L-Mnt~ Conspicuous in the Pool Area
Marsh Farms Wings of Asia - INCUBATORS • FEATURING fully automatic turners. Adjustable temperature a unique experience and humidity control. by Rosemary Low, Curator Loro Parque, Tenerife, Spain
One of the most memorable diei). The former are actually small moments ofa recent holiday was when enough to pass through the 1 inch (2.5 RonJohnson exclaimed, "Listen! That cm) hexagonal vinyl-coated wire from is a racket-tailed parrot!" We focused which the aviary is constructed. TURN-X our attention at the top of a large tree Ron Johnson, curator of birds, Up to 72 eggs. and, after a few moments, this exquis explained how these were established itely pastel-coloured parrot came into within the aviary. They were placed view. But at that height the subtle within a small enclosure made from lavender, gold and pink contrasts of this wire - and made no attempt to this beautiful bird were not apparent. escape. Introducing 300 birds when Then he flew down lower and perched the aviary was completed in 1984 quite conspicuously on the more could have been a nightmare. But Ron exposed limb of another tree. Here I had a careful plan which proved admired him for several minutes. extremely successful. It took 16 weeks But no! We were not in Indonesia! to accomplish. ROLL-X We were in Florida, in Miami Metro The most timid birds were placed Up to 209 eggs. zoo's unique aviary known as "Wings inside first, in small enclosures so that ofAsia. " Spanning one and a half acres they could become accustomed to the and with a height of 65 feet (over 20 environment and to the feeding sta m.), here one can watch birds under tions. They were then released into the conditions which reproduce their nat aviary. This continued, species by spe ural habitats. Various types of habitat cies, the most aggressive, of course, are reproduced, including a hardwood coming last. By then the others had forest and a swamp. established their own territories and If you are fortunate enough to visit were thoroughly at home. "Wings ofAsia" I suggest that you take How were the species chosen? Ron your binoculars with you or leave at took into account size, preferred habi least half a day free for bird-watching tat (including altitude - ground within. If you sit for awhile, on some dwelling, mid-level or canopy), colour, of the strategically placed benches, or song and compatibility. Perhaps the stand quietly near one of the feeding only species which was not a success stations, a wonderful variety ofspecies was the eclectus parrot (Eclectus ror will be revealed. atus). The female was continually har Most zoo visitors do not take the assing other birds at their nests. time to stand and stare. They would The pair was still in the aviary and I miss a lot here - if it were not for the enjoyed watching the leisurely flight of specially trained zoo volunteers, also the male. The female spent most ofher the keepers, who point out various time in the nest, as is typical of the species and explain some of their species. Others which were a joy to habits. observe were the little roulrouls or There are approximately 300 birds crested wood partridge (Rollulus roul of more than 70 species. Some are roul) and the spectacular and very rare spectacular - no one could miss the ly kept pheasant-pigeon (Otidiphaps flock ofyellow-billed storks (Mycteria nobilis). This pheasant-sized pigeon ibis) who reside near the hanging from New Guinea is chestnut above bridge but can be seen soaring over and purplish blue below - a most MANUFACTURED BY head elsewhere. The lesser flamingos interesting and showy exhibit. (Phoeniconaias minor)and sacred ibis Another extreme rarity in captivity (Threskiornis aethiopica) are equally - in fact here one can see the only l-mNt~ conspicuous in the pool area. captive pair in the world - is the King In contrast, you need to look hard of Saxony's bird of paradise (Pterido 2765 MAIN STREET Dept. W and listen carefully to locate two ofthe phora alberti). Collected in 1984, they CHULAVISTA,CA92011 U.S.A. TELEPHONE: (619) 585-9900 smallest species, both members of the are still in immature plumage, being parrot family: blue-crowned hanging mainly grey above and spotted below ~O! :~1 parrots (Loriculus galgulus) and with black and white. Ron is looking WE ACCEPT Goldie's lorikeets (Trichoglossus gol- forward to them attaining adult 26 October/November 1988 plumage. One of the problems of a large, planted enclosure is keeping track of the inhabitants. Here Ron]ohnson and his staff have evolved an excellent World Birds system. The keepers have a check list; every day they tick off the birds as they Quarantine Station see them. This is not too difficult as 7519 South Western Ave. they are attracted by the food trolley. The keepers know at which feeding Los Angeles, California 90047 ~ stations they can expect to find certain I•.<'~ . species. Incidentally, these are well dis '(if; (213) 753-1862 guised with logs yet strategically placed near the path which winds ~' Telex: 4995300 BURX LSA through the aviary. Many of the occupants do not rely SPECIALS entirely on the food provided by the vX· staff. There are over 40 species offood Passeriformes Psittaciformes trees in "Wings of Asia;' which pro Red cheeked cordon bleu African ringnecked vide fruit, berries and nectar. One can Read eared waxbill Indian ringnecked watch the hanging parrots taking nectar from the flowers of the coconut Orange cheeked waxbill Senegal palm and observe the racket-tailed Gold breasted waxbill African grey parrot taking minute seeds from the Cut-throat (or ribbon) Timneh pods of the bottle brush tree. I saw a Warbling silverbill Blue fronted Amazon partly eaten fruit on a Pandanus utilis tree - a fruit which