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Issue 04/2015 $12.45 Incl. GST The Red Strawberry Finch Crimson Finch Black-capped Lory One Week in The Red-breasted Goose ISSN 1832-3405 White-browed The Crimson Finch A Striking Little Aussie! Text by Glenn Johnson Photos by Julian Robinson www.flickr.com/photos/ozjulian/ Barbara Harris www.flickr.com/photos/12539790@N00/ Jon Irvine www.flickr.com/photos/33820263@N07/ and Aviarylife.

Introduction he Crimson Finch phaeton has Talways been one of the rarer Australian finches in captivity, and even more so since the white- the mid-late 1980’s, when the previously legal bellied. The trapping of wild finches in Australia was crown is dark prohibited across all states. They unfortunately brown, the back and have a bad reputation for being aggressive, wings are paler brown washed with red, the tail and this together with the fact that they is long, scarlet on top and black underneath. are reasonably expensive in comparison to The cheeks along with the entire under parts are many other finches, could well be a couple deep crimson, the flanks are spotted white, and of the main reasons as to why they are not so the centre of the belly is black in the nominate commonly kept. race and white for N. p. evangelinae, and the Description beak is red. Hens are duller, with black beaks. They are an elegant bird, generally standing There are two types of Crimson Finches, the very upright on the perch, and range from 120- black-bellied, which is the nominate form and 140mm in length. the much less common white-bellied N. p. evangelinae. In captivity, as is also the case Distribution in the wild, the black-bellied race is far more The black-bellied Crimson Finch is found along common and subsequently less expensive than the coastal areas of the tropical north from north-western Queensland, through the top of the Northern Territory and into the north of Western Australia, their range also stretches inland in some areas. The white-bellied race

Jon Irvine Jon is found in north-east Queensland, from Rockhampton to the Cape York Peninsular and southern New Guinea. Within their natural range, Crimsons can be found living amongst long grasses growing along watercourses; they also frequent sugar cane fields in areas where it is grown. They are also commonly found in country, where they will often build their nests amongst the long, strap like leaves that form the crown of these trees. Wild adult male Crimson Finch Housing Crimson Finches, like Gouldians can suffer 8 No. 4 2015 Julian Robinson Julian Robinson Julian

Wild adult male Wild adult female Crimson Finch in moult Crimson Finch Julian Robinson Julian Robinson Julian

Wild adult female Wild adult male Crimson Finch in moult Crimson Finch

No. 4 2015 9 Suitable aviaries for housing Crimsons badly in inclement weather, keeping this in mind however this is certainly not true for every pair, an aviary suitable for Crimsons should afford and many will coexist very well in a mixed finch them a reasonable amount of protection from collection. As with the mixing of any species, the elements. Whilst they will live and breed in a close observation is the key. basic small unplanted box style aviary, they look and do much better in a well planted flight aviary Diet that offers them suitable facilities to bathe in, The base diet is a standard finch mix, as they love nothing better than taking a dip comprising of mixed millets and canary seed. during warmer weather. The aviary can be fully They love green food, such as unripe millet roofed, which is certainly a great way to keep heads, milkthistle, chickweed, and summer the floor dry in wet weather, or can incorporate grass seed heads etc. When feeding green food a roofed shelter section attached to an open it is best offered hung up off the ground, where flight, so long as it provides adequate cover during cold, stormy weather as well as when they will spend a great deal of time picking it is very hot. Another thing to bare in mind it over. The provision of live food is essential if there is to be an open flight is to ensure that if you wish to gain the best breeding results there is good drainage, as damp floors brought with Crimsons; to this end mealworms, white about by inadequate drainage can lead to all ants, fly larvae and fruit fly will all be taken. sorts of health problems not only for finches, In addition to the live food, sprouted seed, but in general. The walls of the shelter madeira and insectivore cake along with egg section should be lined with tea tree branches and biscuit mix are all excellent supplementary or similar to give the birds both places to roost foods for when chicks are being reared. Grit and nest. When it comes to housing Crimsons in the form of shell grit, baked fowl eggshells with other finches it must be said that they have and charcoal should always be available to a rather bad reputation for being aggressive, them, as should fresh water provided in clean 10 No. 4 2015 Julian Robinson Julian

Wild immature Crimson Finch

Juvenile wild Crimson feeding on the ground at the campground at Bell Gorge WA

Crimson Finch pair sharing an aviary with Cuban Finches receptacles, which is really just common sense. Julian Robinson Julian Breeding Crimsons will usually attempt to breed in the Wild immature Crimson warmer months and generally prefer to build Finch their own bulky dome shaped nest, constructed

from coarse grasses, and lined with coconut Irvine Jon fibre and feathers, in this regard a preference for mostly white feathers is shown. They usually build their nest high up in the tea tree branches that line the shelter walls or in natural growing shrubs in the flight. On the odd occasion they have been known to use nest boxes, cane nests and hollow logs, but certainly more often they prefer to construct their own. Once the nest is constructed egg laying will commence. The usual clutch size is five to seven eggs, and fertility is generally good. Incubation lasts around 14 days. It is very common for the No. 4 2015 11 Barbara Harris

Wild adult female Crimson Finch

parents to nest again soon after the young Adult male fledge. They show a great dislike for nest Crimson inspections, so as tempting as it may be to take a look, it is best to avoid doing so if breeding success is to be achieved. To avoid any potential aggression from cock bird, the young from each clutch are best removed from the breeding aviary once independence is reached. Conclusion Crimsons are strikingly beautiful, reasonably hardy and given the right conditions, diet and facilities, not all that difficult to breed. With Crimsons becoming harder to acquire these days, it is up to present day aviculturists to breed them to assure their availability for future breeders in years to come.•

12 No. 4 2015 One Week in Brazil

Far too Short but memories that will last a lifetime! A follow on from the article, Blue Macaw Week, issue 02/15

By Simon Degenhard

fter the main events, the how strong the relationship Other species found at the zoo Spix’s Macaw Cyanopsitta between ACTP and the Brazilian include the Illiger’s Macaw Aspixii handover and subsequent Authorities really is and further Primolius maracana, King World Wildlife Day 2015 cements the partnership. Vulture Sarcoramphus papa, formalities were over, it was Southern Tamandua Tamandua time to see a little bit more of For Martin and I, it was also tetradactyla aka Collared what Brazil had to offer. And so time to bid Brasilia farewell Anteater, Jaguar Panthera onca it was that on Wednesday the and take a flight to our next and ocelot Leopardus pardalis 4th of March we commenced destination - Foz Iguazu. We plus many other species too our short, but sweet tour of a were headed there for a meeting, numerous to list here. few of the most amazing parts scheduled for Friday morning, of this beautiful country with with the management team of At this point I’d like to extend a a visit to the national park that the government run facility, huge thank you to team at Itaipu sits just outside of the city limits Itaipu Zoo, which is a breeding, Zoo for taking precious time out of Brasilia, Parque Nacional de research and education centre of their busy schedules in order Brasília, which we all found very that is home to an array of to show us around. interesting indeed. It was there species, including the incredible that Martin Guth had a close Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja. Friday afternoon saw us take a encounter with a camera shy They have been successfully boat ride to the amazing Iguazu monkey; I’m quite certain that I breeding this beautiful bird of Falls, a series of heard it shouting “no photo, no prey since 2007 and to date have photo” as it lunged forward, teeth produced 17 chicks, including bared, in an attempt to get a taste a cute little bundle of joy that of ACTP’s El Presidente! happened to time it’s arrival into the world perfectly with our visit. Thursday began with Tim Jn Baptiste leaving us to fly back to We were afforded a guided tour São Paulo at the crack of dawn, of the facility, including both with his mission being to collect the behind the scenes veterinary another Spix’s Macaw, an eleven clinic and breeding centre year old female, Turquesa, that and the public area, which we the Brazilian Government had thoroughly enjoyed. And even offered to loan to ACTP in order had an up-close encounter with to boost the genetic diversity a friendly South American at their Berlin breeding centre. Tapir Tapirus terrestris. camera shy monkey This offer by Brazil truly signifies No. 4 2015 13 and the volume of of the experience. Iguazu Falls, water that fell on although not a great birding us in a continuous destination, is without doubt a flow was simply place worth visiting. mind blowing! Needless to say, we On Saturday morning we bid got soaked, but Foz Iguazu farewell, and this was all part Illiger’s Macaw at Itaipu Zoo

waterfalls that form part of the border between Brazil and simon makes a friend . The falls stretch in width for 2.7 kilometres (1.7 miles). Their height varies between 60 metres (200 feet) and 82 metres (or 269 feet). This makes the Iguazu Falls taller than Niagara Falls and

twice as wide. A large proportion Falls Iguazu incredible The headed to our of the water is next destination, thrust down the home of the Devil’s Throat, world’s largest a long chasm parrot, the that is 82 metres incomparable high, 150 . We flew metres wide into Campo Grande, and 700 metres where a driver, who deep. This then took us to a chasm has a small aerodrome on distinguishing the outskirts of the U-shape. city, from where we Interestingly, there are several islands within the river and the falls. ¹

