of birds was with the Red-crested measuring 48 inches x 18 inches x 18 Touraco (Tauraco erythrolophus) Observations of inches. Each of the cages contains several years ago. After setting them natural perches and various types of up in a breeding situation, they pro­ Sunbirds in Aviculture live plants. The upper cages, which duced several young. After breeding receive most ofthe light and heat, are the Red-crested Touraco, which is by Dennis Riphenburg planted with tillandsias and brome­ quite common in captivity, I decided San Francisco, California liads mounted on various types of to try to reproduce the rare Fischer's wood or in pots. Small ficus plants Touraco. When a few wild-caught and Spanish Moss poke through the birds were imported, I acquired a Sunbirds, I feel, are certainly the top wire in various places. In the pair. When looking through several jewels of the bird world. Not many lower cages I use various types of books to acquire more knowledge on birds can match the curious and ferns, philodendrons, bromeliads and this species, I found that this species friendly personality, iridescent a few orchids. I use Spanish Moss in had not been bred before. When the colors, intriguing behavior, incred­ these lower cages as well. It is my Fischer's Touracos were in my col­ ible courtship displays and beautiful opinion the live plants give the birds lection for two years, they laid two songs that many sunbirds possess. I a feeling of security instead of liVing eggs which, much to my delight, have kept birds for more than 29 in stark, empty cages. The plants also werefertile. years. During the past three years I prOVide potential nesting sites other The diet of the parent birds con­ have experienced keeping sunbirds than boxes, baskets, etc., as well as sisted of grapes, papaya, canteloupe and only wish I would have worked prOVide a place to escape if males and other melons, ripe Mexican with them much earlier. They are tend to be overly aggressive. The bananas, apples and Science Diet dog indeed a challenge to breed, how­ plants are placed away from the maintenance pellets. Calcium and a ever, I feel they are certainly a vety perches to avoid being soiled. They good vitamin supplement was placed worthwhile venture. Unfortunately are misted periodically and I find the over most oftheirfavorite fruit. not a lot of information is readily sunbirds thoroughly enjoy this time These birds were housed by them­ available on this fascinating family since sunbirds prefer to leaf bathe selves in an aviary 8 feet wide, 8 feet Nectariniidae. I have been success­ instead of bathing in a pool of water high and 16 feet long with a shelter ful in keeping these birds in what on the floor orground. measuring 4 feet. The nest was appears to be very good health and Diet placed in one of the corners under­ have even had nest building activity The basic diet I give to all of my neath the shelter. It measured 12 by several species. Hopefully the sunbirds is soaked Zu-preem monkey inches square by 6 inches deep. information in this article will add to biscuits, Avico Sunbird Nectar, vari­ Twigs and grasses were placed information already available and/or ous diced soft fruits, kernels of com, within tpis shallow box to help stim­ spark an interest in the large family of green peas, shredded spinach or ulate them to breed. The pair com­ sunbirds. lettuce, mealworms, waxworms and pleted the nest by adding more twigs All sunbirds are native to the Old small fly larvae (Musca domestica and laid their first egg on the 31st of World. They range from Africa larvae). As far as fruits, I offer pears, March, 1991. They laid a second egg (where most species are found) to bananas, kiwi, oranges, etc., to the two days later to complete their Australia (where only one species is sunbirds since their bills are not clutch. After five days into incuba­ found). When people see my sun­ strong enough to soften apples and tion, the parents abandoned the eggs. birds and ask what they are, I tell other harder fruits. I sprinkle vita­ The eggs were then removed and them they are the Old World version mins and minerals over the biscuits, placed into an artificial incubator. of hummingbirds, even though no fruit and vegetables. Also, I disinfect After a total incubation period of 23 formal relationship exists between the feeding tubes and dishes every days, the first egg hatched on April them. All sunbirds are dimorphic, day. There are several good products 23, 1991. The second egg hatched with most females being rather on the market, including good old one day later. They were both suc­ somber and cryptic in coloration. bleach and water. I happen to use cessfully reared. Males of some species go into an Nolvasan and am very happywith it. The diet of the chicks consisted of eclipse plumage during the spring It is not my intent to recommend grapes, papaya, canteloupe and small and summer months. I have had one commercial product over the pieces of soaked dog food. They experience with ten different other, however I prefer Avico Sun­ were also given calcium and a good species, eight from Africa and two bird Nectar for the sunbirds. Any vitamin supplement. from southeast Asia. I have truly sunbird which has yellow and/or red The chicks were very