Report lost, found & stolen birds
No New Posts Lost, found and stolen birds rss

This area has been set up for those who have lost, found or had there bird stolen. This area has been set up for those who have lost, found or had there bird stolen.Please post here first.

Moderator: Admin

11 Posts
10 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Lost Eclectus Parrot
on August 31, 2010, 06:24:20 PM

SPECIFIC SPECIES
No New Posts African Grey Parrots rss

Congo/Timneh are the only two species of African Grey. 
African Grey Parrots

Family: Psittacidae

The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is a medium-sized parrot endemic to primary and secondary rainforest of West and Central Africa. Experts regard it as one of the most intelligent birds. They feed primarily on palm nuts, seeds, fruits, leafy matter, and have even been observed eating snails. Their overall gentle nature and their inclination and ability to mimic speech have made them popular pets. This has led many to be captured from the wild and sold into the pet trade. The African Grey Parrot is listed on CITES appendix II, which restricts trade of wild caught species, because wild populations can not sustain trapping for the pet trade.

Status and conservation
 
Timneh African Grey Parrot (wings clipped) Rarer than previously believed, it is uplisted from a species of Least Concern to Near Threatened in the 2007 IUCN Red List. A recent analysis suggests that up to 21% of the global population may be taken from the wild annually, primarily for the pet trade.

The species is endemic to primary and secondary rainforest of West and Central Africa. Grey parrots depend on large old trees for the natural hollows they use for nesting. Studies in Guinea and Guinea-Bissau have found that the preferred species of nesting trees are also preferred timber species. There is a positive relationship between the status of the species and the status of primary forest: where the forests are declining, so too are populations of Grey parrots.
 
Congo African Grey Parrot in a bird park. The African Grey Parrot is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This requires both that exports be accompanied by a permit issued by a national authority and that a finding has been made that the export is non-detrimental to the species in the wild. With exports totaling more than 350,000 specimens from 1994-2003, the grey parrot is one of the most heavily-traded CITES-listed bird species. In response to continuing population declines, exceeded quotas and unsustainable and illegal trade, including among range states, CITES included the grey parrot in Phase VI of the CITES Review of Significant Trade in 2004. This review has resulted in recommended zero export quotas for several range states and a CITES Decision to develop regional management plans for the species.

In the United States, importation of wild-caught Grey parrots is prohibited under the U.S. Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992. In the European Union, an EU Directive of 2007 prevents importation of this and any other African Grey Album

181 Posts
42 Topics

Last post by Admin
in African Grey Parrots For...
on August 31, 2010, 06:12:56 PM

No New Posts Amazons rss

Discuss the 27 different Amazon species. Amazon parrot is the common name for a parrot of the genus Amazona. These are medium-size parrots native to the New World ranging from South America to Mexico and the Caribbean.

Most Amazon parrots are predominantly green, with accenting colors that depend on the species and can be quite vivid. They feed primarily on seeds, nuts, and fruits, supplemented by leafy matter.

Many amazon parrots have a remarkable ability to mimic human speech and other sounds. Partly because of this they are popular as pets or companion parrots, and a small industry has developed in breeding parrots in captivity for this market. This popularity has led to many parrots being taken from the wild to the extent that some species have become threatened. CITES treaties have made trapping wild parrots for the pet trade illegal to protect wild populations.

List of Amazon parrots.

The Amazon parrots are about 30 species of parrots that comprise the genus Amazona. They are native to the New World, ranging from South America to Mexico and the Caribbean. Amazon parrots range in size from medium to large, and have relatively short, rather square tails. They are predominantly green, with accenting colors that are quite vivid in some species.

The taxonomy of the Yellow-crowned Amazon (Amazona ochrocephala complex) is disputed, with some authorities listing only a single species (A. ochrocephala), and others splitting it into as many as three species (A. ochrocephala, A. auropalliata and A. oratrix). The Yellow-faced Parrot, Alipiopsitta xanthops, was traditionally placed within the Amazon parrot genus, but recent research has shown that it is more closely related to the Short-tailed Parrot and species from the genus Pionus; as a result, it has been transferred to the monotypic genus Alipiopsitta.

Two extinct species have been postulated, based on limited evidence. They are the †Martinique Amazon (Amazona martinica) and the †Guadeloupe Amazon (Amazona violacea). Amazon parrots were described living on Guadeloupe by Jean-Baptiste Du Tertre in 1667 and by Jean-Baptiste Labat in 1742, and they were called Psittacus violaceus at that time. Labat also described Amazon parrots living on Martinique. There are no specimens or remains of either island population, so their taxonomy may never be fully elucidated. Their status as separate species is unproven and they are regarded as hypothetical extinct species.

