The Biology and Husbandry of in Captivity by Anne Oiler, Tanagers are beautiful, colorful Lead Keeper, Brookfield Zoo Dept. Housing and Environment that are not well known either in At Brookfield Zoo, tanagers are Patty McGill, Ph.D., exhihited in several different sized the wild or in captivity. Taxonomically, Curator of Birds, Brookfield Zoo the 242 of tanagers, honey­ enclosures, ranging from small "pic­ ture-window" exhibits to the large creepers, dacnis, and others, compris­ Scott Schiller, ing approximately 58 genera, are Senior Keeper, Brookfield Zoo free-flight aviary. In 1982, an off-exhih­ placed in the subfamily Thraupinae of The Swamp it facility, the "Avian Propagation the large family Emberizidae Environment" (APE), was huilt. (buntings, sparrows, and ). Approximately one-fifth of the Tanagers have successfully hred in the They are distributed primarily through­ Thraupinae (49 species) reside in only APE, the free-flight aviaI)', in a douhle out tropical Central and South one country. How those countries picture-window enclosure, and in America. Generally small-bodied and approach conservation and develop­ "walk-ins" (a larger version of picture quite vocal, tanagers inhabit forests or ment will determine the long-term windows). Each of the exhibit types shrubby habitats, ranging from low­ prospects for these species. offers the hirds a slightly different envi­ land to montane. They are truly the According to the 1994 ISIS ronment and each has both advan­ jewels of the canopy, often living in (International Species Inventory tages and disadvantages. mixed-species flocks of various-col­ System), of the 11 genera of tanagers ored birds. Some species are sexually that have species listed in the Red List Free-flight Aviary dimorphic, whereas in many the males Book, three have at least one species in Advantages: The aviary is heavily and females appear the same. They captivity. None of the listed species planted with a variety of tropical exhibit variation in bill shape and leg themselves are in captivity and only plants, including a large weeping ficus musculature associated with their dif­ one of those three genera has been Ficus benjimina and Zulu fig tree ferent feeding habits - insectivorous, successfully bred in captivity over the Ficus macrophylla. A shallow stream, frugivorous, or nectivorous. past five years. There may be addition­ including a small waterfall and four The status of birds in the wild can al birds or breeding success in non-ISIS pools of various depths, runs through be evaluated by an overview of rare, groups, particularly in private collec­ the middle of the exhibit. The stream threatened, or endangered species. tions, hut we have no way to quantify proVides water for hirds to drink and Three species of tanagers and their this. Thus, based on the current status bathe. The pools allow small water­ allies were included in these categories of tanagers in captivity, the prospect of fowl to swim. in the International Council for Bird using captive propagation to holster The public can only access the first Preservation's (lCBP) 1997 Red List threatened populations is low. 10 X 30 feet of the exhibit space. Book. That number has since changed. With many declining populations in Humidity varies with ambient con­ The latest list of threatened bird the wild and increased legislation and ditions. A fogging system was installed species, found in the Birds To Watch 2 requirements for permits in both the in 1992 to reduce high summer tem­ (Collar et al. 1994), now includes 20 countries of origin and the United peratures and provide winter humidi­ species of tanagers from 13 genera. States, it is no longer responsible nor ty. Using either preset humidity/tem­ Species at risk often have restricted dis­ easy to take these birds from the wild. perature settings or manual controls, a tribution or use very limited habitats; This group of birds is in need of dedi­ cloud is dispersed in the upper levels 30 genera within this group show cated efforts to develop and sustain of the exhibit through fine nozzles. these patterns. It is likely then that long-term breeding success. Many birds enjoy bathing in this mist. additional species may be added to the Brookfield Zoo's breeding lists of threatened birds. program has been one of the most Disadvantages: The spacious Other realities of modem conserva­ consistently successful among zoos in aviary, with its live plants and trees, tion are the sometimes extreme differ­ North America. Over the past 18 years, allow the birds to distance themselves ences in philosophy, conservation captive propagation of nine species of from the viewing public in a simulated ethic, and economic resources tanagers, one euphonia, and one hon­ forest canopy. However, the size and between countries. Therefore, another eycreeper has been attained. The height of the exhibit can be dangerous factor potentially affecting survival of information in this article comes from for fledglings. It is difficult to provide species is whether they are found in our own experience and research as artificial nest cups at high levels, or to only one country, or whether their dis­ well as from discussions with many remove injured or sick birds from the tribution crosses political boundaries. colleagues. exhibit. 8 January/February 2000 nesting material are uncomplicated, The Avian Propagation Walk-ins and Picture Windows and landings of fledglings are much Environment (APE) Advantages: The walk-ins and pic­ safer. Advantages: The APE is comprised ture windows vary in size but general­ of 25 cages of various widths, from ly are quite similar. Both have at least Disadvantages: The small size of three to eight feet, but all are eight feet one glass wall for public viewing and the picture-window exhibits coupled in height. Originally, the cages were skylights to provide natural light. The with the large glass front hinders some woodframed, but aluminum frames birds in the picture windows and breeding pairs. Unfortunately, the light were installed in all cages in 1993. The walk-ins are more visible. Observations level is not sufficient for most live cement floor is easily disinfected. An of the behaviors of the breeding pairs, plants to thrive. These enclosures are overhead misting system, operated their food consumption and choice of mainly used for exhibit purposes only. manually, can increase humidity and simulate rain. The entire roof is sky­ TABLE 1 lights. Characteristics of Tanagers Housing at Brookfield Zoo Skylights provide natural light but conduct heat in the summer; they also PICTURE- FREE provide a natural photo period. HOUSING WINDOW WALK-IN FLIGHT OFF-EXHIBIT Variable timers regulate the fluorescent EVALUATION EXHIBITS EXHIBITS AVIARY FACILITY lights and can be adjusted to vary the daylength. In the APE, the daylength is S'W 9.S'W 13.S'W S2'W 3-IO'W supplemented by artificial lights on S'O 4.S'O 7'W 32'0 7'0 timers for 10-13.5 hours of light, simu­ DIMENSIONS S'H S'll S'H 30'H S'H lating daylength at 20° latitude. The Skylights and Skylights and Skylights and Skylights and APE has minimal disturbance from LIGHT fluorescent fluorescent bulbs quartz flood fluorescent bulbs people and the environment is strictly SOURCE bulbs lights controlled. Limited live Limited live Variety of Live plants, plants; plastic plants; plastic and live plants mostly ficus Disadvantages: The cages' low VEGETATION and silk plants silk plants ceilings and the birds' lack of privacy Sand Sand Soil base Cement floor from neighbors may hinder breeding with leaf in some species. It is also difficult to SUBSTRATE litter observe pairs without disrupting other Overhead individuals. As a less intrusive tech­ Mist with hose Mist with hose tri- misting (fog) nique, we now use video cameras to HUMIDITY tri-weekly weekly system monitor the birds, either taping for later review or viewing via live remote.

