Scientists have been researching New Caledonian Crows and are ready to release their findings in regard to the abilities of this fascinating bird. It has always been known that these crows make use of tools in the wild to obtain food. They create tools from screw pine leaves by using their beaks to cut away the leafy edges to form a narrow strip that they are able to use to scratch in small holes to extract insects. Researchers decided to put the skills of the crows to the test, not by asking them to perform a one step task, but by giving them various options and multi-step tasks to complete. Some birds were able to assess the situation and complete their tasks on their first try, while others were able to figure out the solution to the problem within their first four attempts.

One of the tests given to the crows involved a piece of meat that was placed in a box, but was out of their reach. They were then given a short stick, and a long stick was placed in another box. The crows quickly established that the short stick was too short to retrieve the meat, but long enough to retrieve the longer stick and completed their task, which was rewarded by the tasty treat. Another test gave the crows a straight wire to remove a small bucket from a hole, containing meat. Here, the crows assessed the situation and used their skills to bend the straight wire into a hook to retrieve their food. Zoologist, Professor Alex Kacelnik, from the University of Oxford commented: “These animals learn something interesting, no doubt, and can use its flexibly to generate new behavior, a feat that until a couple of decades ago was thought to be restricted to humans and other apes.” Research has also shown that adults teach their young the skills they know, ensuring that the next generation is also able to solve food related problems. One fact is for certain: humans will never look at crows in the same light again. They have proven to have extraordinary skills and the ability to manufacture tools.

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1. Crows Know How
2. New Caledonian Crows in the Spotlight
3. Gambel’s White-Crowned Sparrow Provides a Medical Breakthrough

There are three basic requirements for attracting birds to your garden, namely: Food, water and shelter.

Food for garden birds can be provided in two complimentary ways. First, is by the use of a bird feeder or a bird table. Consider the species you would like to attract to your garden and provide feed accordingly. A variety of bird feeders spread throughout the garden will encourage a wider variety of birds to visit. Consider a bird table for ground feeding birds; a hanging feeder for perching birds and a suet feeder for insect eating birds. Pet shops, garden centers and even some supermarkets will sell a range of bird feeders as well as a variety of foods suitable for different types of birds. Consult a good bird guide to get an idea as to what certain birds will be interested in i.e. are they seed eaters, insect eaters, nectar eaters etc. Secondly, consider planting a bird-friendly garden. Visit your local garden centre and look for indigenous plants that will produce berries, nuts, seeds and other food all year round. Such plants will meet the needs of local garden birds. Indigenous plants will also attract insects on which insect-eating birds can feed. Avoid the use of insecticides as these may end up poisoning the very birds you have invited to your garden.

Next to consider is water. Birds will thoroughly enjoy splashing around in a water feature. A bird bath will be just as much appreciated. When purchasing a bird bath, ensure that the surface is rough so that the birds will have something to grip onto. Remember to keep the bird bath or water feature clean so that the bird’s health will not be adversely affected.

Shelter can be provided in the form of a bird house (nesting box) or by planting indigenous trees and shrubbery. Pet shops and garden centers should be able to provide you with a suitable bird house for the different species.

By meeting these three basic requirements, you can enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your home.

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1. Attracting Birds: Seed Preferences
2. Tips for keeping your hummingbirds happy
3. Gardening Techniques to Attract Wild Birds

In 2005 the board of directors of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry (WBFI) took the initiative to establish a not-for-profit foundation to undertake research relating to food and feeder preferences of the wild birds in Canada and the United States. Running from September 2005 through to August 2008, Project Wildbird, funded by the WBFI Research Foundation, is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive bird feeding studies ever undertaken.

Project Wildbird aims to gather scientific data on seasonal wild bird feeding specific to each of the thirteen geographic regions in the United States and Canada. The advantages of this information, which will be available to suppliers and consumers, are numerous. Bird enthusiasts will be able to attract birds to their backyards in greater numbers by offering them feed and feeders according to their preferences. It is anticipated that this will encourage more families to take an interest in their local bird communities. Bird lovers who have been unsuccessful in attracting birds in the past are sure to have more success when offering area and season-specific food. Feed suppliers can make use of this information in their marketing strategies, production planning and distribution of their products.

