Alice White
Translated from Latin, the name of this parrot sounds like a red-nosed one. It is because of the characteristic color of the tail space that the bird received such a telling name. This feature is inherent in all seven species of the genus.
Visually, red-nosed parrots resemble Amazons. They have the same dense build and beautiful plumage. However, bonuses are somewhat smaller in size. All individuals have straight tails. The wings are usually 2 times shorter than the tail. The beak is quite powerful and wide. With its help, the birds break off the twigs, peel off the bark and get seeds from the fruit. Parrots have no feathers near their eyes, so their skin is clearly visible in these places. It can have a very different shade: from pale gray to bluish-black.
In the dim light, the red-nosed parrot may look unattractive. The lack of light creates the impression that the color of the feathered is dull and grayish. However, in the sun, the plumage appears in all its glory. In a uniform color, various shades of the rainbow appear: from sky blue to fiery red.
Daily Diet
Pionus are among those birds that can eat almost all plant foods. Prohibited foods include herbs. Due to the fact that they contain many different essential substances, they can cause allergies. Mangoes are also harmful because they are toxic to almost all birds. The rest of the food of plant origin is allowed to be given to birds.
Most parrots of this genus love grain mixes. In the wild, they often feed on tropical fruit seeds and grains. In search of delicious food, birds go to farmers’ plantations. Especially often to profit from young corn. In captivity, parrots do not change their diet at all. They gladly absorb both dry and soaked or sprouted grains. They also do not refuse fruits, even those that are not found in southern latitudes. Feathered plums, apples, and currants will be liked. Mountain ash may also suit your taste.
Where Does Parrot Pionus Live?
The main habitats of this bird are considered to be Central and South America. Nature has created comfortable conditions for the life of birds in tropical forests in the plains and foothills. These areas have a humid climate ideal for parrots. The Pionus parrot does not have a special love for mountainous areas, so the maximum height at which it can be found is 2000 meters above sea level.
To protect themselves from predators and get more food, birds unite in small flocks. Trees become their favorite pastime. Parrots leave them only when it is necessary to visit fields with ripe corn.
Character
Bird watchers believe that pionuses are ideal companions for melancholic people. The birds are a little closed and very calm, therefore they do not require frequent caresses, long games, and close contacts. Birds are also suitable for those who absolutely do not have enough time to entertain their pet. It is enough to spend half an hour in their company in the morning and the same in the evening so that the bird does not feel lonely and abandoned.
These parrots report excessive attention in a peculiar way. They emit an unusual sound, somewhat reminiscent of snoring. Thus, birds express fear and discontent. If you hear this sound from your pet, try to devote a little less time to it and do not insist on communicating with it.
Reproduction
In the wild, pionuses choose ready-made hollows for breeding or make them themselves. For these purposes, they use their beak-like a small hatchet. With primitive movements, birds gouge a hole in the bark and then turn them into habitable places. The number of eggs in a clutch does not exceed four. The female is engaged in incubation for 24 days. At this time, the male gets food and feeds her future mother. Parrots-parents adhere to a similar scheme in the first 15 days after the birth of chicks. Only then the male is allowed to the process of feeding the babies.
For fattening and learning the basics of independent life, about 68 days are given. At the end of this period, the matured parrots, pionuses, fly away from their parental home and build their own nests. In captivity, reproduction occurs in a similar way. With the only difference – a specially equipped house, which the owners provide to the birds, becomes the place of offspring.
Content Features in Homes
The Pionus parrot is unpretentious in housing matters. He will not need a huge aviary and a hundred toys. The bird feels comfortable in a medium-sized cage, however, like any flying species, it periodically needs to spread its wings and soar freely around the house. If for some reason such flights are impossible, it is better to settle the bird in the largest aviary possible. Lack of physical activity can cause your pet to become ill.
Like any feathered, red-necked parrot is not averse to playing. Games with people are held in high esteem. Birds also show interest in special toys. There may be only a few of them, but they should be changed regularly. The less a bird communicates with a person, the more things it should have to entertain it. Despite the fact that this genus of parrots is referred to as “silent” because they poorly imitate human speech, many individuals are able to master some words. If you have a desire to teach a bird basic sound combinations, you can do it and get a result. However, don’t expect the bird to speak like a cockatiel or budgerigar. Surely what has been said will not be very clear and not always clear.
Amazing Behavior Abilities
The Pionus parrot will definitely not let you get bored. Having got used to a new place of residence, he will certainly begin to imitate the sounds he heard. The trill of the phone, the barking of the dog, the throb of the baby, and the creak of the door will attract the attention of the pet and make him imitate them.
Since this genus of parrots is very friendly, it rarely bites. The only reason for using the beak for defensive purposes is fear. Therefore, the owner, observing the boundaries of the feathered and respecting his interests, will never experience the power of a feathered bite.
The study of its body language greatly simplifies the understanding of the bird. An elongated neck, feathers tightly fitting to the body and an open beak spewing out menacing sounds – these are the indicators that make it clear that the wrong moment has been chosen for communication.
