The spix parrot | Facts & Information

Origin

It has limited natural habitat due to its dependence on a tree called the caraibeira in which it nests.

Spix parrots were named after German naturalist Johann Baptist von Spix who discovered the species in 1817. Beginning in the 19th century, the species began to decline in population due to hunting, bird traps, habitat destruction, and the introduction of African bees with which it must compete for Nest placement.

The last 3 birds were captured for trade in 1987 and 1988. In 1995 a female Spix was released which disappeared after six weeks.

In 2000, the species became extinct in the wild. Efforts are currently being made to preserve the species, several foundations have joined together to save the species from extinction, some exchanges have been made with experienced breeders.

In 2004 the "Spix Parrot Recovery Task Force"was reformed and restructured.

In 2010 there were 85 Spix in captivity and 73 of them participate in a breeding program under the supervision of several institutions (Brazilian government, biodiversity conservation, etc.).

Feeding Parrot Spix

Spix parrots feed mainly on vegetation.

Its main diet includes seeds and fruits and especially some plant species.

They also consume flowers and leaves found in their natural habitat and can move in search of new food sources.

Their powerful beak allows them to break nuts and various kernels to gain access to the core.

Features Parrot Spix

The Spix has a length of 55-60cm, a weight of 3-4 hundred grams and various shades of blue, including the head has a more muted shade of blue.

The Spix parrot has a black beak and dark eyes. The legs are light grey when young and become dark grey during maturation.

The wingspan is 65cm. Spix parrots are seen in pairs or in small groups.

They are shy birds that take flight at the approach of any stranger.

Breeding Parrot Spix

Breeding of Spix parrots occurs during the Australian summer, from November to March, depending on the rainy season.

Nests and make them in Tabebuia trees (above I wrote that these trees are called carabeira, in pictures are identical, I do not know what is the correct name). They often return to the same nest each year.

In the wild females usually lay 2-3 white eggs every two days, in captivity they lay 4-7 eggs. Incubation lasts 25-28 days, the female being the one sitting on the eggs. She is fed regularly by the male all this time.

Puppies are born naked. They pass the uib after 3 months.

The lifespan is estimated at 28 years in the wild and 38 years in captivity.