TABLE 2 Social Conditions Summary of Nesting Preferences of Tanager Species at Brookfield Zoo (Greer 1988) Most small, omnivorous tanagers, forest euphonias, and dacnis are often TANAGER NATURAL ARTIFICIAL NEST NEST SPECIES NEST NEST NESTING MATERIALS LOCATION HEIGIIT(rq found in flocks that seem to form and

covered basket. yarn. , hair. burlap various 6+ disband irregularly at certain times of BLUE-GRAY open cup planter the year. This varies greatly by species BLUE· AND· YELLOW open cup - twigs. grass. plant fibers ficus tree 10-15 CIsler 1987). Canopy-dwelling multi­ yun. moss, hair. burlap under plant 6% FLAME-FACED - hanging planter leaves species flocks have been studied and covered basket, moss, plant fibers, le.aves ficus tree 5-6 shown to contain as many as 16 GOLDEN -- planter species 'of tanagers (Robinson 1988). hardware cloth small tMgs, hair, ficus leaves various 6·7 GREEN-AND-GOLD open cup basket Brookfield Zoo has housed mixed hardware eloth moss, ficus leaves, stripped buk bung from uiling 7 flocks of· tanagers in both the aviary PARADISE - basket and the walk-ins. In the aviary, the open & covered moss, cotton. buk and fibert in dem;e tree 5·25+ TURQUOISE open cup basket foliage flock composition varies from year to

ficu!II tree - covered basket moss 5 year, but normally encompasses GOLDEN-EARED approximately 20-40 birds. To prevent open cup open cup twigs, grass. leaves ficus & palm tnoe 4-20 RED-rnROATEDANT interspecific competition, these flocks ORANGE· BELLIED - covm:d buket bemp. raffia IT«: 4 EUPHONIA are limited to single pairs of each THlCK·BILLED covered basket conon, fibers, moss .kyligh.. 25+ species. species work partic­ EUPHONIA covered dome ularly well together due to their less

PURPLE --~-- covered basket moss, grass, fibers, hemp ficus 4·5 HONEY CREEPER aggressive di~positions. On the other BI.ACK-FACED open cup ------hair, plant fihers end or branch 25 hand, some Ramphocelus species are DACNIS reputed to be somewhat aggressive

the afa WATCHBIRD 9 toward other birds, breeding season, the number of 1 During nesting season, disturbances provided is increased to simulate an AFA Standing from other birds may limit breeding bloom, but again, it is important Cotntnittees efforts more than tangible objects such to regulate these amounts to prevent as food, nest sites, and materials. obesity, In the case of mUltiple clutch­ AVY AWARDS Managers and keepers should be es per season, it is important to sup­ Chairman aware of the carrying capacity of plement the females with calcium to Jeanette Rilling • 610-346-7803 enclosures, Highly inquisitive species maintain their health and the health of or unpaired tanagers, even if they are their eggs, CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH nonaggressive, can hinder breeding. Director They steal nest material, intrude in ter­ Medical Issues Benny). Gallaway, PhD· 409-775-2000 Associate Director ritories, and harass breeding and non­ In captivity, tanagers may live for a Darrel K. Styles, MS, DVM • 512-858-2057 breeding birds. few to 15 or more years of age, High­ Having several species similar in quality sanitary conditions, appropriate CONVENTION appearance can also interfere with fresh foods, and reducing distur­ Coordinator breeding efforts. If a true pair bond has bances, stress, and overcrowding all Sharon Rosenblatt • 703-255-3399 not been established, either bird may lead to more healthful conditions for begin soliciting the attentions of a sim­ these small birds. Tanagers and allies EDUCATION AND MEDIA SERVICES ilar-appearing birds, In nonaviary situ­ are susceptible to the typical array of Director ations, pairs housed side-by-side may avian diseases, parasites, and injuries, Mary L. Perry, PhD • 502-225-0071 Associate Director also interfere with breeding. Subtle Two conditions in particular, Letty Alamia O'Neill, PhD • 225-642-0409 aggressive postures viewed through aspergillosis and "iron storage dis­ cage wire can be as detrimental to ease," are considered high-risk for tan­ ETIDCS breeding as overt aggression, As with ager mortality, For both conditions, Chairman all birds, tanagers must be comfortable prevention is easier and more effective Larry Ring, Esq • 530-885-7868 in their environment before they will than diagnosis or treatment. breed, Aspergillosis is caused by growth of FINANCE fungus, usually Aspergillus jumigatus, Chairman and is characterized by masses of fun­ Jim Hawley, Jr. • 602-987-9201 Diets Co-chairman The tanagers are frugivorous, insec­ gal hyphae in the air sacs and, some­ Donna Mallory-Field • 972-235-4824 tivorous, and/or nectivorous depend­ times, the lungs or other organs, It may ing on the species; several complete be secondary to other diseases, espe­ LEGISLATION balanced diets are offered. The frugi­ cially one in which immunity is sup­ Legislative Vice President vore diet is strongly preferred by the pressed. It can be triggered by acute (Pending) birds and has been formulated by staff exposure to the fungal spores, usually Associate Chairman nutritionists to meet all dietary require­ through inhalation. For groups of birds (Pending) ments, A base mix of crushed Ziegler susceptible to aspergillosis, a focused MEMBERSHIP Bird of Paradise or other low-iron pel­ program of prevention and reduced AND CLUB AFFILIATION lets and a vitamin/mineral premix is exposure can dramatically cut the Director added to a mixture of diced apples, number of cases seen, Jerry McCawley • 602-484-0931 bananas, grapes, raisins, currants, and Symptomatic aspergillosis may Associate Director blueberries, The