Anting can take on different forms. Some birds will pick up ants in their beaks and rub the ant over their feathers, after which they eat the ant; while others will open their wings and lie down over an active anthill and allow ants to climb up onto them. But it does seem that one part of anting remains consistent: birds prefer using ants that produce folic acid. Ants use the folic acid their bodies produce as a defense mechanism, which they spray at their attackers, but at the same time provides birds with a certain something that scientists would love to discover.

One theory on anting is that the folic acid could be used as a fungicide, bactericide and as an insect repellent, while others choose to believe that it is the vitamin D content in the acid that birds are after. This leads to another unanswered question: why do birds sometimes use alternative anting tools, such as millipedes and fruit? Some scientists believe that anting is used to preen feathers and helps prevent the drying out of their plumage, but then one again has to ask, that if only some birds include anting in their behavior, could preening really be the answer? Another suggestion that has been made is that anting has an intoxicating effect, as some birds have been known to shake and loose control over their ability to walk. Anting has been documented in a variety of species including crows, babblers, weavers, owls, turkeys, waxbills and pheasants to name but a few. And for all the research done and no lack of theories, it seems the human race will have to be satisfied with the fact that the mystery behind anting might elude us forever, and remain a small secret that nature is not willing to share.

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Here we cover everything from bird anatomy, conservation, the evolution of birds as well as extinct and rare birds. We hope to provide you with expert advice and opinions to help you become a better bird enthusiast and better carer for your bird.

Understanding the basic behavior of birds and their patterns, will also help you become a more accomplished bird watcher.

Check back soon as we’re adding more articles every day!

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According to veterinary estimates, as many as 50% or more of pet birds taken to the vet engage in some form of over-preening or other feather damaging behavior. The problem is quite commonplace, but it is distressing for bird owners and difficult to get rid of. Moreover, any bird can start to exhibit this problem. So what do we do about it?

Part of understanding how to deal with this problem, is understanding what causes the problem. There are three main factors: physical/medical problems, environmental factors and behavioral/psychological problems. Feather picking can also degenerate into skin mutilation over time – a very serious condition. So it is worth trying to get to the bottom of the problem as soon as it manifests itself.

Physical problems include viral infections, bacterial and fungal infections, external parasites, allergies, poor wing-feather trimming, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and trauma. All of these can be diagnosed by a qualified avian vet and treated accordingly. Once the immediate problem is dealt with, the real cause behind the behavior can be addressed and the chances of the bird continuing this behavior become slim.

Environmental problems worth considering are a cage that is too small for the bird, using the wrong types of perches, exposure to airborne toxins, low humidity, the wrong kind of lighting, All of these things are distressing to a bird and may cause it to pluck its feathers.

According to research, certain species of parrots, cockatoos, cockatiels, parakeets and lovebirds are particularly predisposed to this sort of destructive behavior. These particular species all live in large flocks in the wild, and separation from the flock usually results in anxiety. Our tame birds may not even know what a large flock of birds is, but they usually view their human associates as an extension of their social environment. If they feel isolated from their human ‘flock’ they may become anxious and this could lead to behavioral problems such as feather picking. This would be a definite psychological factor that is easy to fix. A bird lacking simulation or one that is under too much stress from its environment is also something to consider. We also want to consider the activity of the human counter-parts as things such as an increase in fighting may stress the bird out.

Clearly there are a number of things to consider when trying to determine why your bird is feather picking. But getting to the root of the problem is definitely worthwhile since your bird’s health and longevity are at stake.

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Most animal lovers firmly believe that their pets respond to their warm loving touch, but quite a few owners are blissfully unaware of just how much our pets are aware of. This is also the case with pet birds, especially parrots, which respond almost instantly to the mood or energy levels of the human who is handling them.

