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Home , Alisterus, Anodorhynchus, Aprosmictus, Aratinga, Black cockatoo, Cacatua

itizing Watch Dig in Southeast Asian Public Collections has greatly evolved during the past 50 , from keeping a collection of colorful to operating programs to sustain trade and establish a viable captive population for threatened . Many bird families are now fairly well represented in , but parrots have a special place.

Story and photography by Pierre de Chabannes

AFA Watchbird 21 Previous page, a Blue and Yellow ( ararauna). Above, a bizarre version of a Black Lory, maybe atra insignis.

hat makes parrots so attractive colorful species to be found there and the , the and the four to both professional breeders, big areas of unexplored forests, both inland main Islands of western , namely Wbirdwatchers and visitors is and insular, that could provide the discov- Borneo, , Java and , along with a combination of many factors, including erer with many new bird varieties like it did their satellite islands. Here, the forests are their bright colors, their conspicuousness, recently in Papua . mostly to be qualifi ed as tropical wet rain- their powerful voice coupled with complex Th e diversity and distribution of parrots forests with a much more humid climate behaviour that allows them to be spotted in this region follows a pattern described throughout the and less important sea- easily in the fi eld and, most important of all, by Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th Cen- sonal variations. their ability to interact with and tury with the clear separation from the Finally, is really a transitional even “learn” new kinds of behaviours from Asian and the Australian zoogeographical zone which has characteristics of both Asian them. zones by the transitional area known today and Australian zoogeographical areas. It fea- Today, many species of parrots, includ- as Wallacea, which has the Wallace’s line as tures both humid and dry mon- ing , , , lories, western boundary and the Lydekker’s line as soon forests and, according to the location, amazons and more are showcased and oft en eastern limit. can show stronger or less marked seasonal bred in zoological institutions all around Th e Australian zoogeographical zone climatic variations. Th e area extends from the world, even in third world countries. As encompasses all and its satel- and Nusa Tenggara archipelago in many zoo directors would state, a modern lite islands, along with a few archipela- Indonesia to the Moluccas. zoological collection wouldn’t be complete gos like , , but Fauna distribution is clearly following without a few big parrots species which will also includes New Guinea. Here the tropi- this separation pattern and is particularly always be popular for most visitors. cal rainforests are mostly monsoon forests striking for birds, even on a basis. Southeast Asia has been and still remains and the general climate is drier during most Some bird families such as Paradiseidae are a dream destination for any bird enthusiast parts of the year. Th e Asian zoogeographi- present in the Australian region and only because of the huge variety of unusual and cal zone is here represented by mainland one species extends to the far-east side of

22 Volume XXXVII • Number 1 • 2010 An Obi Violet-necked Lory ( squamata obiensis) at Bird Park

Wallacea. On the opposite side, leafbirds and ), the Parrots (Psit- Southeast Asian are, of course, and fairy blue birds are typical Asian species tacella) and some more conspicuous species, showcasing parrots in their collection and and are not represented in both Wallacea particularly the Parrots and the sometimes obtain good results in breed- and Australian zoogeographical zones. King Parrots (). ing. Unfortunately, most of the parks from Parrots are more complex as they’re rep- Th e Hanging Parrots (Loriculus) are the to Indonesia are not well known resented in all three zoogeographical zones, only variety to inhabit all three zones with as very few reports are available on their but they generally follow this separation a range going from mainland Asia to New activity. pattern concerning the geographical repar- Guinea. Th e unusual and elusive Racket- was lucky to spend some time in Malay- tition of highly distinctive species group. All tailed Parrots (Prioniturus) are featured sia, and on Java, which allowed cockatoos and lories are basically restricted both in the Asian zone and in Wallacea. Ime to visit most of the important zoos to Wallacea and Australian region, with the Th e Asian zoogeographical area is home and bird parks featured there and get a fairly exception of one of the Rainbow to a less impressive number of parrots with accurate vision of aviculture in this part of Lorikeet which is also present on Bali, the only three represented in Malayan the world. Sharing my thoughts and giving Mount-Apo Lory ( johnsto- peninsula, namely the Ring-necked Para- you insights on Southeast Asia’s bird collec- niae) and the critically endangered Philip- keets (), the unique Blue-rumped tions (from Malaysia to Java) are the main pines ( haematuropygia) ( cyanurus) and two species focuses of this article. in the Philippines archipelago. Th e big- of Hanging Parrots. More parrots variet- Currently, the biggest captive bird col- gest diversity of parrots is to be found in ies inhabit islands and archipelagos in the lection in our target area is in Singapore’s the Australian zoogeographical area with Asian zone, such as members of the genus Bird Park. Th is institution houses some highly representative birds such as the and six species of Racket-tailed more than 400 species of birds in beauti- odd Pesquet’s Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus), Parrots in Philippines. A further two Hang- fully landscaped exhibits, sometimes aviar- many small species like the pygmy parrots ing Parrots species are living in the Philip- ies, sometimes huge greenhouses, including (Micropsitta), the Fig Parrots ( pines and on the Island of Java. one of the biggest walk-in ever built.

