PIONUS PARROTS
Blue Head Parrot (Pionus menstruus)
The Blue Head Parrot is primarily green, with a deep blue head and upper breast. The neck feathers reveal a red base, and there’s a distinctive black patch on the ear-coverts. The under tail-coverts are red, and the bill is blackish with reddish sides. The skin around the periophthalmic ring is grey, the iris is dark brown, and the feet are grey.
Offsprings: The young ones have a reddish frontal band and a head that’s greenish-blue.
Length:Approximately 28 cm (11 ins).
Distribution: Found in Colombia (east of Andes), eastern Ecuador, eastern Peru south to central Brazil and northern Bolivia, and Trinidad.
Habitat: Prefers forested terrain with trees in tropical zones up to 600 m (2,000 ft), occasionally reaching 1,500 m (5,000 ft). Sighted in open country and cultivated areas during foraging.
Status: Common, but the menstruus and rubrigularis species are threatened with extinction.
Habits: Typically found in small groups or noisy flocks of up to 100 individuals outside the breeding season. Prefers the canopy of tall trees or palms.
Natural Diet: Consumes fruits, berries, seeds, and tree flowers. Occasionally raids grain fields and banana plantations. Regularly visits “barreiros” for mineral-rich soil.
Breeding Behaviour: Breeding season varies across regions, ranging from February to April in Central America, November/December in Colombia, and September/October in Surinam. Nests in tree holes or hollow branches, with a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs measuring 31.5 x 25.1 mm (1.24 x 1.00 ins).
Aviculture: Considered a medium-noisy parrot with little chewing requirement. Initially shy, later becomes reticent. Fairly susceptible to stress like most Pionus species. Many birds do not bathe but enjoy being rained on.
Accommodation: Ideally housed in an aviary of at least 2.5 x 1 x 2 m (8.5 x 3 x 6 ft). During winter, maintain temperatures between 5° (41°F) and 10°C (50°F). Double wiring is necessary as they can be aggressive towards birds in neighboring flights.
Diet: Requires a varied diet, including various fruits and vegetables, a variable seed mix, and sprouted food in spring/summer. Fresh branches with buds, regular mineral supplements, and specific rearing food or dog chow are recommended, especially before and during the breeding period.
Breeding in Aviculture: Regularly achieved with a breeding season starting in May. Clutch size is 3 to 4 eggs, with incubation lasting 26 days. The fledging period is around 70 days, and young ones become independent at 90 days. Nest box size should be 25 x 25 x 50 cm (10 x 10 x 20 ins).