fresh fruit mix varies include reduced appetite, labored or (Pending) seasonally according to what is locally open-mouth breathing, tongue-flick­ available, Additionally, a mix of ing, and coughing. Marked weight loss NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS chopped leafy vegetables is offered, and extremely high white-blood cell Chairman counts may also be detected, As soon Jeri Wright • 206-851-5181 Species such as dacnis, euphonias, Co-chairman and depend on nectar as such symptoms are observed, a vet­ Jean Thorpe • 727-862-2994 more than other birds, Roudybush erinarian should be consulted to asses Nectar 3 is readily accepted even by the cause and to recommend a course PUBUCATIONS those birds not considered nectivo­ of treatment. With small birds, Chairman rous, It can be provided in either a Brookfield Zoo combines oral antifun­ Brent Andrus • 702-732-1281 tube suspended in the enclosure or in gal medication, such as Fluconazole or Co-chairman a small cup, Nectar is replaced twice Itraconazole, and nebulizing with Sheldon Dingle • 626-289-4400 daily to prevent spoilage, Amphotericin B with apparent success, There is a strong association between PHOENIX BUSINESS OFFICE A variety of insects, mealworms, fly P,O, Box 56218 larva, and fruit flies is offered in mod­ how quickly treatment is undertaken Phoenix, AZ 85017 eration during nonbreeding season, and the likelihood of recovery, 602-484-0931 • fax 602-484-0109 Due to the high fat content of larval Aspergillus is widespread in the wax worms, its use is limited, During environment in soil and leaf litter.

10 January/February 2000 COfi1fi1ercial Mefi1bers

A & Z Exotics, Homestead, FL Family Farms Equines & Exotics, Nuevo, CA Parrot Jungle, Kirkland, WA A to Z Exotic Birds, Chapin, SC Fancy Publications, Los Angeles, CA Parrot Jungle & Gardens, Miami, FL ABC Birds, Humble, TX Fantastic Feathers, Port SI. Lucie, FL Parrot Passions, Wyoming, MI Adventures in Birds, Houston, TX Feathered Follies, Walnut Creek, CA Parrot Perch Aviaries, Las Vegas, NV Alburquerque Aviaries, Alburquerque, NM Feeding Tech, Nineveh, IN Parrot Place of CDIDrado Springs, CO Allen's Aviaries, Rutherford, CA Ferguson, , Mike & Katie, Walla Walla, WA Parrot-dise, Anderson, SC American Bird Center, Goulds, FL First Flight, Belleville, IL Parrotlet Ranch, Aptos, CA American Bird Products, Locust Grove, VA For Pet's Sake, Decator, GA Parrots & People, Colleyville, TX And Feathers Bird Studio, Chicago, I L Fouts, Barry G, & Pat, Lakeland. FL Pasadena Parrots, Inc., Pasadena, CA Anderson, Ken, Boerne, TX Fox, Ted, Marcellus, NY Perches by Bear, Sayk Village, IL Ani mal Crackers, Greendale, WI Fox's Feather Farm, Watsonville, CA Pet Power, Inc., Phoeniz, AZ Environments, Carlsbad, CA Franklin, Judy, On Wings, Northfield, IL Pettin' Place, Reno, NV Animal Exchange, rockville, MD Frasier Products, Denver, CO Picture Perfect Parrot, Berea, OH Aves International, Rancho Pales Verde, CA Frey, Dr. Walter H., Idabel, OK Poole, Cheryl & Rober, West Monroe, LA Avian Acres Exotic Bird Farm, Flemington, NJ Friedman, Alan P., Baltimore, OH Pretty Bird International, Inc., Stacy, MN Avian Adventures, Inc., Dallas, TX Galler, Sharon, STAT Marketing, Oakton, VA Queen, Robert, Sr., & Virginia, Spring Branch, TX Avian Colloborative, Marlboro, MA Garrick, Jim & Ardell, Ravensdale, WA R & M Aviaries, Hunlock Creek, PA Avian Medicine Chest, Woodbine, IA Ginny's Jungle, Andover, NJ R & R Bird Gardens, MO Avian Resources, San Dimas, CA Graze, Timothee B., Clinton, CT Rain Forest Exotics, Inc., Conroe, TX Aviary of Naples, Naples, FL Grein, Marie, Queen's Village, NY Rice, Doug, Walkerton, IN B & C Aviary Toys, Port SI. Lucie, FL Hand-raised Exotics/Bebe Turck, West Hurley, NY Richardson, Colleen H., Eden, MD Backstreet Birds, Glendale, AZ Hauer, Sandy, Dover, PA Rockledge Aviary, Spring Branch, TX Bell's Exotics, Inc., Wrightsville, GA Hays, Belle, Comptche, CA Rolf C. Hagen, (USA) Corp., Mansfield, OH Bendem Wayr Aviaries, Saginaw, MI Hessler, M. Jean, Costa Mesa, CA Ronie's for the Love of Birds, Sandy, UT Bignest Aviary, Shiner, TX Hetler, John, Nescopeck, PA Roth, Janice, Baltimore, MD Bird Central Pet Store, Lexington, KY Hidden Forest Wildlife Art Gallery, Fallbrook, CA Royal Bird & Supply Co, Lincolnton, NC Bird Country, Lewistown, MT Hill Country Aviaries, LLC, Dripping Springs, TX Rydant, Rick, Kingston, NY Bird Crazy, Inc. San Diego, CA Hobo Toys, Lancaster, NY Santa Barbara Bird Farm, Santa Barbara, CA Bird Fever, Indianapolis, IN Hoffman, Kelly, Hillsboro, OR Saunder's, W. B., Stockton, CA Bird Gardens, Beaverton, OR Hookbill Aviaries, Center Ridge, AR Scandaglia, Frank, Staten Island, NY Bird of a Feather, Hershey, PA Huntington, Sally & Vince, San Diego, CA Scarlet Orchard Aviaries, Otis Orchards, WA Bird Times, Greens boro, NC Jaax, Nancy, Myersville, MD Schults Bird Farm, Langhorne, PA Birdeez Nutrition Center, Chandler, AZ Jeff & Jim's Jungle Aviary, San Antonio, TX Shadybrook Aviary, Hikksboro, OR Birdlady's Babes, Atascadero, CA John's Aviaries, Sturgis, MS Sharpe, Mac, Plant City, FL Birds 2 Pet, Redwood Estates, CA Jungle Enterprises, Homestead, FL Skyline Garden, JamUl, CA Birds & Beasts, Yorba Linda, CA Just Parrots, Lexington, SC Snell, Robert & Rosalie, Buffalo, MO Birds Nest, Gurley, AL Karcher, David, Newville, AL South Haven Birds, Montgomery, AL Birds of Paradise Aviaries, Kurtistown, HI Kaytee Products, Inc., Chilton, WI Spence, Susan, Richmond, VA Blackstone Aviaries, Escondido, CA Kellog's Inc, Madison, WI Steger, Barbara, Lexington, KY Blue Skies Aviary, Toledo, OH