The boat trip takes you some 5 kilometres up stream on what is a relatively calm stretch of river…. that is until the falls come into view. Incredible doesn’t even come close to describing this place. The immense power of nature is immediately evident at the first glimpse of the falls; the size and level of noise is King Vulture at Itaipu Zoo astonishing. The boat took us underneath one part of the falls 14 No. 4 2015 would take our next flight into Pantanal from the the Pantanal, met us. air was nothing short of incredible Approximately 20 minutes later and coming into the car pulled up alongside the land on the grass small 4-seater Cessna aircraft and runway next to View of the Pantanal the pilot, who not surprisingly the Pousada spoke very little English and was Aguape lodge, from the plane, close mid-way through his pre flight where we would checks, greeted us. The gear was be staying the to where we stayed loaded, seatbelts fastened and we night was a were off down the dirt runway, thrill to say the up, up and away! least…but the best was certainly still to come… magnificent Though obviously far from being creatures. After observing the first time I had flown, it was The moment we stepped out them for some 20-30 minutes, in by far the smallest plane I had of the plane we heard it, the total awe of their breathtaking ever travelled in and it must familiar call of large macaws, beauty, we made our way into the be said that I was somewhat as if the adrenalin wasn’t lodge to check in. nervous on take off and then already pumping enough, it again around half way into the was through the roof now; it After a quick freshen up, I walked 30 minute trip when we had was unmistakable, the calls we outside, camera in hand again to divert from our flight path were hearing belonged to the of course, to check out the rest to avoid a strong, but isolated one and only Hyacinth Macaw of the surroundings and to my rain storm. Whilst it was a little Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus. absolute delight there were more unnerving to be in such a small Martin and I ran in the direction Hyacinths flying in, others were aircraft flying around the edge of the sound, and before I knew it perched in the surrounding palm of a storm, it was undoubtedly a very long held dream had been trees and yet more were eating amazing at the same time! realised, I had seen the most from a purpose built trough that majestic of macaws in the wild was filled with palm nuts for Getting our first look at for the first time! them to enjoy. Finding them was the proving simple; deciding when We first saw a pair flying some I had taken enough pics was the 150-200m away, then another hard part! and another as they alighted in the tops of tall palm trees. To make this magical afternoon With camera in hand, Martin even more so, it was not long and I quickly made our way before I saw my first ever, wild to where they were, my Toco Toucan Ramphastos toco View from the plane hands were shaking with as well, another long held dream of the rain falling on excitement, but trying my fulfilled! I spotted the first of the best to hold it steady, I fired Tocos as it flew in and alighted the mountains of my first shots of these on a palm frond on the opposite

No. 4 2015 15 Adult Southern CrestedAdult Southern Caracara nanday conures

PostcardsYellow-billed Cardinal from Brazil Harpy Eagle

Hyacinth Macaw

Rufous Female Amazon Kingfisher Finch nesting in an abandoned nest Toco Toucan

Scaly-headed Parrot

Plush-crested Jay Brazilian Anhinga

Plush-crested Jay Southern Crested Caracara SouthernCrested

Postcards fromCaution - BrazilHyacinth Macaws on road

Jaguars at the Itaipu Zoo

Canary-winged Parakeet

Female Ringed Kingfisher

Saffron Finch nesting in an abandoned Rufous Hornero nest

Harpy Eagle eaglet at the Itaipu Zoo breeding centre

Hyacinth Macaws the ground for them, adjacent to where breakfast was being served. It was amazing to see them in such a number and up so close, their plumage was vivid and more than made up for their loud chatter.

I soon also noticed a number of cardinals, both Yellow-billed Paroaria capitata and Red- crested Paroaria coronata, with the former being the more common of the two, along with a couple of Saffron Finches flaveola, Plush-crested Jays Cyanocorax chrysops and Rufous Furnarius rufus. To cap it off, just prior to finishing my breaky, three Toco Toucans landed in a tree no more than 10 metres from where I was sitting, making their arrival known with there loud and unusual croak-like call. They were very obliging, hanging around long enough for me to fully appreciate their breathtaking beauty and of course take numerous snaps of them – boy oh boy what a way to enjoy a delicious breakfast!

Next on the agenda was a boat trip on the river. We set off and soon saw our first new bird side of the tree to a couple a delicious dinner of Brazilian species, the Ringed kingfisher of the big blue guys – what a style roasted meats, followed by thrill to see both these amazing a night safari on the back of an species sitting in the same tree. old army jeep. Although Two more Tocos soon came we didn’t see too many into view, along with yet more out that night, it was wonderful Hyacinths. To say that I was in to see a big family group my element would have been an of Capybaras Hydrochaeris understatement; I truly was living hydrochaeris and a small number a dream! of Common Potoos Nyctibius griseus, a nocturnal bird similar Another species that we observed to our Tawny Frogmouth. that afternoon, which was common around the area, was The next morning I awoke to the the Southern Crested Caracara calls of many birds, including the Caracara plancus. They were Hyacinths and quickly grabbed not at all shy and were present my camera and headed to around the lodge throughout the breakfast. I was delighted to see day. a large flock of Nanday Conures Aratinga nenday feeding on seed Night fell and it was time for that had been thrown across

18 No. 4 2015 macroura and Canary-winged Parakeets Brotogeris chiriri. I was even treated to the sight of a pair of Scaly-headed Parrots Pionus maximiliani, that I heard calling from the top of a tall tree just prior to our departure.

Unfortunately we had a tight schedule to keep if we were to get back to São Paulo in time to catch our flight back to Berlin and so we had to bid the Pantanal farewell only 22 hours after our arrival. As we again set off in the little Cessna I was still buzzing with excitement from everything I had seen in the short time since our arrival Megaceryle torquata; they were observed briefly from a distance, the previous day, but at the same quite plentiful, generally perched I am confident that they were time I was somewhat saddened at along the clear parts of the banks Blue and Golds Ara ararauna. having to leave so soon. This had of the river. During our trip we A curious otter even made an been one of the most incredible also saw Amazon Kingfishers appearance at one point. and moving experiences of my Chloroceryle amazona, Cocoi life and is one I surely hope to Herons Ardea cocoi, a Rufescent Upon returning to the lodge, repeat one day – I will be back! Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum I wandered off to spend some marmoratum (at nest), a more time observing and References: Brazilian Anhinga (Darter) photographing the Hyacinths ¹http://www.brazil.org.za/iguazu- Anhinga anhinga, numerous and was also thrilled to see falls.html small birds and some more a number of -tailed macaws, which although I only Hummingbirds Eupetomena Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

No. 4 2015 19 SPECIES SELECTION An excerpt from Tony Silva’s upcoming new release - Psittaculture - fully revised Photographs by Aviarylife Part 2

or the person intent smaller Cockatiel Nymphicus the lories (e.g., the Purple- Fon breeding, my hollandicus, Budgerigar naped Lorius domicella) can recommendation is to enter Melopsittacus undulatus or test the patience of the most aviculture by acquiring a Agapornis species. Look no competent aviculturist. Other pair of Cockatiels Nymphicus further until you have amassed species - like the three species hollandicus or Budgerigars experience. recommended as your first pair Melopsittacus undulatus. Once of birds - can prove outright experience has been gained prolific. Green-cheeked and one starts enjoying Conures Pyrrhura molinae being in the ranks of breed and rear their aviculture, other young readily and do species can be not require special acquired. I always diets. try to discourage However, the a beginner from ease in which purchasing a a species pair of macaws breeds does or cockatoos, not necessarily even the correlate with smaller species the ease of in these groups, keeping them. as their first pair A case in point of birds, given is the fig parrots that these species (Cyclopsitta and are noisy, destructive, Yellow-collared Macaw Psittaculirostris ssp.), sufficiently intelligent to which are about the train their owners (such as by size of a lovebird and breed calling incessantly, throwing readily but almost invariably the cage contents about, or Once preliminary experience the young perish before shredding newspaper used has been gained and you fledging, usually as a result to line the cage bottom, to are ready to expand your of some dietary deficiency. which their owners respond collection, be just as choosy as A breeder trying to rear fig by rushing to the cage) and when purchasing your next pet parrots can become frustrated have peculiar idiosyncrasies bird. beyond reason by this type of that combined may prove Some parrots can be nigh failure. Imagine a person with overwhelming for a beginner. impossible to breed; some no experience but with the Proper care, breeding and of the common amazons financial means to acquire a hand rearing can be learned (e.g., the Mealy Amazona pair of these birds and having less painstakingly with the farinosa) and even some of clutch after clutch perish? 20 No. 4 2015 Male Red-browed Fig Parrot Umbrella Cockatoo