List of Amazon parrots
Cuban Amazon, Amazona leucocephala 
Yellow-billed Amazon, Amazona collaria 
Hispaniolan Amazon, Amazona ventralis 
Puerto Rican Amazon, Amazona vittata 
Yellow-lored Amazon, Amazona xantholora 
White-fronted Amazon, Amazona albifrons 
Black-billed Amazon, Amazona agilis 
Tucumán Amazon, Amazona tucumana 
Red-spectacled Amazon, Amazona pretrei 
Red-crowned Amazon, Amazona viridigenalis 
Lilac-crowned Amazon, Amazona finschi 
Red-lored Amazon, Amazona autumnalis 
Lilacine Amazon, Amazona autumnalis lilacina 
Blue-cheeked Amazon, Amazona dufresniana 
Red-browed Amazon, Amazona rhodocorytha 
Red-tailed Amazon, Amazona brasiliensis 
Festive Amazon, Amazona festiva 
Yellow-shouldered Amazon, Amazona barbadensis 
Blue-fronted Amazon, Amazona aestiva 
Yellow-crowned Amazon, Amazona ochrocephala 
Panama Amazon, Amazona ochrocephala panamensis 
Yellow-naped Amazon, Amazona auropalliata 
Yellow-headed Amazon, Amazona oratrix 
Tres Marías Amazon, Amazona oratrix tresmariae 
Kawall's Amazon, Amazona kawalli 
Orange-winged Amazon, Amazona amazonica 
Scaly-naped Amazon, Amazona mercenaria 
Mealy Amazon, Amazona farinosa 
Vinaceous Amazon, Amazona vinacea 
St. Lucia Amazon, Amazona versicolor 
Red-necked Amazon, Amazona arausiaca 
St. Vincent Amazon, Amazona guildingii 
Imperial Amazon, Amazona imperialis 
The taxonomy of the Yellow-crowned Amazon (Amazona ochrocephala complex) is disputed, with some authorities only listing a single species (A. ochrocephala), while others split it into as many as three species (A. ochrocephala, A. auropalliata and A. oratrix). The split is primarily based on differences related to extension of yellow to the plumage and the colour of bill and legs. Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA do not support the traditional split.

Re-classification of the Yellow-faced Parrot

The Yellow-faced Parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops) was traditionally placed within this genus of Amazon parrots, but recent research has shown that it is closer to the Short-tailed Parrot and the species from the genus Pionus, resulting in it being transferred to the monotypic genus Alipiopsitta.

Hypothetically extinct species

Populations of Amazon parrots that lived on the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe are now extinct. It is not known if they were separate species, subspecies, or if they originated form parrots introduced to the islands by humans, and so they are regarded as hypothetical extinct species. There are no surviving remains of them, and their taxonomy may never be established. Populations of several parrot species were described mainly in the unscientific writings of early travelers, and subsequently scientifically described by several naturalists (to have their names linked to the species that they were proposing) mainly in the twentieth century, with no more evidence than the earlier observations and without specimens.

Martinique Amazon, Amazona martinica (hypothetical extinct species). A.H. Clark, 1905.
Guadeloupe Amazon, Amazona violacea (hypothetical extinct species). Originally called Psittacus violaceus by J.F. Gmelin in 1789.

Aviculture
 
Orange-winged Amazons in a cage with toysThe Yellow-headed Amazon, Yellow-naped Amazon, Orange-winged Amazon, and Blue-fronted Amazon are some of the Amazon parrot species, which are commonly kept as pets. Amazon parrots, together with macaws, and the African Grey Parrot are all known for their exceptional vocal abilities, playfulness, and dexterity with their feet. Hand reared parrots are very loyal loving companions, and they can live for 50 years or more in captivity. However, some amazons—even well trained ones—can be aggressive during mating season. In order to maintain health and happiness, pet parrots require much more attention than domesticated animals such as dogs or cats. They require communication, manipulative toys, supervised time out of the cage, and so forth, or they may develop self-destructive behaviors. They have a strong, innate need to chew, and thus require safe, destructible toys.Amazon Photo Album

69 Posts
25 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Question related to Whit...
on May 10, 2010, 12:47:37 PM

No New Posts Budgie, Parakeets rss

Discussion and information about Budgie parakeets.The Budgerigar (pronounced /ˈbʌdʒəriɡɑr/) or Common Pet Parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus), often called a budgie or parakeet, is a small parrot and the only species in the Australian genus Melopsittacus. A small long-tailed predominantly green and yellow bird with black scalloped markings on the wings and shoulders in the wild, the Budgerigar has been bred extensively with a profusion of colour forms resulting. Thus, aviary birds may be blue and white, all yellow, all white, or various other combinations thereof. Some have even been bred with small crests. In the wild, it is a predominantly seed-eating species. The budgerigar is found throughout the drier parts of Australia and has survived for the last five million years in the harsh inland conditions of that continent.

The budgerigar is closely related to the lories and the fig parrots. Although budgerigars are often, especially in American English, called parakeets, this term refers to any of a number of small parrots with long flat tails.

Etymology

Alternative common names include Shell Parrot, Warbling Grass parakeet, Canary Parrot, Zebra parrot, Flight Bird, Scallop Parrot and the alternate spellings Budgerygah and Betcherrygah. Although more applicable to members of the genus Agapornis, the name Lovebird has been applied to them from their habit of mutual preening.

Several possible origins for the English name budgerigar have been proposed:

A mispronunciation or alteration of Gamilaraay gidjirrigaa (IPA: [ɡiɟiriɡaː]), possibly influenced by the Australian slang word budgery Budgie Album

135 Posts
22 Topics

Last post by seaimsk
in Re: Baby cockatiels lice...
on July 26, 2010, 01:51:45 PM

No New Posts Caiques rss

Discussion and information on Ciaques The Caique (kī-EEK) are two species of parrots in the genus Pionites; the White-bellied Parrot (or White-bellied Caique) and the Black-headed Parrot (or Black-headed Caique). Both species are relatively small and brightly colored.

They are endemic in the Amazon Basin in South America, with the Black-headed north of the Amazon River, and the White-bellied south. They generally prefer forested areas and subsist on fruit and seeds. Caiques are generally canopy dwellers, spending most of their time in the tops of trees, foraging and playing. They are highly vocal and typically seen in pairs or small groups.

Caiques are also occasionally known as the Caique Album

13 Posts
3 Topics

Last post by amrakhjaaa
in Re: nest box size ect
on April 28, 2010, 04:09:38 AM

No New Posts Canaries rss

Discussion and information on Canaries. The Canary (Serinus canaria), also called the Island Canary, Atlantic Canary or Common Canary, is a small passerine bird belonging to the genus Serinus in the finch family, Fringillidae. It is native to the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira. Wild birds are mostly yellow-green, with brownish streaking on the back. The species is common in captivity and a number of colour varieties have been bred.

