Ramphastos vitellinus www.avianweb.com

Channel-billed Toucans

Toucan Information ... Toucan Photo Gallery ... Toucan Store

The Channel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos vitellinus) which breeds in Trinidad and in tropical South America east of the Andes and as far south as southern Brazil.
The western form of this bird, the Yellow-ridged Toucan, was previously considered to be a separate species, Ramphastos culminatus, but the two races readily interbreed. However, the southeastern Amazonian subspecies R. v. ariel is closer to R. v. vitellinus than the nominate, the two former being already close to distinct species status.
There also exists an isolated population looking like R. v. ariel in southeastern Brazil, but molecular analysis suggests that it may be a population that has been isolated for a long time and is a yet-undescribed separate species (Weckstein, 2005)
This species is a resident breeder in moist lowland forest. The white eggs are laid in a high unlined tree cavity.
Like other toucans, the Channel-billed is brightly marked and has a huge bill. It is typically 48cm long with a 9-14cm bill. Sexes are similar. Both sexes are alike in appearance, and they are both active in raising the young. There is have a gestation period of 18 days, and the parents both incubate for 15 to 16 days. However, they can be impatient sitters, often leaving their eggs uncovered for hours at a time. Newborn toucans remain in the nest after hatching. They are blind and naked at birth, and their eyes open after about 3 weeks. They have short bills and specialized pads on their heels to protect them from the rough floor of the nest. The featheres do not begin to expand until they are nearly 4 weeks old. They're helpless and unable to leave the nest for about 8 weeks, dependent upon both parents to feed them. After this, the young can care for themselves. They begin to leave the nest after 40 to 50 days, depending on size.
The eastern nominate race has a black bill, upperparts and tail, and a red rump. The bare eyepatch and bill base are blue, the throat is white and the breast shows successive bands of yellow, whitish and red before reaching the black belly. The undertail is black apart from red undertail coverts.
The subspecies culminatus has a yellow top ridge to its black bill, and the throat and breast are white, with just a red band separating the latter from the black belly.
The Channel-billed Toucan is an arboreal fruit-eater, but will take insects and other small prey. The call is a croaking cree-op cree-op cree-op.
Also when pulled from the nest hand fed as babies they can eventually make pets. They do however require spacious cages to hop back and forth from because of their active nature, and require toys in their cage to prevent boredom. Their high fruit diet and sensitivity to hemochromotosis (iron storage disease) make them difficult for the novice keeper to maintain. Also they fling their fruit so the potential owner should be prepared to clean up dried fruit. They are expensive birds to maintain.

Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org ... Additional information and photos added by Avianweb.

Ara ararauna www.avianweb.com

Blue & Gold Macaws aka Blue & Yellow Macaws

Ara ararauna

---

The Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), also known as Blue-and-gold Macaw, is a member of the macaw group of parrots which breeds in the swampy forests of tropical South America.

Natural Distribution / Range

Its natural range stretches from Eastern Panama through Columbia, except the Cauca Valley, and West Narino to eastern and western Ecuador and northern Peru. Through Venezuela and Brazil to Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. They inhabit lowlands up to 500m, and are found in forest, savanna, swamp, and riverine woodland habitats.
This species formerly occurred on the island of Trinidad, but became extinct due to human activities (over-hunting, capturing for the pet trade, habitat destruction, etc.). They are also believed to be extinct in Paraguay, North Argentina and West Ecuador, probably for the same reasons. Activities to reintroduce this species in its natural habitat are currently ongoing ( Article).

Description:

Blue & Gold Macaws - like most other Macaw species - are large and magnificent in every respect. Theycan reach 76-84 cm long and weigh between 800 and 1300 g and are vivid in appearance with blue wings and tail, golden (some might say, "butterscotch") underparts and a green cap on the head. Their beaks are jet black and very strong for crushing nuts.
A Bolivian sub-species is said to be also available in the United States. The Bolivian Blue & Gold is described to be much larger than the regular Blue & Gold. In fact, it is often as large or even larger than the Hyacinth Macaw. The blue feathers of the Bolivian Blue & Gold are said to be more of a true blue, while those feathers of a common Blue & Gold are more green-blue in coloration. Notwithstanding the physical differences, they are said to share the same personality traits. We were unable to confirm that this is a true sub-species. In fact, authorities list the Blue & Gold as a monotypic species (one single species - no sub-species). Unless there is evidence to the contrary, this larger bird was most likely the result of selective breeding (for size and color) or potentially, there was a Blue-throated Macaw in the mix (ancestry).

