constantly kept in check, a home for Editorial . .. each exotic could likely be found. Eradicating Avian Exotics: Additionally, methods such as using mists nets, coating seed with immo­ bilizing agents, applying "sticky" An Avicultural Responsibility? adhesives to perches, and using noose traps do exist that could capture The issue oferadicating exotics was for our lack of concern over main­ groups ofescaped exotics. Remember, recently dealt with in an editorial by taining this country in its natural most of these were captured conservation biologist Stanley Temple state? While native plants are becom­ once prior to exportation. The fact in the June issue of the journal Con­ ing popular for landscape purposes, remains, once a bird escapes from servation Biology (see: The Nasty the number of non-native (exotic) most aviaries, unless it is a pet, it does Necessity: Eradicating Exotics, 1990, plants, trees and shrubs planted in the not often warrant the effort required Stanley Temple, Conservation yards of Americans is astounding. to retrieve it. I believe the avicultural Biology 4: (2) 113-115). After reading Should we be surprised that a family community must have a change of the thought provoking editorial, I that originated in Europe years ago, attitude, a shifting of priorities and began to consider what the avicul­ plants their yard with exotic trees, enhancement of responsibilities. We tural responsibility was in regards to and vacations overseas, finds no harm must assume the responsibility for the eradication of avian exotics. In in having an exotic bird in their yard? our birds whether they are in our deriving an answer to this perplexing As long as people find and accept confinement or flying around the situation, the first consideration must exotic birds flying about, they will neighborhood. When visiting an avi­ be upon on what grounds an exotic continue to do so. culturist, notice if there are double should be eradicated? Possible ration­ I believe, therefore, the answer lies doors and a bird net nearby. If not, ale for such an activity might include with our own personal philosophy "tactfully" suggest that he/she make when the exotic species displaces regarding the necessity for maintain­ provisions for such. The literature native species or when agricultural ing environmental integrity. The fact documents 48 species of psittacines losses are incurred. An example ofthe remains that a parrot from Bolivia has and 35 species of estrildid finches former situation is the introduction no place in a north temperate zone being introduced into areas where of the starling and mynah to Australia. pine-oak forest. It is unfortunate they are not native. In a number of Both species began using nests of enough that the simple presence of these cases, it was escaped groups of some parrot species and, although mankind has a negative effect upon cage birds that sourced the feral not scientifically proven, may have wildlife populations, yet alone to flock. Do we really want starlings and negatively affected the parrots' popu­ consider that we often carelessly parrots at our outside feeders instead lations. Scientific studies are needed, operate our recreational vehicles and of grosbeaks and cardinals? Should however, to determine the actual landscape our yards with exotics. we not be as committed to the sur­ effect the exotic species is having on Disrespect for the environment has vival of the colorful North American native bird populations. Such become epidemic. Justifying the erad­ birds as we are to those species from research would require several breed­ ication of exotic species due to their tropical climes? ing seasons to complete and, there­ possible threat to agriculture fails to fore, may allow the expansion and consider the fact that many game­ Jack Clinton-Eitniear establishment of the exotic to such an birds such as the Ring-necked Pheas­ Managing Editor extent that eradication would not be ant, an exotic established by our state possible. Eradication of species due to and federal government, is frequently Note: The views expressed here are of the the harmful effects on agricultural an agricultural pest itself! author and not that ofthe American Federa­ tion ofAviculture, its Board ofDirectors or crops is the most frequent justifi­ There should be no doubt in any­ magaZine staff. cation. one's mind that escaped cagebirds In California, for example, parrots can and do become established. The (See related charts on page 20.) are considered class "B" pests. They lists extracted from Long's book, are destroyed only when they are a included with this editorial, show threat to public health or become that this is not just a modern day phe­ agricultural pests. Unfortunately, nomena. While the lists include only Central Florida allowing citrus-loving psittacines to "established" species, nearly every increase their numbers near orange major city contains a number of feral Bird Breeders' Association and grapefruit orchards is analogous exotics, possibly not reproductively 4thAnnual to discovering a cancerous growth, active sufficient to maintain them­ only to cover it up until it becomes a selves, but with obvious presence. Bird Swap Meet major problem. Assuming that aviculturists have an Kissimmee. Florida I believe the overriding issue is not overall respect for their environment April 28. 1991 one of the possible negative effects of and do not wish to "pollute" their the birds but, rather, one of "eco­ states' natural areas with exotic spe­ For information call: system integrity:' To a certain degree cies, what can we do? Certainly I am JimScott (407) 348-2079 we are all "exotics;' having displaced not advocating eradication by means or the native Americans years ago when of killing anything. Unlike the un­ the first settlers colonized this coun­ ending unwanted dog and cat popu­ Ray Gera (407) 725-0514 try. Could it be that this is the reason lations that must tragically be afa WATeRBIRD 19 Established Estrildid populations Marsh Farms Originating from Escaped Cage Birds INCUBATORS (from Introduced Birds ofthe World, John L. Long, Universe Books, New York, 1981) • FEATURING fully automatic Bird Date Where Established turners. Adjustable temperature and humidity control. Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu Since 1965 Hawaiian Islands Lavender Waxbill Since 1965 Hawaiian Islands Orange-cheeked Waxbill Prior to 1965 U.S.A. Prior to 1965 Hawaiian Islands Common Waxbill 1786 Seychelles 18th Century Reunion 1865 Cape Verde Islands 1908-15 Tahiti 1938 Tahiti Prior to 1870 Brazil Black-rumped Waxbill About 1964 Since 1965 Hawaiian Islands

Red Avadavat 1900-10 Hawaiian Islands Prior to 1906 Before 1946 Philppines

. ROLL-X Red-browed Waxbill About 1958 Western Australia , Up to 209 eggs. Zebra Finch Prior to 1962 Nauru Island Bronze Mannikin French Colonization West Indies Spice Finch About 1930 Australia After 1927 Black-headed Mannikin About 1959 Hawaiian Islands

Java Sparrow (Rice Bird) From 1924 to present, this species has established itself throughout , Hawaiian Islands and Up to 480 Egg Capacity. parts of the United States

Established Psittacine Populations Originating from Escaped Cage Birds (from Introduced Birds ofthe World, John L. Long, Universe Books, New York, 1981)

Bird Date Where Established

Kuhl's Lory Prior to 1798 Washington and Fanning Islands, Pacific Ocean Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 1920 on New Zealand Palau Archipelago Western Australia Monk Parakeet 1968 U.S.A.

Canary-winged Parakeet After 1964 Peru 1960 U.S.A. Brown Parrot Prior to 1946 South Africa MANUFACTURED BY Rose-ringed Parakeet 1886 Mauritius 1936 Zanzibar Island l-mN.r:~ 1903 Hong Kong 1855,1930 Great Britain 2765 MAIN STREET Dept. W 1969 Great Britain CHULA VISTA, CA92011 U.S.A. TELEPHONE: (619) 585-9900 Masked Lovebird 1928 Tanzania 1969 Kenya WE ACCEPT ~1 ,D; BUdgerigars 1960 U.S.A. •

20 December !January 1991