Thursday 17 July 1-2pm

Conservation and Natural History of Wild Parrots in Peru

Donald J. Brightsmith, PhD

Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology,
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4467

Parrots are notoriously difficult to study in the wild due to their lack of territorial behavior, long distance movements, vocalization behavior, and canopy dwelling nature¹. As a result, detailed studies of entire parrot communities are rare (but see^2-4). However, natural history information is important for understanding and conserving this highly endangered family^5-8. To effectively conserve parrot populations in the modern landscape, we need detailed knowledge of their diets, nesting, seasonal abundance and movements. My research teams have studied parrot and macaw nesting (7 years), soil consumption (7 years), seasonal changes in abundance (3 years), and tree phenology (2 years) in lowland forests of southeastern Peru at the Tambopata Research Center. A total of 19 parrot species of 14 genera were recorded. Parrot soil consumption, abundance, and nesting show large seasonal variations. Flower and fruit abundance also vary seasonally in this area of tropical moist forest. While there is much variation in each data set, annual patterns are broadly repeatable. Fruiting and flowering are lowest at the end of the wet season and peak in the early wet season. Parrot breeding peaks during the season of highest food availability, with smaller species nesting earlier than larger species. The annual peak in clay lick use is apparently driven by two different phenomena: increased lick use by local birds during breeding season, and an influx of non-breeders. Breeding birds apparently increase lick use because they are feeding clay to their nestlings. Why non-breeders should congregate near the lick is unclear, but could be related to an increase in general food supply. Parrot abundances are lowest at the site around the end of the wet season, when food is least abundant. This suggests that many species may make regular seasonal movements in and out of the area. Studies are underway to determine the movement patterns on blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna) in this region. The data collected during this study provide basic natural history information useful in determining the driving forces behind the natural history patterns of a hyper-diverse parrot community. This information is useful in managing and conserving populations of psittacine birds in the long term.