Review for Australian Coral-billed Parrots

In 1986, the first monograph on Australian Lorikeets was published by Singil Press and proved a quantum leap in the avicultural care of this group of birds, particularly in the areas of feeding and nutrition. The style of this book was unique in that it was aimed at aviculturists and combined the personal experiences of the authors, Stan Sindel and James Gill, in both the field and the aviary. This was an incredibly successful and innovative approach and has been maintained through the series that followed: Australian Cockatoos (1988); Australian Grass Parrots—The Neophema (1992); Australian Grass Parrots—The Psephotus and Northiella Genera (1995); Australian Broad-tailed Parrots (1999).

This latest book, addressing the ‘coral-billed parrots’, combines information on three unrelated groups of Australian parrots that are commonly kept in aviculture: the King Parrot Alisterus scapularis, the Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus and the Polytelis genus (Regent Parrot, Superb Parrot and Princess Parrot).

This book follows the format established in previous publications. There is a chapter each on Housing, Diet, Management and Diseases. This provides all the detailed and relevant information you need to maintain these birds in an aviary environment.

The remainder of the book provides a detailed description of each species and any recognised subspecies. The topics covered for each bird are: Classification, Earliest Reports, Range, Habitat and Field Notes, Breeding in the Wild, Aviculture, Sexing, Display, Nests, Nesting and Hatching, and Mutations. These topics are interspersed with the authors’ experiences, not notes they heard from someone else or read in a book. The thoughts and perceptions of each author are original, covering anecdotes from experiences in the wild as well as in aviculture.

Accompanying the description of each bird is a set of photographic plates of excellent quality. An example of the nominate species and any variants or subspecies are provided. For each bird species there are photographs covering four stages of chick development, from the egg to weaning. There are also photographs of each colour mutation and some of the hybrids reported in Australia. A brief description is also provided of mutations available overseas.

It is wonderful to see that the authors have devoted their time to detailing their wealth of experiences with birds that are regarded as common and inexpensive. Australian coral-billed parrots are some of the many avicultural treasures available in Australia. In many ways they have suffered because they are so common in aviculture that they are often overlooked. I remember as a young aviculturist that my aim was to have one of each of the Polytelis species in my collection. They were a group that, for me, had such special appeal because of their innate beauty and melodic calls. This has added to the pleasure I gained when reading this book. It has also rekindled my interest in keeping them.

As with all the preceding books, this book is written in an easy style, making it a pleasure to read—it is like having the authors over for a chat in your home. There is a wealth of knowledge and personal opinion provided on each page.

I highly commend this book to aviculturists and congratulate Stan and James for taking the time and incredible effort that is required to produce a publication such as this and to be so generous in sharing their knowledge and experiences. This is a testament to their combined skills that will be read and enjoyed for generations, as the written word has the power to transfer concepts and ideas through time. Stan and James have produced a book that covers all aspects of an often-overlooked group of birds, making this book a treasure. However it is more than that, for herein lie principles that can be transported to any species of parrot or indeed most species of birds.

This book contains ideas that will appeal to the beginner as well as the more experienced aviculturist. Best of all it is an enjoyable read.

Dr Michael Cannon BVSc Grad Dip Ed MACVSc (Avian Health)