• Exciting Mutations of the Blue & Gold Macaw have occurred. Please check out this website for photos.

Blue & Gold Macaws as Pets:

Although popular as pets because of their striking appearance and ability to talk, they require much more effort - and more knowledge - from owners than more traditional pets such as dogs or cats. They are intelligent and loving, so for someone who can provide for their needs, they make good companion animals.
Even the most well cared for blue and gold macaw will "scream" and make other loud noises. Loud vocalizations and destructive chewing are natural parts of their behavior and should be expected in captivity. To some extent you can redirect chewing to toys, but a macaw left alone, uncaged in a room will likely redecorate. By providing a number of toys in cage, one can minimize the destructive chewing as the bird will focus chewing on those appropriate objects.
They require a set-up that allows them to chew as much as they want, toys to keep them busy, an area that is easily cleaned and maintained. Not a bird for most households, but a source of great pleasure, wonderful companionship (and, admittedly, the occasional heartache over destroyed furnishings) - for the right owner. If their needs are not met, they are likely to develop behavioral problems, such as excessive screaming or biting, feather plucking (please refer to the photo to the right) - in extreme cases, they may begin to mutilate themselves.

I received an inspiring e-mail from a Blue & Gold Macaw owner who expresses very clearly what it takes to provide a macaw with a healthy and stimulating environment. She describes what it is like living with her "Blu" - who developed into a wonderful pet due to all the attention and wonderful care he receives at his home.

Living with a Blue & Gold Macaw:

"I've had Blu for two years. I bought him from Pet Smart on his first birthday,May 5th 2004. Actually my 14 year old son begged me to buy him and Blu became my companion.
I knew nothingabout parrots, so I read everything I could about them. To my surprise, he was more than I anticipated in upkeep; however, I took on the responsibility and it paid off.
From day one, Blu spent every day out of his cage, in a play area in my bedroom, taking showers with me daily, and going on car rides at least 3 to 5 days a week. He has become such a delight, but I wouldn't recommend a parrot of this type to anyone who is not capable or willing to include him as an active member of the family. I include Blu in all activities I participate in daily. "EVERY DAY", and keep him supplied with plenty of wooden chewables, pecans, walnuts, and other whole nuts in a shell at all times.

He eats what my other family members eat, and fresh berries and fruit are part of his staple diet. As a result, his colors are shining and magnificent, and he often reminds me he thinks so too. "I'm such a pretty bird" he says with a smile in his eyes, "I'm good". And he is. He can be loud, but I control it to some extent by distracting him with "quiet conversation" and "soft voice levels". He loves to cuddle, says he loves me after a drenching shower, asks for nuts "cracker" he says, any time he see's anyone eating something "delicious" looking.
It amazes me how he uses the proper words for situations. For instance, he says "I'm a pretty bird: not "you are a pretty bird" like I tell him. He laughs when I trip or drop something, he smiles most of the day, and asks to go "bye bye" when he sees me getting ready to go somewhere. He tells me when he wants to go to sleep and back to his cage for the night, "night night"? he asks at the end of each day.
There is no doubt he is extremely intelligent because he speaks cognitively a large part of the time. He is a pain the in butt at times, but so are my other family members. Love him and he loves twice as hard. I never ignored him, or left him alone for more than an hour or two, so I'm not sure about how he would be if I didn't. He goes on vacation with us, every time. (We like the "Weston" hotels, they always welcome us with no problem. I leave the rooms clean so it will stay that way. He's cooky, loud, funny and loving. He's my little "chicken" and it cracks me up when he acknowledges it too. "I'm a chicken" he boasts. "I love"! So do I." (AvianWeb Note: Blu's "mom" has sent me some photos - one of which is featured to the bottom right. But she sent me others that I think you may also enjoy. Please visit this website for additional photos of Blu).

NOTE: Blue & Gold Macaws, like all macaws, will chew on your furniture, electric wiring, jewelry - any item they can get hold of. This is natural behavior.
In the wild, they will spend a substantial time of their days on trees "customizing their environment" -- building nests, foraging for food, preening and interacting with heir mates, caring for their chicks. At your home, one of their primary activities will be chewing, exploring items (ANY item) with their beaks.
You have got to "bird-proof" the areas they are in, to make sure they can't chew through electric wiring (fire hazard). Bird owners usually find ways to hide cables or protect them with plastic tubing available at Home Depot (or like store).
Some people don't want to go through the trouble of birdproofing their homes and can't tolerate beak marks on furnishings. If this is so, a macaw is not the right pet for you.
Ideally, they should have a nice-size play area -- some people even provide them with a bird room.

Training and Behavioral Guidance:

Macaw ownership generally presents multiple challenges, such as excessive chewing - especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior beforean undesirable behavior has been established. Undisciplined macaws will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires.
They regard anything in your home as a "toy" that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable. Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation. Not everybody can tolerate the natural loud call of a macaw and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching in your pet macaw.
Overall, it is important to guide parrot behavior, but even more so if your feathered family member is a magnificent and powerful macaw.

• AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.
• If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
  
  • the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
    • Stop Biting
    • Perform Tricks &
    • Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
  • and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.

Diet:

They require a varied diet, a seed only diet will lead to health problems such as vitamin deficiency. An example of a good diet would be a quality pelleted mix, in conjuncture with a mix featuring seed, nuts, and dried fruits, with fresh vegetables and fruits fed regularly; furthermore, it is quite common (and appreciated by the parrot) to partake with their human owners of safe foods like pasta, bread, etc. It is important to avoid foods with high fat content (generally) while striving to provide a wide variety of foods.
There are some foods which are toxic to birds and parrots as a group. Cherry pits, avocados, chocolate, and caffeine are some foods that should not be fed. Chocolate and caffeine are not metabolized by birds the same way they are in humans.

Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.org) ... Additional information and photos added by Avianweb.

Amazona farinosa quatemalae www.avianweb.com

The Blue-crowned Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa guatemalae) is endemic to Mexico, from southern Veracruz and Oaxaca along Caribbean slopes south to Honduras.
Its habit consists of rain forest, montane forest to 1,500 m (5,000 ft); partially cleared areas with scattered trees and mangroves; prefering forest edges. The Mealy Parrot is social and can be found in pairs or in large flocks. They are even known to interact with other parrots, such as macaws.
They are usually quiet but can be loud at dusk and dawn.
They are generally common, although not as numerous as other Amazon species.
Their natural diet consists of fruits (particularly figs), berries, nuts, flowers and buds foraged in tops of trees; probable daily intake of mineral soil.

Description:

They average 15.2 ins (38 cm) in length, from beak to tail tip. Their wing length averages from 8.5 to 9.5 ins (221 - 248 mm).
The general plumage green, but the sides of head and crown are blue. As with other members of Genus Amazona, individuals within a species can vary greatly.
David Woodbury, from the UK (1999), described the Blue-crowned Amazon as follows: "[W]e have had three superb male guatemalae, all of which had brilliant blue crowns (a colour similar to that in aestiva); one had a black upper beak and ivory-colored lower beak, the other two have black beaks. One had virtually no nape (lower back of the neck) patch and none of the typical "mealy" effect on the back, yet another looked like he had been sprinkled with flour. We have found that the body color of guatemalae tends to be a more vivid green than virenticeps, which can be a yellow-green.
Vocally both guatemalae and virenticeps are distinct from other Mealys although any Amazon in a mixed collection may mimic other sounds. "

The Mealy Amazon as Pets or in Aviculture:

Mealy Amazons have a very docile temperament and usually get along well with other birds. They are considered the gentle giants of the Amazon parrots. The noise level and talking abilities vary greatly amongst this species. There are some quiet birds amongst them -- but others can get REALLY noisy; indeed, their voices can carry over a mile. Mealies enjoy repeating a phrase over and over and each time using a different inflection.
Their diet should consist of a quality seed mix of safflower, wheat, oats, hemp seeds*, dried rowan-berries, buckwheat and mungo beans; sprouted sunflower seed; some pinenuts; various fruit and vegetables (particularly half-ripened maize); rose-hips; greenfood; regular mineral supplements. (*Hemp Seeds are often referred to as "super-seeds" as they offer a complete amino acid profile, have an ideal balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and provide an impressive amount of trace minerals - they also have the highest concentration of protein in the plant kingdom.)
They require roomy cages, as they are very active, and they should be provided plenty of out-of-cage time in addition to mental stimulation. The Foraging page will be helpful in providing an adequate set up for your amazon.