This bird is the natural symbol of the Canary Islands, together with the Canary Island Date Palm.

Description

It is 12.5 cm long, with a wingspan of 20–23 cm and a weight of 15–20 g. The male has a largely yellow-green head and underparts with a yellower forehead, face and supercilium. The lower belly and undertail-coverts are whitish and there are some dark streaks on the sides. The upperparts are grey-green with dark streaks and the rump is dull yellow. The female is similar to the male but duller with a greyer head and breast and less yellow underparts. Juvenile birds are largely brown with dark streaks.

It is about 10% larger, longer and less contrasted than its relative the Serin, and has more grey and brown in its plumage and relatively shorter wings.

The song is a silvery twittering similar to the songs of the Serin and Citril Finch.

Taxonomy

The species was scientifically discovered and described by Carolus Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae. He named it Fringilla Canaria but it was later moved to the genus Serinus. Its closest relative is the European Serin and the two can sometimes produce fertile hybrids.

Etymology

The bird is named after the Canary Islands, not the other way around, derived from the Latin name canariae insulae (Canary Album

30 Posts
5 Topics

Last post by tomalgaja
in Re: Canaries
on April 26, 2010, 09:07:00 AM

No New Posts Cockatoo rss

Discussion and information on Cockatoos. Cockatoo Album

72 Posts
19 Topics

Last post by Photo recovery
in Re: Rosebreasted Cockato...
on July 29, 2010, 12:05:59 PM

No New Posts Conure rss

Discussion and information on Conures. Conures are a diverse, loosely-defined group of small to medium-sized parrots. They belong to several genera within a long-tailed group of the New World Parrot subfamily Arinae. The term Conure Album

47 Posts
20 Topics

Last post by timothy
in pyrrhura conures
on February 11, 2010, 03:08:05 PM

No New Posts Eclectus rss

Discussion and information about Eclectus. The Eclectus Parrot, Eclectus roratus, is a parrot native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea and nearby islands, northeastern Australia and the Maluku Islands (Moluccas).

Female E. r. vosmaeri at North Carolina Zoo. No other subspecies combines a purple abdomen and clear yellow undertail coverts 
 
A pet juvenile male. The upper mandible has a brown base and yellow tip, and the irises are dark brown/black  The Eclectus Parrot is unusual in the parrot family for its marked sexual dimorphism in the colours of the plumage. A stocky short-tailed parrot, it measures around 35 cm (14 in) in length. The male is mostly bright green with a yellow-tinge on the head. It has blue primaries, and red flanks and underwing coverts. Its tail is edged with a narrow band of cream, and is dark grey edged with cream underneath, and the tail feathers are green centrally and more blue as they get towards the edges. The female is mostly bright red with a darker hue on the back and wings. The mantle and underwing coverts darken to a more purple in colour, and the wing is edged with a mauve-blue. The tail is edged with orange-yellow above, and is more orange tiped with yellow underneath. The upper mandible of the adult male is orange at the base fading to a yellow towards the tip, and the lower mandible is black. The beak of the adult female is all black. Adults have yellow to orange irises and juveniles have dark brown to black irises. The upper mandible of both male and female juveniles are brown at the base fading to yellow towards the biting edges and the tip.

The above description is for the nominate race. The abdomen and nape are blue in most subspecies, purple abdomen and nape in the subspecies from the north and central Maluku Islands (roratus and vosmaeri), and red abdomen and nape in the subspecies from Sumba and Tanimbar Islands (cornelia and riedeli). Females of several subspecies have a yellow-tipped tail; taken to the extreme in riedeli and vosmaeri which also have yellow undertail coverts.

Diet  The diet of the eclectus in the wild consists of mainly fruits, wild figs, unripe nuts, flower and leaf buds, and some seeds. Two favorite fruits are the pomegranate and the papaya (pawpaw) with seeds. In captivity, they will eat most fruits including mangos, figs, guavas, bananas, any melons, stone fruits (peaches etc), grapes, citrus fruits, pears and apples. The eclectus has an unusually long digestive tract and this is why it requires such a high fiber diet. In captivity the eclectus parrot does benefit from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens such as endive and dandelion, as well as a variety of seeds, including spray millet, and a few nuts such as shelled almonds and shelled walnuts.

Breeding  In its natural habitat, the Eclectus nests within hollows in large, emergent rainforest trees. Suitable hollows are at a premium and the hen will vigorously defend her chosen nesting site from other females (perhaps even fighting to the death), remaining resident at 'her tree' for up to 11 months of the year, rarely straying from the entrance to her hollow and relying on multiple males to feed her via regurgitation. Males may travel up to 20 km to forage and up to five males will regularly provide food for each female, each competing with the others for her affections and the right to father her young. Unlike other parrot species, Eclectus parrots are polygamous—females may mate with multiple male suitors and males may travel from nesting site to nesting site to mate with multiple females. This unique breeding strategy may explain the pronounced sexual dimorphism of the Eclectus, as it is the female which must remain conspicuous (in order to advertise her presence at her hollow to males and rival females), while the male must be less so, for the purpose of camouflage amongst the trees whilst foraging. However, the plumage of both sexes appears spectacular when viewed in the ultraviolet spectrum, an ability which predators such as hawks and owls lack.
Two white 40.0x31.0 mm (1.5x1.2 in) eggs are laid, which are incubated for 28–30 days. Young fledge at 11 weeks of age.

