Cockatoos
Habitat
Cockatoos can be found in rainforests around the world in their natural environment and nest in hollow trees
Breeding
Cockatoos can be found in rainforests around the world in their natural environment and nest in hollow trees
Diet
The Cockatoo's normal diet consists of berries, seeds,
nuts and roots. It also takes handouts from humans. Feeding normally
takes place in small to large groups, with one or more members of the
group watching for danger from a nearby perch. When not feeding, birds
will bite off smaller branches and leaves from trees. These items are
not eaten, however. The activity may help to keep the bill trimmed and
from growing too large. Breeding
The eggs are laid in a suitable tree hollow, which is prepared by both
sexes. Both birds also incubate and care for the chicks. The chicks
remain with the parents all year round and family groups will stay
together indefinitely.
Lifespan
The average life span of a cockatoo is between 40-60 years
Love birds
Habitat
In 2004 its numbers in the wild were estimated to be less than 20 000.
It currently inhabits Liwonde National Park(LNP) and a few cluster
groups occur in the surrounding forests outside LNP. Its distribution
is rapidly becoming restricted to LNP because their feeding and
breeding habitats are being exploited over for agricultural purposes.
The extent of habitat loss outside LNP has not been determined
scientifically although remaining habitat outside the LNP are
fragmented Miombo Forest ReservesDiet
Breeding
The most important thing to consider when deciding to breed lovebirds is how much time and energy you have. Breeding birds need to be in top condition; they cannot be on seed-only diets or be forced to live in dirty cages. They must be supplied a healthy diet with lots of variety. A good pellet mix like Dr. D's or Mazuri and a high-quality seed mix like Volkman are only supplements really. It's the fresh vegetables and grains that will make your birds healthy enough to lay fertile eggs and raise strong babies.Lifespan
Toucan
Habitat
Toucans live in almost any kind of forest in the neotropics from Central America to northern Argentina. and are usaly found in hollowed out trees or logs.
Diet
The toucan's bill is the means by which the toucan gathers its food, primarily fruit. Palm fruits in particular are favored, such as those of Mauritia, whereas figs and guava are also eaten, among others. They also eat insects and vertebrates such as small lizards and snakes. However, many other birds consume these foods without the giant bill to help them, begging the question: what is the function of the beak?Toucans live in almost any kind of forest in the neotropics from Central America to northern Argentina. and are usaly found in hollowed out trees or logs.
Diet
The beak may play a role in breeding but the more likely use is to allow it to exploit a feeding niche. Some observations suggest that the beak is an adaptation that allows the toucan to delve deep into treeholes. This gives it access to prey such as nestlings and bats that may roost in such cavities—a rather sinister behavior for such a cute bird! Another unique feature of toucans is a fringed tongue, a feature it shares with woodpeckers. Other authors suggest that the beak serves as a threat display to frighten birds whose nests they plunder.
Breeding
The toucan's courtship display is unusual among birds, in that it uses objects. Both male and female throw berries at each other or play catch by tossing the berries from one to the other with their beaks. The color of the bill may indicate breeding condition but it is not related to gender recognition, as the beaks are the same in the male and female.All toucans nest in tree cavities. Smaller species, such as aracaris nest in holes excavated by woodpeckers whereas large toucans (such as the yellow-ridged toucan). will choose any well-hidden cavity. Aracaris often nest communally, presumably to spread the risk from predators.
The clutch size is two to four white eggs, up to six in some species. The eggs are relatively small for the birds' size, for reasons that are not clear. After about three weeks incubation, the chicks hatch. Lacking down, the chicks have red naked skin. The feathers grow slowly, so that even after a month, bare skin may still be showing.
The young typically fledge within two months of hatching. Parents continue to feed the fledglings up to 10 days after they leave the nest.
Life span
The life span of a toucan is aproxamitly 20 yearsMacaw
Habitat
Macaws originate in the humid lowland subtropical rain forests, open woodlands, river edges, and savannas of Central and South America. The habitat of the Central American Scarlet Macaw runs through the extreme eastern and southern regions of Mexico and Panama, but also through Guatama and Belize, while the South American population has an extensive range that covers the Amazon basin; extending to Peru east of the Andes, to Bolivia, and Paraguay. While generally infrequent on the mainland, great colonies of Scarlet Macaws can still be found on the islands of Cobia
Before the Macaw's decline in population, its distribution included much of Costa Rica. However, by the 1960s Macaws had been decreasing in numbers due to a combination of factors, particularly hunting, poaching, and the destruction of habitat through deforestation. Further, the spraying of pesticides by companies cultivating and selling bananas for export played a significant role in decreasing Scarlet Macaw populations.
The combined factors stressed the population of Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica, where they had previously occupied approximately 42,500 km² of the country's total national territory of 51,100 km², leaving viable populations in the early 1990s isolated to only two regions on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica; the Carara Biological reserve and Peninsula de osa. By 1993 surveys had shown macaws occupied only 20% (9,100 km²) of their historic range in Costa Rica.
The habitat of Scarlet Macaws is considered to be the greatest latitudinal range for any bird in the genus Ara, as the estimated maximum territorial range covers 6,700,000 km². Nevertheless, the Scarlet macaw’s habitat is fragmented, and colonies of the bird are mostly confined to tiny populations scattered throughout Central and South America. However, as they still occur in large numbers in some parts of their territory, where they are described as "common," the World conservation unionevaluated the species in 2004 as "Least Concern".
Diet
Macaws eat mostly fruits and seeds, including large, hard seeds. A typical sighting is of a single bird or a pair flying above the forest canopy, though in some areas flocks can be seen. They may gather at clay licks. They like apples, nuts, bananas, and fruits. They also feed on nectar and buds. Breeding
The Scarlet Macaw lays two or three white eggs in a tree cavity. The female incubates the eggs for about 28 days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 90 days after hatching. and leave their parents about a year later.Life span
They have a lifespan of about 80 years in captivity.Quaker
Habitat
Regardless of the fact that these birds originate from the tropical climate of South America, they are known to be quite adaptable to even the most frigid climates. In North America, wild parrots have been spotted in the following U.S. States: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia.Diet
A base diet of pellets is ideal; there's various brands to choose from (Kaytee Exact, Pretty Bird, Roudybush, Harrison's, and Zupreem just to name a few), but it doesn't really matter, and young Quakers are not usually picky. Quakers will eat either a cockatiel sized pellet or a larger parrot sized pellet; some birds prefer one over the other. Besides pellets, a wide variety of other foods should be offered; fruits, vegetables, breads and grains, and some seeds as well, although seeds should not form a large part of the diet in my opinion. The more variety in the diet, the better; it's easier to say what not to feed than to try to include everything that should be fed. Never feed chocolate, caffiene, alcohol, or avacado, all of which are toxic to birds. Some things can be fed, but should only be fed in very small quantities; these include junk foods (you know what I'm talking about!), red meat, and dairy products. On the dairy products, birds are universally lactose intolerant, but low-lactose dairy products like skim milk, yogurt, and most cheeses can be fed in higher quantities.Breeding
Wild parrots are prolific and easy breeders and are usually sexually mature at about two years of age. The number of eggs birds lay each cycle is called a 'clutch'. The average clutch size is four to eight eggs, and a second clutch is usually started when the first hatchlings (baby birds) are about four weeks old. Mortality rate amongst their young is generally 50% or more. Thus, only one or two babies are expected to reach full maturation with each breeding cycle.Life Span
Barring accident or disease, a Quaker can be expected to live around 20-30 years.
Ringneck
Habitat
The Alexandrine Parakeet, Psittacula eupatria, is a parrot which is a resident breeder from India and Sri Lanke to Southeast Asia.
It undergoes local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds and blossoms, which make up its diet. The Alexandrine Parakeet is a bird of forest, open woodland and cultivation. It is scarce in much of its range. '
Diet
Wild Indian Ringnecks usually feast on a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, and seeds. While most vets agree that it is best for captive birds to eat a nutritionally balanced pelleted diet, a Ringneck will appreciate a variety of fruits and veggies in their diet. As with all birds, food and water containers should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled daily to reduce the risk of bacteria growth and infection.
Breeding
Indian Ringnecks are relatively easy to breed. They will reach sexual maturity at about 1 1/12 years of age, but may not breed for 2 or 3 years.
It is best to separate breeding pairs from other ringnecks (in a communal / aviary setting), as they may become aggressive during this time.
Ringnecks kept in an indoor aviary will usually begin breeding in December, while birds kept in outdoor aviaries may be tempted to start in February and in many parts of the world where temperatures are still pretty low -- this can cause problems such as egg binding, chilled eggs, etc. Depending on where you live, you may want to remove the nesting boxes until temperatures are more conducive to successful breeding outcome -- such as April or May. The average clutch size is 3 to 5 eggs. The incubation period lasts an average of 23 days and the babies usually fledge when they are about 7 weeks old
RIngneck Parrots do much better in a large flight or aviary then a cage as they can be active flyers.They are best housed one pair per flight in which pairs can not see each other. The reason for this is that ringnecks do not form very strong pair bonds and are known for flirting and distracting mates of other pairs.
Life span
Between 25 - 30 years, although instances of Ringnecks living past the age of fifty have been authenticated.
The Alexandrine Parakeet, Psittacula eupatria, is a parrot which is a resident breeder from India and Sri Lanke to Southeast Asia.
It undergoes local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds and blossoms, which make up its diet. The Alexandrine Parakeet is a bird of forest, open woodland and cultivation. It is scarce in much of its range. '
Diet
Wild Indian Ringnecks usually feast on a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, and seeds. While most vets agree that it is best for captive birds to eat a nutritionally balanced pelleted diet, a Ringneck will appreciate a variety of fruits and veggies in their diet. As with all birds, food and water containers should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled daily to reduce the risk of bacteria growth and infection.
Breeding
Indian Ringnecks are relatively easy to breed. They will reach sexual maturity at about 1 1/12 years of age, but may not breed for 2 or 3 years.
It is best to separate breeding pairs from other ringnecks (in a communal / aviary setting), as they may become aggressive during this time.
Ringnecks kept in an indoor aviary will usually begin breeding in December, while birds kept in outdoor aviaries may be tempted to start in February and in many parts of the world where temperatures are still pretty low -- this can cause problems such as egg binding, chilled eggs, etc. Depending on where you live, you may want to remove the nesting boxes until temperatures are more conducive to successful breeding outcome -- such as April or May. The average clutch size is 3 to 5 eggs. The incubation period lasts an average of 23 days and the babies usually fledge when they are about 7 weeks old
RIngneck Parrots do much better in a large flight or aviary then a cage as they can be active flyers.They are best housed one pair per flight in which pairs can not see each other. The reason for this is that ringnecks do not form very strong pair bonds and are known for flirting and distracting mates of other pairs.
Life span
Between 25 - 30 years, although instances of Ringnecks living past the age of fifty have been authenticated.
African Grey
Habitat
Grey Parrots can be found in primary and secondary lowland rainforests, also forest edges and clearings, gallery forests and other wooded riverine habitats. Depending upon the area in Africa, they may also be found inhabiting oil-palm plantations, gardens, cultivated land and montane forests up to 2,400 feet or about 2200 meters. Grey Parrots are found in villages of west and central Africa from Sierra Leone east to Cameroon, including Zaire, Uganda, West Kenya and northwest Tanzania, as well as on the Sesse islands in Lake Victoria.Diet
* Variety is the key here. Pelletted diets should form the foundation of the diet, but should be supplemented with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as grains and proteins. A small amount of seed mix can be fed as well, keeping in mind that seeds have some nutritional value and place in the diet but are largely fattening and poorly balanced as a main part of the diet. For a detailed discussion of diet, see "parrot nutriant 101"
* If your bird is reluctant to try new foods, see the tips in "introduceing new foods to picky eaters." Tips on switching a seed eater to a formulated (pellet) diet can be found in switching ur bird to pellets
* African greys are somewhat prone to calcium deficiency, so calcium levels should be monitored at a yearly vet check. Calcium supplements should not be used except under the advice of a veterinarian, but it can be beneficial to feed a variety of calcium rich foods such as leafy green vegetables (kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard, spinach). For more information on calcium levels in some foods, see Winged Widom
* Fresh clean water should be available at all times. Food and water dishes should be washed daily.
Breeding
African Greys are not shy, their courtship ritual is not intricate, and their babies are not especially delicate, so they are relatively easy to breed in captivity. In the U.S., there are enough domestically raised birds to easily satisfy the demand for pets, so support for a black market in illegally imported African Greys is not strong.Life span
African greys have the potential to be very long lived, so be prepared for a commitment of 50 years or more.Ducks
Habitat
The ducks have a cosmopolitan distribution occurring across most of the world except for Antarctica. A number of species manage to live on sub-Antarctic islands like South Georgia and the Auckland Islands. Numerous ducks have managed to establish themselves on oceanic islands such as Hawaii, New Zealand and Kerguelen, although many of these species and populations are threatened or have become extinct.
Some duck species, mainly those breeding in the temperate and Arctic Northern Hemisphere, are migratory; those in the tropics, however, are generally not. Some ducks, particularly in Australia where rainfall is patchy and erratic, are nomadic, seeking out the temporary lakes and pools that form after localised heavy rain.[citation needed]
Ducks have become an accepted presence in populated areas. Migration patterns have changed such that many species remain in an area during the winter months. In spring and early summer ducks sometimes influence human activity through their nesting; sometimes a duck pair nests well away from water, needing a long trek to water for the hatchlings: this sometimes causes an urgent wildlife rescue operation (e.g. by the RSPCA) if the duck nested somewhere unsuitable like in a small enclosed courtyard.
Diet
Ducks exploit a variety of food sources such as grasses, aquatic plants, fish, insects, small amphibians[3], worms, and small molluscs.
Diving ducks and sea ducks forage deep underwater. To be able to submerge more easily, the diving ducks are heavier than dabbling ducks, and therefore have more difficulty taking off to fly.
Dabbling ducks feed on the surface of water or on land, or as deep as they can reach by up-ending without completely submerging. [4] Along the inside of the beak they have tiny rows of plates called lamellae like a whale's baleen. These let them filter water out of the side of their beaks and keep food inside.
A few specialized species such as the smew, goosander, and the mergansers are adapted to catch and swallow large fish.
The others have the characteristic wide flat beak designed for dredging-type jobs such as pulling up waterweed, pulling worms and small molluscs out of mud, searching for insect larvae, and bulk jobs such as holding and turning headfirst and swallowing a squirming frog. To avoid injury when digging into sediment it has no cere. but the nostrils come out through hard horn.
Breeding
The ducks are generally monogamous, although these bonds generally last a single year only. Larger species and the more sedentary species (like fast river specialists) tend to have pair-bonds that last numerous years. Most duck species breed once a year, choosing to do so in favourable conditions (spring/summer or wet seasons).
Life span
2 to 12 years depending on what kind of duck it is.
