Captive Propagation and WHITE-BREASTED NORMAL COLORS Management ofthe ~ Herschel Frey Guinea Turaco -l-.:~------1170 Fi rwood Dr. (Tauraco p. persa) Pittsburgh, PA. 15243 (412) 561-7194 byJohn Heston Los Angeles, California

Taxonomy tively small and restricted range. So distinctive are turacos in general form and plumage pigmentation, it is Morphology and Natural History not surprising that they were at one When it comes to obsession and bias time collectively considered to be the with respect to favorite bird groups, sole representatives of the now non­ aviculturists can be the epitome. Yet, if it existent order, Musophagiformes. Since, is possible to set aside personal prefer­ attempts to "lump" them with other ences and evaluate the fantastic variety well established taxonomic groups have of birds found throughout the world, been interesting. Turacos have been we would find that each species is a associated with the Galliformes uniquely adapted creature reflecting the (pheasants, quail, etc.) on the basis they selective pressures ofevery conceivable were found to be a potential host to habitat and niche. Likewise, to suggest some of the same ectoparasites. Not that turacos are the most interesting being qualified in the field of co­ animal that ever bore feathers, would evolutionary aspects of host-parasite lack perspective. Even so, there are relationships, I would not attempt to some traits, both subtle and otherwise, contest the basis of that criteria; that are unique only to this family of however, from a more contemporary birds. For a start, turacos are "semi­ taxonomic, or systematic viewpoint, to zygodactylous" - a term that refers to a classify this group of birds on that basis condition in which the outer toe (#4) is alone seems a hasty decision, and inher­ reversible. This means that with a quick Aluminum ently wide open to debate - and in adjustment of this outer toe, their feet time debated it was. Today, primarily can assume a zygodactylous position Leg Bands due to anatomic resemblances to the like parrots, woodpeckers, toucans, etc. PROMPT SERVICE. HIGH QUALITY non-parasitic cuckoos, and positive (two toes forward and two back); or, as affinities in egg proteins, turacos now with most other species, three toes ORDER 1987 BANDS comprise the family Musophagidae, forward and one back. When observing Coded Parakeet Closed Bands. within the order Cuculiformes these birds, even in captivity, it becomes Regular Initial Type Bands, not coded, (cuckoos, anis, roadrunners, etc.). obvious why this trait is so important in choice of colors, open or closed. with respect to maneuverability. This Plastic Family Identification Bands for keets or canary, choice of colors. Range instantaneous option of toe position Leg Band Cutters. Bird Claw Scissors. There are about 20 known species of proves invaluable for the efficient turacos and many subspecies, all of negotiation of the natural randomness SEND SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE FOR COMPLETE PRICE LIST. which are indigenous to various regions of their forest habitat. They are of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. extremely well adapted for running RED BIRD Some species have a Widely distributed along the length of branches, instantly range; some are found at astonishingly reversing stationary direction, hopping, PRODUCTS, INC. high elevations, even in non-equitorial 2786 Fruitridge Road and making brief flights through a P.O. Box 20004 (Dept. A.F.A.) regions; and as may be expected with barrage ofdense foliage. It is this charac­ Sacramento, CA. 95820 isolated varients such as subspecies and teristic, along with their relatively long races, some species have a compara- tail (a general characteristic of the 46 December/January 1987 cuckoo family), that enables these birds to be true masters ofthe forest canopy. During short flights, the conspicu­ ously bright red" flash patterns" located on the primary flight feathers are a striking feature. Along with distinctive call notes, it is believed that at least one of the useful purposes of this charac­ teristic may be to help individuals in loosely scattered groups maintain orien­ tation to one another in thick vege­ tation. Such flash patterns (usually white or bright yellow in other species of birds) may also serve to confuse potential predators that may approach too close for comfort, inducing them to take sudden flight. On many occasions 1 have seen nesting turacos swell up and display this red wing patch to unwanted intruders. [ rather doubt its true effec­ tiveness against an able and determined predator in the wild, as this tactic can be regarded as no more than a ridiculous but courageous bluff from a creature whose only real effective strategy for survival is to take flight from the situation. The pigments found in the turaco's plumage are remarkable and found nowhere else in the animal kingdom. As a general chemical group, the pigments are fat soluble lipochromes known as porphyrins. Turacin, a copper base pigment, is responsible for the red flash pattern on the wings, and it is an oxi­ dized form of this chemical, turaco­ verdin, that produces the soft green of the contour, or body plumage. Green plumage in other species of birds is produced primarily by an interacting combination of melanins, xanthins, and structural aspects ofthe feathers that are afa WATCH BIRD 47 perceived as blue. generally be regarded as a pacifist with Exhibition Quality Only Members of