species and, therefore, regulated by Red Siskin Project the U.S. government. This very fact inhibited the early stages of the pro­ ject because no one knew exactly Conservation Pilot Program for which transactions could be lawfully CITES Appendix I Birds performed with the Red Siskin, and which permits, if any, were required by Kevin M. Gorman, Chair for these transactions. AFA Conservation Committee and In April of 1990, the Red Siskin AFA Red Siskin Project Project chairman drafted a question­ Rochester, New York naire for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Introduction to teach persons about the care and Office of Management Authority The AFA Red Siskin Project has breeding of the Red Siskin, its natural (USFW OMA). This questionnaire made great strides in 1990, thanks to history, laws involving endangered asked for specific answers to our the financial and moral support of birds, shipping, diseases, etc. The questions about which permits were you, the AFA members. We have newsletter helps to keep all members required for transactions performed worked toward several avenues of informed, on a regular basis, about within the Red Siskin Project. Shortly growth. We have streamlined the pro­ siskin project news events and what thereafter, we received written docu­ gram and structured the organization other siskin breeders are doing. mentation from the chief of USFW so that it would be attractive to per­ Siskin News gives members a forum OMA stating which transactions sons who would like to participate, for asking questions and receiving needed permits. The following infor­ and at the same time we could main­ answers from their co-breeders. Most mation summarizes that letter: If Red tain a certain degree of control over importantly, this newsletter keeps the Siskins (i.e. endangered species) are the transfers of the endangered project members focused on the com­ transported across state lines in asso­ siskins which we are stewarding. mon goals of the Red Siskin Project. ciation with transactions that are Since the Red Siskin (Spinus cuccu­ Therefore, no one should feel alone NON commercial (i.e. money is NOT latus) is a species which is on CITES once they receive AFA Red Siskins. To involved, such as trades, breeder Appendix I and on the U.S. Fish and date, Siskin News has a circulation of loans, or donations) then no permits Wildlife Endangered Species List, 90 persons across the United States, are required by the federal govern­ there are certain controls which both Canada, Puerto Rico, West Indies, ment. The reason is that these trans­ state and federal governments put on England and Italy. Another publicity actions are not performed for com­ the transactions of this species. The tool was the design of a beautiful, mercial gain, but are for the purpose AFA Red Siskin Project is a program colored pamphlet which explains the of propagating and preserving the which will serve as a pilot program purpose and goals of the Red Siskin endangered Red Siskin. However, the for other endangered bird species. Project. This pamphlet contains person donating or loaning the Once all the groundwork (i.e. pro­ information on how persons can sup­ siskins must give the AFA a signed gram structure/strategies) and limita­ port the program. The pamphlet was affidavit stating that the birds were tions (i.e. international trade, endan­ laid out and final artwork performed raised by them, or were legally gered species law requirements) are by M. Jean Hessler (graphic artist for obtained from another breeder. established with the Red Siskin AFA Watcbbird). These pamphlets However, if a CITES Appendix I Project, then the AFA can plug will be circulated to bird clubs across (endangered) species is transported another CITES Appendix I species the United States in early 1991. across state lines in association with a into the slot and have another pro­ Ray Shaw of California generously commercial (money) transaction, gram of similar nature. The following donated his artwork to the AFA by then one of the following are article will outline the 1990 accom­ designing the colorful Red Siskin required: Captive-bred Wildlife Regis­ plishments of the Red Siskin Project. Project t-shirts which were first tration or a Federal Endangered Spe­ unveiled at the August 1990 AFA con­ cies Permit. A Captive-bred Wildlife Publicity I Education vention. All of the monies received Registration (CBWR) is purchased for As with any volunteer