AFA Watchbird 23 The parrot collection comprises more than group of Noble Macaws (Diopsittaca nobilis there; among them the 50 species, most of which are on exhibit in an nobilis), some Yellow-collared Macaws (Ara (Amazona leucocephala), a White-fronted area called “Parrot paradise.” It’s quite tricky auricollis) and, until 2007, a pair of the now Amazon (Amazona albifrons) living with a to establish an accurate list of species shown very rare Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca Yellow-fronted Amazon (Amazona per as many birds were moved from manillata). ochrocephala panamensis), a group of Bodi- one visit to another. The two biggest aviar- The visit goes on with a colony of Monk nus’ Amazons (Amazona festiva bodini), ies are home to most macaw species kept in Parakeets (Myopsitta monachus) and a row some endangered -cheeked Ama- , including two of the most of cages showcasing more South American zons (Amazona viridigenalis), a group of important birds for the institution, namely parrots. Among them, we can find Blue- Red-lored Amazons (Amazona autumna- the ( hya- headed ( acuticauda), lis autumnalis), some Blue-fronted Ama- cinthinus) and the critically endangered Crimson-fronted Conures (Aratinga fin- zons (Amazona aestiva aestiva), a group of Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis) schii), a flock of Sun Conures (Aratinga sol- Orange-winged Amazons (Amazona ama- which are both the only specimens of these stitiallis), Jandaya Conures (Aratinga jan- zonica), Mealy Amazons (Amazona farinosa species kept anywhere in mainland South- daya), Gold-capped Conures (Aratinga farinosa) and three beautiful Yellow-headed east Asia. They both cohabitate with Green- auricapilla), Nanday Conures (Nandayus Amazons (Amazona oratrix oratrix) with winged Macaws (Ara chloropterus), Scar- nenday), a big breeding group of Patago- one individual said to be belonging to Tres let Macaws (Ara macao macao), a flock of nian Conures (Cyanoliseus patagonus Marias subspecies (Amazona oratrix tres- Blue and Yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna), a patagonus), Black-headed Caiques (Pionites mariae) but that remains doubtful. pair of Military Macaws (Ara militaris) of melanocephala), Yellow-thighed Caiques Next on line are some African parrot spe- unknown subspecies, one lone specimen of (Pionites leucogaster xanthomeria), the com- cies kept in similar conditions, the two sub- Red-fronted Macaw (Ara rubrogenys) and mon White-crowned Parrot ( seni- species of African Grey Parrots, namely the some Blue-headed Parrots (Pionus men- lis), a small group of Hawk-headed Parrots common ( erithacus struus). Smaller macaws are nearby and live (Deroptyus accipitrinus accipitrinus) and the erithacus) and the (Psitta- together in a smaller aviary. There are some rarely seen (Pionus fuscus). cus erithacus timneh) being shown together Chestnut-fronted Macaws (Ara severa), a Many Amazon species are also kept and the last aviary housing a pair of Brown-

24 Volume XXXVII • Number 1 • 2010 necked Parrots ( fuscicollis fusci- collis) together with a group of Par- rots (Poicephalus senegalus versteri). All the other aviaries are fi lled with Asian and Australian parrot species. Most of them are quite well known in captivity apart from the beautiful Iris Lorikeet (Psit- teuteles iris iris), which is getting increas- ingly rare in today’s aviculture; and the odd- looking Pesquet’s Parrot, which is oft en kept in Asian zoos but bred only at Jurong Bird Park. We also fi nd two species of King Parrots, namely the Moluccan King Par- rot (Alisterus amboinensis) and the Papuan King Parrot (Alisterus chloropterus); some lories, such as the Blue-streaked Lory (Eos reticulata), the Duyvanbode’s Lory (Chal- copsitta duyvanbodei) and the endangered Purple-naped Lory ( domicella), are also bred at the park. Finally, cockatoos are also very well rep- resented, including the rarely seen Yellow- tailed ( funereus), a pair of Red-tailed Black Cock- atoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii), some Palm Cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus), which are common in Asian collections, some (Eolophus roseicapillus), Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos (Cacatua leadbeat- teri), a