large fruits beneath behaviours of Greys in the wild was opportunity of observing a pair of was that the knowledge garnered the dense canopies, completely When asked about the Grey Parrot, best met in a place we called “Enkusu Greys mating. through observation of wildlife and inaccessible to most wild birds. At that most commonly, Ugandans expressed Village” -- the woodland grounds of a conversations with local people moment, it seemed we were in an area their admiration and fascination with hotel compound on the banks of Lake Wanting to learn as much as we would create an experience more rich created by man, but serving as the the Grey Parrot (called “Enkusu”) Victoria. There, small flocks (12-16) of could about the Grey Parrots’ and disturbing than we could have antithesis of a natural forest. often noting their playful nature and Grey Parrots gathered each morning to travels between islands and imagined. As we were ferried to the mimicking their calls. But, they also socialize with each other before flying their presence, if any, in the lives Ssese Islands, we were awed by their From this location atop the island, lamented the fact that the flocks have off in search of food. of local people, we hired a boat and travelled to a lush beauty, friendly regattas of fishing boats, and the silence was deafening – not a dwindled over time. Not long ago, nearby island. There we spoke with some villagers small crowds of people eagerly awaiting the catch of single bird call could be heard. We residents claim Grey flocks numbered Preferred trees for socializing included who identified the trees from which the Greys the day to work its way onshore and into the homes became as silent as our surroundings; in the hundreds; however, today flocks the Enziru (Pseudospondias microcarpa) feed and areas of the island where they roost in of hard-working families. as if sadness had stolen our ability range between two and thirty, and and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis).

18 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 19 Similar to the Greys that we observed in 2016, these parrots chose to visit trees that bore no fruit and were located close to staff quarters. A similar phenomenon was reported by Tamungang et al (2013) in Central Cameroon, who hypothesized that the Grey Parrots visited local villages and thus gained their protection. © Elaine Henley Enkusu Village was a flurry of activity as Grey Parrots flew from tree to tree and made a “whoop” call to each other when landing on a tree. Then, however, the parrots remained quiet if humans were around, except for those calling when they were leaving their tree or © Elaine Henley responding to another’s flock call.