They would soon become The reason for such behaviour nest - not a large flight that discouraged and in the worst is not precisely known, but it takes up considerable space scenario may commence is a problem that will be faced and a special nesting box as neglecting the birds. Some sooner or later by a cockatoo in the cockatoos to permit the cockatoos, including the breeder. Experience will allow hen to escape through one Ducorps’s Cacatua ducorpsii, the recognition of subtle signs entrance when a bellicose male Moluccan Cacatua moluccensis that may prevent the hen from enters through the other. Sun and Red-vented Cacatua being injured or murdered. Conures Aratinga solstitialis haematuropygia, may not prove Green-cheeked Conures solstitialis and Senegal Parrots to be particularly difficult Pyrrhura molinae never cause Poicephalus senegalus will to breed, but aggression on this type of problem. Their also breed readily and can the part of the male, even young are easily hand-reared be incredible teachers of in successful pairs that have after they are a few weeks of bird behaviour, breeding and produced young on countless age, allowing the novice to rearing of young. These birds occasions, may result in the learn this technique. The pair also mature quickly - the larger female being maimed or killed. will require only a cage and parrots can take many years

Yellow-sided Senegal Parrots are hardy Green-cheeked Conure and make little noise Cuban Amazon

No. 4 2015 21 and this long spell can prove frustrating to the beginner Purple-bellied Lory anxious to see results. When looking for a pet bird or future breeders, try to obtain the youngest individuals possible; if acquiring wild caught birds, age may not be discernible and then one has to rely on the observations of a clinician during laparoscopy, an invasive method used to distinguish gender in monomorphic birds (i.e., those species that exhibit no outward differences between the sexes), or the seller, if he or she has experience; with captive bred birds of known provenance, genetic sexing can be used to determine gender. Young birds are preferred because they adapt readily to will not cause the female to a young bird probably has not changes. They are not as likely emerge from the nest when learned such behaviours and to stress from the care routine she is incubating. A mature can be properly trained from you will provide (which may pair reared in a home without the onset. be considerably different from a dog may be so stressed by There is a trend, which that which they are accustomed the unusual sounds that the fortunately is disappearing, to), diet you will feed, or the hen will abandon the nest on whereby young, unweaned environment they will be hearing the first bark. The birds are sold for pets. A housed in. They will mature same applies to the presence of professional breeder with under your husbandry routine. children, music from the radio, experience would know what If the family has a dog, its bark or even a doorbell. In the to expect, but imagine a case of a pet bird, undesirable beginner with no experience actions may be entrenched and looking into an incubator part of the daily behavioural holding a nestling macaw that routine. Imagine bringing a is laying on its back (a normal screamer into an apartment posture when startled), or complex? Or acquiring a bird having a baby with crop stasis that swears continuously for a because of bacterial problems household with small children? caused by inadequate hygiene, Or even purchasing a bird or the baby dehydrating from that is accustomed to being let throwing up because the out of its cage the minute it formula it was fed was too hears someone? Once forged, cold or contained the wrong to erase these behaviours solids-to-water ratio, or even will require special training, worse, having the chick die patience and some degree of because it was forced to eat Budgies are both easy to luck; sometimes the bird just formula that was the wrong keep and breed cannot be changed. In contrast, temperature and which in the 22 No. 4 2015 well researched consideration. Remember: Once you purchase the bird, it may not be accepted back by the seller should you change your mind or decide that it was not the correct choice. The bird, if well cared for and depending on the species, may well be in your home for the rest of your life. Make the correct choice and you will receive unqualified love and much pleasure for decades to come. Footnote: The intention behind Psittaculture is to help you make the correct decisions and to provide the guidance necessary for success. I have called on some 40+ year’s Cinnamon Green-cheeked of experience as a basis and Conure then have, whenever possible, struggle entered the lungs, only stands a great chance of referenced the opinions and causing it to asphyxiate? perishing from inadvertent experiences of others; there is I have received countless mistakes, but if it survives more than one way to skin a calls from emotionally may be traumatised to such an cat, as the proverbial saying distressed individuals that extent that it will become an goes, and my goal is to describe were experiencing one of inferior pet. all of the possible methods. Use the innumerable problems Carefully consider all this book as a reference manual that can arise with a nestling options, age and traits typical and it will aid you in finding parrot being hand-reared. All of the species and even its needs, success in keeping one or many invariably regretted having before making a purchase. pet birds or in breeding a broad purchased the bird. Haste should never give way to array of species.• Young birds need to be reared and weaned by an experienced person; the seller may well allow a buyer to visit and watch or when the baby is older to become part of its daily life, but taking it home before it is fully weaned is a different matter. Young also need some interaction and expert care vital to their future well-being. A young bird removed from the nest and sold to someone A baby Moluccan and two with only a bag of dry formula, baby Blue-eyed Cockatoos syringes for feeding and being hand raised some written instructions not No. 4 2015 23 The Black-capped Lory Lorius lory and its subspecies Text by Andrey Naves

L.l.lory

Iggino Van Bael

Photos by Andrey Naves, Iggino Van Bael, Mehd Halouate, Sheau Torng Lim www.flickr.com/photos/90764954@N07/.

reetings from Brazil, in this article I will be are the worst affected in the group defined as discussing the Black-capped Lory Lorius the brush-tongued parrots. This predominantly Glory and its subspecies. Whilst information on accidental hybridisation has made it more and the maintenance and breeding of this species is more difficult to locate purebred individuals in provided, the primary objective of this article is captivity. By reviewing the material presented here, to inform the reader that there are multiple races, it is my hope that the breeder will then be armed each with their own distinctive characteristics with the necessary knowledge to enable them to with the aim of preventing hybridisation amongst maintain the subspecies pure and thus increase the the subspecies in aviculture, something that I see value of their breeding stock. occurring too often and which I attribute mainly to Before discussing the maintenance of these lories a lack of knowledge. in captivity, I will describe the characteristics that This will be the first article in a series that focus define this species. For this task I am largely relying on identifying the subspecies of lories to allow the on the photographic material and information breeder to properly pair their birds and prevent provided by my friend Mehd Halouate, a accidental hybridisation. photographer and researcher of Indonesian birds (see www.birdinindonesia.com.br), who also I decided to start this series of articles with the collaborates with the project Save Lories and is a Black-capped Lory because I believe that they 24 No. 4 2015 Mehd Halaouate Mehd

Photographer and researcher Mehd Halaouate alongside locals in the Baliem Valley, the Papua Snow Mountains, home to the Plum-faced, Yellow-billed and Orange-billed Lorikeets member of the World Parrot Trust. Black-capped Lory Habitat I will also rely on photographic material and/or information supplied by my friends Iggino van Jaya), from Humboldt Bay to Mamberamo River. Bael and Idalgo Plak, both of whom are great L.l. jobiensis: Yapen and northern Mios Num lory breeders in Europe with vast knowledge, and islands in Geelvink Bay. maintain the birds being discussed in their aviaries. Herein I would like to thank those mentioned L.l. cyanuchen: The island of Biak in Geelvink Bay, above for their assistance and for the knowledge West Papua (formally Irian Jaya). they have so freely shared.

What is a Lorius lory? The Black-capped Lory forms a part of the large and distinctive group collectively known as the Bael Van Iggino lories or Loridae. The Lorius also contains other species like the Chattering Lory Lorius garrulus, Purple-naped Lory Lorius domicella, Yellow-bibbed Lory Lorius chlorocercus and others. They reach a size of approximately 28 cm (11 inches) in length, though this size can vary between the subspecies.