Project Wildbird is making use of two different approaches – observational and experimental. Both approaches encourage bird enthusiasts to register as Citizen Scientists and collect data by observing bird activity in their own backyards.

The observational approach takes into account the fact that people lead busy lives and often have limited leisure time. The data required is not complicated and does not take up much time. Citizen Scientist observers need to monitor the birds in their yard during all four seasons of the year. Specific dates have been selected according to peak distribution of birds relating to breeding, wintering and migratory seasons of various geographic regions. Observations need to be recorded by various species, the feed offered and type of feeder used.

The experimental approach of Project Wildbird requires that Citizen Scientists dedicate additional time to the project and follow a well-defined system. Participants are provided with various feeds and feeders and need to monitor the birds that visit these feeders in a study that also spans the four seasons of the year.

The response to Project Wildbird has been very positive. Whether bird enthusiasts choose to participate in the observational or experimental approach of Project Wildbird, they can have the satisfaction of knowing that they are making a significant contribution to the welfare of wild birds in Northern America – to the benefit of themselves, their children, grandchildren and all future generations.

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1. Project FeederWatch
2. The RSPB’s Feed the Birds Day
3. Red-Billed Chough Project in Portugal

Up until 1840, most Europeans were familiar with the green parakeets that first arrived from Australia in 1770. It was John Gould soon introduced a new group of pet birds when be brought budgies (Melopsittacus undulates) back to England. From here, the race was on to breed some of the most colorful budgies, or budgerigars, and in 1870 a yellow budgie with red eyes was bred, even though this colour variant did not survive. Today, there are more than two hundred and fifty color variants to choose from.

Budgies are a popular choice as first pet birds, as they are small, easier to maintain than their big parrot counterparts and are very social as pets. With a lifespan of anything between six to twenty years, they make wonderful companions and bring color to an otherwise dull home. Show budgerigars can be approximately nine or ten inches in length, which makes them somewhat larger than those which are found in the wild.

When buying a budgie it is important to remember that these birds are quite active and need enough room to exercise and move around. Without being able to fly around a little, jump from one stick to another or even to flap their wings, budgies run the risk of becoming overweight, which could lead to serious health issues. A cage with a sliding tray makes it easier to clean and grit is essential, as it forms part of their diet. Food and water should be supplied every day and bowls should be positioned in such a manner that bird droppings into water and food bowls can be avoided. A nutritious food mixture, as provided by the pet shop, is recommended and supplements such as apple, carrots and other fruits and vegetables will only enhance the budgie’s diet. It is also advised that cuttlefish be placed in their cage for added calcium, and an iodine treat will assist them to keep their beaks short. Toys are another very important part of a budgie’s care. Items such as light balls and mirrors are quite popular, and this keeps them entertained and alert. Budgies are not destructive birds and owners can feel free to let them explore the house under their supervision, for a little adventure.

These spectacularly beautiful birds enjoy to preen themselves and love to take baths. Owners can therefore leave a small bath in the bottom of their cages for their pet to cool down or to frolic in. With a lot of attention budgies are able to mimic speech and other noises, but are also happy to just receive admiration and attention.

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3. Is a Cockatoo the Pet for You?

The two species of oxpecker which make up the family Buphagidae are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. The yellow-billed oxpecker (Buphagus africanus) is slightly larger and more widely found than its red-billed cousin (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) which is generally only found in the eastern part of sub-Saharan Africa.

Oxpeckers are medium-sized birds which some ornithologists regard as a subfamily of starlings (Sturnidae). Their plumage is light brown with the most prominent distinguishing factor between the two species being the color of their bills. They lay two or three eggs in their nests in holes or the hollows of trees and use hair plucked from their hosts to line their nests. Open country is the habitat of choice for these gregarious, insect eating birds.

The oxpecker’s name, both English and scientific, is derived from their feeding habits. Oxpeckers perch on large mammals, wild and domestic, and eat parasites such as ticks and botfly larvae which lodge in mammalian skin. Many consider this to be a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit. The bird gets food and the animal gets rid of its parasites. However, the favorite food of an oxpecker is blood and, although they eat blood filled ticks, they also peck at their hosts wounds thereby feeding directly on the animal’s blood and encouraging more parasites to settle on the animal. The relationship between the bird and its host is therefore to some extent parasitic in nature.