Kennedy, Robert L. & Jami, Canyon Country, CA Stuart, Carolyn & Thomas, Alvin, TX Bompart, Pamela, Helena, MT Kookaburra Pets, Carrollton, TX Sugarcreek Bird Farm, Bellbrook, OH Boston Exotics, Action, MA L'Avian Plus Pet Products, Stephen, MN Sundown Aviary, Lodi, CA Boundaries Unlimited, Inc., Gotha, FL LGL Ecological Research Asc., Bryan, TX Sun Seed Company, Bowling Green, OH Brennan, Sandra & Martin, Edgewood, NM Lafeber Company, Cornell, IL Super Bird Creations, Pine, CO Brinsea Products, Inc., Titusville, FL Lape, Kristine, Hillsboro, OR Swan Creek Supply, Saginaw, MI Broilett, Noah, Los Angeles, CA Last Chance Farms, Inc, Miami, FL T & M Birds, SI. George, UT Brown, Judy, EI Granada, CA Lima's Exotic Birds, Woodland Hills, CA Tim Swango, Lake Wales, FL C & F Parrot Farm, Chorpus Christi, TX Little Friar Aviary, Philadelphia, PA Top Flock Aviary, Loxahatchee, FL Cagemasters, Inc., Loxahatchee, FL Living Design, Inc, Worthing, SD Torrey's Parrot Place, Spokane, WA Calderin, Victor 0., Coral Gables, FL Liz's Bird Shop, Chicago, IL Tradewinds Exotic Birds, Terry, MS Christian, John & Linda, Waban, MA Lundeen, Judith L., Idaho Falls, ID Trombly, Marsha, Coral Gables, FL Clarkson, Sunny, Phoenix, AZ Lyon Electric Co., chula Vista, CA Tropaquatics, Denver, CO Clifton Bird Farm, Mesa, AZ M & M Artistic Designs, Houston, TX Tucker Farms, Estancia, NM Corners Ltd., Inc., Kalamazoo, MI M & S Aviaries & Pet Supplies, Bandera, TX Up At Six Aviaries, Bosque, NM Creative Bird Accessories, CT M R Pets, Inc., Dale city, VA Urban Bird, New York, NY Crystal Parrot, Southampton, MA Magic Zoo, Rough and REady, CA Verde Squirts Aviary, Anaheim, CA Cuttlebone Plus, Fallbrook, CA Magnolia bird Farm, Anaheim, CA W.B. Saunders, Owings Mills, MD Dam Birds, Austin, TX Mansoor, Inge, Los Angeles, CA Walnut Creek Service Center, Walnut Creek, CA Dark Continent Aviary, Troy Hensley, Bethlehem, GA Marshall, Shirley, Jacksonville, FL Waterloo Wings Stained Glass, Chelsea, MI David's parrot Place, Tacoma, WA Martin, Steve, Lake Wales, FL Web Ranch Bfmstrs & Birds, Mooreland, OK Denise's Parrot Place, Mercer Island, WA Mccormic, Dan & Noelle, Wildwood. FL Weinberg InVNEKTON USA, Tarpon Springs, FL Denton, Boyd, southlake, TX Millikin, K.P., Palmetto, FL West, Shirley, Vacaville, CA Di Vinci, Ltd., Las Vegas, NV Montgomery, Harold, Fort Pierce, FL West Parrot Society, Willis, TX Diamante Ranch & Aviaries, Bulverde, TX Morman, Kay L., Fremont, NE Williams, Elaine & Earl, Baytown, TX DiLorenzo, Ronald, Endicott, NY Moyer, Donna, Mohnton, PA Williamson, John R., Jersy city, NJ Dow, Clara & Dennis, Kirtland, NM Mt Olympus Aviaries, Salt Lake City, UT Willow Creek Aviary, Richland, WA e Parrol.com, Empi re, AL Munguia, Gail, Fresno, CA Wyld's Wingdom, Norfolk, VA Emuson, Carol, Great Barrington, MA Norton, David, Tacoma, WA Yale University Press, New Haven, CT F M Brown's Sons, Inc., Sinking Springs, PA Old World Aviaries, Austin, TXB Yvonne's Swings and Things, Rochester, NY Emerson, Carol, Great Barrington, MA "P" Patch, The, Benton, MS Ziegler Bros, Inc., Gardners, PA Exotic Birds, Richard Gilmore, Graham, TX Parrot Domain, Fredricksburg, VA Zoological Imports IZllnternational, Vernon Hills, IL Expandable Habitats, Rockton, IL Parrot Gizmos, Tallahassee, FL Zupreem, Mission, KS

the afa WATCHBIRD 11 There is some seasonal variation in the Fortunately, this condition can be vir­ sex pamng. Slightly fewer than one­ number of fungal spores present, but tually eliminated in tanagers through half of tanager and any conditions that favor fungal dietary management (Crissey and species are dimorphic, but some growth should be avoided in these McGill 1988). species, such as the Turquoise birds' housing. The symptoms of pathological iron Tangara mexicana and Blue-gray An array of husbandry practices storage are varied, but may include Tanagers 7braupis episcopus, are not can reduce the prevalence of fluid in the abdomen, labored breath­ so easily distinguished. Surgical sexing Aspergillus and the incidence of ing, overeating, or general malaise. by laparoscopic examination has heen aspergillosis in bird facilities (McGill Treatment of small birds for this prob­ used to identify sexual organs. A 1996). These include circulating abun­ lem has not been very successful, par­ newer technique, and generally more dant clean fresh air, eliminating damp ticularly once symptoms have been preferred for these small birds, is organic substrates, and removing observed. genetic sexing through blood or live damp, rotting wood (as on cage All birds must have some iron in feather sampling by services such as frames, cage furniture or under-sink their diet for normal body functioning Zoogen, Inc.® or private laboratories, cabinets). Accumulating dust should and egg-laying. However, there are can provide positive identification of be removed, even in remote sites poorly known factors of avian physiol­ sex in a matter of weeks. such as the top surface of suspended ogy, as well as the chemical content of Brookfield Zoo employed a method ceiling panels. If surfaces with built­ the diet that may affect actual levels of of pairing whereby the birds are up dust or soil need to be disturbed iron absorption. Nonetheless, some allowed to choose a mate before being (e.g., moving old ceiling panels, simple guidelines are appropriate for introduced to each other in the same doing construction, or moving earth), developing diets for these small tropi­ enclosure. By housing a female next to take extreme caution to avoid conta­ cal frugivores: provide fresh whole­ more than one