Distribution: L.l.lory: Waigeu, Batanta, Salawaiti and Misool, western Papuan islands and the Vogelkop in West L.l. salvadori Papua (formally Irian Jaya). L.l. erythrothorax: southern Papua New Guinea and the southern mountain chain that borders Geelvink Bay, West Papua (formally Irian Jaya), then north to the Huon Peninsula in Papua New Bael Van Iggino Guinea. L.l. somu: Papua New Guinea and the southern side of the central mountains that empty into Karimui bay and Lake Kutubu, extending through to Purari River. L.l. salvadorii: Papua New Guinea from Astrolabe Bay to Aitape. L.l. viridicrissalis: West Papua (formally Irian L.l. erythrothorax

No. 4 2015 25 Mehd Halaouate Mehd Halaouate Mehd

L. l. jobiensis - This photo was taken in a market in Biaki Island after it arrived by a boat from Serui, Yapen Island L. l. lory from Waigeo Island - this is captive bird

Habitat: They are found at up to 1,000m (3,280 feet) in altitude in various types of forest, including partial clearings and swamps. Mehd Halaouate Mehd Ecology and behaviour: Black-capped Lories are typically found in pairs or small groups as well as larger congregations of 10 or more individuals when they come together to feed in flowering trees. They tend to be quiet and

L. l. cyanauchen from Biak island. This subspecies is very uncommon now due to trapping to supply the local bird markets

L. l. viridicrissalis discreet when foraging. They breed year round in the wild, with rests during periods when food is scarce (typically winter). They are monogamous and pairs remain together for life. They lay 2 eggs, which are

26 No. 4 2015 incubated for between 26 and 29 days. The chicks All nectivorous birds possess a digestive system remain in the nest for approximately two months that is limited and rather fragile, where an excess before fledging. of vitamins (primarily vitamin A derived from retinol) causes morbidity and possibly death In captivity they are willing breeders capable of and which we feel is the greatest management producing 4-5 clutches per year. I know of a case flaw for these birds in captivity in Brazil. The where a pair produced 18 young during a 12-month homemade diets composed primarily of baby period. In this case, incubators and brooders were cereal containing milk, such as Neston, Mucilon, used and the chicks were hand-reared. Sustagen and others, are good for the owner but Lories are notorious egg breakers, this is often a not the lories. In spite of this, they are still utilized result of their hyper activity, entering and leaving in Brazil. In these homemade nectar substitutes we find large quantities of minerals that affect the liver, especially iron in the aforementioned cereal products, which must contain these elevated levels based on government recommendations for human infants. This increases the risk of death from iron storage disease. In addition to this, lactose, which is omnipresent in all of the cereals mentioned above, is difficult for lories to digest; about 3% is absorbed, and this is insufficient in terms of providing their daily source of energy. In the book authored by my friend, Angel Nuevo entitled Manual Tecnico de Dietologia de Papagayos (Technical Dietary Manual for Parrots), Left - outside view of Andrey’s nest box it is acknowledged that the natural diet of these Right - internal view of Andrey’s nest box birds is still largely an enigma. What we do know the nest, often dropping to the bottom of the nest suggests that in the wild they eat flowers, nectar without the use of a ladder. Because of this and and pollen from various trees and smaller plants with the aid of friends, I developed a horizontal including the following: type nest box specifically for lories. Many breeders are now using this type of nest box with great success worldwide. The nest box features a horizontal angled ramp that runs from the entrance to the base, which has stopped all egg breakage. I have included photos of these next boxes to give you a better understanding of the design. When it comes to aviary size, my overall belief is the larger the better. However, in my opinion an enclosure of 1.2m x 0.6m x 0.6m (4 x 2 x 2 feet) should be regarded as the minimum size for a pair. In captivity, I feel that reproductive success is directly linked to diet. Lory diets are somewhat of a mystery worldwide. There are considerable doubts as to which form of sweetening agent is best, the need for vitamins and minerals and their quantity and more. In the last few years, with the help of experts and researchers that are studying lories, some Brazilian companies that manufacture animal feeds have launched or adapted products specifically for lories. The most popular lory diets are provided in a wet form to facilitate easy digestion, given that their alimentary tract is adapted for this diet type. They utilize their tongue that is covered with papillae to collect nectar and pollen when feeding. L.l. erythrothorax chicks

No. 4 2015 27 Syzygium sp. (Lilly Pilly) Freycinetia arborea (A densely branched, brittle, woody climber) Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella tree) There are also reports of the birds eating fruit that is parasitised by , though the specific species involved have not been identified. Based on the above, the recommended diet for lories in captivity should contain: The result of hybridisation between Lorius l. lory and L.l. The result of hybridisation between Lorius l. lory and L.l. • Insects erythrothorax erythrothorax • Seeds is based on the difficulty of their management • Flowers in captivity, which requires considerable time • Pollen and devotion. Because the diet contains a liquid • Nectar element, their droppings are aqueous, and are often • Germinating grains ejected some distance from their cage and tend to • Fruits cause an unhygienic appearance in their enclosure. By adapting management practices to suit them, The proportion of nectar/wet mix fed daily should with the use of suspended cages for example, be approx. 15% of their body weight. hygiene can be improved significantly. Items recommended to form part of the dry diet Now back to main focus of this article, the (totaling approx. 10% of their body weight daily) accompanying photographs depict different are: subspecies, highlighting the primary characteristics • Pollen of each. • Ground cereals • Legumes The result of hybridisation between Lorius l. lory • Insects and L.l. erythrothorax, which is the most common hybrid due to these races being the most readily Recommended extra dietary items (forming 12.5% available in aviculture, is illustrated in the photos of the body weight daily) are: above. Fruits - primarily juicy fruits like apple, papaya, Through this article I hope to have provided pear, grapes, plums, guava, plus figs and banana etc. valuable information to current and future breeders regarding the maintenance and breeding of the In general the rejection of lories by breeders Black-capped Lory and more significantly the Mehd Halaouate differences in the subspecies and the importance of preserving the genetic purity of each form, so that these subspecies can be successfully maintained in aviculture for generations to come. References: Birds International, WPT (World Parrot Trust), Save Lories, Google, Wikipedia, Birds Indonesia and Wikimedia Commons. Parrots of the World, J.M. Forshaw and W.T. Cooper L. l. lory from Waigeo Island, Papua. The birds in this photo Manueal Tecnico de Deitologia de Papagayos, have just been released by the forestry department Angel Nuevo.• 28 No. 4 2015 Toco Toucan Ramphastos toco Photo by Simon Degenhard

life Aviarywww.aviarylife.com.au

Text & Photographs John Kearney

The White-browed Woodswallow A perfect choice for the novice softbill enthusiast OTHER NAMES COMMUNICATION he White-browed Woodswallow Artamus The voice in flight is a musical chap chap, they Tsupercilious is also known as the Blue also have a song consisting of soft chattering’s, Martin, Summer Bird and Skimmer. Many of and have another harsh, scolding call as well. the woodswallow species are referred to as My also mimic my Yellow- skimmers. throated Scrub Wrens, Crimson Chats and some honeyeater species. Mimicry has also been SIMILAR SPECIES recorded in field studies. There are six species of woodswallow found throughout Australia. These are separated into SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR three groupings based on colour differences. The White-browed Woodswallow is a socially active species, they are often found in large The first group consists of multi-coloured birds: groups that number over a hundred birds. These Artamus personatus flocks may also contain Masked Woodswallows. White-browed Woodswallow Artamus They call amongst themselves while flying supercilious and feeding. They have been observed feeding in communal groups taking insects at high The second group contains birds with grey altitudes as well as around low-lying shrubs. and brown colouration: Woodswallows roost together in tight clusters Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus at night, as well as during cold weather and Artamus cyanopterus storms. Artamus minor The third consists of a single species of black SEASONAL MOVEMENTS and white colouring: This species is nomadic/a partial migrant, with White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus flocks moving southward to breed during the leucorynchus Spring and Summer periods. They have a more northerly distribution during Autumn and DESCRIPTION Winter. The White-browed Woodswallow falls into the Passeriformes category. This means it is DISTRIBUTION a perching bird; have three toes The White-browed Woodswallow can be found that point forward and one toe that points throughout eastern Australia. It also inhabits backwards, this allows them to grab onto the northern parts of Tasmania but is not branches. common there. However, it is not found on the Cape York Peninsula and there have only ever The White browed woodswallow is a dark been sporadic sightings in Western Australia. bird with a distinguishing white eyebrow, and measures roughly 17-19cm in length. The face HABITAT and chin are black, the upperparts are deep blue This species inhabits inland eucalypt forests, grey and the lower breast down to the undertail woodlands, dry heath and spinifex. They also are a rich chestnut brown. The underwings and frequent farmlands, orchards and residential undertail are pale whitish-grey; the tail feathers areas in search of food. have white tips. Its wings are long, pointed and appear triangular when in soaring flight, the tail STATUS IN THE WILD is often twisted and fanned. The bill is blue-grey The species is considered secure in the areas with a black tip. that it inhabits. However, the loss of flowering Females are duller than males, with a browner trees, which this species relies on for nectar and body and pink to fawn underparts. Young birds insects, will put greater pressure on its survival. are mainly brown, mottled and streaked buff to STATUS IN AVICULTURE cream, and lack the white brow. This species is being kept by a large number of