As it turns out, parrots are generally more comfortable with people who feel comfortable around them. If you are tense, aggressive or panicky, the bird is likely to pick up on that and become tense itself. How do they pick up on our moods? Our energy levels fluctuate according to our moods and a change in our energy levels can have a massive impact on any bird we might be handling at the time. If the parrot is being handled by a person who is frustrated, angry, depressed or aggressive, they can become fearful of that particular person and react in an often aggressive manner. They are not attacking the handler because they have a distinct dislike for that person – only a distinct dislike for the way that person makes them feel. So before you get ready to discipline a bird or to label it as a biter or a bad-mannered creature, you might want to consider what sort of ‘vibe’ you’re giving off and if it might be making the bird uncomfortable. Often becoming almost submissive with aggressive birds that are unfamiliar with you can have an almost immediate effect on their behaviour. You need to give them time to get used to you and understand you before you worry about them trying to express dominant behaviour. When meeting a new bird for the first time, it is often best to take a few deep breaths and calm yourself before you attempt to handle it.

Calming yourself is also something worth considering in a disaster situation. If, for example, you live in an area that regularly suffers from earthquakes, you will want to ensure that you are calm before going to check on your birds and make sure that you are ok. Entering the room in a panicked state will only make the birds more panicky in a situation that has already been very stressful for them. It is far better to take a few moments to calm yourself down, enter the room and quietly hum or talk to yourself while engaging in quiet activities in the vicinity of the cages. This will usually help the birds to regain their composure quicker and they will soon be feeling much better and may even end up chattering quite happily in their cages. Clearly how you feel will have a big effect on how your birds feel, so next time you get ready to spend time with your feathered friends, take a moment to consider your mood to ensure that your bird enjoys you as much as you enjoy it.

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Ongoing research into bird behavior continues to reveal fascinating facts about the multitude of feathered creatures that share our planet. Results from recent research indicates that when a rival flock has defeated them in a raucous show of superiority, Green Woodhoopoes display supportive behavior to their fellow flock-mates in a manner that researchers have likened to football fans commiserating with one another when the team they are supporting loses.

These attractive metallic dark green and purple South African birds live in groups of around twelve members and are known to challenge rival groups by means of raucous vocal displays, much like opposing football team supporters try to outdo one another in chanting and cheering for their team during a match. At the height of a conflict, one bird may pluck a flower or piece of lichen and this is passed from one bird to the other, in a manner similar to waving a flag. These intense displays can continue for extended periods, with subordinates contributing more than dominants, until one group gives up and retreats.

Unlike football fans though, following their defeat the group of Green Woodhoopoes don’t go off to the nearest pub to drown their sorrows, but rather engage in preening one another. Dominant birds focus on preening their subordinates in what is thought to be an encouragement to stand their ground in future conflicts. The longer and harder the battle, the more intense the preening is. In a report in “Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B”, Dr. Andy Radford, shows that Green Woodhoopoes (Phoeniculus purpureus) have the highest number of conflicts with their neighbors, and they also have the highest preening rates. This finding supports a long-held theory that the amount of conflict which a group is involved in, directly influences the level of supportive behavior displayed by its members. Radford sees this as an indication that preening may reduce stress, while at the same time enhancing unity among group members. This validation of a group member’s worth would be particularly important following battles that are lost. The likelihood of future battles being won depends to a great extent on the numbers of the group. When group members are supportive of one another following a defeat, and especially dominants supporting subordinates, this ensures that members stick to the group.

This behavior among Green Woodhoopoes is reportedly the first time that animals other than humans have been observed displayed an intensifying of bonding following a loss. Certainly, as researchers discover more about bird behavior and intelligence, it would seem that being called “bird-brain” should be viewed as a compliment.

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Clicker training is a positive reinforcement training method that makes use of rewards for desired behavior rather than dominance and punishment for unacceptable behavior. The clicker training method can be used to train almost any kind of animal, and bird enthusiasts are having a great deal of success in using this method for the training of birds.

The clicker is a small plastic device with a metal strip that fits into the palm of the hand. The click noise is achieved when the device is pressed. The basic idea for clicker training is that when the pet bird does something that the trainer wants it to do, the clicker is pressed and a reward is offered, either in the form of an edible treat or a scratch on the head – whatever is a motivator for the bird. The click noise must be made at the precise moment of the bird’s obedience so that it is in no doubt as to what the click noise is for. If the bird does not comply, then there is no click and no treat, but there must also be no punishment. The pet bird will soon learn that acceptable behavior results in a positive response from the trainer, encouraging it to repeat the acceptable behavior.