potential mate, we minating the bird area. Dampen these some foods, use low-iron prepared observe her behavior to determine to surfaces to reduce airborne particles, feeds for birds as a base mix with fruit which bird she is more attracted. filter the air between the work site and insects, and avoid meat (heme)­ Generally, if a male and female con­ and bird area, or remove birds from based proteins in diets (see Crissey stantly perch near each other (six-inch the area during the work. In areas that and McGill 1988 for details). proximity or less), the male sings fre­ might be high risk (e.g., where there quently, the male feeds the female are sick birds, newly arrived birds, Pair Compatibility and Courtship through the wire and/or the female nestlings, or near damp or disturbed Establishing a compatible pair is the solicits the male, it is a good indication sites), it may be helpful to use high­ first step toward any successful breed­ that the two would make a compatihle efficiency particulate air (HEP A) or ing program. In the past, birds were breeding pair. All the above general fine-air filters to reduce fungal spores simply housed together with the hope courtship activities will continue once (as small as 3 to 5 micron) in the air. that they would form a bond. the pair is housed together. A variety of room-size filter units are Although often successful, it some­ According to Isler and Isler (1987), available in stores that serve allergy times resulted in aggression (from courtship displays usually involve patients. threat gaping to actual fighting) or males exhibiting their brightest or most "Iron storage disease" is the accu­ complete indifference to one another. contrasting feathers. The Scarlet­ mulation of iron within the body tis­ Different combinations of individuals rumped Tanager Ramphocelus sues and organs, especially the liver had to be tried before a suitable pair passerinii, for example, puffs up his (called hemosiderosis), that may was eventually established. colorful rump during courtship dis­ cause pathological lesions or even Indifference or fighting between plays. The scarlet headcrest of the Red­ liver dysfunction (Lowenstein 1986). birds may result from accidental same- throated Ant Tanager Habia fuscicau­ da erects during courtship. The pre­ copulatory display of tanagers, (per Willis 1976b in Isler and Isler 1987), involves wing-fluttering, tail-lifting, and horizontal crouching. These displays, W. W. Swalef & Son however, are brief and may not be wit­ Since 1968 nessed very often. The courtship dis­ We are looking to buy molted, large macaw .-..;, plays of the male are typically accom­ tail and other feathers, especially from .;.~-~_c panied by songs, usually heard in the Scarlets, Greenwings, Catalinas, Blue and Golds, early morning. These range from the Alexandrines and some other species as well. squeaky, squealed notes of the Blue­ For list of feather prices paid, contact: gray Tanager, to the pleasant, melodic 10781 Mountain View Drive, Madera, CA 93638 song of the Red-throated Ant Tanager. phone 559-439-9602 • fax 559-439-9166 An enriched environment, especial­ ly one with plenty of dense foliage, stimulates tanagers to breed. The large

12 January/February 2000 Turquoise Tanagers, as well as by Orange-bellied Euphonis xanthogaster and Thick-billed Euphonias Euphonia o laniirostris, and Purple Honeycreepers <5 .!: n.. Cyanerpes caeruleus. The baskets are placed in sites where the birds have shown interest. As mentioned previously, the intro­ duction of nesting materials during the breeding season usually elicits a strong impulse to nest-build. Materials offered vary with respect to which species we are breeding. Purple Honeycreepers, for exainple, prefer palm fibers, soft grasses and Inoss to line their nest bas­ kets, while many of the Tangara species commonly use moss, ficus leaves, stripped bark, cotton, and ani­ mal (camel, horse, or dog) hair. In the aviary, many of these materials are Turqu()ise Tanager, Tangara mexicana . always available; the exhibit is heavily planted and provides numerous natur­ a vialy could be considered a perma­ off the ground, and are usually well­ al plant materials. In some cases, mate­ nently enriched environment, as velY hidden in a crook of hranches. The rials are stolen from other nests, as few of the physical characteristics nests of euphonias are often domed seen in Scarlet-rumped and Blue-gray change. The picture windows, walk­ with a covered side entrance. Tanagers, as well as the Thick-billed ins, and APE cages, however, can he Although the hirds may construct Euphonia. In other enclosures, nesting changed froln enriched enclosures, as their own nests, 111any use one of the Inaterials may be offered on the during the breeding sea 'on, to less artificial haskets placed in the exhibit. ground, in a pan, or more often, tied in enhanced exhibits (without extra An assortlnent of baskets is used, hundles to branches. plants and nesting materials) during although woven covered wicker has­ Females take the lead role in actual the rest of the year. In early spring, we kets are chosen Inost often. This par­ nest construction with the males typi­ provide an abundance of live insects ticular nest style has heen used by cally escorting the females to and from which we have observed to help trig­ Blue-gray, Golden Tangara arthus, the nest. The , Blue­ ger breeding interest. Perhaps the Golden-eared Tangara chrySOlis and gray Tanager, and Orange-bellied and strongest stimuli to breed, however, are the increasing daylight cycle and Q; the availability of suitahle nesting (I) o structures and materials. -""'III..... :.