delightful to found these birds extremely delight­ feathering will qUickly fade in captiv­ hand raise. When hatched, they were ful and perhaps my favorite of not ity (like many other birds) unless the covered with black down feathers only softbills I have worked with but proper diet is proVided. I found using and their eyes were open. It took all birds I have worked with through­ Avico both restores and maintains from three to four weeks for them to out the years. the yellows and reds in the plumage. be weaned. The Fischer's Touraco is Housing It is essential that a constant supply a very quiet and enjoyable bird to My preference for housing all birds of nectar be prOVided, similar to have in the aviary. is in large, outside aviaries. However, hummingbirds, otherwise their Editor's note: Ifany person knows ofa many of us, including myself, do not health will qUickly deteriorate and successful breeding ofthe Fischer's Touraco have either the luxury of the space the birds will die. As far as the soaked prior to the above article, please inform Dale R. Thompson, Chairman, Atry Awards Com­ and/or the climatic conditions to Zu-preem, I prefer to soak it in water mittee, through the AFA Home Office in house birds outside. I keep my birds instead of nectar. I have found the Phoenix, Arizona.• in a modified green house in cages birds tend to eat more of it soaked in 42 October/November 1991 water rather than nectar. Also, I Compatibility have also housed sunbirds with believe that dUring warm weather This topic is perhaps, to me, one of honeycreepers, however this does bacteria tends to form more qUickly the most frustrating. There is not not work well during the breeding in a nectar solution than it would in much written on compatibility, espe­ season. There are two key elements water. Mealworms and waxworms cially with softbills. I have in compatibility; amount of space are offered only to the Anthreptes approached this subject using the and breeding season. Even though genus sunbirds (in my case, Collared ,'trial and error" method. Believe me, you may see various birds get along Sunbirds). The bills ofthe Anthreptes there certainly have been a few very well when not in breeding con­ sunbirds are much shorter and errors on my part. Generally, sun­ dition, be extremely careful and alert stronger than those of the Nectar­ birds should not be housed with any when you hear the first melodious inia sunbirds. The fly larvae, some­ other sunbirds. I have had no prob­ notes of a male coming into breeding times referred to as "tiny wigglers;' lems housing sunbirds with tanagers. condition! Even though you may not are offered to all the birds, including During the non-breeding season I observe active aggression by certain the Nectarinia sunbirds. However, I r------.------.------­ feel it only fair to warn anyone plan­ ning on using these fly larvae! Ifyour birds are housed inside and they do not eat all the larvae due to dropping a few, you will have flies everywhere before too long! I have found sun­ birds to be somewhat sloppy eaters and very often drop whatever they have been trying to soften. I am always amazed, though, how quickly they can fly down and usually catch whatever it is they have accidentally dropped. To help avoid the potential fly problem, I periodically vacuum the quickly formed pupae to help keep the pests to a minimum. In addi­ tion, the sunbirds particularly relish occasional spiders, Drosophila flies, or other small flying insects such as the ever present seed-moths - ifyou have seed eating birds. Disease Fortunately I have had no experi­ ence with any disease problems with my sunbirds. I have been keeping LLOGG sunbirds for over three years and have found them to be very hardy. Perhaps the most common problems all nectivores (nectar feeding birds) face are yeast infections known as SCARING candida. Fortunately, ifcaught early, candida can easily be treated with orover 50 years, Kellogg has From Petamineilll to Budgi­ nystatin. The most common cause of illl yeast infections are poor hygiene manufactured superior qual­ mine , from Pellets and Krums practices. Since nectar contains so Fity bird foods and supple­ to Handfeeding Diet. and from illl much sugar, fungus forms very ments for breeders. To us, it's Tweats to Fortified Foods, you'll more than just a business-Kellogg discover there's a lot of caring qUickly in poorly maintained feeding genuinely shares your interest in packed into every Kellogg prod­ utensils. It is imperative to disinfect aviculture. We enjoy and care uct. Visit your nearest dealer. or all feeding tubes and dishes daily. As I about birds as much as you do. write orcall Kellogg for additional mentioned earlier, I use Nolvasan or That's why we're so strict information. Wavicide and am happy with the about the ingredients that go results. Also, when I get any new sun­ into every Kellogg product. Not birds, I place a drop ofnystatin in the only are Kellogg foods triple­ == bird's beak for three days, purely as a -- cleaned for purity, they must meet - preventative measure. I then keep a every nutritional requirement ---...... close watch on the bird for the obvi­ necessary to give your bird a beau­ Kellogg Inc. ous signs of candida of constant P.O. Box 684 tiful appearance and