Print and Digital Magazine PurchasesPrint Subscriptions at www.birdkeeper.com.au or email: birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au Digital Single issues and Subscriptions available at www.pocketmags.com

Enquiries Email: birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.auPhone: 07 5568 0011 (Australia) +7 5568 0011 (International)Postal: PO Box 2330 Burleigh BC QLD 4220

latest issueSNEAK PREVIEW

Q See Contents for Complete List of Articles

Q Preview of Some Articles

T H E P R E M I E R P E T & A V I A R Y B I R D M A G A Z I N E

VO L 29 I S S U E 1 • F E B - M A R 2016

SWIFT PARROTS

Java Finches

Lutino Peach-faced

Lovebird

I N C U B A T I O NF L E D G I N G P A R R O T S

F I N C H D I E T S

T H E P R E M I E R P E T & A V I A R Y B I R D M A G A Z I N E

3

Volume 29 Issue 1

features5 THE COLLARED ARACARIBy Armin BrocknerBest known for its imposing, brightly coloured beak, shaped like a saw blade, there is much more to the Collared Aracari seen in the wild in Costa Rica.

16 LUTINO PEACH-FACED LOVEBIRDBy Dirk van den Abeele The inheritance of this mutation is sex-linked recessive. However, both NSL (non sex-linked) ino and SL ino have a very similar appearance.

34 THE CHATTERING LORYBy Peter OdekerkenThese birds have a lot of colour and character and, although quite noisy, need to be kept more often in aviculture to ensure their survival.

44 BREEDING RACING PIGEONSBy Tas GazisBloodlines in this sport are often handed down through the generations, with each constantly aiming to breed a better product, both mentally and physically.

46 LIGHTING FOR BIRDS By John Courteney-SmithWhy do birds need full-spectrum and UV light, and what are the diff erences between technologies?

48 OSPREY SCRAPBy Ken Glasson

50 STRESS-FREE SELLING BOXES By Russell KingstonCorfl ute selling boxes are cheap, robust and could be the future for displaying small birds at club sale days and auctions.

57 VALE: MICK BLAKEBy the Blake Family

regulars8 BREEDING AUSTRALIAN PARROTS: Swift ParrotsBy Barry Blanch

12 FINCH FOCUS: Java Finches—A Fresh PerspectiveBy Russell Kingston

18 FINCH FUNDAMENTALS: Alternatives to Viable Seed MixesBy Marcus Pollard

22 BUILDING BLOCKS FOR BETTER BIRDS: Body Language BasicsBy Rebecca K O’Connor

26 ABOUT BIRDS: The Sweet Life of Nectivores—Part 2By Kit Prendergast

30 HOOKBILL HOBBYIST: Fledging Studies—Part 4By EB Cravens

32 THE WISE OWL: Zoochory for the BeginnerBy Dr Milton Lewis

38 AVIAN HEALTH WITH DR BOB: Understanding IncubationBy Dr Bob Doneley

41 CANARY CHATTER: Breeding Canaries in Australia—Part 4By Brian Bohl

49 WHAT’S NEW:• Understanding Parrots—

Cues From NatureBy Rosemary Low

52 CONSERVATION:• Record Success for the

Red-tailed Amazon By Dr David Waugh

• LPF Makes US$1 Million Commitment to the Future By Dr David Waugh & Dr Juan Cornejo

• WPT: The Green-winged Macaw—Return of a GiantBy Carolyn Pradun

55 WILD CORNER: Hoot, the Sooty Owl By Dr Claude Lacasse

56 LAST CHIRP: • Bright Future for the Australian

Budgerigar Society Inc

58 ADVERTORIAL: • Camsal Aviaries Earn Business

Award Gold 59 classifi eds

CONTENTSCOVER: CHATTERING LORY BY PETER ODEKERKEN

34 12

VO L 29 I S S U E 1 • F E B - M A R 2016

SWIFT PARROTS

Java Finches

Lutino Peach-faced

Lovebird

I N C U B A T I O NF L E D G I N G P A R R O T S

F I N C H D I E T S

T H E P R E M I E R P E T & A V I A R Y B I R D M A G A Z I N E

4

SHERYLL STEELE-BOYCE

ADVERTISING AND MARKETINGSheryll Steele-Boyce

WRITERS Armin Brockner, Barry Blanch, Russell Kingston,

Dirk van den Abeele, Marcus Pollard, Rebecca K O’Connor, Kit Prendergast,

EB Cravens, Dr Milton Lewis, Peter Odekerken, Dr Bob Doneley, Brian Bohl, Tas Gazis, John Courteney-Smith, Ken Glasson,