-~ ~ ~ >­ .D Nests and Nest-building o <5 .!: In the wild, the lnajority of tanager n.. species build cup nests, and at Brookfield Zoo this is generally true as well. The construction and placement of nests varies greatly from species to species. In the free-flight aviary, Turquoise, Green-and-Gold Tangara schrankii, Blue-gray and Redthroated Ant Tanagers have built their own cup nests. The nests of Tangara are com­ pact and deep, hidden in dense clus­ ters of leaves as high as the enclosure will allow. The exposed nests of the Red-throated Ant Tanager, on the other hand, are loosely constructed and shallow, such that the eggs some­ tilnes can be seen froin below. These Fr'ee Flight Auiary. Inay be built as low as four to six feet the afa \'{lATCHBIRD 13 Thick-billed Euphonia males have been observed actively assisting the female hy carrying and adding materi­ als to the nest.

Incubation, Parental Care, and Chick Development The female generally begins laying eggs a day or two after the nest has been cOlnpleted. Clutches consist of two to three eggs for tanagers and four to five for euphonias, and are laid on consecutive days. Incubation usually begins after the second egg has been laid. The female alone incubates for 12 to 16 days while the male perches Purple H01zeycreeper male with young, attentively nearby guarding her. In Cyanerpe. caeruleus. some species like the Thick-billed Euphonia, the male may feed the fruit flies . Red-throated Ant Tanagers dangerous one, especially in a mixed­ female at the nest. feed waxwornlS and legless and wing­ species aviary. The young are clumsy Although in most cases the female less crickets. These food items are and curious, vulnerahle to harassment does not seem easily disturbed froin lnade availahle throughout the day. froln other birds (solnetin1es their own her nest, we attempt to reduce traffic Both parents are generally very male parent), and can be quickly and excessive activity in or near the attentive to their young and may he exhausted by moving around the birds' enclosure during the incubation observed feeding them every 10 to 15 enclosure. Fledglings are typically poor period. lninutes for the first few days, and flyers, '0 we place additional thin Chicks generally hatch early in the every 15 to 20 lninutes over the next hranches in the enclo ure to allow the morning. The parents are often found week. Tanager hatchlings are altricial: chicks to exercise. If it is a glass-front- to be very excited, with the female naked except for sparse natal down d exhibit, we apply a soapy fihn to peering into the nest frequently. As and abdomen distended with rem­ the glass to decrease visual distur­ soon a a hatch is suspected or con­ nants of the yolk sac. The begging hances to the chick. Fledgling are firmed, an abundance of live insects is vocalizations of the young can he eas­ handreared to weaning if they are offered to the parents to feed, although ily heard. The felnale alone brood the thought to be at any risk. they typically do not feed during the young. Nestling periods vary signifi­ first 24 hours. According to Isler and cantly anlong species. Alternatives to Handrearing Isler (1987), tanagers in the wild feed According to I ler .and Isler (1987), To keep the fledgling in the aviary insects to nestlings lnore than any other larger species which nest closer to the where they can learn from and he fed food. At Brookfield Zoo we offer tan­ ground (e.g., the Red-throated Ant by the parents, we use a pecial "fledg­ ager parents waxmoth larvae and Tanager) typically have shorter ling cage" (refer to Bent 1996). "white" molting meal worms (coated nestling periods (nine to 10 days), Constructed of 1 inch X 1/2 inch wire with an insect diet powder). Some while euphonias, whose young devel­ lnesh the cage (23 X 18 X 19 inches) species require other food items to feed op in enclosed nests, have longer has perches at varying heights to allow their young. Purple Honeycreeper par­ nestling periods (18 to 24 days). Most the chick to move from the top to the ents feed nectar, fly larvae, spiders, and other tanagers fledge in 12 to 16' days. bottoln of the cage with ease. The ceil­ Tanager chicks continue to beg ing of the cage is slightly concave, loudly and perSistently from the par­ which allows the chick to receive food ents for 10 to 18 days after fledging. from the parent when perched directly The parents may turn their attention to beneath it. This cage has been used Avicultu,ral SOciety~~~ < renesting a week or so after the first quite successfully with Turquoise of Amen ca p- • / .~., . ~ brood fledges. In one such instance, Tanagers and Purple Honeycreepers. It -~~ .' Founded in 1927 ~ we encountered Turquoise Tanager was tried with Golden Tanagers but The ASA welcomes new members and juveniles from a previous clutch help­ failed; their behavior suggested that publishes the ASA Bulletin six times a year with articles on all aspects of aviculture. ing to feed new fledglings in our this species may need a larger lnesh For membership and information aviary. Isler and Isler (1987) have found size through which to feed their contact: ASA c/o Helen Hanson this is a fairly unique phenomenon, as young. P.O. Box 5516, Riverside, CA 92517 only three Tangara species are known In some cases, problems arise early Yearly dues $ 25 Overseas members add $5 postage. U.S.funds only. to display this helping behavior. and it is necessary to remove the The period after fledging can be a young from the parents to handrear.