Aviculture    

Female at Rosamond Gifford Zoo, US  Eclectus parrots are one of the more popular birds kept in captivity, as either parent or hand reared. Unlike many other species of parrot they are relatively easy to breed yet difficult to hand feed. Eclectus in captivity require vegetables high in beta-carotene, such as lightly cooked sweet potato, fresh broccoli clumps, and fresh corn on the cob. Fresh greens such as endive or commercial dandelion are a very important in providing calcium and other nutrients. As with all pet birds, they should not be fed avocado, chocolate, or high fat junk foods such as French fries or commercially processed human foods such as pizza. Parrots are unable to digest the lactose in milk. Spray millet is one of the seed items they enjoy, though the Eclectus diet should typically contain much less seed than other birds. A variety of soaked and cooked beans and legumes, along with brown rice, provided in limited amounts help provide protein. Nuts and seeds provide vitamin E, but should be limited in order to avoid too much fat in the diet, as Eclectus parrots can become obese.

A seven-week old male chick that has been hand reared for the pet trade.  The captive Eclectus can be susceptible to muscle spasms known as toe-tapping and wing flipping, while all the causes are not clear, a major cause is a chemical imbalance in vitamins and minerals. These movements have not been observed in the wild. Potential causes include calcium deficiency, consumption of pellets or other foods that are overly fortified with man made vitamins or artificially colored, or even simple dehydration. Fortified or artificial foods may also cause allergic reactions in some individuals, including severe itchiness leading to feather and skin damage.

Eclecti are generally calm birds in captivity, displaying a pensive nature when faced with novel items or situations, which may give rise to the mistaken impression that the species is 'dull-witted'. The Eclectus may also exhibit a more neophobic nature than other species of companion bird. Captive Eclectus parrots are prone to feather destruction (picking, pulling, cutting and or barbing) in captivity. Causes can be difficult to pin down, but diet / health, boredom and hormonal changes are thought to be the cause. Once this behavior begins it is nearly impossible to stop. Often only a mechanical barrier (e-collar) is successful in keeping the afflicted parrot from completely stripping all but its head of feathers. Other captive species that are prone to this behavior are; Cockatoo, African Grey, and to some extent the Macaw.

Many birds in captivity in Australia are apparently hybrids between subspecies polychloros and solomonensis, as Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo had many of these in a large aviary many years ago. Specimens of the Australian subspecies macgillivrayi have only recently entered the aviculture market in Australia and are more expensive.Eclectus Album

121 Posts
15 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Re: Buying an Eclectus
on May 10, 2010, 12:42:55 PM

No New Posts Finch (not parrots) rss

Discussion and information about Finches of all types. The true finches are passerine birds in the family Fringillidae. They are predominantly seed-eating songbirds. Most are native to Southern Hemisphere, but one subfamily is endemic to the Neotropics, one to the Hawaiian Islands, and one subfamily – monotypic at genus level – is found only in the Palaearctic. The scientific name Fringillidae comes from the Latin word fringilla for the Chaff finch (Fringilla coelebs) – a member of that last subfamily – which is common in Europe.Many birds in other families are also commonly called Finch Album

26 Posts
9 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Re: Sexing Finches
on April 09, 2010, 08:38:20 AM

No New Posts Indian Ringneck rss

Discuss and post your questions on other Psittacula species such as the Derbyan parakeet Alexandrine. Indian Ringneck - This bird is easily spotted by its green colouration The female only lacking the males neck ring. The original introduction to the UK was from escaped pets. They have thrived since due to mild winters and a lack of predators and a number of colonies have been established in the South - East of England. The largest colony of around 7000 birds is at Esher in Surrey. There are also smaller populations in some of the London parks. A gregarious bird it forms large roosts which can be quite noisy. In towns and cities it is a frequent garden visitor. Ringneck Album

44 Posts
4 Topics

Last post by jennamarie
in Re: hey i'm new
on May 07, 2009, 07:57:14 AM

No New Posts Lories & Lorikeets rss

Lories discussion and information.  Lories and lorikeets are small to medium-sized arboreal parrots characterized by their specialized brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar and soft fruits. The species form a monophyletic group within the parrot family Psittacidae. Traditionally, they were considered one of the two subfamilies in that family (Loriinae), the other being the subfamily Psittacinae, but new insights show that it is placed in the middle of various other groups. To date, this issue has not been resolved scientifically. They are widely distributed throughout the Australasian region, including south-eastern Asia, Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Australia, and the majority have very brightly colored plumage.. Lories and lorikeet Album

16 Posts
11 Topics

Last post by ChristyB
in Re: New Bird - Black Cap...
on October 25, 2008, 01:22:18 AM

No New Posts Lovebirds rss

Discussion and information about Lovebirds. Lovebirds are 13 to 17 centimeters in length and from 40 to 60 grams in weight. They are among the smallest parrots, characterized by a stocky build, a short blunt tail, and a relatively large, sharp beak. Wildtype lovebirds are mostly green with a variety of colors on their upper body, depending on the species. The Fischer's Lovebird, Black-cheeked Lovebird, and the Masked Lovebird have a prominent white ring around their eyes. The Abyssinian Lovebird, the Madagascar Lovebird, and the Red-faced Lovebird are sexually dimorphic. Many colour mutant varieties have been produced by selective breeding of the species that are popular in aviculture.The lovebird genus comprises nine species of which five are monotypic and four are divided into subspecies. Eight of them are native in the mainland of Africa and the Madagascar Lovebird is native to Madagascar. In the wild the different species are separated geographically.