a long, Milwaukee, WI 53201 swallowing and what appears to be healthy life. 1-800-627-5495 yawning. Once acclimated, given a good diet and kept in a clean environ­ ment, sunbirds should prove to be K is for Kella}g ...the choice of champions .. very hardy birds indeed. afa WATCHBIRD 43 pairs, some things to watch out for However, I wanted to give the sun­ are dominating feeding areas, espe­ birds all the privacy I could so after cially where only one or two feeding the baby mesias fledged, all the areas are provided. On more than mesias were removed. one occasion when I had most of my The sunbirds chose a woven, grass birds housed together in large, covered, finch-type nest similar to planted aviaries I had to either pro­ the type used in the published article vide additional feeders or move some ,'Captive Propagation ofthe Collared birds to otherflights. Sunbird" by Rebecca Dellinger and Earlier I mentioned the "trial and Christopher Eckart in the April/May error" method. To give an example 1991 issue of Watchbird. In fact, ofwhat I mean, due to lack of space, both Rebecca and I had been doing I had my best pair of Collared Sun­ quite a bit of corresponding during birds (Anthreptes collaris) housed this time trying to unravel some of with a male Splendid Sunbird (Nec­ the mysteries of breeding and main­ tarinia coccinigaster). I noticed the taining sunbirds in captivity. I started Splendid one day began to sing much the nest by placing dried grasses more than usual and appeared to be a inside. I noticed the female was inter­ little more dominant than normal. I ested after the mesias were removed didn't think much ofit since the com­ Male Ma1·iqua Sunbird withfemale in and I saw her carrying in plant fibers bination of birds always seemed to background. found throughout the aviary. I knew get along well. I noticed the pair of she was also looking for some type of Collareds somewhat intimidated by finer material so I gathered cobwebs the Splendid but again no apparent which she seemed to rub on the problems. The next morning I went inside of the nest. I also placed some out to feed the birds and both the shed dog hair in the flight which she Collared Sunbirds had been killed by eagerly placed in the nest. Unfortun­ the Splendid! 1be Splendid was sing­ ately, however, no eggs were laid ing and displaying proudly on his dUring this attempt. perch. Nesting activity was observed by a I have found that during the non­ lone female Collared Sunbird during breeding season many sunbirds can July of this year. Again, the female be housed together, especially ifyou chose the same type of nest as have all of one sex. In fact, I have described above. As before, I began even housed several mixed species of the nest by placing dried grasses sunbirds together during the breed­ inside. I had an orchid mounted on a ing season, however, none of these slab of cork in the cage and noticed were pairs. There did not seem to be the hen stripping some of the dried any apparent problem. Care must be sheath and carrying it into the nest. taken to ensure that one or more do This time, instead of dog hair, I not dominate the feeding areas. offered very soft and absorbent -Ideally, each pair of birds should be shredded cotton balls. Within no housed separately with the possible time she had lined the inside of the exception of adding other birds such nest with cotton (I assume an effec­ as tanagers, mesias, non-aggressive tive substitute for cobwebs). Since I finches and small softbills, space Nest const1uctedbyfemale Mariqua Sunbi1·d. had made most of the nest, little permitting. Please be warned work was done by the hen. An egg though, all birds will love the nectar was laid on July 13th on the bottom which is essential to the sunbirds so Nesting Behavior of the cage. Unfortunately, however, your nectar bill will go up! I have been fortunate enough to I did not have a male for this hen so, observe some nesting behavior, how­ of course, the egg was infertile. The ever, at the moment, not fortunate egg is good sized for a bird which is a ­ enough to observe any raising of little smaller than a zebra finch. The chicks. Only females are involved in egg is white with mottled dark the nest building process. My first brown at the large end. A second egg sunbirds to attempt nest building was laid in the nest on July 14th were a pair of Collared Sunbirds. At which she incubated, however to no the time, these birds were housed in avail. a planted, outside aviary. The birds During this same time my pair of were initially housed with a breeding Mariqua Sunbirds (Nectarinia mari­ pair of Silver-eared Mesias (Leiothrix quensis) also began serious nest argentauris). The sunbirds and bUilding. These birds were particu­ mesias got along very well without larly frustrating to work with since showing any signs of aggression the female had been actively carrying whatsoever to each other, even nesting material for more than three Male Variable Sunbird. while the mesias were raising young. months but placing it nowhere! I pro-

