Alice Wender

Song is used by passerines (songbirds) to attract mates and to maintain breeding territories in the spring and early summer, however, many songbirds also sing in the autumn. If these birds aren’t breeding in the autumn, then why are they singing? There are at least three physiological mechanisms that apparently underlie autumnal singing in temperate-zone … Read more

This is the third in a series of articles concerning the diseases and disorders which can affect birds skin and feathers. Part III covers Constricted Toe Syndrome, Dry Gangrene of the extremities, Lipomas and Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). Feather cysts, baldness, brown hypertrophy of the cere, polyfollicles, and knemidokoptes mites were discussed in a … Read more

“About a month ago, while Jade (a Blue-Crowned Conure) and I were home alone, the song Brown-Eyed Girl came on the radio and I sang it to him, changing it to ‘Brown-Eyed Bird,’ of course! We danced around the house and were generally silly. He squawked in time to the music and had a ball. Well, I … Read more

In the business of living I often fail to appreciate the beauty of my gorgeous companion birds. One of these exquisite creatures is Keanu, my Duyvenbode Lory.There are many species of lories and lorikeets, varying in color from plain to the most spectacularly brilliant and beautiful. These birds have two common characteristics, their diet which … Read more

On December 26th, I was given the most precious gift a person could ever get – a baby Umbrella Cockatoo.My husband, Matt, and I made an hour and a half drive to a breeder in Gregory, Michigan. When we arrived we were greeted by Mike and shown downstairs, where we waited anxiously to meet our … Read more

You’ve fallen totally and deeply in love with that one special bird. It is sooooo cute and sweet. Only thing is, it isn’t weaned yet. The breeder or pet shop clerk tells you if you buy it now, you can easily finish the handfeeding and your bond with the baby will be much closer because it will … Read more

If I could look through the eyes of a bird at food, what would I see? Would I see something to eat? Would I see a toy? Would I go for color or texture? Would I look to see what another bird was eating? Or would I back away because I was afraid and worried, … Read more

In our article Feeding Our Birds – Part I Nutritional Needs, we discussed both our research and experiences concerning a healthy diet for our avian friends. We have found that there is still much to be learned about a bird’s nutritional needs. Scientific information is just beginning to become available. Aviculturists are also realising that various … Read more

Mention the words “bird show” and most aviculturists think of bird expos or marts where birds and related items are sold. However, these are fairly recent developments in the world of aviculture. For many years, indeed, centuries in some cases, birds have been exhibited for the purpose of improving birds by selective breeding. While most … Read more

Providing a good environment as well as a good diet is essential in keeping your bird healthy. In addition to proper temperature, good ventilation is essential.Although good ventilation is necessary for any type of bird, it is especially critical for macaws. Blue and Gold macaws, as well as several other species of macaws, seem especially … Read more