opening in the false floor to help the birds enter and leave. I recommend that you install a little inspection door in one of the side panels of the lower chamber. Use a mixture of sawdust washed aquarium sand, and pine bed~ Three ding as floor covering. It is difftcult to be precise about the breeding season for birds in this genus. I have had broods in April throughJuly but occasionally also in November, Bolborynchus December andJanuary. It is best, how ever, to encourage the birds to breed from the middle of April to June. This by Matthew M. Vriends, Netherlands minimizes egg binding (with the aid of a good diet and a proper room tem perature, of course). Only B. aurifrons seem to have a particular courtship procedure; most ~hese small, charming para Members of this genus usually get other species just puff out the neck 1 ~eets with their wedged, long along well with their own and related feathers. Males of the Mountain or or short pointed tails and thick stubby species so that this can be done with Golden-fronted Parakeets show their beaks (from which their scientific out too much risk. interest in a partner by increased name arises) are extremely popular in Over the years I have had the plea gnawing on twigs and perches, mutu their native land and in aviculture. sure of many species in my aviaries. al feeding, and seeking out nest boxes. They are friendly and peaceful aviary Yet, in the breeding season (and this It is therefore important to have a inmates that are not adverse to a "snow can sometimes be wholly different) I choice of hoxes-at least two per bath" which is not surprising in view am always somewhat afraid of egg pair-affixed at different heights and to of their natural habitat at 8,200 ft. binding-inspite ofthe fact that all hens different walls in the aviary and shelter. (2,500 m) in the Andes. are carefully monitored (unknown to The birds nest in earth tunnels the birds) twice per day by my bird Brooding, Hatching and Rearing about 6 '12 ft. deep with a chamber or attendant who works about eight Although I have seen copulation two at the end, about 10 in. (25 cm) in hours per day. Hens suffering with egg take place on the nest box or perch diameter. The eggs are laid and incu binding can, in my experience, rarely several times-P aurifrons even three bated in one of these chambers. be saved. Thus, birds which are too times on the floor--one can assume Unfortunately, we know little more young should never be mated up. I that pairing takes place mainly in the about the lifestyle of these little hook give birds under 14 months no possi nest box. Both birds spend a few days bills. The Lineolated Parakeet, howev bility of going to nest by giving them in the nest before the first egg is laid. er, is an exception in that it does not only large sleeping boxes. During the They sit quietly, gnawing occasionally burrow but raises its family in a hollow cold, short days, breeding is generally at the inner walls. They are very sensi tree limb. All the species mentioned in far from their thoughts. tive to disturbance at this time but this article, though, will use a nest box become more tolerant after the clutch in a roomy aviary. Housing and Nest Boxes is complete. Once the birds start incu Good breeding results are achieved bating, they are quiet and stop gnaw selection ofBreeding Pairs in nest boxes with a height of 12 in. ing at the inside of the nest box. It is important that you acquire a (30 cm) and a floor area of8 X 9 in. (20 The female can sometimes lay a true pair. Although the sexes are very X 20 cm). These boxes are divided into remarkably large clutch, but the aver similar, surgical sex determination is two parts with a false floor about 6 in. age is four to five eggs; incubation not recommended. Research has 05 cm) high. The lower chamber can starts after the second or third egg is shown that these birds are very sensi be reached by the birds through an laid. The young hatch in 20 to 23 days tive to this procedure, especially opening 2 % in. wide in one of the and leave the nest six to seven weeks B.orbygnesi"us and B. aymara. Some back corners of the false floor. This later, sometimes a little longer if the species show a slight dimorphism, the chamber can, thus, be used by the weather is cold. Lineolated Parakeet and the Barred birds as a nursery. A perch 2 in. (5 cm) I have found little infonnation in the Parakeet, for example. The wing and in diameter and 10-18 in. (25-45 cm) literature about the correct rearing body feathers of the hen have narrow wide is afftxed just below the entrance food. I give my birds whole meal er edges and the back has less black. hole to the upper chamber.'Depending bread soaked in water and squeezed This is also true of the tail feathers. upon.its width, the perch may be part out, plus a daily dish of commercial Sometimes there is no black at all in ly or wholly pushed through to the rearing food such as CeDe or UM's the tail. back wall of the upper chamber and Universal Plus. Ofcourse, they also get The best way to acquire true pairs is affixed there so it cannot move. Place their seed mixture, a ration ofbird pel to place a group ofbirds together in an a strip of mesh or afftx a few thin nails lets, and fresh greens and fruits (see aviary and allow them to pair off. on the back wall above and below the species).