program, from t-shirt sales go directly into the $25 from the USFW OMA. This regis­ there must be a certain amount of Red Siskin Project account. tration is good for a two year renew­ publicity and education of the public. We had begun asking for endorse­ able term. The holder of a CBWR can Without this, no one will know about ments from a few bird clubs across only buy and sell birds with other the program and new members and the U.S. in late 1990 and will con­ CBWR holders who are registered for support will not be there for you. In tinue asking for more Widespread the same species (i.e. Red Siskin). The 1990, several members of the Red endorsements in 1991, when we can Federal Endangered Species Permit Siskin Project wrote magaZine articles utilize the colored pamphlet. To date, (ESP) is obtained only for single trans­ to inform the public about the Red three very influential bird clubs have actions with endangered species. The 2 3 4 Siskin:· • • and of the importance of given us their endorsements: The careful breeding of endangered National Colorbred Association finches: (NCA), the National Institute of Red AFA Watchbird advertisers In January of 1990, a monthly Orange Canaries (NIROC), and the represent some ofthe best in newsletter "Siskin News;' was ini­ National Finch and Softbill Society the business. When you buy tiated. The'purpose of this newsletter (NFS). from these fine sources. be is to inform members about the Red sureto tell themyou sawtheir Siskin and the developments in the Federal Permits Not Required ad in Watchbird! project. It is used as an education tool The Red Siskin is an endangered

afa WATCHBIRD 55 ESP is also $25 each time you apply. captive population of endangered lish a disease-free population of Applications for both the CBWR and siskins. This population can then siskins to better ensure the survival of the ESP can be obtained by writing serve as a captive "reservoir" to this captive-bred population. We are The USFW OMA at 4401 North Fair­ ensure the species' survival in the experimenting with procedures such fax Drive, Room 432, Arlington, VA event that they are extirpated from as shipping surface-disinfected eggs, 22203, phone (703) 358-2104. the wild. rather than birds, as another method The Red Siskin Project is able to "Associated Consortium Breeders" ofmaintaining a clean flock. perform interstate transactions with are persons who own their own flock Red Siskins without requiring any of siskins, and who pledge a per­ Planned Studies federal permits as long as all trans­ centage of their offspring to the Red A study is planned to determine actions are non-commercial and no Siskin Project on an annual basis. how related individual siskins (within money changes hands. The fact that These persons are valuable as they are the project) are through DNA (gene­ federal permits are not required by experienced siskin breeders who can tic) fingerprinting. This would be persons participating in the Red provide a constant influx of siskins done by extracting DNA from a toe­ Siskin Project gives us the ability to into the program. Non-cash transac­ nail blood sample. This method could freely transport siskins all over the tions (breeder loans, trades and dona­ be used to identify the parents of off­ United States. However, transactions tions) are used to infuse unrelated spring born to a flock of siskins in a are limited only to bona fide breeder bloodlines into the project. planted aviary. This procedure may loans, trades and donations. This is also be extended to identify the why it is essential that persons donate Consultations in 1990 extent of genetic diversity which siskins, or give siskins as breeder Ed Diebold (past Red Siskin Project exists in the wild populations of loans to the project. These three chairman) met with two population· Venezuela and Puerto Rico. methods are the only ways we an geneticists, Carter Denniston, Ph.D.; To carry this further, we would like legally bring new Red Siskins into the and Jim Crow, Ph.D., both from the to perform DNA fingerprinting on the project. University of Wisconsin at Madison. birds' mitochondrial DNA. We are The only other method of obtain­ These two gentlemen were willing to interested in having only pure Red ing new siskins for the project would help guide us toward a breeding Siskins in the project. We would like be to have a bird club raise money and scheme which will attempt to main­ to identify siskin hybrids at the gene­ purchase