group of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), the highly endangered Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), the Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) and the endangered . (Cacatua alba) A Blue-naped Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis) at Jurong Bird Park. he second parrot hot spot in Jurong Bird Park is the gigantic dome called the much rarer Obi Violet-necked Lory (Eos saw them in four visits. During my fi rst stay TLory Loft , where more than 1000 squamata obiensis), a small fl ock of Dusky in this park, in 2005, two Palm Cockatoos lories are free-fl ying in a beautifully land- Lories ( fuscata), the endangered were also free roaming in this exhibit, but scaped area, visible to the public from a plat- Chattering Lory (Lorius garrulus garru- in December 2008, when I came again, I form 10 meters above the ground. Here, we lus), a few specimens of the rarely seen Musk found a free Pesquet’s Parrot there and no fi nd more than 10 varieties of lories, includ- Lory (Glossopsitta concinna), some equally more Palm Cockatoos. ing huge groups of both Green-naped Rain- rare Scaly-breasted Lorikeets (Trichoglossus Other parrots are kept in diff erent exhib- bow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus chlorolepidotus), the beautiful Black-capped its around the park. Among them we fi nd haematodus) and Swainson’s Rainbow Lori- Lory (Lorius lory lory) and the Yellow- Red-bellied Parrots (Poicephalus rufiventris), keets (Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus). bibbed Lory (Lorius chlorocercus). Other African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) Also shown are some Red-collared Lorikeets subspecies of lories such as the Forsten Lori- and Fischer’s (Agapornis fischeri) (Trichoglossus haematodus rubritorquis), a keet (Trichoglossus haematodus forstenii) and roaming freely in the huge Waterfall Avi- big group of Red Lories (Eos bornea), some two varieties of Black-capped Lories, namely ary in which are kept more than 100 spe- rarely seen Blue-streaked Lories, the Violet- Lorius lory erythrothorax and Lorius lory sal- cies of African birds, ranging from toura- necked Lory (Eos squamata riciniata) and vadorii, are said to be kept there but I never cos to Guinea and starlings. Another

AFA Watchbird 25 Asian species among the whole parrot stock. Singapore also holds other parks, the most famous being the - logical and Botanical Gardens where Blue and Gold Macaws, Green-winged Macaws, a fl ock of New Guinea Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus polychloros) and some Red Lories are showcased in diff erent presen- tation areas, including animal shows. Th e Butterfl y Park and Insect Kingdom also houses Blue and Yellow and Green- winged Macaws, along with one Sulphur- crested Cockatoo, which have been trained to be part of a newly created bird show, along with a Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco). Finally, there are also parrots which are kept in the Bird Sanctuary in small breeding aviaries. Here, more interesting species can be found such as the Short-billed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latiro- stris), the Buff on’s Macaw (Ara ambigua) and the endangered Red and Blue Lory (Eos histrio talautensis) but unfortunately, this place is not always opened to public. Most birds here belong to a private breeder named Ruppert Gwee, who seems to be very famous around Asia for his amazing parrot collection, a small part of which is displayed in Mandai Bird Sanctuary. pproximately one and a half hours south of Singapore is the Indone- Asian island of Java, well known for its two enormous cities, on the west side and on the east side, both counting several millions inhabitants. Indo- The Van Oort’s (Probosciger aterrimus stenolophus) at . nesia is home to several diff erent parrot spe- big walk-in aviary, located nearby, showcases mainly Yellow-fronted, Yellow-naped and cies, both from the Asian, Wallacean and Southeast Asian birds in both free-roaming Blue-fronted Amazons, along with a few Australian zoogeographical zones. One halls and closed aviaries. In there, we fi nd African Grey Parrots, are displayed in very could expect a huge diversity in the avian a pair of the