With approximately 330 species of parrots the world over, most bird scientists (ornithologists) lump parrots into closely related groups called Genera. Pionus parrots compose one of those Genera because they share physical charateristics that make them easily identifiable and obvioulsy related. Scientific study of Pionus taxonomy show they share much in common with their South American brethern, the Amazons and Caiques.

What destinguishes Pionus parrots from their closely related relatives is their medium size (mid-way between Amazons and Caiques) and what can be described as a red triangular patch of feathers under their tail. This patch, comprised of feathers called under -tail coverts is a feature of all eight species and sub-species of Pionus. Although hue and intensitiy vary between the species, looking carefully under the tail of a Pionus parrot makes the feathers easy to recognize. Look for this feature whenever you see a medium sized parrot in a pet store or aviary you frequent.

There are seven species of Pionus parrots; Blue-headed (P. menstruus), Bronz-Winged (Pionus chalcopterus), Dusky (P. fuscus), White-capped (P. senils), Maximilian's (P. maxmiliani), Coral-billed (P. sordidus), Plum-crowned (P. tumultuosus), and the closely related White-headed (P. t. seniloides). The most popular of the species is the Blue-headed, White-capped, Maximilian's, Bronze-winged and Dusky. The Coral-billed and Dusky are more difficult to come by while the two sub-species, the Plum -crowned and White-headed are for all practical purposes, un-obtainable for the pet market. However, It's also true that some species are so easily and frequently bred in captivity these days that finding the species of your choice is a simple task. We here at Impeckable Aviaries raise Blue-headed, the most popular species, and the Maxmilian's Pionus, the laregest, and some think, the best pet of all the Pionus.

Pionus parrots are a popular choice for pet parrots due to their medium size, subtle, yet beautiful colors and melodeous voices. While Pionus parrots can and do make noise, their calls are not nearly as harsh as their South American relatives, the Conures, macaws, and Amazons. For this reason alone, many persons seeking a docil, quiet pet bird companion select a Pionus species as their choice. And as Pionus have been known to live in excess of 45 years, that makes the choice of a Pionus for a pet bird a very good one, indeed. Pionus are not noted for the ability to mimic, but some do a good job of imitating the human voice.

Pionus parrots make great pets and are highly sought after. Their behaviors and antics are enjoyable to watch and can easily be desciribed as comical. Pionus parrots strut back and forth on their perches or cage tops whenever they interest in their owners or mates. This struting is accompanied by a flared tail (revealing beautiful pattern and color) and chortling which says to the objects of their desire (or wrath) 'to come here or go away' depending on the intetent of the communication. As Pionus mature, they, like other parrot species, are affected by the seasons (photoperiod - length of daylight influences their hormones) that sometimes mean the little parrots demonstrate territoriality towards their cage or possessiveness towards their chosen pet person. In such cases when you find your bird irritible, it may be necessary to keep an aflicted bird under control so as to avoid your or your guests being bitten or harassed. Once the mating season has ended, most birds resume their normal relationships with their love ones. If your bird is too unruly, you may be able to alter its behavior with light period manipulation.

Young Pionus parrots may scare you at some point in their growing stage. Pionus parrots are famous for their rapid breathing and wheezing during a threatening situation (to their minds). Usually this expression is of short duration, but may be accompanied by false convulsions, - complete with a faked inability to perch. This is false behavior, akin to 'playing opossum' - no doubt a natural behavior ability to decieve an enemy into being left alone- quickly ends once the threatening situation is no longer percieved.

Closely associated with the feignting behavior Pionus chicks will sometimes fill their crops with air to the extent that the crop is visibly obvious. Pressing gently on a crop (especially if you know your bird has not been fed) usually reveals the gaseous content of the crop. This behavior is usually seen when a young bird has been relocated to a new unfamiliar environment, but does not last once the bird has adjusted to its new home. This behavior signals that it is always a good idea to allow your bird (whatever species) a good long period of adjustment to its new surroundings and owners.

I hope you enjoy this short introduction to your Pionus parrot and come back and visit again. I will add information I find pertinent to this information. Look for a guide to handling your new bird soon! Enjoy.

If you are interested in buying a Pionus for a pet, we have really nice Blue-headed Pionus weaning now ready to go to your home. Give us a call or email us when you're ready to buy.

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