A clicker training session can be a lot of fun and extremely rewarding for both the owner and the bird. Clicker training can be used to teach the bird to leave and return to its cage as well as to co-operate during grooming, such as wing and nail trimming. It can also be used to teach the bird tricks. This interaction can improve the owner-pet relationship regardless of how poor it may have been when training was started, and it can even overcome problem behavior such as screeching and biting. It is recommended that training sessions should not exceed 10 minutes, although more than one session per day is a good idea.

Some bird owners feel that their bird is incapable of being trained, or that they are incapable of training the bird, but the success rate of clicker training indicates that there is virtually no pet bird that cannot be trained using the clicker method. Have a positive attitude, don’t underestimate the capability of the bird and take training in steps until the end result is achieved – above all, have fun!

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New Caledonian crows are well-known for their resourceful use of tools in the wild. They have been observed using their beaks to skillfully shape twigs into bug-grabbing devices in a way that some researchers believe to be so advanced that it rivals the abilities of some primates. In an effort to find out more about these intelligent birds, that are easily disturbed and therefore difficult to observe, scientists have developed an ingenious new technique to witness their behavior in their peaceful, densely forested mountainous habitats.

Using extremely light-weight miniaturized video cameras with integrated radio-tags which are attached to the crow’s tail feathers by means of adhesive tape, scientists have been able to record previously unobserved details of crow behavior. The cameras are designed in a way that would not hamper the crow’s movements and could be removed by the bird if it proved to be a nuisance. Alternatively the camera would detach with the bird’s natural molting process in a few weeks.

It had previously been thought that New Caledonian crows only used tools to explore cracks and holes in rotting wood and trees, but now it has been discovered that they use tools on the ground as well. A crow was observed searching through leaf litter, presumably for ants or grubs, using a grass-like stem as a tool. The development of tool-using behavior is generally put down to a response to food shortages in easily accessible places. Without some sort of tool to assist the crow in its quest for food, it would not be able to reach bugs in cracks and holes of trees. Searching through leaf litter with a tool is infinitely more successful for the crow than foraging with its feet or beak.

Researchers have been very encouraged by the results of this study, as it has already provided them with new insight into the New Caledonian crows’ behavior. This advanced technology has opened up new avenues of ornithological field research and has the potential to answer many perplexing questions about the behavior and ecology of other bird species that are difficult to study in their natural environment.

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Choosing a bird for a pet can be very satisfying and enjoyable but there are a few things you need to consider before making your final choice. We are going to look at how you as a new bird owner can check that the bird you choose is physically healthy. Also we will give you a few pointers to help you distinguish how old the bird you are purchasing is.

When you first go and choose a bird take a minute or two to see what the bird’s general behavior and demeanor is like. If the bird is unresponsive and it appears lethargic the chances are it is not a healthy bird. Look at the nostrils, are they evenly sized and clear or blocked, with some form of discharge and eroded to some degree. When the bird breaths does it sound like its struggling or does it make a wheezing sound as this will indicate that the bird has a fungal or parasitic disease.

The birds eyes should be bright, any swelling or discharge could be the result of blocked sinuses. The breast should be plump and have a healthy covering of muscle and the plumage should be glossy with no bare patches. If the bill is deformed in anyway it could lead to eating problems. Some cases it just requires a little maintenance and care, for example if the bird has an undershot bill then every month or when you see it getting long you will need to trim it. The upper bill can also overgrow but that can be sorted out quite easily by giving your bird a suitable piece of wood.

If you are purchasing a budgie have a look at its face for scaly face mites, which is quite common in this breed. Healthy claws are important; each toe should be positioned in a way that allows for a good grasp of the perch and if the claws look overgrown have them trimmed so that they don’t get caught up in their nesting. The tail feathers must not be tattered at the tips or be grubby from its droppings as this can be an indication of French moult or a digestive upset.

To tell the age of your bird is quite easy, all you have to do is look at the coloring of its iris. In young birds, like budgies, the bird’s eyes will be completely dark but from twelve weeks onwards you will notice white irises in the bird’s eyes. Another telltale sign of the bird’s age, especially in a budgie, is the fine black bars that the youngster will have on its forehead. After the first moult and at twelve weeks this will disappear leaving the face clear and the spots on the chest are bigger.

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