the genus Tauraco are so respect to other types ofbirds; however, similar in form and behavior, variation care must be taken not to place them Rice Birds, Scarlet Chested in the crest and facial markings appear with other birds that may target them parakeets, Turquoisines, to be the only obvious distinctive for aggression. Aggression can, and and Bourke's (rasey, etc.), features between species. Like others of should be predicted between different imported English Budgies its genus, the Guinea turaco is about 17 species of turacos, or competing mem­ Assorted softbills or 18 inches in length, it has a breast and bers of the same species, aggression to trade, buy or sell mantle of green; and the secondary which can be very severe and some­ Reasonable Prices flight feathers, wing coverts, and tail times fatal. From experience I have Dr. & Mrs. R. Travnicek feathers are all a glossy, deep blue­ found that sudden, unpredicted trouble (402) 821-2121 purple. With this sort of coloration, can be offset if the flight is modified so Turkey Creek, Wilber, NB 68465 these birds become virtually invisible in that it provides one or more small dense green foliage. Currently I am sheltered areas on or near the ground in maintaining a pair in a small but densely which the victim can take refuge. Ter­ planted flight, and even though the rorized turacos seem to naturally seek AVICULTURAL exhibit is only 4 feet deep, it is still out such places as the back corners of difficult to point them out among the feed shelters, spaces under burl or logs, SOCIETY OF dense bamboo, ferns, and nandenas. In under rock ledges, dense plant growth, QUEENSLAND my opinion, a functional display that or even something constructed espe­ Welcomes new members reflects basic aspects of an animal's cially for this purpose; and such options An Australian Society catering to all birds both in captivity and in the wild. We publish a bi-monthly natural history is most interesting and have proven to provide temporary sal­ magazine on all aspects of aviculture and conser­ aesthetically pleasing. At least more so vation until a keeper detects and vation. Anyone interested in membership please than exhibits based mainly on only corrects the problem. I have maintained contact, Ray Garwood, 19 Fahey's Road, Albany Creek, 4035 Queensland, Australia. Annual color and expense_ This species sports a reproducing turacos with Columbi­ subscription, 522 (Al airmail, or 516 (A) surface. green crest, and if the light is right, a formes ranging from crowned pigeons Please remit monies or bank drafts in Australian curraney. light brush of red is visible on the tip. to zebra doves, gamebirds, small species On the cheek there is a trapezoidal ranging from waxbiJls to Pekin robins, patch of white in front of the eye, a exotic jays, mynahs, parrots, and even small patch of black below this that those cold-hearted, nest-robbing horn­ extends back under the eye a bit, then bills at one time or another without THE FOSTER PARROT another patch of white extends further problems. Even so, I still regard the towards the back of the head. Also, as exception as the rule and recommend with many other species, there is a red, that each person dealing with this wattle-like ring around the eye. It is only species set their own standard of the ubtle difference in dimension of caution. these black and white markings that Turacos do not require an extremely render this bird distinguishable from large area even though a larger flight Efficiency in a thermostatically controlled environ· ment for hand feeding babies or the ill bird, through two other subspecies: Tp. buffoni and allows them to behave more naturally. the use of circulated heated air. Durable, light weight, Tp. zenderi. They can and will reproduce in small easy to clean acrylite. For more information or a copy of our brochure send a SAS.E. to: The natural range of Tp. persa is enclosures provided their nest site is MANION CREST equatorial west Africa, inhabiting forests relatively free ofdisturbance by humans 13846 KURTZ RD., GRASS VALLEY, CA 95945 (916) 272-8447 and gallery extensions from Senegal in or other birds. A well planted scheme is the north, to south and east as far as the not only preferred, but is virtually Congo. Unlike the virtual monoculture indispensible for enhancing their distribution of vegetation found in tem­ natural behavior. If this is not possible, perate and higher latitudes towards the then at least provide lots of branches The Avicultural Society poles, much of the equitorial tropics and perches. They love water as a spray, of America, Inc., offers luxurient rain forest vegetation of mist, or in pools where they can bathe Welcomes new members, astonishing variety, and where seasonal frequently, and it is important to con­ migration of animals is practically sider this aspect of their behavior nonexistent. In this sort of ecosystem, necessary for proper care and main­ the same variety of tree or other vege­ tenance as well as recreation. tation may be considerable distances Diet apart, and further, may not be bearing The dietary requirements for these fruit at the same time; thus pressuring birds is very similar or the same as for We publish a monthly bulletin on the Guinea turaco, and many other many other softbills. They do well 011 a all aspects of aviculture. Anyone animals of the tropical rainforest, to variety of chopped fruits such as interested in becoming a member constantly be on the move exploiting banana, grapes, oranges, melons, apple, please contact: Helen Hanson, available food resources as they find etc. and even though they are able to (213) 542-3633, ASA., Inc., them. It is this aspect ofsurvival, more gulp down relatively large pieces of PO Box 2796, Redondo Beach, CA than any other, that places such a high softer frUits, care should be taken to 90278. Yearly dues $15.00. premium on mobility. chop the more crisp types (e.g. apple) Overseas members, please add In Aviculture into about the size ofa cubic centimeter. $5.00 to cover postage. In the aviary this species, as with Nutrition can be further enhanced by many other turaco species, could coating the fruit with insectile mixture,