very rare Blue-naped Parrot small cages, easily accessible to the public to collections belonging to Indonesian zoos, (Tanygnathus lucionensis lucionensis), many showcase their “talking” abilities. Finally, but I have to admit that I was quite disap- Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots (Loriculus with luck, one may notice three parrot spe- pointed by the three collections I saw. galgulus) which are very common in Asian cies, namely the Blue-headed Parrot, the was once very famous for zoos, a fl ock of Moustached Parakeets(Psit- Hawk-headed Parrot and the rarer Painted its remarkable bird collection, which was tacula alexandri fasciata) and a small group ( picta picta). the biggest in Southeast Asia more than 20 of Blossom-headed Parakeets (Psittacula Jurong Bird Park holds by far the big- years ago. Although we can still fi nd a few roseata). gest parrot collection ever displayed in any Indonesian specialities like the endangered More macaws are shown in the main bird East Asian zoological institutions. What (Macrocephalon maleo)—a Sulawesi show and some are exposed on a photo booth struck me most was the incredible number endemic megapodidae—most rare species located near the house, but again, of South American birds shown and bred are long gone and the small outdated aviar- mostly common species. Further parrots, compared to the rather low proportion of ies are completely inadequate to house any

26 Volume XXXVII • Number 1 • 2010 fragile tropical bird today. specimens, sometimes belonging to highly Macaws and a few Grand Eclectus Parrots The first parrots to come on view are such as Javan Hawk- (Eclectus roratus roratus). There are also lories, kept in awfully small aviaries with eagles (Spizaetus bartelsi) are sold each year some Black-capped Lories and a few almost no perches, no light and absolutely in Pasar Jatinegara and Pasar Pramuka bird Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua no vegetation. We can find a pair of Black markets in total illegality. The most com- sulphurea parvula), a subspeciesn recogniz- Lories (Chalcopsitta atra atra), one Yellow- mon parrots seen there are mostly lories, able by its large yellow ear-patch, which is backed Chattering Lory (Lorius garrulus along with a few King Parrots from Austra- not so common in aviculture today. flavopalliatus), one old , one Rain- lia. Luckily, there are also legal ways of seeing Going to the other side of this huge place bow Lory (Trichoglossus haematodus) of these beautiful birds, the easiest being to go will lead us successively to the reptile and unknown subspecies and one Black-capped to the huge Ragunan Zoo which is located monkey area, and finally to more aviaries Lory (Lorius lory salvadorii) belonging to in the Pasar Minggu area. This park, cover- where most of the tropical birds collections, a subspecies not often seen in captivity. All ing more than 150 hectares, is well known including some very local specialities other parrot species are to be found at the far for its huge animal collection (although are to be found. Unfortunately, as almost end of the zoo, in big but almost empty cages most of the times kept in unsuitable condi- everywhere in Indonesia, the housing condi- with dusty ground and very few perches. tions) and is a favored spot by birdwatchers tions of are absolutely not adequate, Here are found a group of Aru Eclectus par- who can see, within a day, many interest- the aviaries being too small or too exposed rots (Eclectus roratus aruensis) recognizable ing birds, including some Yellow-throated and nothing has been done to provide any with the female’s pure blue belly patch, some Hanging Parrots (Loriculus pusillus), a spe- hiding places for animals. Two sets of aviar- Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galer- cies endemic to Java and Bali that has been ies are showcasing parrots, the first one just ita triton), a big group of Tanimbar Corellas very rarely brought into captivity. by the side of the house for small mammals. (Cacatua goffini) which are quite rarely seen Captive birds are shown in two main Here, aviaries are bigger and equipped with in Asian zoos, and a flock of Fischer’s Love- areas in the park, the first being the children’s more perches than usually