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RainForest Adventures is home to a variety of tropical and temperate birds. Many species of birds on earth are under extreme pressures from loss of habitat, over collection for the pet and feather trade, as well as hunting for human consumption. The birds of our tropical rainforests are at the greatest risk of extinction due to loss of habitat. Introduced species such as the Brown Snake in Guam pose a major threat to birds around the world. Almost no group of birds face as serious of a threat as the large parrot family, for years these birds have been highly sought after for the pet trade, high dollar value coupled with a low reproductive rate have caused many of these species to face a serious decline in numbers. Recent successes in breeding many of these birds in captivity has led to a decline in collecting wild birds.
Click on the links to the left to be taken to the birds that live at RainForest Adventures!
Range: Tropical South America Habitat: Dense tropical forests Natural Diet: Fruits and seeds Diet at Rain Forest: Wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables supplemented with fresh seed mixture Size: Females and males are very difficult to tell apart (monomorphic) both sexes are up to 30 inches long with tail feathers. Rain Forest Facts: A large and colorful bird ,he Blue & Gold Macaw, is monomorphic, simply meaning that zookeepers cannot tell the males from the females by any visible means. The two sexes are identical from an external perspective, only a blood or DNA test will reveal the boys from the girls! Status in Wild: Numbers are declining due to over collection for both the pet trade as well as loss of habitat.
Range: Moluccan Islands, Indonesia Habitat: Grasslands and forests Natural Diet: Primarily seeds. Diet at Rain Forest: Seed, fruits, & fresh greens Size: 2nd largest of all cockatoo species the Moluccan is a very large bird with showy peach colored feathers. Like many of the large parrot family members the Moluccan cockatoo is monomorphic. Rain Forest Facts: This bird possesses a beautiful crest that is curved to the rear, a highly intelligent and friendly bird, the Moluccan is often the favorite keepers who get to know these wonderful animals. Status in Wild: Declining due primarily to loss of habitat.
Range: Islands Northwest of New Guinea, also introduced to parts of Indonesia Habitat: Dense forests to open grasslands. Natural Diet: Primarily a seed eater. Diet at Rain Forest: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seed Size: 18-20" Rain Forest Facts: Often nicknamed the "Velcro bird" the Umbrella Cockatoo is noted for being exceptionally affectionate towards people. This species of cockatoo may not be as brightly colored as other cockatoos, but makes up for it in personality! Status in Wild: Generally stable in most of its natural range.
Congo
African Grey Parrot Range: Western African Forests Habitat: Dense forests to open cultivated fields Natural Diet: Primarily seeds and fruit Diet at Rain Forest: Seed, fruits, & fresh greens Size: Largest of the two species of African Grey Parrots. Rain Forest Facts: Noted for their high intelligence these birds are widely believed to have the largest vocabulary potential of any of the parrot species. Status in Wild: Declining due primarily to loss of habitat.
Timneh
African Grey Parrot Range: Central to western Africa Habitat: Grasslands and forests Natural Diet: Primarily seeds. Diet at Rain Forest: Seed, fruits, & fresh greens Size: Smaller of the two species of African Grey Parrot, the Timneh lacks the bright tail feathers found on it's larger relative the Congo African Grey Parrot. A highly social bird the African Grey routinely lives in large flocks. Status in Wild: Declining due primarily to loss of habitat.
Gouldian Finches Range: Australia Habitat: Grasslands Natural Diet: Seed Eaters. Diet at Rain Forest: A wide variety of prepared finch diets. Size: Small, 3 to 4 inches tall Status in Wild: Almost extinct in the wild. Loss of habitat coupled with a parasite have driven the wild populations to the brink of extinction. Captive numbers of birds are estimated in the 10's of thousands as these beautiful birds are kept as pets around the world.
Range: Australia Habitat: Dense forests to open grasslands. Natural Diet: Seeds and green sprouts. Diet at Rain Forest: Prepared seed diet, supplemented with calcium from cuttlebone and egg shell. Size: 4" Keepers Notes: The Zebra finch has long been maintained by bird keepers as a pet. This wonderful creature lives in very large flocks in its native range. Being a semi-desert dweller the Zebra Finch can survive better than most birds with a small water supply, but possessing a high metabolisim, the Zebra Finch must have a steady supply of food. Status in Wild: Stable in majority of its natural range
Cut
throat Finches
Range: Australia Habitat: Open grasslands Natural Diet: Seed Eaters Diet at Rain Forest: Prepared seed diets Size: 2-3" Status in Wild: Stable in majority of natural range
Range: Australia Habitat: Open Grasslands and lightly forested areas Natural Diet: Primarily a seed eater Diet at Rain Forest: Wide variety of fresh seeds and greens. Size: 8-12 inches Keepers Notes: The Cockatiel is a very popular pet bird around the world. Many color varieties of the Cockatiel are now bred by enthusiasts worldwide. Status in Wild: Very stable in majority of range
Range: Australia Habitat: Open grassland species Natural Diet: Seed eaters Diet at Rain Forest: Variety of prepared budgerigar seed diet. Size: up to 12" Rain Forest Facts: The parakeet is one of the most beloved cage birds kept in homes around the world. These endearing animals can make a wonderful addition to the family! Status in Wild: Very common in much of its natural range
Weaver Finches Range: Africa Habitat: Dense forests to open swamp land. Natural Diet: Seed eater Diet at Rain Forest: Seeds Size: 3-4 inches Status in Wild: Numbers are declining due to loss of habitat
RainForest Adventures, Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
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