parrots world

Bird Beaks: Anatomy, Care, and Diseases Anatomy A bird, like a mammal, has two jaws: the upper is the maxilla and the lower is the mandible. The nostrils, or nares, are located at the junction between the beak and the head. In most parrots, a small, round, brown structure, called the operculum is found inside of the nostril. This is comprised of cartilage and should not be mistaken for an obstruction or foreign body, such as a seed. Some species of birds, such as the parrots, have an area of fleshy tissue that contains the nares. This is called the cere. In budgies, the cere is blue in adult males, and a pinkish brown in females. The beak is comprised of the jaw bone covered with a lightweight sheath called the rhamphotheca. The rhamphotheca is made of keratin, which is the same substance found in antlers or our fingernails. And like horns or fingernails, the beak is constantly growing. Depending upon the species, a bird's beak grows from one to three inches a yea...

Bird Nutrition Is Important For Healthy Happy Parrots. Bird Testimonial Confirms It. Many parrot rescues are quickly coming to the realization that bird nutrition is important for the health of the birds. Staff and volunteers get the message after they see results from a surrendered or rescued parrot  from his first veterinary check-up. Dull colors in feathers, lethargy, obesity and more serious illnesses are just a few direct results of poor nutrition. The Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary in California shows a peek into their daily bird feeding routine. This short video reveals tips on healthy bird nutrition, using fresh ingredients and opting for organic produce whenever possible. great dedication to the more than 60 resident large  parrots that live at the SBBS. We normally would save a clip like this for Macaw Monday, but the testimonial at the end of the video speaks for all parrots: As we have urged in other posts, please make sure to review a list of healthy...

Imperial Amazon (Amazona imperialis)   The Imperial Amazon of Dominica is arguably one of the most striking members of the genus Amazona. This large, impressive parrot is characterized by vivid purple feathers tipped in black that cover the head and chest, along with deep green featheres on the wings, back and tail. The beak and feet are greyish-black and the birds' iris is bright orange. Known locally as the Sisserou, the Imperial is not sexually dimorphic, and males and females are nearly identical in appearance. The Imperial is a large bird, 45-50 cm in length. Males can weigh up to 900 g; females about 650 g.  Range/Habitat: The Imperial Amazon occurs only on the Caribbean island of Dominica, and is the island's national bird. It is confined to about 22,000 acres of mountainous rainforest adjacent to the Morne Diablotin and Morne Trois Pitons National Parks. Since hurricane David hit the island in 1980, Imperials have been restricted ...