Great Pet Advice

The Zebra Finch, Taeniopygia guttata is the most common and familiar estrildid finch of Central Australia and ranges over most of the continent, avoiding only the cool moist south and the tropical far north. Zebra Finches inhabit open steppes with scattered bushes and trees, but have adapted to human disturbances, taking advantage of human-made watering holes and large patches of deforested land. read full article…

The Umbrella Cockatoo, Cacatua alba also known as White Cockatoo is a medium-sized cockatoo endemic to the islands of Halmahera, Bacan, Ternate, Tidore, Kasiruta and Mandiole in North Maluku, Indonesia. At first sight it appears to be a white parrot with brown or black eyes and a dark grey beak. If it is surprised, it extends a large and striking crest, which has a semicircular shape (similar to an umbrella, hence the name). The crest is normally recumbent. The underside of the wings and tail have pale yellow or lemon colour, which flash when they fly. read full article…

The Sun Parakeet, previously and in aviculture called Sun Conure, (Aratinga solstitialis) is a member of the parrot family (Psittacidae). It is native to the north-eastern coastal forests of South America. The average weight for a Sun Conure is approximately 110g. Their length is approximately 305mm from head to tail. They are monomorphic and reach sexual maturity around two years of age. It is noted for its loud squawking compared to its relatively small size. The bird is capable of mimicking humans but not as well as some larger parrots. read full article…

The Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) is the only member of the parrot genus Cyanopsitta. This macaw was found in Brazil, in the north part of the state Bahia. The species went extinct in the wild around 2000, when the last male bird died, however, there is a captive population of some 68 individuals. Most of these individuals are bred in captivity. read full article…

The Senegal Parrot (Poicephalus senegalus) is a parrot which is a resident breeder in west Africa. It undergoes local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit and blossoms which make up its diet. It is considered a farm pest, often feeding on crops. read full article…

The Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), also known as the Peach-faced Lovebird, is a species of lovebird native to arid regions in southwestern Africa such as the Namib Desert. A loud and constant chirper, these birds are very social animals and often congregate in small groups in the wild. They eat throughout the day and take frequent baths. Coloration can vary widely among populations but females are generally darker and greener, whilst males are smaller and brighter. read full article…

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet, is a gregarious tropical parakeet species that is popular as a pet. Its scientific name commemorates the Austrian naturalist Wilhelm Heinrich Kramer. read full article…

The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), is a member of the bird family Columbidae, doves and pigeons. The bird is also known by the names of feral pigeon or domestic pigeon. In common usage, this bird is often simply referred to as the “pigeon”. The species was commonly known as Rock Dove until the British Ornithologists’ Union and the American Ornithologists’ Union changed the official English name of the bird in their regions to Rock Pigeon. read full article…

The Red-and-green Macaw or Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloroptera) is often mistaken for the Scarlet Macaw because of its predominantly red feathering. The breast of the Red-and-green Macaw is bright red, but the lower feathers of the wing are green. In addition, the Red-and-green Macaw has characteristic lines under the eyes like most larger macaws, but these markings on the Red-and-green Macaw are bright red. read full article…

Quail is a collective name for several genera of mid-sized birds in the pheasant family Phasianidae, or in the family Odontophoridae. This article deals with the Old World species in the former family. The New World quails are not closely related, but are named for their similar appearance and behaviour. read full article…