Red-billed oxpeckers use a scissoring motion to search through the hair of their hosts and they are often seen working through the manes of a giraffe in this manner. Yellow-billed oxpeckers, on the other hand, use a pecking motion, possibly because their bills are thicker and less dexterous. They favor short-haired animals such as buffalo and rhino. Oxpeckers are often observed working deep inside the ears of animals in search of food, a habit which most animals seem to tolerate.

In the early 1900s, oxpeckers were considered to be extinct as a breeding species in South Africa. The over-hunting of buffalo and rhino, as well as arsenic dipping of domestic cattle was possibly to blame for this situation. The re-introduction of oxpeckers into the Kruger National Park has resulted in breeding colonies spreading. As a result, the oxpecker has been moved from being listed as extinct, to vulnerable.

Certainly the oxpecker seems to be somewhat of a mixed blessing to its host, with the benefits of having parasites removed by the bird, generally outweighing the bird’s own parasitic behavior.

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1. The Bane of Brood Parasites
2. Internal Parasites – Prevention is Better than Cure
3. Bills Regulate Body Temperature

The colorfulness and friendliness of Lorikeets may easily entice aspiring bird owners to bring one of these delightful birds home after a visit to the pet shop. However, it pays to do careful research about what is involved in keeping Lorikeets before embarking on this adventure.

Lorikeets are actually native to the coast of Australia. There are six different species of Lorikeet and each is strikingly different from the next. Despite the fact that there are so many different varieties of Lorikeet, the two most commonly kept species are the Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and the Rainbow Lorikeet. Potential bird owners should be aware that it is illegal to collect native birds from the wild. Fortunately there are fairly large populations of captive Lorikeets which usually supply pet shops with their stock. Since these captive-bred birds are often hand-raised, they are usually tamer and easier to handle and care for than wild birds. The average pet Lorikeet will live between 7 and 9 years and they may cost relatively little or a small fortune.

Up until recent years, Lorikeets were considered to be high-maintenance birds that could only be owned by experienced bird keepers since their diet is specialized and hard to imitate. In the wild Lorikeets feed mainly on nectar and pollen and today commercial brands of wet feeds (nectar) and dry feeds (pollen) are available to make feeding these birds much easier. The result is that even amateur bird keepers can now take a Lorikeet home and care for them with relative ease. However, potential Lorikeet owners should be aware that caring for this bird’s diet is not the only challenge that will they will need to prepare themselves for.

Pet Lorikeets are also highly gregarious and if you do not have another Lorikeet to keep your bird company it will make friends with virtually any other creature in the household that will accept it. At times it may seem to the owner that his bird’s need for company is insatiable since the bird seeks constant companionship and stimulation. Therefore it is often wise to keep two birds so that they may keep each other company and this will limit the amount of time you will have to spend with the bird. Unfortunately doing this also has the downside of the birds not forming a very close bond with their owners, as a single bird would. These birds are also quite intelligent and many have learned to talk.

Keeping a Lorikeet is certainly not child’s play, but modern methods of bird keeping have made it easier to do so than ever before. If you’re looking for a constant companion who is friendly, colorful and trainable, why not consider a Lorikeet? It may just prove to be just what you were looking for.

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2. Indian Ringneck Parakeet
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It can be very disappointing to a bird owner when their beloved pet bird starts biting, often for no apparent reason. This may result in a reluctance to handle the bird, which in turn can lead to further behavioral problems. So why do birds bite and what can be done to overcome this problem?

If you have established that your bird is in good health, the prevention of biting behavior, more often than not, lies in removing whatever may cause the bird to be afraid or stressed. A bird in the wild can fly away when it becomes fearful. A bird in a cage cannot escape and may bite to ward off the perceived danger. Start off with removing all possible sources of fear, such as other pets, and work on gaining the bird’s trust by always speaking in soft, low tones and not making any sudden movements.