34 No. 4 2015 Woodswallow pair at their nesting hollow Woodswallow nest and eggs

Woodswallow chick and unhatched egg in the nest Woodswallow chick in the nest

Newly fledged chick Woodswallow 1 week after fledging

No. 4 2015 35 White-browed Woodswallow at the termite dish

Australian zoos. And being easy to breed and Foraging methods include: hawking, screening, hardy, the White-browed Woodswallow has also pouncing from a perch and striking from found its way into a large number of private vegetation. aviculturists collections. DIET IN AVICULTURE DIET IN THE WILD In captivity this species is fed on invertebrates The White-browed Woodswallow feeds mainly such as: on invertebrates, some of these include crickets, • Earthworms cicadas, grasshoppers, locusts, beetles, moths, • Cockroaches weevils, earthworms, dragonflies, caterpillars, • Mealworms flies, mosquitoes and some spiders are also • Maggots taken. Their diet also contains nectar, small • Thawed crickets native fruits, psyllids and lerp. This species has • Flies a divided, brush-tipped tongue which enables it • Fly pupae to feed on nectar from flowers. They forage on • Cicadas (when available) the wing in the air, among shrubs, trees, open • Termites paddocks, along roads and on the ground. They have also been observed feeding on insects They also take a meat mix which is made retreating from fires. This species feeds in small up of lean mince, hard boiled eggs, crushed to large flocks, sometimes with other species of dog kibble, turkey starter crumble, calcium woodswallows and honeyeaters. supplement, wholemeal bread and insectivore mix. They are also provided with flowers from eucalypts, callistemon, grevillea and honeysuckle, which they readily consume. Fruits such as oranges, apples, pear and banana Aviarylife are available and also consumed by this species. Banana and orange seem to be their preferred fruit. A lorikeet dry mix and egg and biscuit are also available, but not regularly consumed. White-browed Woodswallows are always keen to take the liquid nectar mix that is available for the honeyeaters in the aviary. Once per week all of the insects offered are coated with insectivore mix, this helps the birds with their vitamin and Adult male Woodswallow mineral requirements. 36 No. 4 2015 BREEDING an area to hang hollow logs and tea tree for In my experience White-browed Woodswallows breeding purposes. They will happily co-exist breed better in a colony situation. The birds with various finches and other softbills without seem to stimulate each other and once one pair any problems. goes to nest the others soon follow. During INTERESTING FACTS the breeding season, which is from August- December, this species becomes extremely They are not true , but were so-named vocal, with cock birds scolding other cocks because of their ability to gather insects on the that get too close to their hen. Commonly in wing like their smaller agile namesakes. September pairs can be seen preening each CONCLUSION other and inspecting nest hollows. There The White-browed Woodswallow is very easy are hollow logs placed at different heights in to keep and breed. If conditions are right this the aviary. Once a pair has chosen a nest site species will live for ten plus years. It has been construction begins, nesting materials used recorded that one individual reached seventeen are fine tea tree twigs, pine needles, paper bark years in captivity. This coupled with the fact and fine grasses. The female then displays by that they are not prone to any particular disease lowering and fanning her tail while wagging makes it an ideal species for the novice softbill it from side to side, this entices the male to enthusiast. This species will bring daily pleasure copulate. Copulation usually takes place near or with its social interaction, acrobatic flight and on the nest site. Up to 3, but more commonly entertaining courtship display! 2 eggs are then laid and both birds share the incubation process. Roughly fourteen days later References: the chicks hatch and are fed by both parents, Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and then after approximately fifteen days in the nest Antarctic Birds (HANZAB), Oxford University Press, they will fledge. My birds seem to prefer tight Melbourne - p431.• log hollows to nest in. They are happy to have their head and tail hanging over the edge of the log hollow, while their body is inside the log. Following fledging the parents will feed their young for a further three weeks, after which they will wean them. HOUSING Housing White-browed Woodswallows is quiet easy. They are nimble flyers that require a large amount of space so they can fly unhindered. They do not need heavily planted aviaries. Native grasses and small shrubs are adequate for this species. Various sized perch options should be available for them. This will help avoid feet problems. The floor is covered with sugar cane mulch, which this species enjoys scratching through whilst looking for insects. Feed stations consist of dishes placed on elevated platforms. Water is provided in earthenware dishes. I have not observed them bathing. However, they do enjoy the mist spray that is delivered via the irrigation system in the aviary. The aviary should have a sheltered area where the birds can seek refuge from the elements. It also provides

No. 4 2015 37

A Gem of a Finch Sheau Torng Lim Torng Sheau y

“The Red Avadavat amandava, or Red Strawberry Finch as I’ve always known it, is an absolute gem of a finch.”

Text by Graham Bull Photos by Sheau Torng Lim www.flickr.com/

photos/90764954@N07/, Henry Koh www. flickr.com/photos/henrykoh/ and Graham Bull Wild male Red Strawberry The Red Strawberr Finch in eclipse plumage The Red Strawberry lthough of Asian origin they physically largely affected by temperature and sunlight. A Gem of a Finch Aexhibit typical waxbill-like features, so A male moulting into his breeding coat in a much so that if they were from Africa I’m sure warm sunlit aviary will result in a brighter they would be widely regarded as one of the red colour than if he had coloured in a cooler classic waxbills. Strawberry Finches have proven enclosure devoid of direct sunlight. Such cooler themselves to be a very adaptable species climate birds usually develop a more rusty broadly occupying much of tropical Asia as well colour. As stated earlier, towards the end of as several successful intentionally introduced the breeding season the male moults out of his populations outside of their natural range. nuptial plumage into the eclipse plumage, which Their secure status in Australian aviaries many resembles the female. At this time the males can decades beyond wild-sourced stock is further still be identified by pronounced spotting on evidence of the adaptability of the species. Red the rump, which the hens generally lack. Strawberry Finches are the only Estrildid finch Red Strawberry Finches share a genetic species in which the male has a dramatically relationship with the much rarer Green enhanced nuptial or breeding plumage and a Strawberry Finch (or Green Avadavat) non-breeding or eclipse plumage very similar to Amandava formosa from and the more the female’s typical colouration. common Orange-Breasted Waxbill Amandava Many years ago both the nominate Indian subflava from a large range within Africa. In A.a.amandava and “Chinese” A.a.punicea captivity, I have seen many hybrids between (actually mainly from Indo-China) pure forms Red Strawberry Finches and Orange-Breasts, of the species were present in Australian but I have never seen a hybrid of either species aviaries. The Indian subspecies has a more with the Green Strawberry Finch. Perhaps this burnt orange tinge to the male’s breeding indicates a closer genetic relationship between plumage hence the past use of the name Tiger Finch. Some Australian authors claim that the more common subspecies here was A.a.flavidiventris, which also has a characteristically golden-orange tint to the male’s breeding plumage. In this subspecies males also exhibit a pale golden belly area

contrary to the unambiguously dark belly very Lim Torng Sheau obviously displayed on every mature captive male Red Strawberry Finch that I have ever seen in Australia, so I believe our orange traits originated from A.a.amandava rather than A.a. flavidiventris. The “Chinese” subspecies is a slightly smaller and darker red form with smaller and less prominent white spotting on the male’s flanks whilst in breeding plumage and has mostly red rather than black on the lores (between the eye and beak). This form was always slightly rarer and the more sought-after of the two subspecies. Today’s specimens in Australian aviaries are largely a combination of the two forms with some specimens exhibiting stronger characteristics resembling either of the two subspecies. This variation of natural subspecies characteristics should not be confused with environmental effects, which can Wild Red Strawberry Finch pair, be significant. The brightness and underlying male at top in eclipse plumage base colour of the male’s nuptial plumage is also No. 4 2015 39 Sheau Torng Lim Henry Koh Wild Red Strawberry FinchesWild Strawberry Red ♀

