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antipodi
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Sat Jul 15, 2006 12:06 am
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What are Pionus?
  
Pionus are small parrots which average about 12 inches overall. In stature and color, they resemble Amazon parrots with which they are often confused. Colors are variable, but all Pionus have a splash of pink / red color on the underside of the tail.
Pionus are quiet birds, and therefore not great talkers. Most are capable of a 12 to 15 word vocabulary. Since they have such quiet voices, you may need to listen carefully in order to hear your bird speak. Native Pionus vocalizations include contented purring, cooing, and a distinctive “wheezing” sound you’ll hear if your bird becomes frightened.
Great pets for families, Pionus have an easy going personality and don’t normally bond to just one person. Their quiet voices also make them good choices for apartments. And, being medium sized, they have modest caging requirements, which can them more affordable overall than larger birds.
The most common Pionus’ in American aviculture are the Blue Headed, White Capped, Bronze Wing, Maximilian and Dusky. The Coral Billed and Plum Crown are available, but because they are rare are generally reserved for breeding programs.
What makes Pinus popular
* SMALL SIZE— allowing a smaller and perhaps less expensive cage than required for larger parrots.
*QUIET— and thus a better choice for apartments.
*CALM— and non-aggressive nature.
*CAN LEARN TO TALK— although just a few words should be expected.
*FAMILY ORIENTED— generally will not bond to just one family member.
*COLORFUL— and color improves with age.
*GENTLE— can be expected to be good with children.
Breeds...
Blue Headed Pionus
The coloring of the Blue Headed Pionus’ body feathers is an iridescent, forest green with electric blue head and neck feathers. There is a dark patch over the ears. Juvenal birds may have a patch of red / magenta feathering at their lores and fore-crown, but this color is usually lost at the first molt.
The Blue Headed is the best talker, but may also be a little more vocal than the rest of the group.
White Capped Pionus
The White Cap Pionus is often confused with the White Fronted Amazon. White Capped’ have green and brown body feathers. Chicks have a patch of white on the forehead which increases in size as the bird matures. In adults, the patch grows to become a large, bright white cap. The cheeks and breast of the adult bird are covered with a light wash of beautiful indigo blue.
The popular White Capped has earned a great reputation as a wonderful family pet. They are beautifully colored and have happy dispositions. Most learn to talk
Dusky Pionus
The Dusky is very popular and also very difficult to find. Demand for the Dusky is overwhelming and has far exceeded supply. With the exception of Coral Billed Pionus and Plum Crowned Pionus which are reserved for breeding programs; the Dusky is the rarest of the Pionus kept as pets.
Dusky’s have similar coloration to the Bronze Wing, with the addition of more blues and pinks. They have a dusty appearance and lack the “iridescence” of most of the other Pionus.
Maximilian Pionus
The Maximilian is the least colorful. Dressed mainly in feathers of blue-green, the feathers have a black edging to them which gives the bird a scaly appearance. Maximilians tend to look a little “unkempt” as their down feathers are usually peeking out.
Young birds may have some pink feathers on the forehead or under the chin, but these are usually molted out during the first year. There is blue coloring around the eyes and chin which varies in intensity and amount from bird to bird.
Bronze Wing Pionus
The Bronze Wing is still uncommon but gradually becoming more readily available. This beautiful bird is adorned in varying shades of chestnut, purple, blue and green. Adult feathers are iridescent and appear to change color as the bird moves.
Bronze Wings, like other Pionus, become more colorful as they mature. The chicks, have a decidedly “muddy” appearance. Full color appears with the adult molt at about one year of age.
Those lucky enough to have seen a fully colored adult bird in natural sunlight have described them as a living rainbow.
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Antipodi
May one day man and Animals live together in harmony and peace
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jsqueek
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Joined: 24 Feb 2006
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Location: UK
Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:04 am
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aww i want one 
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js
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antipodi
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Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:49 am
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Yep they are prett cool ..This was based on US info they may be available in the UK you can try ...We have a Parrot , a Cocakteal(Chocy) ..he is beautiful but sometimes gets a bit cranky,..Many of these birds are long lived
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Antipodi
May one day man and Animals live together in harmony and peace
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