Birds use their beaks for feeding, and a friendly pet bird will often see a hand as a source of food, resulting in it biting at an offered hand when you were hoping to get it to sit on your finger. The best solution is to never feed a bird from your hand. Use a spoon, tweezers or offer food in a bowl instead of with your fingers.

Many pet birds love to play and if you are enjoying a play session with your bird there is the possibility that you will be bitten. This can happen if the bird gets over excited or loses its balance. Although such a bite will not be aggressive, it will likely be painful. It is safest to dangle toys from a rope for the bird and not to let younger children handle birds without supervision.

Just about any bird will become territorial over a nesting box and is likely to bite a hand reaching into its territory. In this case, make use of gloves. Some birds get territorial over their owners and will bite other people or pets that may look as though they are going to disturb this exclusive relationship. To prevent injury to others, keep the bird in its cage or another room when others are around, but try not to isolate it for extended periods of time.

Other ways to avoid being bitten are to remove the bird from the cage when cleaning it; be calm, talking in a low tone of voice and not making any sudden moves when approaching your bird; give your bird plenty of love and attention on a daily basis; don’t initiate aggressive playing; be careful of what you wear as bright flashy clothes and nail polish can over-excite some birds; trim the bird’s flight feathers if it is given free reign in your house; and make sure it gets enough undisturbed sleep at night.

Birds can make wonderful companions and, with loving care, your relationship with your pet bird can be a richly rewarding one.

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3. Keeping a Pet Caique

Finches are known for their lively personalities. At a maximum length of approximately twenty centimeters, what they lack in size, they make up for in activity. For many years, finches have been kept as pets because of their beauty and their natural ability to bring sunshine into their owners’ lives. They are extremely low maintenance pets and perfect for bird lovers who live in small apartments. Proper care for these lively pets can ensure a long and healthy life that could span between five to ten years.

Before heading for the nearest pet shop to purchase a new family member, there are a few important factors that new owners should be aware of. This amazing bird species doesn’t need and seldom wants, human interaction. They are quite happy not being forced into social behavior with humans, but they do need a partner, so new owners must be prepared to purchase at least two finches. Cages do not have to be massive, but finches are extremely active and need room to move and fly. It is also vital to keep the cage out of a draft, because, although finches are hardy birds, a draft could cause illness. Many finch owners have moved away from traditional cages, and prefer setting their feathered friends free in a small aviary, with an environment that is as natural as possible. They are not destructive birds, so wooden cages can be built to blend in with the living room furniture.

The dietary needs of finches should be carefully met. Instead of only feeding seeds, they love to receive a little fruit, vegetables, hard-boiled eggs and a bit of cuttlebone. This brings color and variety into their diets and also increases their life expectancy. During the hot summer months, finches love to play around in a fresh bowl of cool water, so it is recommended that owners leave a bowl of water for them on the bottom of the cage. Cages should be cleaned at least every second day, with fresh water and food every morning.

Finches are an extremely sociable bird species, and are not aggressive towards humans, other pets or children. Some finches, with a lot of handling, will allow themselves to be touched, while others will tolerate the contact for as long as it takes to clip their nails. They also do not adjust well to stressful environments, such as constantly barking dogs or children that keep trying to poke their fingers into the cage. It is therefore the responsibility of the pet owner to teach children and visitors how to approach the cage without causing stress and fear to the birds.

So many pets are bought, including finches, because they are considered to be beautiful or cute. New pet owners should ensure that they learn as much as possible about their pet, or bird species, before purchasing them. But in general, finches make wonderful pets, bringing life and energy into every home.

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1. Why Birds Bite and How to Avoid it
2. Senegal Parrots Make Fantastic Pets
3. Foraging – Keeping your Bird Entertained

There are twenty-one species of cockatoos belonging to the family Cacatuidae of the order Psittaciformes. Although similar to parrots in many of their characteristics, they are not of the same family. True parrots belong to the family Psittacidae also of the order Psittaciformes. On average cockatoos are larger than parrots.