afa WATCRBIRD 17 Bolborhynchus Species seeds. They are peaceful cage and is grayish-yellow. Length: 7 in. 07.5Ocm) Sierra Parakeet B. aymara: The aviary birds; many people like to keep including the 3.2 in. (8 em) tail. color is mainly dark green. The fore one or more pairs in the house. They Mountain Parakeets are native to the head, crown, and upper section of the make reasonable pet birds with their Andean slopes of southern Peru, "ears" are brownish-gray. The remain charming appearance and their attrac southwest Bolivia, northern Chile, and der of the head, neck and throat is tive finch-like chatter. northwestern Argentina. They are whitish-gray. The abdomen, the A good breeding pair will give the found at relatively high altitudes in the undersides of the tail coverts and the fancier enormous satisfaction. The mountains but also in bush land, lesser wing coverts are yellowish female lays four to six eggs, 10 to 11 in sometimes reaching the coast. Since green. The slender wings show a exceptional cases. A 1 in. (2 cm) layer they also occur in agricultural areas, bluish sheen. The beak is whitish-gray, of humus laid in the base of the nest they can cause significant damage. but somewhat darker in the hen. box is recommended. The nest boxes They are also seen in gardens and Ornithologists rightly find this bird sim (8 x 8 x 12 in.-20 x 20 x 30 cm) with parklands of urban areas, often in ilar in appeapnce to the Budgerigar, an entrance of 2 in. (5 cm) in diameter close proximity to humans. During the especially with regard to the tapered should be affixed about 6 in. OS cm) winter months, the birds often take tail. Males usually have a darker crown from the floor. The incubation time is refuge in thickly wooded areas. 1 and a silvery breast. Length: 7 /2 to 21 to 22 days, and the young leave the The species is imported infrequent about 9 in. 09-20 cm). nest at five to six weeks old. Apart ly because of its high mortality rate. Sierra Parakeets are native to the from the short tail, they are very simi The birds are rather timid and not very eastern slopes of the Andes from cen lar in appearance to the adults. loud. Supplementary food should tral Bolivia to northwestern Argentina According to the literature, newly include millet spray, hemp seed, small and probably also to northern Chile. imported specimens of this species (dark) sunflower seed, safflower seeds, The birds live in groups, sometimes at occasionally drop dead for no appar apples, grass- and weed seeds, pieces over 6,560 ft. (2,000 m) in altitude. As ent reason. One reason could be the of carrot, bananas, oranges (half an they are common in the lands of the change from high altitude to a lower orange spiked on a nail will amuse the Aymara Indians, the German and Dutch one, resulting in breathing difficulties. birds) and a rich variety ofgreen food. names of the bird are Aymarasittich and Thus you should take very good care Newly imported birds must be left Aymara parlGet, respectively: so is the sci of breeding pairs so that as many in complete peace and quiet , other entific name. The birds feed largely on young as possible are reared in captiv wise they will refuse to feed. The birds berries, fruits and seeds. ity. This species is worth it! During are extremely sensitive to changes in In 1959 the first specimens were breeding the males should have access air pressure, temperature fluctuations, brought to England by the well known. to their own sleeping boxes. humidity changes and stress. Many naturalist and writer Gerald Durrell. birds die within the first days or They were kept in the parrothouse at Mountain or Golden-fronted months from lung infections. The birds the London zoo. They were remark Parakeet B. a. aurifrons: In the male are active mainly during the evening or ably tame and affectionate and imme the forehead, the area between the eye nights (if you leave a light on, that is). diately stole the hearts of the public. and the beak, part of the cheeks, and Kept in a quiet indoor aviary, a pair With an outdoor aviary and a choice the whole throat are golden yellow. will sometimes breed. The female lays ofnest boxes (see below) a pair ofthis There is also some golden yellow in two to five eggs which are incubated species is almost certain to breed. Give the breast and flanks. Theflight feath for about 24 days. A Dutch aviculturist them small sunflower seeds, millet ers are greenish-blue. Both sexes have (Mr. A. Velding) has had a pair ofthese spray and the usual parakeet seed a dark green back and a lighter under birds for about 10 years. They use a menu as well as apples, grass- and side. The yellow on the head is absent nest box 3 1/2ft. 0 m) long, 6 in. OS weed seeds, berries, and so on. Do in the female but there is a small cm) wide and high. The inside of the not, however, allow the birds to amount of yellow on the throat and box is divided into four compartments, become too addicted to sunflower breast. The beak is pinkish, and the iris each with entry through a pophole. The two deepest compartments are obviously very dark and are used for nesting (probably reflecting the birds' Bird/Cage Identification Si~ preferences in the wild). The pair Engraved on zoo-quality laminated UV-resistant plastic. Available in blackwi white letters, seems quite comfortable in the out green wi white letters, orwbite wi black letters. Also suitable for garden and plant use. Ask door aviary. When breeding, the birds about brass or aluminum signs. must be given adequate rearing food Sizes and Prices (add 10%for shipping