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afa WATCHBIRD 4S vided two nests like the ones usedfor the amount of time gathering mate­ positions and repeat the process sev­ the Collareds but no interest was rial and the tactile feeling of the eral times. On occasion, the male will shown whatsoever. I also hung til­ material the governing factor instead also raise one wing at a time, how­ landsias and Spanish moss around the ofreturning to the nest with physical ever onlyfor about a second orso. cage but again no interest. She material in hand (or beak!)? The behavior of the Variable Sun­ seemed to want to begin the nest Another observation I made which birds is similar, however, I have somewhere in the top middle ofthe I found extraordinary with sunbirds found the male Variable "dances" a cage and tried weaving various fibers is the fact that they eagerly search bit more than the Mariqua, doing a through the mesh, however, nothing out grit as a calcium supplement! series of low bows toward the perch held. I placed a good sized clump of Yes, I am aware that a higher calcium and almost slowly walking with body Spanish moss near this area and still it level is required for egg laying hens, pointed the same direction as the was ignored for several weeks. Then, however, to see nectivorous birds perch, wings held tight and drooped, and I have no idea if this began the eating grit is a rare sight indeed. constantly singing. One feature that serious nest building activity, dUring Actually I did not provide them with both the male Collared and Variable the first day of about a week long any grit until I noticed the female Sunbirds possess is tufts of bright heat wave not only did the Mariquas Collared picking up tiny stones in yellow or orange feathers under the begin serious nest building but so did one of the plants in the cage and wing which are extended dUring dis­ the pair ofVariable Sunbirds (Nectar­ swallowing them. I knew she was plays. Normally these tufts cannot be inia venusta) in the adjacent cage about ready to lay so it was obvious seen unless the bird is displaying. and a few days later the female this was to increase the calcium level. The Copper Sunbird (Nectarinia Collared Sunbirds. I had been adding additional calcium cuprea) display is similar to the It seemed the magic touch for the (Neo-Calglucon) to the nectar several Mariqua, however much of their dis­ Mariquas was offering the shredded days prior to this time. I thought this play consists of holding both of their cotton balls and the Spanish moss in behavior astonishing so I experi­ wings up at the same time for longer the center of the cage. She began mented by adding a small dish of grit periods, again constantly singing as poking pieces of cotton into the and was amazed to see the Collared the display continues. I have also moss, eventually creating an open, immediately consume it piece after observed a male Amethyst Sunbird purse-type nest made mostly of piece for not less than two minutes! I (Nectarinia amethystina) displaying cotton. I found a type ofplant fiber at then offered grit to both the Variable with behavior somewhat similar to a nursery and thought that might and Mariqua Sunbirds. The Variables that of the Mariqua. I have a couple work for the birds as well. All the had somewhat discontinued the nest male Purple-throated Sunbirds Nec­ sunbirds used these fibers along with building activities, however, the tarinia sperata) and noticed their the cotton. Since sunbirds do not like female Mariqua eagerly consumed courtship is primarily holding their going to_ the ground, I found nesting small pieces ofoyster shell and other head straight up while constantly material was more readily accepted if small pieces ofgrit. singing and bobbing up and down on placed anywhere from the middle of Courtship Displays the perch. I am sure the display of all the cage on up. Perhaps one of the most pleasur­ these bachelors could be much more One very interesting observation able attributes of keeping sunbirds is elaborate and I probably won't see was made with the female Mariqua in their displays during courtship. I much more until I can get mates for that when she was constructing the have eight different species of sun­ these birds. sides of her nesting cavity from the birds in my collection, some of One fact I would like to warn any­ inside, she would partially open her which, unfortunately, I do not have one who either has sunbirds or is wings as though to push the already pairs. However, with the exception anticipating getting sunbirds is that placed material to help enlarge the of one species, I have observed dis­ males can be extremely aggressive soon to be completed cavity. plays by all the males. Even though with females, especially if the female Another very interesting observation many of these birds are closely is not ready for breeding and the with both the Collared and Mariqua related, the displays differ for each male is. You mustprovide some type was that after the entrance of the species. of protection for the female to nest was created the female actually An excellent account ofthe display escape the occasional, what appear would puff her feathers prior to ofthe Collared Sunbird is given in the to be, vicious attacks by the male. I entering the cavity, presumably to article referenced earlier by Dellinger have seen all of my pairs of sunbirds help create a larger cavity than if the and Eckart so I will not attempt to in an attack so