Many people are fascinated by videos showing cockatoos doing tricks and responding to musical sounds by dancing up and down. So they rush off to the pet shop to buy one because it is so clever and so cute. It certainly is true that cockatoos are highly intelligent and extremely affectionate birds that respond well to attention. In fact they love interacting with humans so much that, if left on their own for a time, they will raucously demand attention.

Anyone considering buying a cockatoo as a pet needs to realize that a cockatoo is more than a pet, it will be a constant companion – one that, with a lifespan of 70 years or more, may very well outlive its owner. They do, however, make wonderful companions for someone who has a lot of time to devote to them on a daily basis. Cockatoos need to be played with, cuddled, exercised and talked to for at least two hours a day. Given this attention they tend to form such a close bond with their owner that it is believed that the cockatoo views the owner as its mate. A lack of attention on the other hand, often results in a bird that is bored, lonely and frustrated causing it to self-mutilate and pluck out its feathers.

Another important point to consider is that cockatoos don’t come with a volume control and they can be extremely noisy. Sometimes the noise can be amusing such as when they imitate sounds around them, but very often they simply screech and scream, especially if they want attention. This makes them unsuitable for people living in flats and apartments – the neighbors are sure to object to the noise.

Cockatoos need very large cages and are actually better suited to an aviary unless they are going to be allowed out of the cage for a large part of the day. They are, however, very destructive and must be let out of a cage only under strict supervision as they will get into everything and possibly come to harm. They need to be provided with lots of toys, such as cardboard, knotted rope and bird-friendly leather strips. They are not seed-eaters and need a specialized diet with fresh fruit and vegetables every day.

All things considered, the best way to decide if you have what it takes to share your home with a cockatoo is to discuss the matter with a long-time cockatoo owner – please note the “long-time”. If you are not prepared to make the long-term commitment that owning a cockatoo requires, it may be best not to get one.

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Most falconers would agree that the ancient art of falconry requires plenty of patience, perseverance and time. Training birds of prey (raptors) is a lengthy and complex process, but can be extremely rewarding. With the goal of protecting the birds, most countries have strict laws with regard to the capturing and keeping of raptors, requiring that training be done under the supervision of a licensed falconer. When one considers that many important training details vary between species of raptors, individual raptors, as well as to where and when it is best to undertake training, it is clear that consulting a professional falconer is essential for the raptor as well as the would-be falconer.

Although most falconers are of the opinion that there is a bond of mutual trust between themselves and their birds – the bird trusting the falconer to provide food and protection and the falconer trusting the bird to come back when released – raptors are non-affectionate animals that have no ability to accept a submissive or dominant role in a relationship. Birds of prey are both intelligent and opportunistic and have come to realize that the falconer is the easiest and most dependable source of food and protection. So when a raptor obeys commands from a falconer, it is not because the bird is seeking approval, the relationship is purely a matter of convenience for the raptor. The Harris’ Hawk is the only known exception with regard to falconer-raptor relationships and is known to respond affectionately to its owner.

Many falconers recommend starting off with a kestrel (a small species of falcon) because a light weight bird is easier to handle for falconer training. For those who are serious about pursuing falconry as a sport, it is not recommended to start off with a Harris’ Hawk. The reason for this is that these birds will still hunt successfully despite any mistakes that the novice falconer may make, thereby not allowing the novice to develop true falconer skills.

If taking a bird from the wild, the best age is under a year old while in juvenile plumage. It is estimated that between 30 – 70 percent of these birds, known as passage’s, would die within their first year, so capture of a juvenile hawk does not impact on raptor populations. It is strongly suggested that birds that are in adult plumage (haggards) should not be captured. They are more difficult to train for return, and the capture of an adult bird can negatively impact the local pool of viable breeding adults. There are many pros and cons with regard to hand-rearing a fledgling (downy bird that cannot yet fly) and this should only be undertaken by experts.

Many people are under the mistaken impression that falconry is easy and an unusual way of passing the time. However, the relationship between a falconer and his bird cannot be compared to keeping a pet bird. To do justice to the art of falconry requires financial outlay, plenty of time and a deep sustained commitment. Experienced falconers agree that the effort is well worthwhile.

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1. Falconry Part 1: Origins and Applications
2. Marvelous Work of The Raptor Foundation
3. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary