Parakeets under threat from virus

DEVASTATING EFFECTS: A healthy red-fronted parakeet provides sharp contrast to a bird severely affected by the beak and feather virus.Scientists are worried a virulent disease affecting parakeets is more widespread than thought. Recent work among native red-fronted parakeets on Little Barrier Island has confirmed their worst fears.

“We estimate in a sample of 54 parakeets about 25 per cent have the virus, we don't know what is the real percentage in the whole population," says scientist Luis Ortiz-Catedral

Beak and feather disease causes birds to lose their feathers, develop beak deformities, and weakens their immune systems.

Click to read more ...

Why City Parrots can help with parrot conservation

Red-fronted conures checking out the local Gazette, Miami Springs, FLCity slickers

Have you spotted them in your area already? Chances are you are closer to a wild parrot than you might have imagined. In the USA and Europe, many major cities have one or two species of parrot living and breeding within their city limits. 10 European capitals, for example, hold psittacine populations.

Click to read more ...

Another successful year for the Thick-billed Parrot

Thick-billed Parrot © Christopher Wood, from the surfbirds galleries.American Bird Conservancy’s Mexican partner Pronatura Noreste is reporting another successful year for the Thick-billed Parrot nest box program.

The endangered Thick-billed Parrot breeds primarily at three sites in Mexico’s western Chihuahua state. Due to harvesting of timber and fires, the large trees that provide nest cavities for the birds have almost disappeared. Many of the remaining tree cavities are damaged with cracks and openings, and others have built up large numbers of parasites from repeated use year after year. Weather conditions and nestling parasitism have seriously reduced fledging success from these remaining natural cavities.

Click to read more ...

Local woman trains macaw

Blue-throated macaw Ingrid. Photo: Mark BuschA local woman proves the old adage if you love something, set it free.

Click to read more ...

Activists rescue parrots from illegal traders

These Ring-necked and Alexandrine parakeets are the result of illigal trade. Image by Jeannette GonzalezAHMEDABAD: They are born free but have fallen victims to human greed and fancies. Hundreds of tiny winged creatures are illegally sold at Sunday Market near Ellis bridge.

Click to read more ...