Dr David Waugh, Carolyn Pradun, Dr Alan K Jones, Dr Claude Lacasse, Wayne Robinson and the Blake family.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE MOST WELCOME

SUBSCRIPTION, ORDER & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Telephone: 07 5568 0011 Fax: 07 5568 0300Email: birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au

www.birdkeeper.com.au Published by

International Standard Serial Number ISSN 1030-8954DISCLAIMER While every care is taken, the publisher accepts no

responsibility for the content of advertising or editorial material published. Articles represent the views of the authors and not

necessarily those of the publisher. ABK Publications also reserves the right to refuse any advertising it deems to be detrimental to the

integrity of the publication, Australian Birdkeeper MagazineCOPYRIGHT It is an off ence under the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968 to reproduce any part of the contents of this publication,

including advertising artwork and photography without prior written consent of the publisher.

©2016 ABK Publications. All rights reserved.

Postal Address:PO Box 2330Burleigh BCQLD 4220 AustraliaOffi ce Address:Unit 2, 6 Davo Court,Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

need to be high resolution, and include a caption and the photographer’s name for credit when published.

We are also in the process of interviewing senior avicultural stalwarts. If you have a tale or two, please contact me on 07 5568 0011 or email birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au to share your story.

As mentioned last issue, we present a Vale to Mick Blake on page 59.

There are fi nal instalments for a couple of columns this issue, including both the four-part series on fl edgling studies by EB Cravens on page 30, and breeding canaries in Australia by Brian Bohl on page 41. Hookbill Hobbyist really is a must-read for breeders, because EB has presented some very practical ideas to prevent psychological ramifi cations in developing birds. I have been fascinated also by Kit Prendergast’s series on nectivores—see page 26.

We are all continuing to look at what we off er our birds to eat, and most will be aware of the lack of nutrition in seed-only diets and the need to supplement. Marcus Pollard has provided some great alternatives to the basic fi nch seed diets, with particular awareness that a lot of seed available for purchase is not viable and does not sprout—see page 18. Russell Kingston presents the Java Finch on page 12—an all-time favourite, with many fi nchos appreciative of their hardiness and immaculate presentation.

How beautiful is the Chattering Lory? An endearing and confi ding species, they have been known to mimic human phrases in captivity. The lead story this issue, by Peter Odekerken, appears on page 34. Of similar beauty is the endangered Swift Parrot, presented by Barry Blanch on page 8.

Other interesting off erings this issue include understanding incubation on page 38, pet bird body language basics on page 22 and an explanation of the technology of UVA and UVB lighting on page 46.

I’m sure you will gain both knowledge and enjoyment from our stories this issue!

ABK will be attending a few events, including Orange and Gunnedah bird sales, and we look forward to catching up! Please come and say hello.

THE TEAMEDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

Peter Odekerken

PUBLISHERSheryll

Steele-Boyce

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

Alison Houston

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Melinda Leu

Rebecca K O'Connor

Barry Blanch

Russell Kingston

Dr Bob Doneley

Brian Bohl

Kit Prendergast

Dr Milton Lewis

EB Cravens Marcus Pollard

WELCOME

Welcome to our new-look magazine layout for 2016. This will be our 29th year and 170 magazines

to date! This is certainly a record, so keep those articles coming in as we need your support to continue going from strength to strength.

Since we advertised ABK for sale we have received interest as well as a number of queries arising from rumours. To set the record straight: yes—ABK Publications book rights are for sale; no—BirdKeeper is not going out of print and will continue to be available in both print and digital format. (There is however, another bird publication that is ceasing print format in favour of electronic presentation.) For details of subscription options and pricing, see the inside back cover.