Scaly-breasted MuniasScaly-breasted punctulata at awaterhole alongside Strawberry Red Male Sheau Torng Lim ♂

Sheau Torng Lim the former two despite their distantly separate The descending trill of the male’s courtship natural distributions. This highlights the need call is one of the best musical performances of to avoid housing the two species in the same all the Estrildid finch species. I generally don’t breeding aviary to prevent production of allow mine to breed until late February, when fertile hybrids, which could tarnish the genetic most of the hot Summer days have passed. By integrity of both species. providing them with nesting sites and materials Avadavats are the only Estrildid finch coinciding with the commencement of regular species of widespread Asian origin that are feeds of live food a breeding response at this neither munias (Lonchura) nor parrotfinches time of year is virtually immediate. By about (Erythrura). By virtue of their predominantly July most breeding males will be losing their lush tropical natural range they share certain nuptial colours, but they generally continue Lonchura-like habits such as their preference breeding until at least October. for rank grassy or reedy habitat. This includes In aviaries Strawberry Finches will readily the ability to construct relatively large robust nest in bunches of dry branches, growing nest structures for such a small species and shrubs or grasses. Other man-made nesting to proficiently incorporate the structure into receptacles are only used as a last resort in the growing grasses. This is an obvious adaptation absence of appropriate vegetation. I find that to climates influenced heavily by tropical they distinctly prefer growing grasses as nest monsoonal activity. The begging posture of sites - every bit as much as my Masked Finches dependent young Avadavats (and Orange- or Pictorellas. My breeding aviaries are planted Breasts) whereby the young raise one or both with perennial seeding grasses and bunches wings vertically is also shared by a couple of of prickly tea-tree (melaleuca & leptospermum African Lonchura species (Rufous-backed sp.) are placed at various heights for nesting. and Bronze-winged Mannikins), but no other Other nest receptacles are also present but these Estrildid finches that I am aware of. When the are not used by my Strawberry Finches. Given aviary does not adequately provide sufficient a choice of numerous possible nesting sites in planted habitat or varied perching diameters growing grasses and in the dry brush my birds to exercise their feet, which regularly wears choose to nest in the grasses approximately down their toenails, they can tend to become overgrown, as with many tropical munias. Perhaps it was such traits that led to their early common name of Red Munia (and Green Munia for the Green Strawberry Finch). Despite a lengthy period of domestication in Australia, our aviary stocks remain fairly strictly seasonal Autumn, Winter and early Spring breeders. My male Strawberry Finches moult into their breeding plumage in January, which signifies their readiness to commence breeding activities shortly thereafter. The hormonal trigger of the breeding season is very obvious at this time. Both sexes become noticeably more active and the Bull Graham melodious delight of the Strawberry Sparse planting combined with the use of fine gravel or coarse Finch song is a regular sound sand as the substrate help to maintain a dry aviary floor, thus around the aviaries at this time. creating a perfect environment for Red Strawberry’s No. 4 2015 41 a small white gape flourescence. Upon fledging the young have dark sooty brown plumage with a couple of distinctive rows of paler brown spots across the Graham Bull Graham wing. They appear very similar to Orange-Breast fledglings but are slightly larger, darker and have the pale brown stripes on the wing which young Orange- Breasts lack. During the late February to November breeding period my pairs will rear up Fully roofed aviaries such as these are to 4 clutches of young. Under perfect for housing Red Strawberry Finches suitable aviary conditions and diet they can be just as prolific 90% of the time. Usually when they do nest in breeders as Orange-breasts. For as long as I can the brush it is in the aviaries with less vigorous remember it has been accepted that more males grass plantings or after I have heavily pruned than females are produced, hence spare females the grasses. So growing grasses are a clear nest generally command a premium price compared site preference for the species when available to to spare males. them. A suitable aviary environment, as for all As indicated earlier, the Strawberry Finch finches, is a warm and dry aviary. Given their nest is a very large and solid construction instinctive habitat and nesting preferences, for such a small finch. The nest itself is also the ideal planting choice for Strawberry Finch quite distinctive in shape generally exhibiting aviaries should include some perennial grasses. a flowing beard of additional grasses below I always recommend planting aviaries quite the entrance when adequate nesting materials sparsely so that plenty of open well-lit floor area are provided. The nest chamber is heavily remains after the plants reach mature size. This lined with soft pale feathers. Emu feathers and helps to keep aviaries warm and dry especially stripped Pampas Grass fronds are also highly if they receive plenty of direct sunlight in the favoured nest lining materials for them. The planted area. I prefer coarse sand or fine gravel male is the main nest builder. as floor substrate rather than concrete or loamy Clutch size varies from 4 to 7 eggs, most soil. The sandy or gravelly floor usually offers often 5. As with other Estrildid species both better drainage and still allows for healthy sexes share the tasks of incubating eggs and aviary plants. Concrete floors are very cold brooding the freshly hatched young. The overnight, which is not safe for recently fledged hatchlings have thin white down, dark skin and young or immobile adult finches. Most non- Sheau Torng Lim Torng Sheau Lim Torng Sheau Lim Torng Sheau

42 No. 4 2015 Sheau Torng Lim Torng Sheau

Wild Red Strawberry Finch pair, male at rear starting to attain his breeding plumage sandy soils contain too much moisture as well bacterial and other infections. Under this basic as an enormous range of living organisms preventative health routine Strawberry Finches from visible invertebrates down to microscopic have consistently proven to be a very hardy bacteria and fungi, etc. many of which are species. Their hardiness is further highlighted potentially harmful sources of infection to by the fact that despite their predominantly finches. So most topsoils are not a good choice Winter breeding season many colder climate for aviary floor substrate. finch breeders still achieve consistent breeding Dietary needs of Strawberry Finches are success with the species. identical to those of the African waxbills. The There are no established colour mutations in dry seed component of the diet should ideally Australian aviaries, which is notable given the include a higher proportion of Red Pannicum very large number of generations the species than the other millets and canary seed. I also has been established in aviculture. Some provide a small amount of mixed pasture seeds juveniles emerge from the nest with white flight daily which my Strawbs readily enjoy. Especially feathers, which is a result of dietary deficiency, whilst rearing young they keenly partake of usually when little or no livefood was available half-ripe grass seed heads and sprouted seed, to the parents, not a pied gene. Such birds live termites and Lebanese cucumber. I know invariably moult into normal plumage without of other breeders who are achieving excellent white feathers by the time they reach adult regular breeding results with live bushfly plumage. Similarly, induced melanism, where maggots as the primary live food. They will dark plumage transposes over normal colour also readily consume mealworms but breeding under adverse captive conditions, is sometimes results are generally not as impressive when also evident in the species. This condition mealworms are the main source of insect also moults out when diet and environmental protein. Natural grit and mineral items such conditions improve for the affected bird. as fine shell grit, cuttlebone and lightly baked The consistent popularity of the species over eggshells should be always available to breeding many years has seen the aviary status of the Red aviaries. I also provide canunda shell, charcoal Strawberry Finch remain totally unaffected by and other commercially available grit and various market fads and whims, which at times mineral supplements for additional variety. have significantly jeopardised the status of As with any other partly insectivorous finch many less popular species. The combination of species, regular drenching for intestinal worms attractive plumage and song, active yet placid is recommended. I preventatively treat my temperament, hardiness and prolific breeding finches via drinking water for worms every 3 capabilities has obviously contributed to its months and for coccidiosis after each prolonged secure position in Australian aviculture. These period of wet weather. I also use apple cider traits should continue to ensure the sound vinegar in the drinking water at 5ml/litre future of this beautiful bird in our aviaries for during and immediately following any rainy and many years to come.• humid weather as a crude preventative against No. 4 2015 43 By Steve Duncan, San Dimas, California Return to the International Crane Foundation Long Overdue, but Well Worth the Wait!