fierce that both birds feathers were not puffed. Also a fasci­ duplicate it. As far as the Mariqua are on the floor fighting as though it nating observation was the female Sunbirds, both male and female take was a serious dog fight. Fortunately it Mariqua attempting to pull a piece of part in the displays, however the does not last for more than a few fiber which was securely attached to female does not display much until seconds and usually no harm is done. a mounted bromeliad. She would she is very serious about nesting. The However, be extra careful that the grab the fiber in her beak and try to displays are a series of extended, male does not become so aggressive fly off with it, always unsuccessfully. folded wings first on one side then on that he keeps the female away from After approximately three or four the other. The birds actually position the feeding areas. Then, just when tries, even though she still could not themselves almost vertically on the we think we have it somewhat fig­ pull the fiber from the plant she perch and fan half their tail either to ured out, there is another side ofthe would still fly t? the nest an'd go the right or the left, constantly sing­ story. Perhaps my most aggressive through the motion of placing it in ing and the display continues for and incompatible pair ofsunbirds are the nest! I believe this was an incredi­ several seconds. They will then the pair ofVariables. The male is con­ ble example of instinct. Is, perhaps, usually fly to another perch or move stantly pursuing the female. However 46 Octbber/ November 1991 I did notice one day when she was building her nest she was much more aggressive to the male in keeping him away from the nesting area for WE TAKE THE WORRY several hours. Summary OUT OF DIETS At the time of writing, the Mariqua Sunbirds seemed to have stopped PLANT -PROTM nesting activity. Mter the nest was apparently complete she seemed to Dr CERTIFIED lose interest. The weather had changed from very warm days when most of the nest building activity DIETS occurred to somewhat cloudy and typical San Francisco summer, foggy by Avian Nutritional Experts days. Whether this has influenced D's them or not I do not know and this is exactly my point. Not much is ALL DIETS ARE ANALYZED FOR HEAVY known about the behavior of these birds. I only wish more aviculturists METALS, PESTICIDES, MYCOTOXINS, would take the time to experiment E.COLl, SALMONELLA ** and observe the behavior of these ever fascinating birds. Sunbirds, as PROPER NUTRITION WITH ALL VITAMINS, well as many softbills, are not the MICRO-AND MACRO-ELEMENTS, 10 BALANCED type of bird to have if one, like so ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS, AND PROPER many people keeping birds, wishes to make money breeding them. They ENERGY TO PROTEIN RATIOS. ALL FAT FROM are not an inexpensive bird to keep, PLANT PRODUCTS (PRIMARILY MONO- AND since the cost of nectar is somewhat POLY-UNSATURATED FATS) ACCOUNTING FOR expensive. Also, the birds them­ UNDER 30% OF CALORIES. selves, if you can find any, are not inexpensive. They are definitely the OUR POLICY: TO PROVIDE FAST, FRIENDLY kind of bird an aviculturist would SERVICE WITH 100% OF ORDERS SHIPPED want, not for profit, but purely for pleasure. I only wish the availability WITHIN 24 HOURS. YOU WILL BE SATISFIED. of sunbirds in this country was greater. Unfortunately they are very Life cycle nutrition: baby bird hand feeding difficult to find, especially in pairs. If any of you have had experience diet, starter grower diet, maintenance diet, with sunbirds and would like to share and layer diet-- NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS it with me, please write to me at: 95 Corwin Street #3, San Francisco, CA ONLY PLANT PROTEIN SOURCES USED 94114. With the import restrictions OVER THE LAST 6 YEARS which will be imposed very shortly, few of these delightful birds will be DIETS FOR SMALL AND LARGE PARROTS, BUDGIES, available to us. At the moment I CANARIES AND FINCHES IN 5, 25, & 50 LB BAGS. 5 LBS know of only two zoos in the U.S. REGULAR DIETS @ $9 POSTAGE PAID. SPECIAL DISCOUNTS and two private individuals working ON FEED ORDERS OVER $100, AND SAVE ON SHIPPING. with sunbirds. That is not to say BREEDERS CHECK WITH US FIRST. CALL FOR INFO ON PRICES: ACCEPT VISA, MC, DISCOVER: WE SHIP C.O.D., these are the only pairs in the U.S, UPS, TRUCK, APO. SPECIAL PRICES TO HI, PR AND AK. however, working with the Dallas Zoo in trying to establish what sun­ CANADIAN CUSTOMERS ARE VERY WELCOME. birds are in the country in order to CHECK WITH US FOR POOLED CLUB ORDERS. attempt to pair them up, these are the results we came up with. It is a WE SHIP TO EUROPE sad situation indeed. If any readers ** Assay results for a either have or know of others who particular batch code number keep sunbirds, I would greatly appre­ are available for $2.00. ciate it if they would contact me so we can possibly get some of these birds paired up. from AVI-SCI, INC., P.O. BOX 598, OKEMOS, MI 48805. Sunbirds are perhaps one of the best secrets in the U.S. avicultural Ph 1-800-942-DIET (3438) softbill world; beautiful, curious, friendly, great singers, incredible dis­ SCIENCE IS IN OUR NAME AND OUR PRODUCTS plays, hardy and a real challenge.•

afa WATeRBIRD 47