steady and strong ever since. In the fall of 1992, several shipments The International Currently, the club has over 250 of captive-bred Spectacled Parrotlets members in three different countries. Forpus conspicillatus were imported Parrotlet Society Although most of the members are in the United States from Belgium. breeders, about 20 percent of the Due to their extremely limited num­ by Sandee Molenda members keep parrotlets as pets only. ber, the International Parrotlet Society Santa Cruz, California Each member receives a bi-monthly decided to sponsor a studbook to newsletter with articles written by ensure the continuing survival of this "'7";;e International Parrotlet Society breeders and pet owners on subjects species in the United States. As of l'i~ a non-profit bird club which is such as nutrition, identification of December 1993, 19 pairs and three dedicated to the breeding, main­ species and subspecies, breeding single males had been registered. At tenance, education, showing, conser­ methods, training techniques, hand­ least six pairs have produced offspring vation and keeping of parrotlets. feeding, banding, parrotlet psychol­ which are being traded among breed­ Although current members focus on ogy, color mutations and behavioral ers in order to maintain genetic birds from the genus Forpus, the problems. Members are also encour­ diversity. International Parrotlet Society also aged to submit individual questions The studbook is involved with the encourages the breeding ofthe genera and concerns in the Shorties column. International Species Inventory Sys­ Nannopsittaca and Touit. While other members most often tem founded by Dr. Ulysses S. Seal for The club was founded by Sandee respond, several veterinarians are the zoological community. By using a and Robert Molenda, and Gloria available for medical and scientific computerized record keeping system Balaban, aviculturists who had bred advice. Since February 1993, each and follOWing a population manage­ these tiny parrots exclusively for years issue also contains a beautiful color ment program, it has been possible to with great success. Being frustrated photograph identifying a different maintain strong bloodlines and mini­ with the lack of accurate information species or subspecies of parrotlet. mize inbreeding. The International available and the anonymity of parrot­ In January of each year, a confiden­ Parrotlet Society is so committed to lets in general, they decided to form a tial survey is taken of the entire the success of this project that mem­ parrotlet-only bird club. This would membership, both breeders and pet bership in the club is not required to allow pet owners and breeders to owners. All members answer ques­ participate in the studbook. The compare notes, exchange ideas and tions regarding nutrition, hygiene, results have been so positive that swap stories as well as promote the cage requirements, species and num­ information is now being gathered to keeping of parrotlets within the avi­ ber of birds owned and any deaths. start studbooks for Mexican Forpus cultural community. So, with very little Pet owners are asked about socializa­ cyanopygius and Blue-winged Forpus money, even less experience and a lot tion, favorite toys and talking ability. xanthopterygius Parrotlets as well. of hard work, the International Parrot­ Breeders answer questions concern­ An annual meeting is held in con­ let Society was begun. In August 1992, ing incubation, handfeeding, banding, junction with the American Federation the first meeting was held at the Amer­ egg viability and baby production. of Aviculture convention and is open ican Federation of Aviculture conven­ This information is then tabulated and to anyone who wishes to attend. A tion in Miami and it has been growing published in the newsletter. brief business meeting is conducted to address any concerns, suggestions or questions of the members. Next, a slide presentation is given demon­ strating identification of species and Books! ...Books! ...Books! subspecies, aviary set-up, specific We have a ''world class" assortment diets and keeping of proper records. of essential books for birdkeepers...JDP is your The floor is then open to discussion of number one source any topic concerning parrotlets and for books on ... Top Flyte Wh everyone is invited to participate. Parrots • Canaries Prerni eat Grass Dues are $18.00 per year and classi­ E urn-looo Budgies. Pigeons ssential for; Natural fied advertising is free to members. Or Breed et Birds Poultry • Game Fowl ers Back issues of newsletters are avail­ Falconry. Cage and Top Flyte al able for $3.00 each. If you would like Wheat G I natUral IS th rass p two complimentary newsletters, a Aviary Birds f enearest th oWder oOd for Ing to a catalog listing back issues and an Vet Medicine da I YOUr bird It' perfect Call or write for Ornithology and SUPPI:~eVI;amin/miner~/~e Ideal application, please contact The Inter­ our FREE 40-page inten n . ReSUltm . oOd national Parrotlet Society, P.O. Box catalog More! plum se COloration gl m brilliant age". enh '" UXUf/O 1932, Boca Raton, FL 33429. ferlillty S anced Vitali Us Sandee L. Molenda, Secretary/ vegetab/~ Prinkle On fru ty and s, mix With ItS Or Co-editor, (408) 475-2043 (California); OOds NEW HbAaNbY formUla: and Robert W. Molenda, Editor in Chief! DYS . Only $14.95H(AKER SIZE Treasurer, (408) 475-2043 (California); 75 gm) Gloria Balaban, Membership Secre­ tary/Studbook Coordinator, (407) 483-2284 (Florida).. 50 May / June 1994.