is relished by Green singing Cape parrot cockatoos, I know. Perhaps the eclec Sales: Joseph Johnson, Robert Morton, Willie Smith (Us had sampled it. Some of the largest trees, such as a No retail sales 35 foot (II m.) high mango and a 40 CallorsendSA.SE.lorprices. foot (12 m.) gumbo limbo were planted e\ ~ ~r; with the aid of a 65 ft. high crane before the construction of the aviary \Vas completed. After four years the plant gro\vth looks mature and natural Important Medical Announcement but is carefully maintained to ensure good views of the occupants for those for Bird Owners who take the time to look. In South Florida:s sub-tropical climate the 100 Introducing VetRx™ Caged Bird Remedy-The Proven, species of plants not only thrive but are Inexpensive Remedy for Avian Respiratory Infections, an added source of interest to the Scaly Face, and Scaly Leg Mites visitors. Some birds are exhibited here which VetRx'" caged bird remedy is an inexpensive, easy to apply medication for treating respiratory infections, scaly face and would be impossible to house with the scaly leg mites. When administered to the bird at the onset other occupants; they are contained in of respiratory problems, VetRx'· helps fight infection by smaller enclosures at one side. Planting keeping air passages clear. When used in conjunction with antibiotics, VetRx'· helps speed relief. Results are dramatic. and landscaping are so cleverly accom And because VetRx'" lets you take immediate action, you plished, however, that the intervening minimize avian suffering and save money, too. It's the perfect mesh is not conspicuous. Various remedy for those times when JUU can't get to avet immediately. hornbills and rollers are thus separated. Every home avian first-aid kit should have VetRx~· Nevertheless, the aviaries are large Completely Safe, All Natural Remedy In use since 1874 and FDA approved, VetRx'· has been proven enough for one to hear the distinctive safe and effective by the poultry industry, bantam bird "whoosh" of hornbill wings in flight. breeders, and pigeon breeders throughout the U.S. It's an And one pair does live in the main effective remedy for all cage birds. aviary. Priced to Keep Your wallet Heallhy, Too Some excellent breeding results have A2-oz. bottle of VetRx'" costs only $6.95 (plus $1.25 postage and handling). Send for VetRx'· today and help JUur birds been obtained, including first successes breathe alittle easier. in the U.S.A.: the yellow-billed stork, Dealers &Pet Store inquiries invited. Respond on your black-naped oriole (Orio/us chinensis), letterhead to: Pampered Parrot Haven, Inc., Dept. AFA, P.O. Box 507, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, or call: 516-922-1169. greater coucal (Centroplls sinensis), (VETREE PRODUCTS LTD.) red-wattled lapwing and grosbeak Prices subject to change without notice VetRx is a trademark of Vetree Products, Ltd. starling (Scissirostrum dllbium). The latter species-reared young before the I.J'MY~ ~eJ'~ aviary was even open to the public. [Parrt'V 21U! This starling uses its strong beak to tear afa WATCHBIRD 27 Pheasantpigeon (Otidiphaps nobilis) from New Guinea) a most interesting ground species which is very rare in captiz ity. King ofSaxony's bird ofparadise - collected in 1984 and still in immature jJlumage.
palm fibres with which to line its nest. complex contain intere ting breeding urus) and the difficult and rarely k pt And palm log are used a ne ting ite pairs or potential breeders. The e long-tailed parakeet (Psittacula longi by many pecies here. include a pair of golden-mantled cauda). A pair of the latter produced Some off-exhibit aviarie within the racket-tailed parrots (Prioniturusplat- young in the main aiar) ; sadly the female died but the young urvived to carryon the breeding programme for this specie . Aviculture is Conservation too... The coleta (Sarcops calvus), that dis Name: Swinhoe's Pheasant Status in Captivity: Well established in pheasantries in Europe tinctive mynah which has a bare pink Lophura swinhoii and North America. head but for a narrow line of black Range: Forests of the ConsclVation Action: In 1967 Philip Wayre took thirty birds feathers which divide the crown was island of Taiwan captive bred at the Pheasant Trust in England to Taiwan where nine very successful in 1987; six young Status in the Wild: pairs were kept for captive breeding. The remaining birds were were reared, two of which fledged in Endangered due to habitat released in a well protected natural habitat. the aviary. This pecies, from the Phil destruction and human interference. ippine ,i seldom kept in capti ity. The arne i true of the white-collared Support the AFA Conservation Fund mynah (Streptocitta alhieollis) from Send your tax deductible contributions to: AFA Conservation Fund, American Asia and China. This ery striking Federation of Aviculture, PO. Box 1568, Redondo Beach, California 90278 U.S.A. long-tailed specie i black except for the white breast and nape. Four young were reared in 1987 - only the second breeding in captivity. Two spe cie of woodpeckers the golden backed and the red-runlped green, ha e also reared young. They were \ ery conspicuous as they worked their way around the trunks of favoured tree. The visiting public - even those who are bird keepers - have little idea ofthe amount ofwork care and exper ti ~e required to make a succes of this venture. A very large aviary is a poten tial di a ter area unle carefully con trolled. It is Ron)ohnson's experience of breeding bird (dating from child hood) combined with hi knowledge ofthe behaviour in the wild ofmany of the species exhibited, which have con tributed in no small measure to the suc cess of Mialni Metrozoo's showpiece.•
28 October/November 1988