• Breeding The Blue-crowned Mealy Amazon

Training and Behavioral Guidance:

Amazon ownership generally presents multiple challenges, such as excessive chewing - especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Aggressive behavior is especially common in "hormonal" amazons. Undisciplined amazons will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. They regard anything in your home as a "toy" that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable.
Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation.

Behavioral challenges of the amazon parrots may include:

• Excessive Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined parrots will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach an amazon parrot what is fine to chew on and what is "off-limits."
• Dominant Behavior: Amazon Parrots, as most parrots, are likely to discover their beaks as a method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage." It really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established.

  Training is vital to stop this aggressive behavior.

• Hormonal Aggression: Amazon parrots are also known for their "hormonal" aggression phase. This phase usually appears between the ages of 5 to 12 years. During this time there will be one to two years in which they are likely to be very aggressive. Fortunately, once they go through this, they generally settle down with little or no aggression shown outside the breeding season - with some aggression, but to a lesser degree, when they are in breeding condition.
  
  Amazons going through that stage are difficult to handle for many but the most experienced amazon owners. Species such as Lilac Crowns and Mealies are less excitable than other amazon species during the breeding season. Females tend to be calmer than males during this phase. An attack by a hormonal male can be vicious and will not be limited to one bite.
  
  Many bird owners are bewildered by the fact that their previously so cuddly pet suddenly turns on them - their primary caretakers. To add insult to injury, their pet may pick another family member as their favorite. Dr. Jill Patt describes this being similar to a wild bird leaving its parents and choosing a mate. She suggests the following ways of dealing with it:

• Understand that this is a natural behavior.
• Have the family member the bird has picked limit their interaction with your bird, spend time with the bird when that family member is absent, and ensure that only you are the one to provide all favorite treats and activities.
• The environment can also be altered somewhat to attempt to reduce breeding behavior. Limiting the daylight hours to mimic a winter sun will often help.
• In some instances, the vet may prescribe drugs that balance out a pet's hormones.
• Click here for more information on reducing hormonal behavior in birds.

• Calling / Voicing / Screaming: Not everybody can tolerate the natural loud call of an amazon, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching. Amazon parrots are excellent talkers though, and their natural loud call can be replaced with human speech with a little bit of training. Fortunately, they are quick learners.

Grus vipio www.avianweb.com

 

White-naped Cranes

Cranes

The White-naped Crane is a bird of the crane family.

Description:

The birds are about 130 cm (4 ft) tall and weigh about 5.6 kg (12 lbs.) The have pinkish legs, grey and white striped neck and a red face patch.

Distribution / Habitat:

Only about 4,900 and 5,400 remain in the wild. The bird breeds in northeastern Mongolia, northeastern China, and adjacent areas of southeastern Russia where a program at Khinganski Nature Reserve raises eggs provided from U.S. zoos to bolster the species.
Different groups of the birds migrate to winter near the Yangtze River, the DMZ in Korea and on Kyushu in Japan. They also reach Kazakhstan and Taiwan.

Breeding / Nesting:

The eggs are about 3 1/2 inches in length.

Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org

---

Related Web Resources:

• White-naped Cranes - Wild Texas Animal Account

Grus leucogeranus www.avianweb.com

Anthropoides virgo www.avianweb.com

http://www.avianweb.com/
Demoiselle Cranes

Cranes

The Demoiselle Crane, Anthropoides virgo is a species of crane.

Description:

The Demoiselle is 85-100 cm long with a 155-180 cm wingspan. It is therefore slightly smaller than the Common Crane, with similar plumage. However it has a long white neck stripe and the black on the foreneck extends down over the chest in a plume.