siskins from a siskin breeder tain at least 90% of the project's tic level. There is always the possibil­ who is in the same state, and subse­ siskin population's genetic diversity ity that a bird might physically look quently donating these purchased over a 50 year period in captivity. like a Red Siskin when, in reality, it is siskins to the AFA Red Siskin Project. The Siskin Project Chairman has a genetic hybrid between a Red Siskin This exact thing was done in 1989! met with George Gee, Ph.D. of the and another bird species. For exam­ The Missouri Cage-Bird Association USFW Endangered Species Breeding ple, there has been quite a number of purchased a pair of Red Siskins for Program at Patuxant National Wildlife persons who have bred the Red Siskin the Red Siskin Project in 1989 when Refuge. He is involved with the (Spinus cucullatus) with the Green the project was in its infancy and Whooping Crane and Masked Bob­ Siskin (Spinus megellanicus). All of Paddy Lambert was named as the white Quail breeding programs, to the offspring are fertile and can be keeper of these birds (The Missouri name a few. Dr. Gee gave us several bred back into the Red Siskin. The Cage-Bird Association has been sup­ tips including surface disinfecting final result might be a hybrid which porting us for a couple of years now. eggs to prevent the spread of avian physically looks like a pure Red Thank you· all, you kind-hearted diseases. Siskin, but which would be "contam­ MCBA people!). We have contacted Sadie Coates inated" with Green Siskin genes. who performed the 1982 field studies Mitochondrial DNA is passed down Red Siskin Project Structure in Venezuela on the Red Siskin and only from the female. So if a male The Red Siskin Project is run by a who authored several articles on its Red Siskin was bred to a female Green management conmmittee headed by a activities ih the wild~·7 and Herbert Siskin, then mitochondrial DNA chairperson. There are also several Raffaele, who studied the siskin in fingerprinting should identify any advisors and consultants who give us Puerto Rico and wrote an article on Red x Green Siskin hybrids in any valuable information on a variety of its status~ Both have indicated an subsequent generation (but only if topics. interest in helping us create contacts future matings occur using the female The core program is based around in Venezuela and in Puerto Rico. hybrids). the "Consortium Breeders:' Consor­ Song and call note variations exist tium Breeders raise Red Siskins for Health Checks in the captive Red Siskin population. the AFA Red Siskin Project. These Any time birds change hands across The original wild Venezuelan Red Sis­ breeders receive siskins from the AFA the country, there is always a chance kins exist in isolated pockets across free of charge, and breed birds fo; of disease transmission. This is why northern Venezuela. Sadie Coates distribution to other Consortium we feel we should certify the birds are indicated that these groups each have Breeders within the project. All birds clean before and after they leave the different call notes. We have acquired in the project are registered with the breeder. This way, we will avoid the a tape ofa wild Venezuelan Red Siskin siskin project studbook keeper and spread of avian diseases to facilities from the Cornell Laboratory of Orni­ entered into a population manage­ within the project. thology and will use this and other ment program called "SPARKS:' The We are currently testing siskins wild siskin tapes to tutor all Red Sis­ studbook keeper gives input as to before and after shipping within the kin Project offspring so that the which birds to pair with the goal of project to assure that birds are free young birds will acquire the wild maintaining a genetically diverse from disease. We are aiming to estab- song patterns. By comparing existing

