White-cap photo from Bruce & Alicia McWatters
White-cap photo from Bruce & Alicia McWatters
The basic colors are deep blue on the body and back of the
neck, bronzed green on the top part of the wings, with the primaries being
an irridescent royal blue. The top of the head has a striking pure white
cap and part of the belly and under the tail area are shocking pink. Most,
but not all birds have some mixture of soft pinky purple tinged with white
on their throat. The skin around the eyes becomes orange when mature birds
come into breeding condition. The bird is rather attractive, especially so,
in the sunlight.
Their compact size, exceptionally sweet nature and generally quiet
demeanor make them excellent apartment pets. It is important to mention
that they, like all pionus parrots, have one unique personality trait. When
stressed or frightened they wheeze. It is very disconcerting to the new
pionus owner when this occurs. Many birds have been rushed to the vet just
to be sent home after being told that it is a natural trait of the species.
It is worse still, when people rush their beloved pet to a vet and the
uneducated vet tells them that the bird is ill and the bird is erroneously
treated for a non existent respiratory conditon. They are very playful and
love to bathe. They are usually very stimulated by music and the sound of
the vaccuum cleaner.
The bird is the smallest of the pionus group. They are about 24 cm or nine and a half inches long.
Undeterminable by appearance.
South America
They excellent apartment pets, since they are relatively quiet. They also like most people and don't tend to be one person birds. They can talk a little. They can say a few phrases- maybe 12 words.Most pionus are gentle and mild mannered. Handfed babies make exceptional pets, as they are quiet and if well socialized at an early age tend to go to everyone. They can talk and will learn to say several phrases. They are active and like to climb.
They are very quiet birds.
$200 - $500 Depending on location. Concidered on of the cheaper pionus birds. Handfed babies range from $450-$600 dollars.
|
Updated : 10/2022
(c) 1994-2022 Grant Yoshimori