Traditionally, lovebirds are divided in 3 groups:

1. the sexually dimorphic species: Madagascar, Abyssinian, and Red-headed Lovebird 
2. the intermediate species: Peach-faced Lovebird 
3. the white-eye-ringed species: Masked , Fischer's, Lilian's, and Black-cheeked Lovebirds 
However, this division is not fully supported by phylogenetic studies, as the species of the dimorphic group are not grouped together in a single clade.

Species and subspecies:

Rosy-faced Lovebird, Agapornis roseicollis, (Vieillot, 1818) — or Peach-faced Lovebird 
Agapornis roseicollis catumbella, B.P. Hall, 1952 
Agapornis roseicollis roseicollis, (Vieillot 1818) 
Yellow-collared Lovebird, Agapornis personatus, Reichenow, 1887 — or Masked Lovebird 
Fischer's Lovebird, Agapornis fischeri, Reichenow, 1887 
Lilian's Lovebird, Agapornis lilianae, Shelley, 1894 — or Nyasa Lovebird 
Black-cheeked Lovebird, Agapornis nigrigenis, W.L. Sclater, 1906 
Grey-headed Lovebird, Agapornis canus, (Gmelin, 1788) — or Madagascar Lovebird 
Agapornis canus ablectaneus, Bangs, 1918 
Agapornis canus canus, (Gmelin, 1788) 
Black-winged Lovebird, Agapornis taranta, (Stanley, 1814) — or Abyssinian Lovebird 
Red-headed Lovebird, Agapornis pullarius, (Linnaeus, 1758) — or Red-faced Lovebird 
Agapornis pullarius pullarius, (Linnaeus, 1758) 
Agapornis pullarius ugandae, Neumann, 1908 
Black-collared Lovebird, Agapornis swindernianus, (Kuhl, 1820) — or Swindern's Lovebird 
Agapornis swindernianus emini, Neumann, 1908 
Agapornis swindernianus swindernianus, (Kuhl, 1820) 
Agapornis swindernianus zenkeri, Reichenow, 1895Lovebirds Album

66 Posts
22 Topics

Last post by liliafavor
in Re: Has your lovebird do...
on June 30, 2010, 12:04:40 PM

No New Posts Macaws rss

Blue & Gold, Hyacinth, Military, Scarlet, Greenwing.      Macaws are small to large, often colourful New World parrots. Of the many different Psittacidae (true parrots) genera, six are classified as macaws: Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Primolius, Orthopsittaca, and Diopsittaca. Previously, the members of the genus Primolius were placed in Propyrrhura, but the former is correct in accordance with ICZN rules. Macaws are native to Mexico, Central America, South America, and formerly the Caribbean. Most species are associated with forest, especially rainforest, but others prefer woodland or savannah-like habitats.

Large, dark (usually black) beaks, and relatively bare, light coloured, medial (facial patch) areas distinguish macaws. Sometimes the facial patch is smaller in some species, and limited to a yellow patch around the eyes and a second patch near the base of the beak in the members of the genus Anodorhynchus, or Hyacinth Macaw. A macaw's facial feather pattern is as unique as a fingerprint.

Some of the macaw species are known for their impressive size. The largest parrot in length and wingspan is the Hyacinth Macaw. The heaviest macaw is the Buffon's, although the heaviest parrot is the flightless Kakapo. While still relatively large parrots, the macaws of the genera Cyanopsitta, Orthopsittaca and Primolius are significantly smaller than the members of Anodorhynchus and Ara. The smallest member of the family, the Red-shouldered Macaw, is no larger than some parakeets of the genus Aratinga.

Macaws, like other parrots, toucans and woodpeckers, are zygodactyl, having their first and fourth toes pointing backwards.

There are 18 species of Macaws, including extinct and critically endangered species. In addition, there are several hypothetical extinct species that have been proposed based on very little evidence.

Anodorhynchus 
Glaucous Macaw, Anodorhynchus glaucus (critically endangered or extinct) 
Hyacinth Macaw, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus 
Indigo Macaw or Lear's Macaw, Anodorhynchus leari 
Cyanopsitta 
Little Blue Macaw or Spix's Macaw, Cyanopsitta spixii (extinct in the wild) 
 
From L to R: Scarlet Macaw, Blue-and-yellow Macaw, and Military Macaw 
Blue-and-yellow Macaw (left) and Blue-throated Macaw (right)Ara 
Blue-and-yellow Macaw or Blue-and-gold Macaw, Ara ararauna 
Blue-throated Macaw, Ara glaucogularis 
Military Macaw, Ara militaris 
Buffon's Macaw or Great Green Macaw, Ara ambiguus 
Scarlet Macaw or Aracanga, Ara macao 
Green-winged Macaw, Ara chloroptera 
Red-fronted Macaw, Ara rubrogenys 
Chestnut-fronted Macaw or Severe Macaw, Ara severa 
†Cuban Red Macaw, Ara tricolor (extinct) 
†Saint Croix Macaw, Ara autochthones (extinct) 
Orthopsittaca 
Red-bellied Macaw, Orthopsittaca manilata 
Primolius 
Blue-headed Macaw, Primolius couloni 
Illiger's Macaw or Blue-winged Macaw, Primolius maracana 
Golden-collared Macaw, Primolius auricollis 
Diopsittaca 
Red-shouldered Macaw or Hahn's Macaw, Diopsittaca nobilis 
Hypothetical extinct species
Several hypothetical extinct species of macaws have been postulated based on very little evidence, and they may have been subspecies, or familiar parrots that were imported onto an Island and later presumed to have a separate identity.