seen in Indo- birds, which is the commonest member of zoo, where lories, cockatoos and macaws are nesian parks. The first set is composed of its genus kept in Asia. being kept in awfully small aviaries with a huge central aviary where many species ndonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, is sadly basically nothing for them to do other than live together, including the endangered and well known for being one of the hot- watch people. Blue and Yellow Macaws are rarely seen Black-winged Lory (Eos cyanoge- Itest spots for bird traffic. Thousands of showcased there along with Green-winged nia), some Blue-streaked Lories, Red Lories

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AFA Watchbird 27 (Eos bornea bornea), a pair of Red-winged Parrots ( erythropterus), Dusky Lories, a fl ock of Javan Moustached Para- keets (Psittacula alexandri alexandri) which can be recognized with the red color of the bill showcased on both mandibles, some Rainbow Lories, Black Lories, Black-capped Lories and a group of (Melop- sittacus undulatus) showing several domes- tic morphs. Smaller exhibits are located on each side of the big aviary. In here, we fi nd Red-fl anked Lorikeets( placen- tis placentis), a pair of Green-winged King Parrots (Alisterus chloropterus chloropterus) belonging to a rare subspecies, a pair of Duy- vanbode’s Lories, some Chattering Lories and a fl ock of Fischer’s Lovebirds. Tanim- bar Corellas and Eclectus Parrots are show- At left, a Timor Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea parvula) in Ragunan Zoo. At right, a Long- cased in two aviaries located close by, near tailed (Psittacula longicauda) at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. the food market of the zoo. each having a geographical theme. Th e fi rst in Kuala Lumpur area, don’t show a huge Our fi nal stop in Ragunan Zoo is in a one displays birds from western Indone- diversity of parrots in their collection. big double row of tall aviaries where more sian Islands up to Wallacea. Many interest- Zoo Negara (“National Zoo” in Eng- parrots are kept in weird conditions, with ing species are shown there, including the lish) is currently the biggest public zoologi- no vegetation and very few perches avail- Greater Racket-tailed Drongos (Dicrurus cal park in Malaysia. Despite housing a very able. Two species of Sulphur-crested Cocka- paradiseus formosus) and the Black-winged interesting bird collection, probably the fi n- toos are found there, namely the Eleonora’s Magpie (Platysmurus leucopterus), but the est in the country for a general zoo with the (Cacatua galerita eleonora) and the Blue- only parrot species on display here is the only known captive Storm’s (Ciconia eyed. Other birds shown are White Cock- Javan subspecies of Moustached Parakeet. stormii) displayed to the public in Malay- atoos, Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoos In the second dome, we fi nd eastern Indo- sia, almost no parrots are shown to pub- (Cacatua sulphurea sulphurea), some Blue nesian birds with more parrots, especially lic, apart from the impressive breeding col- and Yellow Macaws, a fl ock of Grand Eclec- Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, White ony of Fischer’s Lovebirds kept in a big and tus Parrots, one lone Pesquet’s Parrot and Cockatoos, Salmon-crested Cockatoos and nicely landscaped aviary. All the other par- a Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva a pair of Greater Sulphur-crested Cocka- rot species listed on the zoo’s inventory doc- xanthopteryx) misidentifi ed as Tres Marias toos. Finally, four small aviaries are located ument are either kept backstage or shown Amazon. Th e highlights of this section are close to the exit of the park. In there, we fi nd to public during the animal show held sev- the pair of seldom shown Blue-backed Par- one Blue-backed Parrot, one Palm Cocka- eral times in a day. Th ey include Rainbow rots (Tanygnathus sumatranus sumatranus) too of unknown subspecies, a Blue and Yel- Lories; Bare-eyed Cockatoos (Cacatua san- and the large group of the very rarely seen low Macaw and a . guinea), which are very rarely seen in Asian Van Oort’s Palm Cockatoos (Probosciger Th e mainland part of Malaysia is our zoos; Salmon-crested Cockatoos; Sulphur- aterrimus