48 December/January 1987 tation. To insure that the nest does not become a precariou and nerve racking affair, a ire platform or basket 10 inche b 10 inches and 4 inches deep made of 1/2 inch mesh fabric should be provided and, better yet placed in the mo t ob cure and secluded pot in the aviary. A dark corner i ideal where there is likely to be little di turbance' and as I have done on several occa ion a den e, bu hy plant placed in front of and around th nest indeed makes them feel more ecure. Thi kind ofsituation pro ide an en ironment here ne ting adults eem to become more reliant on their crypsi (camouflage) as a ne ting gamefowl may in tall gra s; and as with gamefowl the will al~ow an intruder to get er clo e before thi camouflage trategy gi e way to flight. The nest platform hould not be too large but deep enough to in ure that the hatch­ ling cannot fall out or be crowded out by nestmate . Before I started con- tructing deeper ne t ba ket , several con ecuti e brood re ulted in one of the chick either falling from or being may have been derived from tudying ejected from the ne t and dying from wild population .A dry mix of mynah exposure during the first eek after pellet rai in and kibble i alway hatching. Becau e I a never a witnes present in a separate food container and to this occurrence, to infer that the is regarded as a "backup" food supply chick was ejected i only speculation; in case they run out of their regularl ho e er fledgling rivalry - or in the prepared diet. Th rapid-spoil nature of parlance of the ornithologi t 'fratri­ their daily prepared diet requires that cide or "caini m' - i a well docu­ feeding utensils should be cleaned and mented phenomenon in many specie di infected b fore being refilled and the ofbird . long hot and humid da of th When ne t con truction i complete, summer season may necessitate two and all is going well, the hen will lay separate feedings per day. Feeding i one two white and very pherical egg a pect that make these bird a relatively approximatel 3. cm. in diameter. The "high maintenance' ubject in cap­ ize, hape and texture remind me ver tivity. The diet ugge ted herein has much of ping pong ball . Two is the been time-tested as I have maintained standard clutch size but I have een as the same teadily reproducing pair of man a thre fertile egg laid and hatch turaco for about ten years under ucces fully. In order to better observe varying conditions and stres es their progre ,and photodocument the without a single hint oftroubl . events in the ne t I rigged one side (the Reproduction front) of the wire ne t platform so that I nlike pecie that inhabit temperate could flop it down out of the way and regions and reproduce primarily in syn­ resecure it when done. Surprisingly thi chronization with sea onal cycle , the particular pair of nesting adult Young turaco u ith primaryflight equatorial Guinea turaco once becom­ tolerated a remarkable amount ofdi tur­ feathers extended. ing sexually acti e can retain this bance but, I should add did 0 grudg­ accelerated state indefinitely and will ingly. Mo t of the time they are quick to or, as I prefer, mix in oaked dog kibble recycle ear round. During courtship temporaril abandon eggs but the will with the fruit. Wayne's bite-size kibble i both sexes simultaneou ly engage in a u ually tick-to-their-gun hile brood­ ideal. pon each feeding, the propor­ mutual vocal di play consi ting of ing young. When both the parent and tion of fruit to kibble is adjusted to call notes that sound something like chicks are disturbed, the adult will swell insur that orne of all the food is con- "G-WOK G-WOK G-WOK:' orne a it up preading it wings out and forward, umed. Hardboiled egg, crushed with­ ound like 'GO-WAY" hich ha and will appear at lea t double in size. out the shell, is offered during the resulted in referring to them as "go Both will then open their beak expo ­ cooler months, and even though it is away birds~' Both sexe share in the con­ ing an enormous gape and most of the not my experience, orne say turaco struction of the ne t which is made up time the chick will then regurgitate on ill accept live food such a cricket of a loose amalgam of ticks, some the pot. The whole scene eems a very ( ee Handfeeding). This information leaves, and preferably fibrou vege- feeble attempt at ferocity. Continued on page 50 afa WATCHBIRD 49 The eggs are incubated by both parents, each randomly exchanging this duty through the day, and usually both Finally available, will be in the nest during the night. a complete Because ofextreme monomorphism in this species (both sexes appear iden­ tical), I banded one of the adults in order to determine if there was some Watchbird INDEX sort of characteristic pattern of from the very first issue. .. exchanging