Crane Husbandry postures to the casual observer, but back farther. (For a video of Siberian ranes are well known for their with experience, it becomes very Cranes performing a unison call, Cdances and loud trumpeting easy to spot the communication that and more photos of ICF, please calls. Despite the fact that Cranes is actually constantly happening. go to www.asabirds.org/cranes) congregate in huge flocks during the non-breeding season, they remain The most impressive displays are During my time at ICF, the diet monogamous. Cranes have developed the unison calls. The bonded pairs was very simple - a proprietary pellet an extensive ritualised body language of cranes perform a unison call that made for cranes. The breeding pellet to communicate with each other is unique to each species. Just like had a bit over 20% protein, and the and maintain the pair bond amid any good duet, each partner has his maintenance pellet is slightly less these large flocks. It is this body or her own specific role. The males at just under 19% protein. During language that ICF founder, George perform one part of the call while the the winter months, the pellet diet Archibald, did his PhD studies females fill in their part. The result was sometimes supplemented with on. There are stereotypical threat is a cohesive call that sounds like corn. Unlike similar-looking fish- displays that are common among all a single bird calling. Each sex has eating birds such as herons and species of cranes but with unique specific postures during the unison egrets, Cranes feed primarily on attributes to each species. Most of call as well; usually the males have vegetable matter including roots, these displays could be disregarded the more exaggerated positions with tubers and grains. Chicks will as normal preening behaviours and wings tilted up or heads thrown eat more animal protein, mostly

44 No. 4 2015 Flock of Sandhill Cranes arriving at wintering grounds at Bosque del Apache, New Mexico

Return to the International Crane Foundation Part II in the form of insects and other mealworms and waxworms regularly These dances have inspired many invertebrates, and adults will take in addition to live minnows, worms, traditional human cultures around live food opportunistically, but the snails, clams, and such when they are the world in art, folklore, and dance. bulk of the diet is vegetable-based. being encouraged to forage on their Red-crowned Cranes, for example, The only time live food (waxworms) own in wetlands for eventual release. are highly revered in Japan where was offered when I was there was Cranes are fiercely monogamous so they represent long-life and fidelity when a pair of White-naped Cranes they are typically kept one compatible and are very common in traditional was rearing their own baby. pair per enclosure. Occasionally, textiles, paintings and origami. Today, the diet is more varied. there can be some aggression In the wild, these migratory and Commercially available Zeigler between mates and the pairs may be over-wintering flocks are often of Bros Crane Pellets is the base of split up into adjacent enclosures. mixed species. Prior to my time at the diet with breeder pellets (22% In the non-breeding season in the ICF, the cranes were sometimes kept protein) and maintenance pellets wild, cranes are highly gregarious in mixed-species flocks during the (15% protein) and for the chicks - and will congregate in huge flocks non-breeding season to simulate starter pellets (24% protein), but for migration and overwintering. this natural seasonal cycle, but an a huge variety of additional items Pairs remain close and display in outbreak of deadly herpes virus are offered including fruits and spectacular dances, leaping into that spread among the communal vegetables, berries, nuts, corn, seeds, the air, often while tossing twigs flock stopped that practice. The mealworms, waxworms, smelt, into the air at the same time. This breeding cranes are now kept in crawfish, pinkie mice and more. behaviour helps maintain the pair single-pair enclosures year-round. Chicks get live food in the form of bond among so many other birds. Most of the crane species can No. 4 2015 45 Siberian Crane, Leucogeranus Japanese Red-crowned Cranes, Black Crowned Crane, Belearica leucogeranus, Performing Unison Grus japonensis pavonina 1 Call handle the year-round weather their mates. Artificial insemination become accustomed to the routine. in Wisconsin and are allowed the also allowed more genetic To collect the semen, the male freedom to enter or exit their shelters combinations because a female could is restrained in a natural standing except during extreme winter storms. be inseminated with semen from position with the handler and crane A few of the tropical African species, different males without having to facing each other, but the crane’s such as Crowned Cranes and Wattled form new pair-bonds, something head and neck will go through the Cranes, must be kept inside and that would normally be impossible legs of the handler so the head is heated during freezing temperatures. during a single breeding season. behind the handler. The handler One of ICF’s early successes was massages the inner thighs for a few with the critically endangered Artificial Insemination seconds or minutes depending on Siberian Crane. Successful breeding Artificial insemination (AI) is the cooperation level of the crane. of these cranes was very challenging. an oddly straightforward process A second person massages the They nest at very high latitudes in that I will summarise. The cranes abdomen and dorsal area near the Siberia, close to the Arctic Circle, do not typically volunteer for the tail by applying gentle pressure and where it can be daylight for all 24 process, but with regular attempts, moving toward the vent. The crane hours of the day. High-powered about 3 or 4 times per week, they should respond with grunting noises artificial lighting was installed over can be conditioned to respond more and will lift the tail and sometimes the breeding compound to simulate favourably. Tame or imprinted cranes voluntarily evert the cloaca. The this very long photoperiod. ICF’s are generally better candidates for semen is stripped from the vent by founding breeding stock mostly came AI, but even wild, un-tamed birds milking the cloaca gently after the from various zoos and most of the can be used successfully once they bird responds to the stroking. In Siberian Cranes in captivity at the time had been pinioned for display Siberian Crane in typical open-topped waterfowl Leucogeranus leucogeranus enclosures. Pinioning involves amputating the distal portion of one wing to prevent flight and is a permanent alteration. Many times, pinioned male cranes cannot successfully mate since they need their full wings for balance during copulation. Some of the Siberian Cranes had also been kept singly for some time so there was some concern about aggression if they were to be kept together as pairs. The solution to both the pinioning issue and the aggression issue was to house the birds in adjacent enclosures and use artificial insemination. The birds could still see each other and perform the pair-specific behaviours without risk of over- aggressive birds causing injury to 46 No. 4 2015 their own offspring on the outside of the shell. since breeding is controlled by the Chick Rearing – Then Species Survival Versus Now Plans, but Whooping Crane eggs are still For artificially incubated eggs, a artificially incubated few hours after hatching, the chicks to increase production are placed individually in brooders and provide young and must be encouraged to eat. Crane birds for release. chicks are precocial and can eat on their own, but the parent cranes The eggs are will pick up titbits to offer to their still incubated offspring encouraging them to eat. in Petersime and Baby cranes instinctively peck at Humidaire incubators anything that looks somewhat like On Site Lab for Semen that were in use a crane beak so one of the handiest Evaluation and Microbiology during my time, items to simulate this was a long- and some newer handled red plastic spoon that we very cooperative birds, the semen model GQF incubators have been often acquired at the local Dairy will ejaculate just from stroking added to the mix. Historically, eggs Queen. I did my part to consume the thighs and does not need were fumigated with formaldehyde as many sundaes as possible in to be stripped from the cloaca. gas initially before going into the the name of crane conservation! The semen is collected in a small incubators. Today, formaldehyde glass container or in a pipette. gas is no longer used, as it is highly Once the chicks were a few days old and eating well, they were brought To inseminate the female, a similar dangerous. The eggs are now sanitised with ozone gas when they outside to a very large exercise pen process is used but the handler will where they were closely supervised stroke the back just in front of the are brought in for incubation. Part of my internship at ICF was to because chick-to-chick aggression tail and the outer sides of the thighs was common if left unattended. where the male would normally collect data on the weight loss of the eggs and to record the angle at which The chicks were encouraged to make contact when mounted during swim in pools of water to provide copulation. The female will respond they floated when placed in water. Crane eggs are heavily pigmented impact-free exercise to their long by raising her tail and opening the legs. Without proper exercise, baby cloaca. The opening to the oviduct and are difficult to candle, especially for biologists studying nests in cranes can develop bowed legs and will appear inside the cloaca toward other developmental deformities the left side. The semen can be the wild. It was hoped that fertile eggs or developing eggs could be of the legs and feet so it was very inserted gently inside this opening important to get the chicks out in by use of a smooth-tipped syringe. quickly identified compared to dead or infertile eggs by observing the exercise yard regularly. Walking If semen samples are very small, the angle at which they floated in and running about on grass also a semen extender made for turkeys the water. Sadly, the experiment helped keep the toes straight. If kept can be used. The semen extender is did not identify a difference except on a hard surface or if not enough simply a fluid to increase volume, for eggs that are quite far along in exercise is provided, baby crane toes but it also contains some sugars to development. In these eggs, the tend to bend to the side resulting help maintain sperm vitality. ICF movements of the chick inside the in permanent deformation. If a toe has also successfully used frozen egg could be observed as it caused began to bend to the side, it was semen samples that were collected the egg to jiggle and bob while often taped to a splint for a day or then stored in liquid nitrogen floating. Floating eggs in water for a so to keep it in the correct position. coolers for later use. The use of few minutes does no harm provided The crane chick exercise yard is cryogenically collected semen is a the water valuable tool to manage the genetics temperature of such critically endangered birds. is close to the same Egg Management temperature as Cranes will only lay 2 eggs per year the eggs. The if allowed to hatch and rear their crane eggs I chicks, but they will lay replacement studied were eggs if the eggs are removed. Since floated in an many of the cranes are endangered, aquarium the goal is sometimes to rear as filled with many as possible so pulling eggs water at about as soon as they are laid was the 98 degrees F standard protocol. In this way, cranes so it wouldn’t can lay a dozen or more eggs in a cool the eggs breeding season, greatly increasing causing the the population much quicker than contents to allowing them to rear their own contract thus offspring. Today, most crane species drawing in any Incubator Room at ICF are allowed to incubate and rear contaminants No. 4 2015 47 will ultimately lead them on their journey south. To accomplish this, the surrogate human parent in a crane suit will encourage the chicks to follow him/her in a model of an ultra-light. Later, a motor is added to accustom the birds to the loud sound it makes. Eventually, the birds will follow a full-size ultra-light on the ground. As the birds mature, short flights are taken until they are strong enough to begin the journey. Due to the limitations of flying ultra- lights for long-distances and the planning involved to have landing places and crane pens set up each night during the migration, this is a very difficult and arduous process, but it has been very successful at establishing new migratory routes. This trip can take several weeks to complete. An experienced wild crane can actually cover the same distance in just a few days. The other method is to release the cranes at just the right moment when wild adults and their wild chicks are beginning to congregate before migrating south. The released birds are monitored to make sure A juvenile Hooded Crane, Grus monacha, they join a wild flock. This method with its foster parent of the same species obviously requires an established wild population with the desired migratory route, but it is certainly a thing of the past though. Today, for the growing chicks that follow more natural and much easier chicks that are being reared to stay in the costumed caretakers about large to accomplish. This method is captivity are parent-reared so they get enclosures for foraging and exercise. called Direct Autumn Release. all the exercise they need following Since cranes are migratory, Regardless of which method is their parents around their spacious the young cranes must learn used, once the chicks have completed enclosures. Whooping Crane chicks the migration route in their one Autumn migration south, they that are candidates for release are first fall. There are two basic are capable of returning in the Spring raised at a separate compound in methods to accomplish this. without any additional assistance visual and audible isolation from although they do migrate in flocks. humans. Caretakers don crane One method is to train the baby Most cranes do not breed until they costumes and act as crane parents to cranes from a very young age to are about 3-6 years of age so they provide the proper socialisation skills follow an ultra-light aircraft that