56 April/May 1991 song patterns of the captive siskins in the project, with wild song patterns from several areas in Venezuela, we may possibly identify which area they originated from in the wild. We may, minimally, try to see if song patterns can also be used to identify related­ ness, or breeder origin, in siskins within the Red Siskin Project. We would like to continue working with various scientists and ornitho­ logists and must establish ties to the Venezuelan authorities so they can continue to develop strategies to pro­ tect the wild Red Siskin from smug­ gling for the pet trade, and to ensure that there will be suitable habitat needed for the survival of this spe­ cies. We must also identify methods of releasing captive-bred Red Siskins back into Venezuela so that they can be reestablished in the event that smuggling is eliminated. Green Siskin male (Spinus megallanicus).Green Siskins have been hybridized with Siskins Donated in Fall, 1990 Red Siskins by some breeders in the US. and Europe. The resulting hybrids can ruin a The largest number of transfers of pure bloodedRed Siskin population ifthey are bred back into the Red Siskins. Red Siskins into the project, to date, occurred in the fall of 1990. The fol­ a total of approximately 100 birds in made by all the persons involved with lowing persons donated siskins to the the Red Siskin Project to date. these siskin transactions. Red Siskin Project (number in paren­ All of the above persons were very thesis indicates number of birds helpful in assuring transport of their Reaction From a Consortium donated). Frank Avoledo, CA (3); Joe donated birds to the proper (consor­ Breeder Who Received Witt, CA (3); Paddy Lambert, MO (3); tium breeder) recipient. In many AFA Siskins in Fall 1990 Robert Allen Dyer, NC (2); Anony­ cases, the persons involved with November 18, 1990 mous, MI (1). these transfers went out of their way ,'Every so often in life an event will In addition to the 12 donations to minimize shipping costs to the pro­ occur which you feel so strong about received by the Red Siskin Project, ject by directly transferring birds that you find yourself making a state­ three additional siskins were obtained themselves and, in some cases, ment pertaining to it. Before I (from Robert Dyer) in exchange for an absorbed the cost of shipping. We decided to join the AFA, I had my mis­ equal value ofAFA canaries. There are appreciate the efforts and cost savings conceptions and reservations pertain­ ing to joining another organization. In the last 12 years, I have been intro­ duced to so many causes and beliefs. Every time, with the usual good intentions, but as with so many organizations, you find that no one will put forth a real effort into the cause. Inevitably, the organization would disburse without ever making a real contribution to the original belief. "When I decided to become affili­ ated with the AFA Red Siskin Project, I wondered if the potential goals were possible. Could people across the United States pool together nation­ wide and make one united donation to the comeback of this siskin? Would all volunteers believe enough in the project to put forth a real effort for successful rearing of disease-free babies? "Each person must decide whether your individual efforts help to bring about success in saving the siskin, or Red Siskin male (Spinus cucullatus) hinder in its comeback. An individual

afa WATCHBIRD 57 finally makes the decision based on the assumption that they just might possibly have some amount of know­ ledge and experience to offer this project. "After becoming acquainted with the AFA Red Siskin project, I person­ ally have found that all my fears and TheWatchbird offers free publicity for memberclubbirdshows byannouncing reservations became almost a para­ thedates and locationsoftheshows.To haveyourshowlisted itis necessaryto dox. When talking with Kevin, I get the data to theWatchbird four to five months before the show date. For found myself amazed at the devotion example, ifyour showtakes place the first week ofOctober, it should be listed and dedication he put forth into this in theAugust/Septemberissue. Thedeadline for thatissueisJune 1st. (Copy/ project. After working with other article deadline is two months precedingpublication date.) members of the project, again, I was amazed at how far they would go to Bird Clubs ofVirginia Middle Tennessee Cage Bird Club work with me. 7thAnnual Convention & Bird Mart is hosting its annual "I am associated with the breeding April 12 - 14, 1991 SpringBird Affair Sheraton Inn on the oceanfront May25-26,1991 of finches, but was totally unfamiliar Virginia Beach, Virginia Executive PlazaInn with the Red Siskin. After meeting the Forinformation contact: 823 Murfreesboro Road Red Siskin for the first time, I found Charlie Zoby (804) 480-3039 Nashville, Tennessee that their pictures really did not do or For fair information contact: Dick Ivy (804) 898-5090 JimWeber them justice! In real life they are so P.O. Box 2005 P.O. Box 602, Greenville, KY 42345 beautiful - so red - no, not just red