Martinique Macaw, Ara martinica, Rothschild 1905 
Red-tailed Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Ara erythrura, Rothschild 1907 
Lesser Antillean Macaw, Ara guadeloupensis, Clarke, 1905 
Jamaican Green-and-yellow Macaw, Ara erythrocephala, Rothschild 1905 
Jamaican Red Macaw, Ara gossei, Rothschild 1905 
Dominican Green-and-yellow Macaw, Ara atwoodi, Clarke, 1905 
Oné Couli, Anodorhynchus purpurascens 
Extinctions and conservation status
The majority of macaws are now endangered in the wild. Six species are already extinct, and Spix's Macaw is now considered to be extinct in the wild. The Glaucous Macaw is also probably extinct, with only two reliable records of sightings in the 20th century. The greatest problems threatening the macaw population are the rapid rate of deforestation and the illegal trapping for the bird trade.

International trade of all macaw species is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Some species of macaws for example, the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) are listed on Appendix I and may not be traded for commercial purposes. Other species for example, the Red-Shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca nobilis) are listed on Appendix II and may be legally traded commercially provided that certain controls are in place. The controls include a non-detriment finding, establishment of an export quota and issuing of export permits.

Hybrids

A common trend in recent years is hybridising macaws for the pet trade. Hybrids are typical macaws, with the only difference from true species being their genetics and their colours. Male offspring tend to take on the traits of the mother, and the females take the traits of the father. As for their temperament and behaviour, they seem to inherit traits of both parents.

Aviculturists have reported an over abundance of female blue and gold macaws in captivity, which differs from the general rule with captive macaws and other parrots, where the males are more abundant. This would explain why the blue and gold is the most commonly hybridised macaw, and why the hybridising trend took hold among macaws. Common macaw hybrids include Harlequins (Ara ararauna x chloroptera) and Catalinas (known as Rainbows in Australia, A. ararauna x macao).

Clay licks
 
Macaws and Amazon parrots at a clay lick in Tambopata National Reserve, Peru Macaws eat a variety of foods including fruits, palm fruits, nuts, seeds, leaves, flowers, and stems. Wild species may forage widely, over 100 km (62 mi) for some of the larger species such as Ara araurana (blue & yellow macaw) and Ara ambiguus (great green macaw), in search of seasonally available foods. Some foods eaten by macaws in the wild contain toxic or caustic substances which they are able to digest. To date, there are no studies that directly show how these substances are tolerated. Though it has been suggested by some that parrots and macaws in the Amazon basin eat clay from exposed river banks to neutralize these toxins, recent studies show that these clays do not have the ability to absorb toxins. Rather, these clays are eaten for their sodium content. Donald Brightsmith, the principal investigator of the Tambopata Macaw Project, located at the Tambopata Research Center (TRC) in Peru, has studied the clay eating behavior of parrots at clay licks in Peru. He and fellow investigators found that the soils macaws choose to consume at the clay licks do not have higher levels of cation exchange capacity (ability to adsorb toxins) than that of unused areas of the clay licks and thus the parrots could not be using the clay to neutralize ingested food toxins. Rather, the macaws and other bird and animal species prefer clays with higher levels of sodium. This makes sense since sodium is a vital element that is scarce in environments >100 kilometers from the ocean On the biogeography of salt limitation. Salt-enriched (NaCl) oceanic aerosols are the main source of environmental sodium near coasts. Environmental sodium decreases drastically farther inland and patchy distributions of sodium leaching from rocks becomes the primary source of sodium in the environment. Exposed sodium-rich deposits in river banks become magnates for sodium-deprived birds and animals.

Additionally, macaws found in regions such as Mexico and Central America have never been observed visiting clay licks or eating soil. This makes sense in light of the theory that sodium is the attractant for geophagy. Most regions of Mexico and all of Central America are within 100 km (62 mi) of a coast and thus receive sodium via ocean aerosols.

As well, clay-eating behavior by macaws is not seen outside the Amazon region even though macaws in these areas consume toxic foods such as the seeds of Hura crepitans, or sandbox tree, which have toxic sap. One unpublished theory is that these birds also consume other plants containing detoxifying agents such as tannins that neutralize the toxins. Macaw Album

155 Posts
35 Topics

Last post by craftsmaster
in Re: Male or female
on August 23, 2010, 06:24:05 AM

No New Posts Pionus rss

This is a forum for discussion of the Pionus parrot. - Pionus Photo Album

3 Posts
1 Topics

Last post by jun
in Re: Pionus Photo
on January 17, 2008, 02:33:53 AM

No New Posts Parrotlets rss

Discuss/Ask questions about Parrotlets in here.

27 Posts
5 Topics

Last post by Dave
in Re: Parrotlet Photo
on June 09, 2010, 04:38:23 PM

No New Posts Quaker rss

Discussion and information about Quaker. - Quaker Photo Album

53 Posts
5 Topics

Last post by Dave
in Re: Should I?
on April 07, 2009, 03:56:31 AM

No New Posts Poicephalus rss

Discuss/Ask questions about (Senegal parrots, meyers, red bellieds, Cape parrots etc). - Poicephalus Photo Album

6 Posts
6 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Senegal Parrot
on November 28, 2007, 11:14:21 PM

No New Posts Toucans and Touracos rss

Discuss/Ask questions about Toucans & Touracos & Others in here.

10 Posts
3 Topics

Last post by miche25
in Toucan mailbox
on October 18, 2009, 11:05:39 PM

No New Posts Other Parrots / Birds rss

Post questions about raising parrots, breeds or anything else you need to know about parrots!

0 Posts
0 Topics

GENERAL CATEGORY
No New Posts Board Help and Suggestions rss

Discuss any new suggestions you have to help improve the site. Also discuss any problems you are having with the site or advice which may help others.

10 Posts
9 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Donate to Birdboards For...
on April 17, 2010, 03:01:24 AM

* For Sale, Wanted or Free Ads rss

Place free bird ads quickly and easily on Birdboards ads. All ads include a photo and there are no listing fees, no selling fees and no catches!

2366 Redirects

No New Posts IMPORTANT INFO rss

This is where you will be able to read important info posted by the admin and mods.

Moderators: Admin, Dave, Donna

44 Posts
17 Topics

Last post by lainey
in Re: Merry Christmas to a...
on December 24, 2009, 10:05:44 PM

No New Posts Site Introductions rss

Are you new to 'Birdboards'? If so, make a new post to introduce yourself, say hello to everyone and meet new friends.

469 Posts
102 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Re: Hi From Shanlung and...
on June 20, 2010, 06:03:39 PM

No New Posts DISCUSSIONS---RELATED TO BIRDS rss

General bird info. If you're not quite sure where it belongs, post it here

792 Posts
173 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Re: hey Donna....Lola!
on August 28, 2010, 03:40:13 AM

No New Posts DISCUSSIONS-- NOT RELATED TO BIRDS rss

Relax and feel free to talk about anything and everything not related to birds.

442 Posts
60 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Re: LACK OF INTREST
on May 10, 2010, 12:35:04 PM

No New Posts YOUR PET PHOTOS rss

Got other pets? Show us your Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish or any other animals that you are proud of.

52 Posts
11 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Swan sitting
on May 10, 2010, 12:32:51 PM

Child Boards: Bird Photo Contest
No New Posts YOUR VIDEOS rss

ADD YOUR FAVORITES

39 Posts
18 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Australian birds, Mostly...
on August 02, 2010, 06:17:28 AM

Child Boards: PhotoBucket Images
Non Parrot Species
No New Posts Racing Pigeons rss

All the information on Racing Pigeons: Breeders, Clubs and Organizations, Events.

3 Posts
3 Topics

Last post by Admin
in FREE Pigeon classifieds
on February 28, 2010, 12:44:20 PM

Child Boards: Pigeon Loft Designs, Homing & Racing Pigeons, Pigeons Forum
No New Posts BACKYARD BIRDS AND BIRD WATCHING rss

A place to discuss wild birds.

9 Posts
4 Topics

Last post by ziggy
in Re: Grackles
on February 25, 2008, 06:53:02 PM

Child Boards: Feeding Garden Birds, Your Garden Visitors, Bird Boxes
No New Posts POULTRY, QUAILS and PHEASANTS Forum rss

Chat About All Different Types Of Poultry, Quails & Pheasants In Here

5 Posts
4 Topics

Last post by Dave
in MOVED: chicken chatter p...
on September 06, 2009, 12:42:39 AM

Child Boards: Poultry Forum, Quail Forum, Pheasants Forum
No New Posts WILD BIRDS OF PREY rss

Hunters of the Sky

26 Posts
4 Topics

Last post by PeneAger
in Re Birds of Prey
on April 06, 2010, 10:09:16 AM

No New Posts Softbills rss

Discuss/Ask questions about Soft Bills & Others in here.

9 Posts
1 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Re: Question
on March 13, 2008, 11:17:49 PM

SPECIFIC TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
No New Posts PARROT TALK rss

General Discussion of these bizarre and amazing feathered friends.

26 Posts
6 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Re: looking to buy
on February 07, 2009, 09:11:22 PM

No New Posts BIRD BEHAVIOR rss

Is any of your bird's driving you crazy? Perhaps other members have found solutions through similar experiences.

37 Posts
11 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Re: Pair of macaws
on August 21, 2008, 02:26:21 PM

No New Posts INTRODUCE YOUR FLOCK rss

Show us photo's and video's of your flock

95 Posts
26 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Jade
on May 10, 2010, 12:29:37 PM

No New Posts AVIAN NUTRITION AND HEALTH rss

Avian Nutrition & Health : Diet, what's healthy, whats not?

62 Posts
27 Topics

Last post by EucProducts
in Re: Birds LOVE fresh Euc...
on April 11, 2010, 06:08:21 AM

No New Posts BIRD TOYS rss

Chat all about your bird toys in here.

19 Posts
4 Topics

Last post by AvianVideos
in Re: These toys are what ...
on April 19, 2009, 05:18:13 PM

No New Posts AVIAN VETS rss

Here you can Recommend Avian Vets from your area.

5 Posts
2 Topics

Last post by tokai
in Re: My vet
on April 28, 2010, 06:21:45 AM

No New Posts PRESERVATION rss

PRESERVATION/CONSERVATION/ORGANIZATION ACTIVITIES

201 Posts
17 Topics

Last post by LILLIAN
in Re: tortoise
on January 06, 2010, 08:01:33 AM

No New Posts IN MEMORY OF OUR FIDS rss

A special place to remember those that have crossed the "Rainbow Bridge"

26 Posts
5 Topics

Last post by newumbrellaowner
in Re: Shadow
on September 02, 2009, 04:17:34 PM

No New Posts SUGGESTIONS AND FEEDBACK rss

Please give me feedback what you would like to see on this site!

16 Posts
5 Topics

Last post by AMIN
in Re: A bird rescue in Geo...
on June 07, 2008, 03:59:41 PM

PARROT BOARDING INFORMATION
No New Posts Links and Information rss

8 Posts
6 Topics

Last post by lutino
in INVITATION
on May 15, 2010, 06:06:34 AM

AVIARIES
No New Posts INDOOR AND OUTDOOR--RETAIL AND HOMEMADE rss

Contribute Questions and Answers about Your Aviary

6 Posts
2 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Re: macaw Aviary
on February 23, 2008, 01:46:01 PM

Bird Rescues & Shelters
No New Posts Bird Rescue Area rss

Post your rescue announcements here.