14 January/February 2000 uch instances have included: the ill­ gain, and physical development. ness or death of one or hoth the par­ Handrearing Sometimes information on the same or ents; the repeated illness or death of Brookfield Zoo has developed a clo ely-related species from another the young from one pair, or parental progran1 for handrearing tanagers. institution provides the groundwork h havior problems, such as aggression Our tnethods and gUidelines have for a succe ' ful handrearing protocol. hy the n1ale (usually corr cted hy evolved to incorporate new knowl­ In other instances, very little i known ren10ving or separating the Inale froln edge and correct past errors. A few of at all ahout the species in captivity. We the female and young) or inexperi­ our handrearing recommendations have had varying uccess with a nutn­ enced parents (e.g., the parents under have even been adopted hy other b r of species but particularly with or overfeed the young). zoos for their bre ding programs. Red-throated Ant Tanagers, Turquoise In one instance, cross-fostering of Chicks are handreared in a separate Tanagers, and Purple Honeycreepers. young was impleln nted as a last resort area furnished with all the hasic for a pair of Paradise Tanagers requiretnents for such a facility, includ­ Red-throated Ant Tanager Tanga1 ra chilensis whose young repeat­ ing a hrooder for hatchling care, an air The Red-throated Ant Tanager was edly died at an early age. A fertile egg purifier to filter out airborne pollutant , not held in captivity in zoos in North froln a pair of experienced Blue-gray and an electronic gram scale to weigh Arnerica prior to 1991. In 1992, Tanagers was exchanged for two food items and developing chicks. Brookfield Zoo was the first zoo to eggs. The Blue-gray Data recorded regularly include chick handrear chicks of this species, begin­ egg hatched and the chick was raised weights, feeding times, food items ning three days post-fledging. More successfully to fledging by the Paradise offered and consumed, numher of recently, in June 1995, we successfully Tanager parents. The Blue-grays like­ fecals produced, hegging response, handreared an Ant Tanager chick from wise raised the only Paradise Tanager and other relevant observations of the egg (Schiller 1995). chick that hatched. Interestingly, the chick activity, growth, and develop­ The Red-throated Ant Tanager is Paradise Tanagers later successfully Inent. prin1arily insectivorous, and hence the raised a healthy chick of their own to We have handreared chicks after diet consi ted of diced newborn mice fledging. It is important to note that they have fledged, hefore they left the (pinkies), waxworms, white meal­ cross-fostering, as just descrihed, is nest, and on a few occasions, directly worms, and the insides of gray cricket advised only between silnilar species in after hatching. Handrearing new ahdomens. We began with nine feed­ situations where a hreeding pair con­ hatchlings requires paying extra atten­ ings each day, dropping one feeding tinually fails to raise their own young. tion to chick behavior, diet, weight when the chick gained weight too quickly, or when its appetite sharply decreased throughout the day. Approximately 10 days after hatching, the chick fledged. Its diet incorporated fruit pieces at 13 days of age. At approximately 33 days, the chick hegan eating on its own from a food pan. Two days later, we di continued handfeeding. We were assured the chick was self-feeding when it gained weight over the next day without any supplemental feedings.

Turquoise Tanager In 1989, we lost Turquoise Tanager fledglings presumably to salmonella infections, and therefore all subse­ quent nestlings from this pair were pulled for handrearing. In June 1995, we were forced to handrear a Turquoise chick from the egg. The male had died of possible pneumonia in covered nest basket, and chicks from two previous clutches Tangara arthus. had died at early ages. This hatchling weighed only 1.5 grams, but exhibited a 300/0 to 400/0 increase in weight dur­ ing its first 10 days. The handrearing diet for the first eight or nine days was

the afa \\lATCHBIRD 15 Veterinarians limited to diced pinkies and wax­ patience, and perseverance are essen­ Commercial Members tial to breeding tanagers, honeycreep­ Arizona worms. Later, mealwonns, cricket Ross E. Babcock, DVM· 602-944-9661 abdomens, and small bits of fruit were ers, and their allies. Unfortunately, they Palo Verde Animal Hospital, Phoenix offered. Eventually, we discontinued have not received the same attention California Edvardo Acosta, DVM feeding pinkie pieces (due to high pro­ from private breeders and even zoos as Sunset Cliffs Animal Clinic, San Diego tein content). The chick fledged froin waterfowl, cranes, or psittacines. Florida Animal Clinic of Lady Lake • 352-753-5333 its container in the brooder at 14 days Although most tanagers are not Lady Lake of age. At approximately 28 days of presently considered seriously threat­ Bern M. Levine, DVM • 305-595-1674 age, the Turquoise Tanager chick was ened in the wild, even small-scale habi­ Last chance Farm, Inc, Miami altnost fully' self-feeding, and received tat destruction could have significant Rhoda Stevenson, DVM • 909-268-0204 no handfeeding after days. consequences for restricted popula­ Exotic Bird Hospital, Jacksonville 35 tions (McGill 1988). Captive breeding Tim Swango, DVM· 941-676-6176 