stenolophus), which are larger than fi nal destination for this article. Most if crested Cockatoos; Lesser Yellow-crested the specimens usually seen in zoos and have not all big zoological institutions are easily Cockatoos, White Cockatoos; some Black- thinner , allowing them to be reachable by train, busses or even planes for masked Lovebirds (Agapornis personatus); diff erentiated from the other two known the bigger cities. For foreign travellers hav- Ring-necked Parakeets (Psittacula krameri); subspecies of Palm Cockatoos. ing their base in Singapore, it’s very easy to some African Grey Parrots; and three species ur overview of Javan parrot col- get a night train and go to Kuala Lumpur. of macaws, the Scarlet (Ara macao), Green- lections ends with the small but From here, more trains are available to the winged (Ara chloroptera) and the Blue and Overy interesting bird park located cities of Melaka, Taiping and Butterworth Yellow Macaw. in the amusement garden known as Taman (harbour city which faces Island) During my last trip, thanks to the bird Mini Indonesia Indah. Here are shown only where I visited several zoos and bird parks. curator Doreen Khoo and her assistants, Indonesian bird species, which are kept Th e three biggest Malayan parks, being I was fortunate to go backstage and have in two big dome-shaped walk-in aviaries, , Melaka Zoo and Zoo Negara a look at their last specimen of Black Lory

28 Volume XXXVII • Number 1 • 2010 Parakeets (Psittacula krameri manillensis) and two specimens of the rare Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda longicauda). Th e aviaries are occupied by bigger parrots, including one Green-winged Macaw living with a Scarlet Macaw, one lone specimen of Pesquet’s Parrot, some Blue and Yellow Macaws, the very common African Grey Parrot, the impressive Palm Cockatoo, one Mealy Amazon shown with an Orange- winged Amazon, a pair of White Cocka- toos, some Salmon-crested Cockatoos and a group of Black-capped Lories. It is to be noted that the park housed many more par- rots in the past, including some Red-bellied Macaws (Orthopsittaca manilata), which are now extremely rare in aviculture. At left, a Blue-rumped Parrot (Psittinus cyanurus cyanurus). At right, a Pesquet’s Parrot Finally, we also fi nd some smaller par- (Psittrichas fulgidus). Both are at at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. rots species in the “rare bird aviaries” which (Chalcopsitta atra) which is strongly and Cockatoos, one White Cockatoo, some are located at the far end of the park. Here, oddly tinged with red on the wings and Sun Conures, several African Grey Parrots, three birds-of-paradise species are shown to legs, but not on the head. It may be either an a pair of New Guinean Eclectus Parrots, a public, along with bulbuls, and aberrant variation of a Radjah Lory (Chalco- pair of Red Lories, one Palm Cockatoo, one some toucans, but almost no breeding of psitta atra insignis) or Bernstein Lory (Chal- Green-winged Macaw, one Blue and Yellow any species has been achieved there. Parrots copsitta atra bernsteini), or it may also be an Macaw, one Macaw (A. ararauna are represented by the rare Long-tailed Par- hybrid specimen of nominate subspecies of x A. militaris probably), a pair of Yellow- akeet; the Grey-headed Parakeet (Psittacula Black Lory along with another species show- naped Amazons (Amazona auropalliata finschii), which is equally rare in public col- casing bright red on its feathers, possibly a auropalliata) and a specimen of Orange- lections; a big fl ock of Blue-crowned Hang- member of genus Eos, which still remains to winged Amazon. ing Parrots; and one specimen of the Vernal be investigated. Next comes an exhibit appropriately (Loriculus vernalis), which Kuala Lumpur has another large bird named “World of Parrots.” It is basically a is surprisingly rare in mainland Asia’s bird collection concentrated in the Kuala Lum- big structure composed of a free-fl ight area collections. pur Bird Park, located on a forested hill only with a few branches and feeding points and Two hours from Kuala Lumpur is the city a few miles from the city center and easily a row of big but quite empty aviaries, all this of Melaka (), well known to tourists accessible by car or walk