In the presence of humans, the Greys would either ignore them and engage in previously noted normal behaviours (share drinking water from holes in a tree or chew branches for beak maintenance and perhaps pleasure – just as they do in captivity), or sit quietly and observe the humans in © Elaine Henley their midst. When relaxed, they spent significant time preening themselves and, occasionally, each other in much the same way captive parrots have branches of the same tree. Similarly, separate from other species, either poached for the pet trade. Surprisingly, vivid, visceral description of the birds’ habitat and continue to study their preening sessions with their caregivers. whenever we saw a juvenile Grey, at on the same tree or in close proximity we met and spoke extensively with screaming as they are being caught in behaviours in order to provide the least four adult Greys would follow the to each other. One day, we enjoyed a It is often thought that mutual several people who admitted to nets. Our knowledgeable guide, Johnny best possible life for those already young bird from branch to branch or visit to the home of an island resident grooming among parrots is an knowing certain individuals involved Kamugisha, is a life-long birder who is held captive. The writers will return fly overhead. Our observations led us named Benny, and here we met Cookie, activity shared between pair-bonded in the poaching of Grey Parrots both in passionate about protecting the birds to Uganda to continue to study Grey to believe that it is more than just the a 40-year-old Grey Parrot originally from individuals only, but we learned that the past and present. But, indeed, they of Uganda. His passion and vision were Parrot behaviours and work on these parents who look after the safety of the Congo, who was perched on a small this is not the case, as we observed shared this information with reluctance evident as we listened to him speak multi-faceted questions through the the young. tree about 15 feet from where a cage individuals from different groups explaining that they feared retaliation with this young man and others about engagement of people and improved sits. The cage door is opened every day preening each other, too. We also from poachers whose identity might how pride in and protection of wildlife understanding of the inhabitants, the In this region, contrary to what we and Cookie is free to come and go as observed that two Greys would often be revealed. translates into benefits for communities wildlife, and the landscape of which expected, Grey Parrots’ preferred he pleases because Benny believes that rub beaks with each other and another through ecotourism. they are a part. food is not the palm nut. Indeed, we Cookie ultimately belongs to nature. One young man gave a detailed Grey who joined them in that tree. This watched as they chose to eat olives account of how nets are placed over Now we must ask ourselves what we suggests that rubbing beaks is not and fruits, even when ripe palm nuts Some days Cookie flies off to forage fruiting trees to capture the birds as can do to preserve and protect that purely sexual in nature, but also an were readily available. Preferred foods with wild Grey Parrots in the area while, they are feeding, and he provided a which remains of the Grey Parrots’ affiliative behaviour as well. come from the Msasa tree (Brachystegia on other days, the wild birds visit Cookie. Nearby the village, we saw a nest with spiciformis) and Empafu tree (Canarium Still, when the wild parrots fly off to a chick inside along with a female Grey schweinfurthii). other areas of the island to roost for the who did not leave the nest. Instead, the evening, as Cookie does not join them, ABOUT THE AUTHORS male Grey flew to the nest and fed her We watched the Grey Parrots cross to locals often return Cookie to his “home.” – she, in turn, fed the chick. When an other islands at dawn and dusk. Only Elaine Henley P.G.Dip CABC, is Lori J. DeLeo, MAT, LMFT, is a a Full member of the APBC, an psychotherapist and adjunct African Hawk-eagle (Aquila spilogaster) when there was an early thunder and You see, Cookie can be easily ABTC Registered Clinical Animal professor. Lori employs her landed close to the nest, the female lightning storm did six Grey Parrots distinguished from others of his kind by Behaviourist, and an IAABC interpersonal and therapeutic disappeared into the nest and did not remain overnight and, on that evening, his gift of human speech. Ironically, this Certified Parrot Consultant. skills to connect with people, Passionate about Grey parrot sharing their connection to reemerge for a significant time until they roosted in three separate Kiriundi unique ability to use human speech—not conservation, she has dedicated wildlife while educating others the hawk had left. During this time, the trees under a flock of kites. This was to merely mimic, but to use language in her free time to learning more with her personal knowledge male Grey and two other adult Greys surprising, as it has been assumed that context—is one of the primary reasons about wild Grey behaviour, garnered from keeping parrots using this information to help and travelling to observe their remained quiet and still on nearby Grey Parrots roost together as a flock, the Grey Parrot population has been parrot caregivers. natural behaviours.

20 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 Spring 2018 PsittaScene.org 21 Psitta| News WPT CONTACTS Updates News Events 2017 Index ON THE WEB Dry forest restoration continues Predator-free islands not enough for Think Parrots 2018 parrots.org on Bonaire psittascene.org Swift Parrot conservation Sunday 10th June 2018 facebook.com/WorldParrotTrust Kempton Park Racecourse Magazine of the twitter.com/parrottrust Predator-free islands were thought Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England to be the solution for saving the Critically Endangered Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor), but research has MAIN BRANCHES found that efforts on the mainland are also necessary. The new study 2018 UNITED KINGDOM (Main Office) shows that the birds are nomadic, 29.1 29.2 Karen Whitley, Administrator Glanmor House, Hayle,