Yorktown, VA 23692 (502) 338-7626 but brilliant hues of red, all blending throughout the entire body. Such TennesseeValleyCaged Bird Club NewEngland Finch Fancier severe, detailed and defined markings AnnualExotic Bird Fair 2nd Annual All Bird Symposium April 13 & 14, 1991 and Bird Mart on the face and wing. My first Knoxville ConventionCenter June 1,1991 thought upon seeing them was just World's FairPark Sturbridge, MA how much they made a Lady Goul­ Knoxville, Tennessee SheratonHotel dian Finch look almost amateur and Formore information contact: Forfurther information: Gary Reid, FairChairman Fiona Brown dull. Another realization I found per­ P.O. Box 51425 23 Beacon Hill Road tained to their personality. Being such Knoxville, TN 37950-1425 E. Hartford, CT06108 a small bird, I was under the assump­ (615) 690-0613 Phone (203) 659-2037 tion that there really was no person­ ality or definite characteristics. I National CapitalBird Club Central Indiana Cage Bird Club presents its sponsors its could not have been more wrong! Annual Bird Mart 3rdAnnual Cage Bird Fair "Now that I have met and studied April 20, 1991 June8&9,1991 this remarkable bird, it is so easy for Contact: Exposition Hall me to see why the need is so strong to Neil or Linda Elkins MarionCounty Fairgrounds 9920 GlreenValley Road 7300 E. TroyAvenue save them from extinction. These Union Bridge, MD 21791 Indianapolis, Indiana46239 birds have become so burrowed into (301) 898-5965 Forinformation, contact: my heart, I find myself wondering Sharon Rinzel (317) 873-3584 what more can I do to help them? My Third Annual Bird Fair or Mike McGinnis (317) 783-3592 sponsored by only idea was to call attention to the Raleigh-Durham CentralAlabamaAvicultural Society remarkable work that everyone affili­ Caged Bird Society presents its ated with the AFA Red Siskin Project May18,1991 AlI FeatherBird Fair& Show is doing. I would like to give a very 10:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m, August 31 & Sept. 1,1991 special thank you to Paddy Lambert Wake County Commons Building Governors House Hotel Wake County Office 2703 South Blvd. from St. Louis, the anonymous siskin Park, Poole Rd., Raleigh, NC Montgomery, Alabama 36116 donor from Michigan, and Rainer For more information, contact: For information contact: Erhart from Kalamazoo. Through the RDCBS, P.O. Box 32291, Charles Reaves (205) 892-0015 pooling and efforts of these people, I Raleigh, NC 27622 or call orLorene Clubb (205) 857-3817 Ralph Daniels (919) 790-1075 have been lucky enough to receive MotorCityBird Breeders AFA Red Siskins. Now I can find out, ArizonaSeedcrackerSociety is sponsoring its first hand, how important this turn presents its 40th Annual around is for the Red Siskin. I only Birdmart Canaryand Cage Bird Exhibition hope that my efforts and devotion to May 19, 1991 October26&27,1991 MesaElks Lodge St. Stephen's Hall this organization will, in some way, 9:00a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 4330 CentralAvenue say thank you to them. Sincerely, For more information, contact Detroit, Michigan Malinda Fitzgerald Kidd, Kidds Michael Ferguson (602) 934-3955 For information: Kradle, Green Bay, Wisconsin." Kathy Frank 19400 MacArthur, Redford, MI48240 Red Siskin Project Membership Phone (313) 538-6598 The project is growing at a fairly steady rate. Our biggest challenge continues to be locating persons who

58 April/May 1991 have their own flocks of siskins and tial population of birds and we hope who would like to donate a pair or so that our members have good luck to the project. The numbers of birds with reproducing this endangered that we have are still from a limited Reliable Precision Tools bird. for the Avicult",ist number of sources. In order to reach We still have a long way to go with CandIelux Lights $25.00 the goal of being able to have a viable, the project. We are in desperate need Gentle, egg·safe head cO'\'cr -2500 candle power anoo bulb genetically diverse population, we Statz:-<>f-thc-art Optia with focu.ing head. Ainnft-gndc of more persons to make tax­ Aluminum body with wiping .ctioo, pwh bunoo switch still need many unrelated bloodlines deductible donations of Red Siskins to be represented in the project. Feather Shears $18.00 from their own flocks. We need to Serrated blades for clean. controlled tri.rnming receive more birds of unrelated Management committee: Thermometers bloodlines to enrich the genetic Dial caJibntable, sealed,w/cupclip 