Pionus
| Pionus | |
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| White-crowned Parrot, Pionus senilis | |
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| Genus: | Pionus |
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P. menstruus | |
Pionus is a genus of medium-sized parrots native to Central and South America. Characteristic of the genus are the chunky body, bare eye ring, (which can vary in color), and short tail. They are similar to Amazon parrots, but smaller. Coloration is generally subdued yet complex; under bright lighting, their feathers shimmer with iridescent brilliance. All species share a bright red patch of feathers under the tail; the scientific name of one species, the Blue-headed Pionus, (P. menstruus), refers to this. Males and females are similar, with no notable sexual dimorphism.
Species list
- Blue-headed Parrot (or Blue-headed Pionus), Pionus menstruus
- Red-billed Parrot (or Red-billed Pionus, Coral-billed Parrot, Coral-billed Pionus), Pionus sordidus
- Scaly-headed Parrot (or Scaly-headed Pionus, Maximilian's Pionus, Maximilian's Parrot), Pionus maximiliani
- White-crowned Parrot (or White-crowned Pionus), Pionus senilis
- Speckle-faced Parrot (or Plum-crowned Pionus, Speckle-faced Pionus), Pionus tumultuosus
- Bronze-winged Parrot (or Bronze-winged Pionus), Pionus chalcopterus
- Dusky Parrot (or Dusky Pionus), Pionus fuscus
Pets
Pionus parrots are regarded as excellent pets, although some species are very rare in captivity. Most commonly kept species are the Blue-headed, Maximillian (Scaly-headed) and White-Capped. Others, such as the Dusky and the Bronze-winged have become more common due to captive breeding.
Pionus parrots are known for their quiet (compared to many other parrots) and reserved natures.[3] Unlike some other companion parrots, aviculturists have noted that they are not particularly energetic, and do not generally enjoy hands-on play (for example, being flipped on their backs), but they do provide companionship and are described as gentle and charming pets.
When excited or frightened, birds of this genus emit a characteristic wheezing or snorting sound that is sometimes mistaken for a sign of distress, or a symptom of disease. They also give off a musky or sweet odor that some caretakers find unpleasant, but others enjoy.
Pionus parrots are susceptible to obesity, vitamin A deficiency, and aspergillosis in captivity. These conditions, with the exception of aspergillosis, are easily prevented.
References
- ^ "Proposal to split Pionus seniloides (Massena & Souancé,1854) from Pionus tumultuosus (Tschudi, 1844)". The Louisiana Museum of Natural History. 29 January 2004.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ "White-headed Pionus". Pionus Breeders Association. 29 January 2004.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ Alderton, David (2003). The ultimate encyclopedia of caged and aviary birds. Hermes House. ISBN 1-84309-164-X.
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External links
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