therefore isolation does not guarantee Spring Summer Cornwall, TR27 4HB © Echo SHOW 10 th JUNE protection. There is only one Summer 2017 Tel: (44) 01736 751026 population of Swift Parrots spread Fax: (44) 01736 751028 Back for another year, the popular [email protected] The Yellow-shouldered Amazon throughout the Tasmanian mainland Think Parrots event is always an (Amazona barbadensis) and other and its off-shore islands, with the • From the Operations Director: • From the Editor: Desi Milpacher UNITED STATES excellent opportunity for those who Steve Milpacher wildlife will be benefitting from the birds moving to and fro between • Hope for Fighting Bolivian Trade: CREA Glenn Reynolds, Administrator are passionate about parrots and want P.O. Box 935, Lake Alfred, FL 33850 latest round of tree plantings on these areas. This highlights a need • Lear’s Macaw Research & Recovery • Story in a Feather: Art of Chris Maynard to provide the best care for their birds. Tel/Fax: (1) 863 956 4347 the island of Bonaire. Echo, a WPT for increased conservation, as Swift • Cape Parrots Holding On • Restoring Bonaire: Ensuring the survival [email protected] A wide diversity of exhibitors will partner committed to protecting the Parrots are particularly vulnerable to • Are Cape Parrots a Separate Species? of species that rely on its dry forest be there providing all things parrot, CANADA Yellow-shouldered Amazon, recently predation by introduced Sugar Gliders and will again feature the UK’s most • Progress for Blue-throated Macaws • Species Profile: Cuban Amazon Michelle Kooistra, Administrator completed a Herculean effort, with and other invasive species. 4377 Gordon Dr., Kelowna, BC, V1W 1S7 knowledgeable experts to discuss • Free at Last: Release of Rescued • Pet Pages: The Parrot that Chews the help of 155 volunteers, to plant Tel: (1) 250 766 7828 Maroon-bellied Conures • Tribute to Audrey Reynolds Read more: the important topics concerning [email protected] 5,000 trees in 5 different exclusion • Parrots in the Wild: tinyurl.com/yc9dq2zn companion and wild parrots. • Parrots in the Wild: Yellow-eared Parrot areas during the island’s rainy season. Grey Parrot vs Casqued Hornbills The event was part of the Roi Sango While you are there, be sure to drop valley rehabilitation project, with by the World Parrot Trust booth to say ADDITIONAL BRANCHES the contribution of the BEST 2.0 hello to David Woolcock, WPT Trustee Programme funded by the European Magazine of the Africa Rowan Martin and Curator at Paradise Park (Cornwall) Union. Twenty-six hectares have now [email protected] and chat about all the new and been protected by fencing against exciting things happening in the areas Australia Nicholas Bishop invasive herbivores, such as goats of parrot conservation, and beyond. [email protected] and donkeys. Benelux Ruud Vonk Read more: Get your tickets: [email protected] Swift Parrot © JJ Harrison thinkparrots.co.uk 29.3 29.4 http://www.echobonaire.org/ Belgium Ronald Coens Autumn Winter [email protected]

Winter 2017/18 Brazil André Saidenberg [email protected]

10th Annual Parrot Lovers Cruise • From the Operations Director: • From the Communications Director: India Avin Deen November 9 - 17, 2018: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao Steve Milpacher Matthew Kirchhoff [email protected] • Grey Parrots in the Wild • Back from the Brink, Again: The Decline Imagine cruising crystal blue waters while experiencing some of Indonesia Oka Dwi Prihatmoko and Recovery of the Tasman Parakeet the most incredible sightseeing in the world! Join fellow parrot • Mysterious Macaws of the Aripo [email protected] Savannas: Red-bellied Macaws • Slowing Parrot Trafficking in Indonesia lovers aboard the Royal Princess for eight days of enlightening Italy Cristiana Senni of Trinidad • Rimatara Lorikeet: seminars and exciting excursions visiting a variety of stunning [email protected] locations, all while supporting parrot conservation. Don’t miss • Reflections on: Parrot Rescue and Population Re-established on Atiu Island Adoption after 200 Years out - contact Carol Cipriano to book your cabin today. Japan TSUBASA • Parrots in the Wild: • Parrots in the Wild: [email protected] Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Purple-crowned Lorikeets Book today! Netherlands Ria Vonk 8 [email protected] [email protected] ( 1-510-200-5665 (USA) Peru/Spain/ Rosa Elena Zegarra Central [email protected] Access Past Issues at: Psittascene.org America parrotloverscruise.com English, Dutch, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish Sweden Maria Rogstadius [email protected] 22 PsittaScene.org Spring 2018 Parrots in the Wild: Saffron-headed Parrot (Pyrilia pyrilia)

The little-known and rarely photographed Saffron-headed Parrot is found in humid lowland and lower montane forest in parts of Central and northern South America. These parrots are usually seen high up in the canopy in small animated groups, calling raucously to each other. These splendid birds have seen their habitat lost over many decades. Deforestation and forest fragmentation has been most destructive during the 20th century.

Photo © Murray Cooper Wildlife Photography