Distribution / Habitat:

It breeds in central Asia, with a few found in Cyprus and eastern Turkey, even far as western and Northern Pakistan and migrates to Africa in winter.
Damp marshes, steppe habitats, and meadows are all other areas in which the Demoiselle Crane could be spotted in. The range in height goes from sea level to over 10,000 metres.
Demoiselle cranes have to take one of the toughest migrations in the world. In late August through September, they gather in flocks of up to 400 individuals and prepare for their flight to their winter range. During their migratory flight south, demoiselles fly like all cranes, with their head and neck straight forward and their feet and legs straight behind, reaching altitudes of 16,000-26,000 feet (4,875-7,925 m). Along their arduous journey they have to cross the Himalayan mountains to get to their over wintering grounds in India, many die from fatigue, hunger and predation from birds such as eagles.
At their wintering grounds, demoiselles have been observed flocking with Eurasian cranes, their combined totals reaching up to 20,000 individuals.Demoiselles maintain separate social groups within the larger flock.
In March and April, demoiselle cranes begin their long spring journey back to their northern nesting grounds.

Breeding / Nesting:

Like other cranes it has a dancing display, more balletic than the Common Crane, with less leaping.
During the breeding season, marshy areas are preferred living spaces, while the cranes are more commonly found in dry grasslands throughout the winter.
The birds usually nest no more than 500 m away from a main source of water.

Call / Song:

It has a loud trumpeting call, higher-pitched than the Common Crane.

Status:

The Demoiselle Crane is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
It is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.org.

Общее о ЖУРАВЛЯХ

http://www.avianweb.com/
Cranes

Species

Cranes (Gruidae) can be found on all the continents except Antarctica and South America. Some species of cranes migrate over long distances, while cranes in warm climates do not migrate at all.
Cranes are gregarious, forming large flocks where their numbers are sufficient. However, their numbers are diminishing. The plight of the Whooping Cranes of North America inspired some of the first US legislation to protect endangered species.

Description:

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds of the order Gruiformes, and family Gruidae. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". They mate for life.

Diet / Feeding:

They are opportunistic feeders that may change their diet according to the season. They eat suitably sized prey such as small rodents, fish and amphibians, but will eat grain and berries during late summer and autumn (the cranberry is so-named from its being extensively eaten by some northern species of crane).

Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.org.

---

Species

Black Crowned Cranes (Balearica pavonina)

Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis)

Blue Cranes(Anthropoides paradisea)

Brolga Cranes(Grus rubicunda)

Crowned Cranes: Red-crowned Crane ... Black Crowned Crane ... Grey Crowned Cranes

Demoiselle Cranes (Anthropoides virgo)
Eurasian Cranes aka Common Cranes (Grus grus)

Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
East African Crowned Crane (Grey-crowned Crane)

Hooded Cranes (Grus monacha)

Red Crowned Crane aka Red Crown Crane (Grus japonensis)
Red-necked Cranes: Red-necked Cranes (Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge)

Paradise Cranes (Blue Crane)

Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis)

Sarus Cranes (Grus antigone)

Siberian Cranes (Grus leucogeranus)

Stanley Cranes (Blue Crane)

Wattled Cranes (Bugeranus carunculatus)
White Cranes: Ardea spp. (Kowanyama Aboriginal Community Council - Australia)

White-naped Cranes (Grus vipio)

Whooping Cranes (Grus americana)

Grus grus www.avianweb.com

http://www.avianweb.com/

 

Eurasian Cranes aka Common Cranes

Cranes

The Common Crane (Grus grus), also known as the Eurasian Crane, is a bird of the family Gruidae, the cranes. The Common Crane is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

Description:

It is a large, stately bird, 100-130 cm long, with a 180-230 cm wingspan and a weight of 4.5-6 kg. It is grey with a white facial streak and a bunch of black plumes on its tail. Adults have a red crown patch. It has a loud trumpeting call, given in flight and display. It has a dancing display, leaping with wings uplifted.

Distribution & Habitat:

It breeds in wetlands in northern parts of Europe and Asia. The global population is in the region of 210,000-250,000, with the vast majority nesting in Russia and Scandinavia. In Great Britain the Common Crane became extinct in the 17th century, but a tiny population now breeds again in the Norfolk Broads and is slowly increasing. It is a long distance migrant wintering in Africa (south to Morocco and Ethiopia), southern Europe, and southern Asia (south to northern Pakistan and eastern China).
Migrating flocks fly in a V formation. It is a rare visitor to western North America, where birds are occasionally seen with flocks of migrating Sandhill Cranes.

Diet / Feeding:

It is omnivorous, eating leaves, roots, berries (including notably the cranberry, which is probably named after the species), insects, small birds and mammals.

Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.org.

Related Web Resources: Eurasian Cranes - Status Report and Conservation Action Plan