through trails from surrounding a path from where visitors can and historians for its Dutch-colonies heri- the railway station and the KL tower. Some see both kinds of exhibits at the same time. tage buildings, which are still highlighted small parrots species, including a huge group Th e free-fl ight area is occupied by some today. All animal parks are located in the of Fischer’s and domestic mutations of Rosy- specimens of the rare Citron-crested Cock- touristy areas of and A’Famosa faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), along atoo (Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata), resorts, with the zoo being the only collec- with Black-capped Conures (Pyrrhura rupi- some Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, a tion that houses more than one parrot spe- cola) are kept in a newly built hall that pre- big group of Rainbow Lories, a pair of Duy- cies. First on exhibit, is a single Salmon- cedes the biggest free-fl ight area of the park. vanbode’s Lories (Chalcopsitta duivanbo- crested Cockatoo shown on a perch just at Aft er going through the section, dei), a pair of the rarely seen Yellow-streaked the entrance of the zoo, for greeting visitors. we fi nd ourselves in front of a huge photo Lory (Chalcopsitta scintillata), some Black Th en we fi nd a small enclosures with many booth where many bird species, including Lories, a fl ock of Red Lories, the rare Obi perches and some vegetation where are rare ones such as Chestnut-bellied Violet-necked Lory and the more common exhibited Scarlet, Green-winged and Blue (Hieraaetus kienerii formosus) are displayed Violet-necked Lory, some Yellow-bibbed and Yellow Macaws. and used to attract tourists who can have a Lories, a few Chattering Lories, the beauti- Th e last medium-sized parrot species are picture taken with basically any bird in the ful Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyano- kept in a walk-in dome-shaped aviary located stand for a few Malayan ringgits. Among cephala) which is not common in South- in a newly renovated complex that holds parrots, we can fi nd two Sulphur-crested east Asian collections, some Ring-necked lesser pandas, , fl ying-foxes and

AFA Watchbird 29 lemurs. In there, we fi nd a few Chattering mixed group of Fischer’s and Rosy-faced not shown anywhere in Malaysia; the Nan- Lories, a pair of Black-capped Lories, some Lovebirds. Green-winged Macaws and Blue day Conure; some Blue and Yellow Macaws; Black Lories, a pair of Yellow-streaked Lories and Yellow Macaws are shown in an open and a pair of Alexandrine Parakeets (Psit- and some Lesser Yellow-crested Cockatoos. enclosure with lots of branches near the ani- tacula eupatria siamensis). Finally, in the lower part of the park close mal show area. Here ends this small tour of parrots col- to the lake, there is a block of huge walk-in ur fi nal destination for this trip lections featured in public parks in South- aviaries where, among many small birds like is Penang Bird Park, a privately east Asia. What struck me most is the lack -doves and bulbuls are found some Blue- Oowned and run zoological institu- of local species in places like Indonesia or crowned Hanging Parrots, one lone speci- tion that is famous for its amazing collec- Malaysia, knowing that parrots like all men of and a single tion of local bird species and its breeding Racket-tailed species are getting rarer due male of the very rarely kept Blue-rumped successes recorded for several species that to loss of . Perhaps because of a lack Parrot (Psittinus cyanurus cyanurus). Th is are notoriously hard to breed or forgotten of knowledge, of good working conditions, small parrot species showing a strong sex- by breeders around the world. Among them or perhaps simply a lack of will, Asian zoos ual dimorphism has never been common in are several species of bulbuls, fl ycatchers and are more likely to focus on foreign and easily captivity anywhere, including in Malaysia even sunbirds or fl owerpeckers. Many horn- bred parrots rather than trying to establish where they’re only bred at Penang Bird Park bills are also kept, including the extremely breeding programs and viable captive popu- today. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park kept a pair rare and spectacular Helmeted lations of locally endangered birds. until 2006, but did not obtain any chicks. (Rhinoplax vigil). Th ere’s also a very nice Th e most problematic aspect of avicul- eturning to the capital city of Kuala and comprehensive collection of parrots, ture in Asia, no matter the birds on which Lumpur, known for its Petronas including the noticeably big breeding group it is focused, is the fact that it’s perma- RTwin Towers, which are absolutely of Blue-rumped Parrots, which is kept in a nently gangrened with illegal bird trade and beautiful, especially at night, we can take row of aviaries with lories, including Yellow- all other kinds of animal traffi c. a night train and head north in the moun- streaked Lories, Red Lories, Rainbow Lories, offi ces face an incredible and overwhelming tains to the city of Taiping, which has one Black-capped Lories, Chattering Lories and challenge trying to regulate these traffi cs of the most beautiful zoological gardens in Duyvanbode’s Lories. Also featured there while improving living conditions for cap- Malaysia, thanks to a formidable landscap- is a breeding group of Long-tailed Para- tive animals and encouraging the develop- ing work and beautiful enclosures. Th e place keets, some Black-capped Conures, a pair of ment of breeding programs. is really worth visiting and a full day must Moustached Parakeets of unknown subspe- be planned there in to enjoy both the cies, some Plum-headed Parakeets and a pair Acknowledgements park and the hilly surroundings where many of Black Lories. I would like to send my deepest gratitude bird species, including wild hornbills, can be A big double row of aviaries has been spe- to Mohd Nawayai Yasak (director of Melaka seen without too many diffi culties. Th e zoo cially designed to house most of the park’s Zoo), Dr. Mohammad Bin Ngah (director of holds a very nice collection of rare mammals parrots. are regularly provided for Zoo Negara), Mrs. Doreen Khoo (curator of including the only known specimens of breeding and several successes have been birds at Zoo Negara), Mrs. Mazwin Marjan Spotted Linsangs (Prionodon linsang) and recorded despite of the relatively small size of (Assistant curator of Taiping Zoo), Dr. Gino Brown Forest Wallaby (Dorcopsis veterum) the exhibits. A comprehensive list of species Ooi (director of Penang Bird Park) and my in a Malayan zoo, but also some very inter- kept there could start with the big breeding good friend, Thiam Wai Soon (birdkeeper esting bird species, especially local bulbuls group of Eclectus Parrots, with some speci- and trainer), for providing me much of the and the only known specimen of Oriental mens also shown in the bird show area. Th ere information needed to complete this article Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum) kept in are also many Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, and to having welcomed me in their park. a Southeast Asian zoo. Concerning parrots, including the very rare Fitzroy’s subspecies My stays in each of these places were a blessing there aren’t any really rare species but most (Cacatua galerita fitzroyi); a pair of Palm thanks to all of them! individuals are kept in fairly good living Cockatoos; the Ducorps Cockatoo (Caca- I would also like to thank Mr. Jonas Livet conditions and breeding has been recorded tua ducorpsi), which is very rarely shown in (Les Zoos dans le Monde) for providing me for some species. Th e most interesting birds Asian parks; the Salmon-crested Cockatoo; additional information about Mandai Bird for a parrot lover here are probably the Palm the White Cockatoo, which is oft en kept Sanctuary which I had not time to see during Cockatoos and the Citron-crested Cocka- but rarely bred in Malayan collections; some my stays in Asia. toos. We can also fi nd a fl ock of the Little Ring-necked Parakeets; some Blue-headed Finally, I want to thank my friend Josef , which is rarely seen in Southeast Conures; the usual African Grey Parrot; Harold Lindholm III (senior aviculturist at Asian zoos, some White Cockatoos, some the Patagonian Conure; a nice group of Sun Dallas World Aquarium) for all the help and Lesser Yellow-crested Cockatoos and a Conures; the , which is guidance he provided me.

30 Volume XXXVII • Number 1 • 2010