incubation duties, and Vol. I, No. I, August 1974 thm Vol. XIII, No. I, Feb/Mar 1986 except that they seem to alternate every few hours or so, I found none. After a 17 70 page detailed index of more than 12 years of all Watchbird to 19 day incubation period, the young articles listed and cross referenced under 3 alphabetized headings. break from the egg covered in a charcoal • Article • Author • Topic black down which will later turn slightly brownish, and is retained for the • Quickly find any topic or article you first few weeks. The flight feathers are are interested in. very quick to develop and the young • Makes ordering back issues or soon begin to venture precariously from specific information simple. the nest, exploring the immediate • Updated pages will be available each vicinity. In the beginning it is a little year to keep your index current. hair-raising, but the young usually get Limited time back to the nest all right if there are ample perches and branches available Introductory Offer $8.75 for them to climb. The adults, if intimi­ plus $1. 75 shipping/handling dated during this period, can become California residents add 61f2 % tax. quite irritable, making sharp' 'chat­ tering" sounds while raising their tail American Federation ofAviculture feathers and assuming a very alert Po. Box 1568 • Redondo Beach, CA 90278 posture. They also display a great amount of tendernes's and concern See order form elsewhere with this issue. towards the young, carefully inspecting and tucking it under their wing for warmth and protection. Until the young are out of the nest and obtaining food on their own, the parents feed them by regurgitation. So innate is this process, turacos will regurgitate on the slightest provocation, such as when handled or even ifthey become over excited. At one month, the chick begins to take on the appearance of the adults. Volunteers Needed The crest begins to develop; the wing and tail feathers are almost completely The A.F.A. is in need of a large group of members that would be will­ grown out; and the characteristic red ing to share their individual skills and talents to help benefit the A.F.A. patch on the wings is becoming more Regardless of what you feel your qualifications are, A.F.A. has a need prominent. At two and a half months, for YOUR help. If you have but a few spare minutes or have a few spare except for the slightly pale eyes and hours or even days and would like to help out in any way at all, please plumage, the young turaco is now vir­ take a few of those minutes right now and help by sending us your tually on its own; and by three months, the parents being now almost totally Name, Address, Phone Number, Occupational abilities, other Skills, indifferent to the young, will recycle. Talents and Unique Abilities, your Interests, Contacts with Vendors, During this period it is not unusual to ideas you have to promote and benefit A.F.A. and the amount of time find young birds from a previous clutch you have available. in the nest with the adults, which not Please use the easy-to-fill-out full page form inserted else­ only indicates indifference, but also where in this issue. tolerance. Artificial Incubation The American Federation of Aviculture and Hand Rearing P.O. Box 1568 After letting the parent birds do all the Redondo Beach, California 90278 work through several clutches, I became c/o Volunteer Corps curious about the feasibility ofartificial incubation and hand rearing this species Donationsto the general fund are also most welcome! in an attempt to increase the rate of Remember - they are tax deductible! production. In theory, after a set ofeggs were pulled, the parents would soon 50 December/January 1987 recycle, shortening the time span soluble vitamins, then place it into the populations and subsequent expansion. between sets ofbirds raised to maturity. gape of the begging chick. All feeding Caught in a situation as this, living Having no previous experience at hand was done in this manner. As I gained organisms are usually left with only raising this species, I decided to cool my more confidence, the entire process three rather cynical options: move, heels a bit and let the parents incubate became somewhat of a seven to five adapt,* or die. and raise the subsequent set of eggs operation: The first feeding at seven Further, turacos are very typical of while I tried my hand at the first. a.m., a second at midday, and the last most ofthe world's species in that they The eggs were placed in a RolI-X and largest feeding at around six p.m. seem to fall into the category ofa sort of incubator equipped with a quail-size This program sufficed unlike the mid­ nondescript intermediate. That is to say insert rack. Because the eggs are so uni­ night and four a.m. business I have that they are not highly publicized as are formly round compared to eggs ofmost experienced when hand raising baby "flagship species" or "charismatic other birds, I candled the eggs after four parrots. megafauna" like pandas, whales, con­ to five days to determine the location of After three short weeks the young dors, etc. (albeit these are representative the air space, and marked its center with outgrew the incubator and had to be symbols for all threatened and endan­ a small black dot for orientation moved to a makeshift brooder to give gered animals), and they are not of sig­ purposes. This dot was then considered them a little more headroom. At first nificant economic importance either, as