PIONUS PARROTS

Description

Pionus parrots are similar in appearance to the smaller Amazon parrots, being short stalky birds. They can also be distinguished from the Amazon parrots by their tails. As a group, the Pionus are also known as the Red-vented Parrots, because they have bright red feathers under their tails while on the Amazons these feathers are green.The Pionus parrots are from South and Central America. Different species range in many different areas.Pionus, once acclimated, can do very well in an outdoor or breeding aviary. However they do not all tolerate colder temperatures. For example the Bronze-winged Pionus should not be kept where temperatures fall below 41°F, and the Dusky Pionus which should not be kept below 50°F.An outdoor aviary needs to have a protected shelter that can be heated and cooled where necessary and have an attached flight cage.It is recommended that it be 6 – 8 feet 12′ long with a perch at each end. The width is not as important for just a pair of birds so 3′ – 4′ would be fine. A climbing branch and a bird bath are nice additions too.

The blue-headed Pionus is a small to medium-sized parrot with a wonderful personality. They have a uniform green plumage with a bright blue head, black feathers over the ears, and throat feathers with varying amounts of pink. Like many of the Pionus, the Blue-headed Pionus does not get it full coloring until it is mature, but when it does its beautiful feathers have an almost iridescent quality. There is quite a variation in coloring from bird to bird, with some having a darker shade of blue on the head and more or less of the pinkish coloring on the throat. They have the bright red undertail feathers distinguishable to all the pionus. The beak is a dark grey color getting red close to the head, the eye is dark brown with a light grey eye ring, and they have pale greenish-grey legs.
Juveniles have paler coloring and less blue on their heads than the adults.

The Bronze-winged Pionus is a medium-sized stocky parrot with a wonderful personality. Their overall appearance is a dark violet-blue with a white chin, pink tips to the feathers on the throat, and a bronze dusting to the wings. There are many subtle blendings of colors overall. The head, neck, upper back, wings, and upper tail have bronze to bronze-green feathers tipped with blues to purple-blues, while the feathers on the underparts are dark green tipped with violet-blues. The lower back, rump, and tail are a deep blue with the undertail having the bright red feathers distinguishable to all the pionus. The underwings are a blue to bluish-green and the legs are brown. Their beak is yellowish, the eye brown, and their eye ring is a variable greyish.Juveniles have much less developed color variety and are more greenish overall. The eye ring is yellowish rather than greyish pink.

SOCIAL BEHAVIORS:

There are a number of characteristics and traits that make the Pionus very special pet birds. Pionus parrots adapt well to captivity, adjusting to their cage or aviary in just a couple weeks. They are active and inquisitive, and they enjoy attention. They also appreciate toys to keep them busy. Pionus babies will tame quickly and a special Pionus trait is that they do not tend to bite. Another welcome Pionus trait is that they like lots of people and can become a great all-around family pet. Like all parrots though, as they mature they can bond to one person or to the people they have been raised with. A mature Pionus parrot may aggressively protect those persons from other people. This trait is suggested to be especially true of the male pionus.

In the wild Pionus parrots are seen in small or medium-sized flocks when not breeding, about 10 to 60 birds. During breeding season they are generally seen singly or in pairs.In captivity Pionus parrots are generally peaceful and not particularly loud. A nice Pionus trait is that they are usually calm birds though some can be a bit more nervous. Usually, this is only when first introduced to a new environment and passes as they become more confident. There is some thought that the females are more gentle than the males.They are very social birds and are often considered the most ideal parrot to have as a pet, particularly when children are involved. They have good steady personalities and are loyal. A favorite Pionus trait is that they rarely bite. They can also do well with other pets if they get used to and accept each other. However be very careful to monitor all groupings with animals and with children to prevent any unexpected accidents.