Over recent months, as is unfortunately the case most summers, some keepers have endured horrifi c fi res, and we hope that anyone aff ected is receiving support for their losses. Please communicate if there is anything ABK can do by networking people.

The fi rst months of the year bring us to the bird sale and expo ‘season’. The Codes of Practice and requirements for presentation of birds are being strictly policed by the host organisations. It is imperative that you are aware of the regulations to avoid disappointment and, as I mentioned in this space last issue, smart presentation of your birds is a mirror of their quality and will refl ect the price you can hope to achieve. For fi nch and smaller bird gatherings, there is a ‘selling cage’ design presented on page 50 that is being taken up by the Queensland Finch Society Inc and other societies.

Popular larger gatherings include the Orange Bird Society Bird Sale on Saturday, 5 March and the Gunnedah Bird Sale and Expo on Saturday, 2 April. There are other sales that may be more local to you advertised on pages 63 and 64.

We are looking for pet bird photos to support our bird behaviour column, headed by Rebecca K O’Connor. These include birds in training situations, carriers, harnesses and outdoor aviaries (taken from inside the aviary); parrots stepping up, playing with toys and taking treats; people interacting with their parrots; parrots in foster situations and working with parrots in personalised training plans. All images

Dr Terry Martin

5

WORDS BY ARMIN BROCKNER

D B

ROC

KNER

The Chestnut-mandibled Toucan is also found in Costa Rica

D B

ROC

KNER

As our rental car painfully made its way up the extremely pot-holed road to the north, my son Daniel and I could hear the peculiar cries

of the Collared Aracari in the distance. We were on our way to the Laguna del Lagarto lodge in the north of Costa Rica, not far from the border of Nicaragua. As well as various parrot species we hoped to encounter during our visit to this untouched area, we were eager to observe the Collared Aracari.

DESCRIPTIONThe Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus native to Central America belongs to the Aracari genus and was fi rst described in 1788 by Johann Friedrich Gmelin. Measuring approximately 41cm in length and reaching a weight of 230g,

the Collared Aracari’s most striking feature is that imposing, brightly coloured beak, reminiscent of a saw blade. It is this which distinguishes it from its close relative the Fiery-billed Aracari Pteroglossus frantzii. Its plumage is predominantly black on the head, wings and back, with a red spot between the wing tips. The ventral side is largely yellow, with a broad, black-red ribbon. The legs are green, the lower mandible is black and the upper beak contrast is usually largely yellow, with some black pips.

The Collared Aracari’s distribution ranges from Mexico, through Panama to Ecuador and Venezuela. They can be found in wooded lowlands and humid rainforests and are easy to observe, often in small groups, streaking through the air looking for food. This consists mainly of various fruits, insects, bird eggs and lizards.

RR

Collared Aracari

8

name suggests, these are very swift-fl ying birds and, sadly, they often become victims of man-made structures.

Swift Parrots are both rare in aviculture and becoming rare in the wild as the population is declining rapidly. Conservationists estimate that these birds could become extinct in as little as 16 years, and wild populations have been listed as Critically Endangered. The decline in the wild populations is due to both the

WORDS BY BARRY BLANCH PHOTOGRAPHS BY JULIE BLANCH

BREEDING AUSTRALIAN PARROTS

introduced Sugar Gliders into the Swift Parrot’s habitat and deforestation. Recent research suggests that in some areas Sugar Gliders have eaten 100% of Swift Parrot nests. The degradation of their habitats and nest sites has forced the birds into populated urban areas. During visits to aviaries in Western Australia and Tasmania, I have observed successful colony breeding of these intriguing and beautiful parrots.

Swift Parrots

Swift Parrot male

Swift Parrots Lathamus discolor are nectar-feeding migratory birds endemic to south-east Australia. The Swift belongs to the broadtail parrot subfamily Platycercinae

and is often confused with the Musk Lorikeet, which has similar colouration. These medium-sized birds are endemic only to Tasmania, but migrate to the Mainland during the winter months. As the

12

As a lifetime devotee of the much-maligned and frequently derided Java Finch, I find it hard to understand the disdain in which these birds are

held within the avicultural community. One suspects a hint of snobbery resulting from the species’ commonality and low monetary value.

Also known as the Java Sparrow, Java Temple Bird, Java Rice Bird, Paddy Bird, Rice Bird and Rice Munia, the Lonchura oryzivora (interchangeable with Padda oryzivora) is, as its scientifi c name suggests, a member of the munia group. And as the common names suggest, rice has formed a major part of its diet. The name Temple Bird harks back to a time when trained temple birds were used to select fortune sticks. How the term sparrow was attached to this bird remains uncertain. Perhaps it had something to do with its commonality and/or size. The Java Finch is certainly not a true sparrow, which is in the Passeridae family.

DESCRIPTIONMeasuring approximately 14.5cm in length and weighing 23g, these are large, robust fi nches with proportionately powerful seed-cracking mandibles. They may not have bright colouration, but it is the clean lines, striking markings and immaculate plumage that defi nes their beauty. Even when kept in overcrowded and squalid conditions, they somehow manage to look immaculate. I never ceased to admire their condition in the sometimes fetid, congested cages of Asian bird markets.

Being a monomorphic species, identifying the gender of individuals is problematic. If uncertain, use DNA or surgical sexing. Visual diff erences are more evident during the breeding season and include—only male birds sing; the male bird’s mandible swells and appears disproportionately larger than that of the female and also becomes a brighter red; and males have a wider crown than females. Throughout the non-breeding period and in juveniles, these diff erences are less obvious.

IN THE WILDHabitat and StatusIndonesian Java Finches are a lowland species that have their origins in the islands of Java, Bali, and possibly Madura. The preferred habitat includes grasslands, orchards, cultivated fi elds, rice paddies, bamboo thickets and open woodland. They have also adapted to parks, gardens and farm buildings, where they seek nesting sites.

Java Finches were once one of the most common birds of the region. In the past two decades the number of birds in their natural habitat has plummeted, reportedly primarily due to their harvest for the pet and cage bird trade. However this explanation is far from comprehensive. Recent studies have shown that widespread use of pesticides since the 1960s is the major issue aff ecting not only Java Finches but most bird species (and farming

Java Finches —A Fresh Perspective

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RUSSELL KINGSTON OAM

FINCH FOCUS ON AUSTRALIAN FINCHES

Normal Java Finch

18

Alternatives to Viable Seed Mixes

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCUS POLLARD BSc (Hons)

FINCH FUNDAMENTALS

During the seed shortages of the past 12 months, it was noticeable that a proportion of the seed entering Tasmania was treated in some manner

so that it would not germinate. (It appears likely it was seed imported from overseas.) Add to that the quarantine requirements simply to bring seed in from the Mainland, and the need for radiation, and you have problems maintaining a fl ow of decent, healthy seed at times.

A few concerned fi nchos contacted the Tassy Finch Club to fi nd out what others were doing to ensure their fl ocks got the best possible diet. Our fi nch mix down here had been from Elenbee Seeds and contained viable seed right up until the new stocks arrived. However, as luck would have it, I visited New Zealand last year and learned that over there seed viability was such that many couldn’t remember when they last had 100% truly viable (non-radiated) fi nch mixes. So I thought I’d share with you the diet that we have currently adopted.

DIETARY IDEASDespite the lack of viable seed that we Aussies generally take for granted, Kiwi fi nchos are holding their own with many species, so I decided to take a leaf from their book and see if I couldn’t blend their tips with our diets.

Here’s where I issue a disclaimer, in that I am not claiming to know the ‘best avian diet’. I have simply looked at the best available substances to add into fi nch diets to provide them with their general needs, as I see them. Those needs are based on where I live and the products designed to solve certain problems, regardless of whether they are specifi cally designed for birds or not. I also lay no claims to being a nutritionist—just a humble zoologist! As an example, there are a lot of excellent bird wormers out there, but the best of them certainly aren’t designed for birds specifi cally. I feel sure if you compare what is written here with previous off erings, you’ll see some sort of dietary evolution in progress—and let’s face it, if we stop evolving as fi nch keepers then we are in serious trouble. However, I do not advocate that you do anything with the diet that I outline here except read through, and maybe adapt and evolve with me. What is best for me may, for a host of reasons—including species-wise and geographically—not be best for you.

THE SUPERFOODSViable seed is always a preferred option but if some of your favourites aren’t available you will often fi nd at health food stores source seeds like Quinoa and Amaranth which, despite their cost (~$9/kg here), can be supplemented into your soaking mix. Quinoa is grown here in Tasmania, while Amaranth is from India but germinates a treat and, for the record, both grains originated in Peru. Both rate as ‘superfoods’ and are supposedly great for us, so even as a back-up they provide us with a Plan B or a healthy lunch depending on your interpretation!

One word of warning with the Quinoa is that some types aren’t washed and the seed is high in saponins (soap) and you must wash this milky substance from the seed thoroughly before soaking it. (Yes, you can actually wash the dishes with that milky substance—it’s that good.)

Teff seed, Ergrostis tef, is a recent arrival on our health food shelves and hails from Ethiopia. It is a cousin to African lovegrass, which is often used by fi nchos as a green

Mix of soaked and sprouted seeds and greens ready for feeding

Kale and silverbeet are valuable nutritional sources which can be blended into the dietary mix

34

The nominate Chattering Lory. Note lack of yellow mantle—they can exhibit some yellow streaks

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER ODEKERKEN

44

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY TAS GAZIS

the time. This is done primarily by never pairing birds with the same weaknesses together. For example, a large-framed male must be paired to a small female. Another example is a very belligerent male requires a quiet, calm female. It is a real challenge, but very fulfi lling.

To give a personal example, I have had my family of birds since I was nine years old, and I am trying to improve them by breeding them to be slightly less highly strung. They are based on two Victorian families and one from South Australia, which can be a bit uptight. Imported Belgian bloodlines have calm dispositions and I am crossing these into my lines to improve them, but not at the expense of their strengths. This is the art of breeding and part of the lure of the sport. I derive a great deal of enjoyment having seen my family of birds evolve over the years and getting better all the time. They are far more well-rounded today than when I began. Having said that, other families of birds, bred by other breeders, are also getting better.

It is generally agreed that race birds are now at least 10% faster than they were just 20 years ago. This is not entirely due to breeding. Some of this is due to more scientific feeding, health regimes and training. But overall, birds are better these days.

It is not just about speed and homing either. We also breed for vigour, vitality, strong immune system and good parenting, to name but a few characteristics. It is far easier these days for novices to gain access to good bloodlines due to the commercial studs. There are also plenty of sales of young bird teams by fl yers. Many a new fl yer is successful from the outset. Part of it is natural talent but this must be combined with good birds, compatible husbandry systems and eff ort. For most people, it is a learning curve, with patience and perseverance vital.

Beginners also have access to expert advice from current champions. Pigeon Racing Victoria Inc off ers a free advice/mentoring program for beginners. The

Breeding pair with young

A PA SSION FOR B ET TER B REEDINGA PA SSSION

Why do people race pigeons? Looking at the sport from the outside, it could appear simplistic or even frivolous.

Instead, it is a way of life. Many competitors (fl yers) are third or fourth generation. The bloodlines they compete with are often passed down by grandfathers to grandsons. Imagine how important and how much pride is involved in cultivating a family of birds that have been in your family for years. There are many famous old lines from all over Australia. These include: Goodger (SA), Ince (Vic), Cole (WA), ABC (Qld) and Wards (NSW). These bloodlines have been selected little by little over the years and are fantastic families of racing pigeons. Their developers take great pride in their results. 

Over the years, I have met with people of many diff erent backgrounds and professions who race pigeons. Many of them love the breeding side of the sport the most. The appeal is to constantly breed a better product. These so-called breeding men stress the point that breeding racing pigeons is both more diffi cult and more rewarding than other types of livestock breeding because you are breeding for numerous physical traits as well as several mental traits. With show animals you are aiming for physical specifi cations. This is relatively easy because you can see the traits from the outset. It is not so easy to breed for mental attributes such as loyalty, tenacity, boldness and a stubborn love of home.

A great racing pigeon has about 30 characteristics that make it a winner. A number of people that race pigeons also race greyhounds and horses. Their view is that great racing pigeons are more of a challenge to breed because of the many traits required. So generations of fl yers try to improve the birds incrementally all

60

M A K E S A L E S B Y A D V E R T I S I N G I N A U S T R A L I A ' S H I G H E S T C I R C U L A T I N G B I R D M A G A Z I N E

GALAHSBLUE AND SPLITSMATURE CINNAMON COCKSPLIT LUTINO COCKS

AFRICAN GREYSMACAWSBLUE & GOLD

Phone Tod Osborne (03) 5762 3724

KARMIC AVIARIESEST 1984

VIOLET AND PIED RINGNECKSBlue Series Green-cheeked ConureLutino in Quakers and Alexandrines

Dilute Red-collared LorikeetsCaiques, Amazons and Hahn’s Macaws

Lutino Galah and Little CorellasPhone 0409 401 839

WINDWOOD AVIARIESBirds for coming seasonINDIAN RINGNECKS Opaline in Blue, Green, Violet, Emerald, CobaltDominant Pieds in Cobalt, Violet, Emerald, Blue, PastelWhitehead Whitetails in Violet, Emerald, Grey, Blue, PastelCobalt, Violet, Emerald and combinationsSCARLET-CHESTED PARROTSViolet Green split White-fronted BlueViolet Blue, Violet ParblueViolet SeagreenLUTINO TURQUOISINES BLUE BLUE-WINGED PARROTSLay-By Available, Orders TakenWill Freight Aust WideCall 0431 495 899 or email windwoodaviaries@bigpond.com

INDIAN RINGNECK MUTATIONS

www.ourringnecks.comEmail: raelene@ourringnecks.com

Phone Raelene 0409 438 620

HANDREARING FORMULAS

IN BULK

Freight Australia WidePhone Kim 0414 342 087

Pet City, Mt Gravatt

MutationMOUSTACHE

MutationPLUMHEADS

MutationINDIAN RINGNECKS

VOSMAERI ECLECTUSLUTINO GALAHS

Phone Nigel (02) 6865 2261

PRIVATE BREEDERS FOR OVER 30 YEARS

INDIANRINGNECKEDMUTATIONSClear-headed Clear-tailedIn all colours & SplitsViolets, Violet Lacewings,Violet Greens,Lacewings—all colours.Mauve & CobaltRingnecks —all colours.Single & Breeding pairs.MOUSTACHE PARROTSSUN CONURESSCARLET-CHESTED PARROTSPLUM-HEADS, ALEXANDRINES,PRINCESS PARROTS—Yellows and splitsFISCHER’S & MASKED LOVEBIRD MUTATIONSFREIGHT AUSTRALIA WIDEPhone Peter Russell (07) 3261 7663or 0402 227 195TOP QUALITY BIRDS GUARANTEED

Bird AviariesBird AviariesBird Aviaries

Walk-in hexagonal designs - a range of sizes. Modular design. Galvanised front with sheeted backs, weatherproof. Flat-pack. Bolt-together assembly. In stock.

Phone Steve @ Shed27 Capalaba Tel 07-32455122 or 0414-656577

BLUE AND GOLD MACAWS

AVAILABLE NOWFrom 4 months old to

14 months old. Hand reared and Aviary bred

Happy to ship interstate Birds are fed Roudybush and

fresh fruit and water daily Sexing Certificate provided

SMS 0418 644 444 Dural NSW

Get Double the Exposure for your Advertising— in Print and on the Web* *Only Available to Print Advertisers

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS $20 extra

DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS $30 extra

ADVERTISE your Birds and Products on BirdKeeper Website

Be Seen Before BirdKeeper Hits the Streets!

Phone 07 5568 0011 or email birdkeeper@birdkeeper.com.au