25-125° F $24.00 Kevin Gorman, Rochester, NY (chairman) diversity of our current siskin project Glass ASTM 18F 94-108° F $24.00 Steve Amos, Glover, VT population. We thank all of you for Lindsay Clack, Dir. Pittsburgh Aviary, PA Wavicide-01 quarts $ 10.00 gallons $28.00 Virginia Baker, Dallas, TX your past support and donations, and Val Clear, Anderson, IN we hope you will continue with your Handfeed Starter Kit $49.95 Ed Diebold, Milwaukee County Zoo, WI support ofthis program. Contoina: Dial Thermometer, Formula Whi>k, Water Bath Steve Fowler, Cornville, AZ Syringe. Kit(3cc, Sec IOcc, 6Occ), Pyre. Measun: Cup, This pilot program will not only 2 Lbo. Handfeed Fonnula, Baby Clean Sponge,. Malinda Fitzgerald Kidd, Green Bay, WI help the Red Siskin, but will also help BETTER BIRD PRODUCTS

Studbook keeper: the American Federation of Avicul­ PO BOX 789 FAIRFAX, CA 94930 [415J 454-6979 Orland Baker, Dallas, TX ture establish a niche in the arena of [iiiii~ ORDERS ONLY: 1-800-487-6959 1;.1 breeding endangered species. This l~ W'~e5.1e customers wekome t~t _~. Consultants: Robert Allen Dyer, Winston-Salem, NC program is serving as the "ice Rainer Erhart, Kalamazoo, MI breaker" for the private aviculturist Alberto Berrios, Tampa, FL to show that they too can contribute Rochelle PIassee, Houston Zoo, TX to saving endangered species by par­ Linda Sun, Riverside, CA ticipating in well organized breeding Consortium breeders: programs. Tony Menendez, Dearing, GA This project has the potential to Malinda Kidd, Green Bay, WI prove that the AFA and private avicul­ Lynn Page, Thousand Oaks, CA turists are an invaluable resource for Theresa Brown, Mt. Juliet, TN Kent Hylton, Oregon City, OR saving endangered species. Together, Richard Sisler, Mendota, IL as private aviculturists, we could Milwaukee County Zoo, WI potentially make just as much (or Gail Colewell, Las Cruces, NM more) impact on saving endangered Michelle/Don Rietz, Phoenix, AZ bird species as the existing endan­ Linda/Lee Carangi, Buxton, NC Tony Munoz, Toms River, NJ gered species breeding programs John Friedel, East Meadow, NY sponsored by zoos and the gov­ Eleanor Adams, Winslow, AR ernment.

Associated consortium breeders: References Joan Callum Kinser, Bent Mt., VA 1. Gorman, K.M. 1990. Breeding the Endan­ Paddy Lambert, St. Louis, MO gered Venezuelan Black-hooded Red Siskin. Joe Witt, Orange, CA AFA Watchbird, Volume XVI (6): Dec/Jan, Kevin Gorman, Rochester, NY pp.7-12. Val Clear, Anderson, IN 2. Diebold, E.N. 1990. AFA to Initiate Breed­ Steve Fowler/Laurel Croft, AZ ing Consortium for the Venezuelan Black­ Rainer Erhart, Kalamazoo, MI hooded Red Siskin. AFA Watchbird, Volume Virginia Baker, Dallas, TX XVII (1): Feb/Mar, pp. 32-35. Bob Metheny, Burieston, TX 3. Amos, S.H. 1990. The Demise of the Red Siskin. Bird Talk, Volume 8 (8): August, To date, we have a total of 22 breeders pp.134-139. MEALWORMS participating in the Red Siskin 4. Clear, V. 1990. Siskin Consortium - found BULK OR PACKED in his monthly column "Exotic Cage-Birds:' WAX WORMS Project. They are representative avi­ American Cage-Bird Magazine, Volume 62 culturists from 18 different states! (8): August, pp. 76-79. FLY LARVAE 5. Gorman, K.M. 1990. Preservation Breeding: Summary Maintaining Genetic Diversity in Rare or TOP QUALITY! The Red Siskin Project has accom­ Endangered Finches. American Cage-Bird LOWEST PRICES! Magazine, Volume 62 (9): pp. 15-19. plished many tasks and has made 6. Coats, S. and Phelps, W.H., Jr. 1985. The some very large strides in 1990. We Venezuelan Red Siskin: Case History of an CALL OR WRITE C£] hope to accomplish many more goals Endangered Species. Neotropical Ornitho­ FOR BROCHURE in the coming years (for example, logy, AOU Monograph, no. 36, Allen Press, pp.977-985. ORDER TOLL FREE I_I obtaining siskins from other coun­ 7. Coats, S. and Rivero, A.M. 1982. Report on 1-800-222-3563 tries). Most breeders listed above the Status and Natural History of Spinus joined the project in 1990, and we Cucullatus (Aves; Fringillidae) in Venezuela. _~JC'~~D.I continue to add both siskins and par­ Report to the Venezuelan Society of Natural ticipants to the list on a monthly Sciences - Caracus, pp. 26-52. 8. Raffaele, H.A. 1983. The Raising of a Ghost basis. 1991 will be the first breeding (Spinus cucullatus) in Puerto Rico. Auk, Vol­ P.O. BOX 15001-HAMILTON, OH 4501,5 season where we have had a substan- ume 100 (3): pp. 737-739.• KNOWN FOR OUALITYAND SERVICE!

afa WATCHBIRD 59