Educational signage showing the species that share and depend on the same habitat as each species of crane 48 No. 4 2015 Wild Sandhill Crane, Grus canadensis, at wintering grounds in Bosque del Apache, New Mexico. The cranes roost in shallow water every night. The water sometimes actually freezes around their legs as evidenced by the small ice anklet on its left leg after taking off in the early morning light. will have made the migratory round- protecting their remaining habitat. 1 Of the two species of Crowned Cranes trip several times before they are old All the other species that share the Black Crowned Crane was once more enough to rear their own offspring. that habitat also win as a result. critically endangered. Unfortunately, 30 years is much too long The people of ICF, the lessons I the Grey Crowned Crane has suffered When I finished my internship learned, and the cranes themselves dramatic population declines and is now at ICF 30 years ago, I was certain I never left my mind. Even the small as rare as the Black Crowned Crane in would return in the next few years town of Baraboo was a delightful first the wild.• to see the progress they had made. home away from home for me. The There was so much construction experience I had planned that had yet to be started there truly made when I was there. It was very an incredibly exciting. It turned out, that I didn’t positive impact get back there soon at all, but I on my life. It’s certainly was not disappointed when good to know that I finally did return last summer. the International Crane Foundation ICF has always been unique for has only grown their all-encompassing approach better at their to conservation of cranes. It is important work of amazingly inspiring to see something preserving these so successful that was started on a very special birds. horse farm in Baraboo by two people with a passion for cranes. ICF’S If you would efforts are truly global and have been like to learn that way from the start although more about the the influence has grown over the International years. The effort involves habitat Crane Foundation conservation, captive breeding, or about the working with foreign governments, internship education of the people who share program, please their native habitats abroad, as well visit their as educating the general public in website – www. the United States. ICF is successful savingcranes. on all these fronts, which means not org or visit them only good news for cranes but also in Baraboo, good news for other species that Wisconsin, USA. share their diminishing habitats. If you love birds, Cranes are a highly revered symbol in it’s well worth many cultures around the world so it the trip and may is a more successful strategy to focus just be the trip on their survival, which depends on of a lifetime! No. 4 2015 49 G Lubbock

The Red-breasted Goose A Species Under Threat!

By Dustin Foote - Assistant Curator, Sylvan Heights Bird Park

The Red-breasted Goose will recall Mike’s experience Buzzard (Buteo lagopus) Branta ruficollis is arguably counselling the Queen of nests. Raptors are very one of the most impressively England into successfully territorial and drive off larger plumaged waterfowl species, raising Red-breasted Geese mammalian predators that but currently is under serious at Buckingham Palace! would wipe out the goose and and misunderstood threats in The majority of the its nest. Although conflicts the wild. Listed as endangered wild Red-breasted Goose between the raptor and goose on the IUCN Red List, they population nests in June do arise, the geese still have are in the genus Branta or in Russia’s northern most higher reproductive success true geese and are very similar latitudes, specifically the when nesting near the raptors. to the Atlantic Brant (Branta Taimyr, Yamal, and Gydan Around 90% of the wintering bernicla). Sylvan Heights Peninsulas. Red-breasted population is concentrated Bird Park (SHBP) has a long Geese are uniquely known at five major sites around history with this species going for nesting near raptor eyries, the Black Sea coast. Current back to our Director, Mike aka raptor nests. These geese threats to Red-breasted Lubbock’s younger years. For have been recorded nesting Geese include legal and those who have read Mike’s near Peregrine Falcon (Falco illegal hunting, agricultural new book, The Waterfowl peregrines), Snowy Owl (Bubo pesticides, wind farms, loss Man of Sylvan Heights, you scandiaca), and Rough-legged of habitat, and poisoning. 50 No. 4 2015 21st century. Since spring months. It is our then we have seen hope that longer day length a large decline to a during our milder spring will current population allow us greater success in of thirty breeding Red-breasted Geese.

G Lubbock thousand birds. When a population declines, Conservationists there is a cause. Whether are concerned habitat loss, introduced about the lack predators, hunting, or some of knowledge combination, there are reasons surrounding this species disappear. Our job recent massive as aviculturists is to become population decline. confident stewards of these Even if these shifts birds, so that when the habitat are part of natural becomes available or the fluctuations, the pressures are relieved we can past 100 years of help to increase the declining human activities wild populations of these put Red-breasted species or bring a species back Geese at great risk from extinction by the release of falling below an of captive bred birds back into Red-breasted Geese effective population during the wild. As aviculturists, we have irregular population low population periods. In are often in ideal positions fluctuations. In 1960, the a broad sense, falling below to consult conservationists, wild population dropped to effective population size is the ecologists, and governments an estimated ten thousand first step towards extinction. on reversing population birds before climbing to fifty SHBP is one of the declines. Additionally, here thousand in 1970, and then southernmost latitudes where at SHBP it is our mission dropping back down to ten you will find breeding Red- to educate people on this thousand in 1975. In 1990, breasted Geese. Breeding in magnificent species and the population began to climb the Siberian arctic during May, the pressures it faces using to a high of eighty thousand these geese are accustomed captive birds as ambassadors individuals at the start of the to over 19 hours of day light for their wild counterparts. and mild temperatures. Sylvan In the words of the Heights Breeding Center acclaimed ecologist Rachel went to great lengths to breed Carson, “One way to open Red-breasted Geese initially, your eyes is to ask yourself, and all progeny were kept what if I had never seen this back for the first generation. before? What if I knew I G Lubbock The goslings that were raised would never see it again?” in North Carolina seemed This is one of the reasons more accustomed to our Sylvan Heights is engaged photoperiod and temperatures, in the plight of the Red- and thus went onto reproduce breasted Goose, so that in midsummer as adults. future generations can SHBP has recently begun observe its beauty.• construction on a large walk through aviary dedicated to breeding and displaying Red- breasted Geese. As part of the new aviary, SHBP plans on installing flood lights that will allow us to increase the day length during the breeding season and move our Red-breasted Geese reproduction to NC’s cooler No. 4 2015 51