the top of the egg and maintained in they were placed together in a 10 gallon compared to parrots, finches, etc., in that position throughout the entire glass aquarium with a heating pad aviculture today. It is not fair or correct incubation period. The eggs were underneath for warmth. Small branches to say that these birds are without turned four times per day and the tem­ were also provided because they were friends. Field biologists, public and perature was set at 99.5 OF for the dry both, by this time, demonstrating a private zoos, ornithologists, and many temperature, and 84.0°F for the wet (for preference for perching. Soon there­ aviculturists demonstrate their concern the correct humidity). after, they were once again transferred, and commitment through study and When the chicks hatched, each was this time to a small indoor bird cage captive propagation. placed in an individual brood container provided with a heat lamp, and a towel There is rarely anyone answer or within the incubator still being main­ draped over the top and three sides to simple solution to the complex prob­ tained at the same temperature and eliminate drafts. After another three lems that are involved with the conser­ humidity. This brood compartment was weeks - during which time they vation ofjust a single species. Instead, a constructed ofa small, plastic stawberry became slowly acclimatized to the multiplicity ofapproaches and options, basket lined with absorbent paper normal indoor temperature flux by based upon all information known towels that were changed regularly at gradually reducing the intensity of the about the organism and its environ­ feedings; and was further lined with heat lamp - they were moved to a mental interaction should be consi­ small sticks to give the chicks something standard birdcage (something suitable dered; and in the light of its current to grip, and to provide adequate for a medium-sized parrot). By this time survival status as a species. For the resistance to reduce the risk of the they were eating a full range of food Guinea turaco, as with all species of young developing leg problems. types (which I began to introduce to fauna and flora, captive propagation has The very first feeding consisted of them between their second and third always been considered, especially as a fruit acquired from the parents by week) and were simply being main­ last ditch effort. If and when the time inducing regurgitation. The idea was to tained until they matured enough to be comes to drop the life boats, this option transmit and seed digestive tract flora placed in a flight with other birds. Once will only be as viable as the information from the adults to the young. On later there, they are considered exhibitory that is learned and shared about captive hand rearing attempts this was not done and, because they are siblings, not propagation ofthe species today. and the young had no apparent allowed to nest. Hopefully, they will * Conversion of natural habitat to problems processing their food. After later be paired and allowed to reproduce orchard farmland may offer an this feeding, the chicks were given a diet with unrelated individuals in order to interesting option for turacos, and it is a of soft papaya, soaked dog kibble maintain genic stability ofthis species in documented fact that some species do (Wayne's bite-size), and the soft captivity. inhabit farmland. The long range suc­ abdomens of crickets (head, thorax, SUlumary cess ofsuch a compromise relies on the and legs removed). After the first day Since most species of the genus following: the chicks were induced to defecate by Tauraco are so similar, I would 1. Turacos do not have too special­ gently massaging their cloaca with a speculate that much ofthis information ized ofa natural history and can readily cotton swab dipped in mineral oil. This regarding diet and captive propagation adapt. was only necessary for the first couple requirements would easily apply to 2. They are tolerated by humans that of days. As the young birds became other species and subspecies as well. are cultivating the orchard crops; that is, more alert their appetite increased as This notion may be good news for not perceived as a competitive and well. Lifting the incubator lid was their many species from the viewpoint of menacing pest. cue to open their huge gape and begin captive maintenance and reproduction; 3. They are not preyed upon by begging voraciously. From this point on however, maybe not so for the number animals associated with humans (e.g. the daily routine became increasingly of species that all rely upon a similar cats, rats, etc.) or fall victim to the long­ simple, as they no longer had to be type ofhabitat. Considering the current or short-term effects ofpesticides. handled when feeding and would take rate at which habitats are being dras­ food as fast as they could swallow it. To tically altered, and the projected accel­ References insure that they were getting plenty of erated rate in the future, what lies ahead Welty.j.e., 1982 The Life ofBirds, e.B.S. College Publishing Co., New York, p. 52. moisture and vitamins, I would stick a for this and other species is a constant Burton, M. & Burton, R., 1970 The International piece of fruit or kibble on the end of a confrontation with the sudden catas­ Wildlife Encyclopedia, Marshall Cavendish toothpick, dip it into a solution ofwater trophiC effects of increasing human Corp., New York, pp. 24-25.• afa WATeRBIRD 51