2 Posts
1 Topics

Last post by Dave
in Re: GREAT Bird rescue in...
on September 03, 2009, 05:14:15 PM

No New Posts Available Birds rss

Forum for approved rescues/shelters to post their list of birds available for adoption/placement.

0 Posts
0 Topics

No New Posts Foster Home Listings rss

Members place your listing here if you are interested in fostering a bird or birds. Fostering a bird will have to be worked out between you and the rescue/person wishing to foster

1 Posts
1 Topics

Last post by watson
in Hand feed parrots for sa...
on May 29, 2010, 07:00:45 AM

HELPFUL INFORMATION
No New Posts THE LIBRARY rss

USEFUL ARTICLES

27 Posts
27 Topics

Last post by Donna
in Good Articles for breede...
on May 19, 2008, 11:24:54 PM

Bird Breeders
No New Posts Breeder Listings rss

Describe your business, your policies, your species and contact information. Your birds for sale (CLASSIFIED ADS) go in the Classified Bird Ads section, not here.

2 Posts
2 Topics

Last post by ingridkirk
in ROSEBREASTED COCKATOO PR...
on April 17, 2010, 01:43:08 PM

No New Posts Breeder/Public Q&A rss

Post your questions and discussions about breeding here.

45 Posts
11 Topics

Last post by dmdonna196334
in Re: The economy and peo...
on May 10, 2010, 12:53:48 PM

NEW BIRD SHOWS
No New Posts Latest Birdshows rss

Upcoming Bird Shows. Post all your latest Bird Shows, Fairs that is going on in your local area!

23 Posts
15 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Re: Who is going to the ...
on May 28, 2010, 02:21:26 AM

10 REASONS TO NOT BUY A BIRD
No New Posts Understanding People....Understanding Birds rss

Info and Links For the Different Species

2 Posts
2 Topics

Last post by Donna
in Nobody Ever Told Me
on January 06, 2008, 04:05:19 PM

CONGRATULATIONS!!THE BABY HAS ARRIVED
No New Posts His/Her Brand New Home rss

1 Posts
1 Topics

Last post by Dave
in CONGRATULATIONS!!THE BAB...
on January 16, 2008, 10:43:47 PM

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
No New Posts THE COMEDY CLUB rss

Contributions Welcome

47 Posts
37 Topics

Last post by Admin
in Whaaaazzz Up? (Parrots)
on August 05, 2008, 06:26:38 PM

RECIPES
No New Posts Our Birds are Always Looking for Something New rss

Our Birds are Always Looking for Something New

10 Posts
8 Topics

Last post by nizhum
in Re: Cockatiel Cookies
on April 11, 2010, 08:47:08 AM

SALVAGE AREA
No New Posts Salvage Topics rss

This is the forum for all Salvage Topics in other boards. Only Admins have control to delete from here.

Moderator: Admin

51 Posts
40 Topics

Last post by quareeb
in Post Removed
on June 19, 2010, 01:23:14 AM

Classifieds
New Posts Bird Accessories

Browse all Bird Accessories adverts

5 Posts

Last post by Admin
in Parrots The illustrated identifier to over 70 species
on January 24, 2009, 01:44:12 PM

New Posts Birds for Sale

Browse all Birds for Sale classified adverts

10 Posts

Last post by dessen
in Hand Fed Feathered Friendly Lories.
on August 23, 2010, 11:46:05 AM

New Posts Birds Wanted

Browse all Birds for Wanted classified adverts

2 Posts

Last post by odielouie
in Wanted....Citron Cockatoo
on March 21, 2010, 02:43:59 AM

New Posts Lost Birds

This area has been set up for those who have lost, found or had there bird stolen.

3 Posts

Last post by Admin
in Lost Eclectus Parrot
on August 31, 2010, 06:24:20 PM

  • No New Posts
  • Redirect Board

Bird Boards - Info Center

Recent Classifieds

Recent Classifieds

Lost Eclectus Parrot by Admin (Lost Birds)
August 31, 2010, 06:24:20 PM
Found Green Cheek Conure in Chicago by maryloye (Lost Birds)
August 26, 2010, 02:18:20 AM
Hand Fed Feathered Friendly Lories. by dessen (Birds for Sale)
August 23, 2010, 11:46:05 AM
Found green parrot by loiseliese (Lost Birds)
May 24, 2010, 03:25:01 PM
Lost Eclectus Parrot by Admin (Lost Birds)
May 11, 2010, 08:39:30 AM
talking african grey parrot for sale, see it on webcam by anitapratt (Birds for Sale)
April 27, 2010, 07:44:49 AM
African greys by catoni35 (Birds for Sale)
April 07, 2010, 02:09:04 AM
Wanted....Citron Cockatoo by odielouie (Birds Wanted)
March 21, 2010, 02:43:59 AM
Conures for sale by timothy (Birds for Sale)
February 10, 2010, 10:39:07 AM
lineolated parakeet wanted by sugar (Birds Wanted)
January 31, 2010, 04:11:42 PM

Forum Stats Forum Stats

3649 Posts in 884 Topics by 592 Members. Latest Member: elbeagen
Latest Post: "Lost Eclectus Parrot" ( August 31, 2010, 06:24:20 PM )
View the most recent posts on the forum.
[More Stats]

Users Online Users Online

58 Guests, 0 Users (23 Spiders)

Users active in past 90 minutes:
Yahoo! (3), MSN (10), Google (4), Gigablast, Baidu (5)
[Administrator]  [Bird Breeders]  [Bird Stores]  [Global Moderator]  [Link Partners]  [Rescue Organization]

Most Online Today: 97. Most Online Ever: 218 (August 31, 2010, 04:17:09 AM)