and tax in California): including soaked seeds (with some 2" x 4", 1/16" thick: $2.40 2" x 4", 1/8" thick: $2.65 liver oil), soaked and squeezed-out 2" x 8", 1/16" thick: $4.15 2" x 8", 1/8" thick: $4.55 bread, grass- and weed seeds, various 4" x 8", 1/16" thick: $6.80 4'; x 8", 1/8" thick: $7.40 fruits, berries and green food. Signs made with your text on our computerized engraving machine. Mounting holes can be drilled for $ .15 each, or labels can be attached to 17" long, flat metal stakes for $1.10 per stake. Specify holes or stakes on order. Lineolated Parakeet B. L lineola: Gary Wood, SOUTH COAST PALMS The male is mainly green with black 960 El Caminito, Fallbrook, CA 92028 scallop lines along the head, neck, Phone: (619) 723-1354 Fax: (619) 723-4903 back, rump and wings. The wing feathers are black-edged. The eyes are
18 March!April 1996 yellowish-brown, the beak is grayish 1995 yellow, and the feet are gray-bla~k. Convention The hen is usually smaller, green WIth Proceedings black markings on the back but these are less sharply profiled than those of the male. The tips of the tail feathers are less black and in some females the black is absent altogether. Length: Parrotlets : about 6 I/} in. 06 em) including the 2 '/.:\ in. (6cm) tail. Lineolated Parakeets are native to Central America from southern Mexico Their Identification, to western Panama. They are especial ly prevalent in the mountains and along the Talamanca Cordillera. They often travel in pairs but also in groups Care and Breeding of 70 or more individuals. Because of their small size and cryptic coloration, by Sandee & Robert Molenda Santa Cruz, California these birds are difficult to observe in the wild. They live in wooded country interspersed with meadowland. They are even seen regularly close to vol elatively unknown 10 years ago, location of blue he possesses. The canos. Rparrotlets are rapidly becoming one females are more difficult to identify so These birds are usually available of the most popular parrots in avicul close attention must be paid to small commercially and may be kept in ture. They are also one of world's details such as subtle changes in the aviaries with other small exotics since smallest with only the African Pigmy shades as well as the distribution ofyel they are so peaceful and non-aggres Parrot being smaller. Being true parrots, low and green feathers. sive. They spend much oftheir time on they are most closely related to the The Pacific or Celestial Parrodet the ground, both in the wild and in large Amazons. Often confused with ~e Forpus coelestis is the most well-known captivity, seeking seeds and insects. It Brotogerlsgenus, parrotlets can be dIS and popular species ofparrotlet. They is recommended that the flight floor be tinguished by being considerably small are approximately 5 in. in length and regularly (and deeply) raked and that er and having short, wedge-shaped weigh 30 g. In the wild, they are found the upper layer be completely changed tails. There are three different genera of from western Ecuador to north-western occasionally to help prevent worm parrotlets: Touit, Nannopsittaca and Peru. The males have a cobalt-blue infestations.The worm eggs adhere to FO/pus, all ofwhich are found in eit?er streak offeathers extending from the eye sand particles (literally dozens on a Mexico or South and Central Amenca. as well as cobalt-blue on the rump grain of sand). Obviously, a concrete Since only Forpus parrotlets are avail and Wings. Many females also have floor is recommended as it is the most able in the United States, no further men an eye streak as well although it is hygienic. tion will be made of the other two emerald green rather than cobalt. They These attractive little hookbills are genera. have dark green backs and wings with not at all destructive in their aviary; These tiny parrots are various shades yellow-green feathers around the face. they climb slowly up the branches of green with patches of yellow, gray The legs and beaks of both sexes are preferably 1 1/2in. (4 cm) in diameter or and blue which identify the species. All pink when hatched and gradually turn hang head downward in careful acro parrotlets are sexually dimorph.ic. horn-colored upon maturity. batics. They are sensitive to low tem Identification of the male of a speCIes peratures and must be kept in mildly is made upon tne particular shade and A subspecies has recently been rei- heated indoor accommodations during the fall and winter. Supplementary food includes sunflower seeds, hemp seeds (not too much as it makes them PARROT BANDS too fat), all kinds of millet (including COCKATIEL BANDS spray milleO and a rich assortment. of LOVEBIRD BANDS greens. It will also do no harm to gIve PARAKEET BANDS a regular multi-vitamin and mineral CANARY BANDS Send self addressed stamped supplement. With good husbandry, a FINCH BANDS envelope for brochure! pair should go to nest. STAINLESS STEEL FEEDING NEEDLES ALL SIZES PLASTIC BANDS Closed Month of July Matthew Vriends is a Dutch born biolo gist/ornithologist who holds 11Ulny advanced FEEDING SYRINGES L & M Bird Leg Bands degrees including a Ph. D. in zoology. He has CLAW SCISSORS P.O. Box 2943. San Bernardino, CA 92406 written over80 books on birds and others11Ulll BAND CUTTERS Phone: (909) 882-4649 ani11Ulls. He has achieved 11Ulnyfirst breeding PIPETTES Fax (909) 882-5231 results in his large aviaries which hc~!se more NETS Monday Ihru Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (pacific Time) than 50 species oftropical birds. :+ afa WATeRBIRD 19