Swango Animal Hospital, Lake Wales Purple Honeycreeper can contribute to conservation by pro­ Georgia Brookfield Zoo has had much suc­ viding sustainable captive populations Kitty Remington, DVM • 912-243-0380 Animalhouse Vet Services, Bainbridge cess breeding Purple Honeycreepers. for exhibit, education, enjoYInent, and Illinois In 1992, a two-day old nestling was can contribute to our knowledge of Nye, Ness, McDonald, Mori, DVMs Westchester 708-344-8166 ejected from the nest. The chick's tanager hiology before such informa­ Indiana abdo111en was severely distended and tion is critically needed. Ellen K. Cook, DVM· 317-758-6069 Cicero could have been an indication of dis­ Massachusetts ease. The chick was set up in our Acknowledgements Wendy Emerson, DVM • 978-887-3836 handrearing facility. It displayed a We thank those dedicated professionals Mobile Veterinary Services, Topsfield very good begging response and took who have contributed their knowledge of William C. Sager, DVM· 508-486-3101 tanagers in the wild and captivity, to our Littleton Animal Hospital, Littleton nectar froin a ball-tipped syringe quite Maryland well. breeding program. Also, to the efforts of past Bonnie J. Miller, DVM • 410-363-2040 Clnd present hirdkeepers of Brookfield Zoo, Although it only weighed 2.75 Animal Avian & Exotics, Owings Mills especially Lucy Greer, Nancy Bent, Marcia Missouri gran1s, it was strong enough to vocalize Arbnd, Laura Alter, and Linda Schile-Bradley. David Kersting, DVM • 314-469-6661 Bird medicine & Surgery, Chesterfield during feedings. Our veterinarian pre­ Mississippi scribed antibiotics, to be given in its References Used VCA Animal Hospital of Livonia· 248-615-7670 nectar feedings, to correct for its dis­ Bent, N. 1996. Fledgling Cages: an Unc.lerused Livonia Tool in Aviculture. AFA Watcbhird, North Carolina tended abdoinen. Fruit flies and wax­ Vol 23 (1). pp. 20-21. Lauren Powers, DVM· 919-918-4000 worms were soon introduced into the Timberlyne Animal Clinic, Chapel Hills Collar, N.J , MJ . Crosby, and A.J Stattersfield. chick s nectar diet. At nine days of age, 1994. Birds To Watch 2: The world Mark J. Stehr, DVM • 704-933-1414 pin feathers were developing and the list of threatened birds. BirdLife South Ridge Veterinary Clinic, Kannapolis Conserualiun Series No.4. BirdLife New Jersey eye slits were opening. At 20 days of International. Lisa-Anne Attanasi, DVM • 201-461-8651 Crissey, S. and P. McGill. 1991. Iron storage dis­ Englewood Cliffs Veterinary, Englewood Cliffs age the chick fledged; its weight had increased to over 8 graIns. At that tilne, ea 'e in birds: an overview. American Dean J. Cerf, DVM • 201-447-6000 Zoo & Aquarium Association Ridgewood Vet. Hospital, Ridgewood we were also feeding fly larvae and the Regional Conference Proceedings, New York Inatrix from Brookfield Zoo's frugivore Greensboro, N.C. pp. 196202. J.C. Adsit, DVM· 518-463-0600 Greer, L. 1988. Thraupinae Review at Brookfield Albany diet. Two days after fledging, we Zoo. AAZPA Regional Conference Laura L. Wade, DVM • 716-832-2800 observed the chick feeding on its own Proceedings, pp. 409-415. Blue Cross Small Animal Clinic, Amherst from a nectar tube placed in the hrood­ Isler, M.L. and P.R. Isler. 1978. The Tanagers. Nevada Washington: Smithsonian Institution. Patrick W. Hauck, DVM· 702-734-9761 er. At 39 days, remote viewing via cam­ Lowenstein, L.J . 1986. Nutritional disorders of Flamingo Pet clinic, Las Vegas corder revealed the bird was self-feed­ birds. M.E. Fowler (ed.), Zoo and Ohio ing, including chaSing live fruit flies. At wild Animal Medicine, 2nd Editiun. Linda Wiley, DVM • 440-826-1520 Philadelphia: W.B . Saunders. ' Metropet Animal Hospital, Berea age 46 days, we discontinued hand­ McGill , P. 19R8. Status of tanagers in the wild. Wallace E. Wendt, DVM • 216-521-0533 feedings. As with all of our handreared Tanager workshop: captive manage­ Drs. Wallace & Wendt Animal Hospital, Lakewood birds, we monitored the chick's daily ment and field studies. AAZPA Pennsylvania Regional O)}!ference Proceedings, pp. Toby Erlichman, VMD • 610-692-7560 consumption ·of food iteins for a few 405-407. Animal Hospital of Chester City, West Chester weeks after weaning. Robinson, S.K. 1988. Ecology and behavior of Tennessee tanagers in Amazonian Peru. Tanager Shanon B. McGee, DVM • 901-853-8519 workshop: capti ve management and Collierville Animal Clinic, Collierville Conclusion field studies. AAZPA Regional Texas Tanagers are a diverse and interest­ Conference Proceedings. 1988. pA08 Roy Cruzen, DVM • 281-890-7257 Schiller, S. 1995. Handrearing of the Red­ Steeplechase Animal Hospital, Houston ing group of birds to breed and study Throated Ant Tanager at Brookfield Bob M. Denton, DVM • 817-297-6939 in captivity. At Brookfield Zoo, we Zoo. Animal Keeper's Fornrn. pp. Deer Creek Animal Hospital , Crowley have been able to tnaintain a sustained 332-337. Karen Lass, DVM • 972-985-0081 lUCN 1996. 1996 IUCNRed List of Tbreatened Preston Park Animal Hospital, Dallas captive-breeding prograITI, Our efforts . IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. have provided us with a better under­ King, Warren B. 1981. Endangered Birds of the Carol-Lynne Meissner, DVM • 512-476-4938 World. The ICBP Bird Red List Book. Austin standing of how these birds reproduce. Washington: Smithsonian Institution. We stress, however, that dedication, ~ 16 January/February 2000