{"id":60464,"date":"2022-07-23T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-23T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/?p=60464"},"modified":"2024-07-01T10:18:25","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T15:18:25","slug":"basic-information-sheet-pionus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/basic-information-sheet-pionus\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Information Sheet:  Pionus"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Pionus spp.<\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-60465 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Scaly-headed-Pionus.png\" alt=\"Scaly-headed Pionus\" width=\"619\" height=\"306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Scaly-headed-Pionus.png 619w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Scaly-headed-Pionus-400x198.png 400w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Scaly-headed-Pionus-500x247.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\">\n<h2>Natural history<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p><em>Pionus<\/em> spp. parrots are native to regions of Mexico, Central America, and\/or South America. The specific range varies with the species (Table 1).<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#13\">13<\/a>,<a href=\"#15\">15<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-650\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-650\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th colspan=\"4\" class=\"column-1\"><strong>Table 1. Geographic range of select Pionus parrots<\/strong> <sup><a href=\"#11\">11<\/a>,<a href=\"#13\">13<\/a>,<a href=\"#15\">15<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Species<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong>South America<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Central America<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><strong>Mexico<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><small>Scaly-headed parrot      (<em>Pionus maximiliani<\/em>)<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Northern Argentina, through Bolivia and Paraguay to eastern Brazil<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><small>Bronze-winged parrot             (<em>P. chalcopterus<\/em>)<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>NW Venezuela,<br \/>\nwestern Columbia, Ecuador, NW Peru<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><small>White-headed parrot                (<em>P. seniloides<\/em>)<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Mountains of western Venezuela through western Columbia into Andes in Ecuador to NW Peru<\/small> <\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><small>Dusky parrot                           (<em>P. fuscus<\/em>)<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Extreme northern South America, including SE Venezuela, Guyana and NE Brazil<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><small>Blue-headed parrot               (<em>P. menstruus<\/em>)<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Northern South America (Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, SE Brazil, N Bolivia) except the Andes<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Costa Rica, Panama<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><small>White-crowned parrot                (<em>P. senilis<\/em>)<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>East coast of central America to Costa Rica and western Panama <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Eastern Mexico (mainly Caribbean slope)<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-650 from cache -->\n<p><\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\">\n<h2>Taxonomy<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Class:<\/strong> <em>Aves<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Order:<\/strong> <em>Psittaciformes<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 60px;\"><strong>Tribe:<\/strong> Arini = New World parrots<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 90px;\">Family: Psittacidae<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">Blue-breasted parrot (<em>Pionus reichenowi<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">Blue-headed, blue-hooded, or red-vented parrot (<em>Pionus menstruus<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 150px;\"><em>P. m. menstruus<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 150px;\"><em>P. m. rubrigularis<\/em> (smaller, duller blue, some have red on throat)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 150px;\"><em>P. m. reichenowi<\/em> (deeper, more extensive blue coloration; horn-colored beak)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">Bronze-winged parrot (<em>P. chalcopterus<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">Dusky or violet parrot (<em>P. fuscus<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">Red or coral-billed parrot (<em>P. sordidus<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">Scaly-headed (Maximilian\u2019s) parrot (<em>P. maximiliani<\/em>)*<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 150px;\">Subspecies vary mainly in the color of their upper breast<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 150px;\"><em>P. m. melanoblepharus<\/em> (upper breast mainly darker blue)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 150px;\"><em>P. m. siy<\/em> (reddish purple)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 150px;\"><em>P. m. lacerus<\/em> (bluer reddish-purple)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">Speckle-faced or plum-crowned parrot (<em>P. tumultuosus<\/em>)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">White-headed, white-capped, or Massena\u2019s parrot (<em>P. seniloides<\/em>)**<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 120px;\">White-crowned parrot (<em>P. senilis<\/em>)<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>*Maximilian\u2019s Pionus is a reference to Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied, a nobleman and naturalist who explored southeastern Brazil in the early 19th century.<sup><a href=\"#21\">21<\/a><\/sup><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>** The white-headed or Massena\u2019s parrot has sometimes been described as a subspecies of the plum-crowned parrot: <em>Pionus tumultuosus seniloides<\/em> (Warden). Some, more recent classification schemes list the white-headed parrot separately as <em>P. seniloides<\/em>.<sup><a href=\"#2\">2<\/a><\/sup><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\">\n<h2>Conservation status<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p>The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List describes the blue-headed parrot (<em>P. menstruus<\/em>) population to be stable. The blue-headed parrot is common in a wide range of habitats over an immense area.<sup><a href=\"#15\">15<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup> Unfortunately, the populations of many other <em>Pionus<\/em> spp. are decreasing (Table 2). Although many species have a Red List assessment of \u201cleast concern\u201d, the blue-breasted parrot (<em>P. reichenowi<\/em>) is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.<sup><a href=\"#14\">14<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p>When compared to other South American parrots, <em>Pionus<\/em> spp. are not as common in the pet trade <sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a><\/sup>, however the blue-headed parrot (<em>Pionus menstruus<\/em>), white-crowned parrot (<em>P. senilis<\/em>), dusky parrot (<em>P. fuscus<\/em>), and bronze-winged parrot (<em>P. chalcopterus<\/em>) are relatively popular companion birds in the United States.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#4\">4<\/a>,<a href=\"#6\">6<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a>,<a href=\"#24\">24<\/a><\/sup> The scaly-headed parrot (<em>P. maximiliani<\/em>) is also fairly common.<sup><a href=\"#7\">7<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a>,<a href=\"#24\">24<\/a><\/sup> Other Pionus spp., such as the red-billed parrot (<em>P. sordidus<\/em>), speckle-faced parrot (<em>P. tumultuosus<\/em>), and white-headed parrot (<em>P. seniloides<\/em>), are relatively uncommon to rare in aviculture.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\"><br \/>\n<a name=\"description\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Physical description<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p>Pionus parrots are often described as \u201csmall Amazon parrots\u201d because of their stocky builds and often short, square tails.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<\/sup> These medium-sized parrots have a prominent, featherless cere, and a relatively large bill.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<\/sup> Compared to some psittacine species, their coloration is often quite subdued or subtle, however, under bright lighting, their feathers shimmer with iridescence. Many Pionus also have large, bare eye rings and all species possess bright red undertail coverts.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>\n<table id=\"tablepress-651\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-651\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th colspan=\"6\" class=\"column-1\"><strong>Table 2. Physical characteristics of select Pionus parrots <\/strong> <sup><a href=\"#1\">1<\/a>,<a href=\"#3\">3-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#11\">11<\/a>,<a href=\"#15\">15<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a>,<a href=\"#20\">20<\/a>,<a href=\"#24\">24<\/a><\/sup><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Pionus species<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong>Blue-headed<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Bronze-winged<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><strong>Dusky<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><strong>Scaly-headed<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><strong>White-crowned<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><em>Click thumbnail image to enlarge<\/em><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blue-headed-pionus2-Florin-Feneru-FCC.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60539\" src=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blue-headed-pionus2-Florin-Feneru-FCC-250x250.jpg\" alt=\"Blue-headed pionus\" width=\"75\" height=\"90\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blue-headed-pionus2-Florin-Feneru-FCC-332x400.jpg 332w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blue-headed-pionus2-Florin-Feneru-FCC-500x602.jpg 500w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Blue-headed-pionus2-Florin-Feneru-FCC.jpg 581w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 75px) 100vw, 75px\" \/><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Bronze-winged-pionus-Jessie-Pearl-FCC.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60543\" src=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Bronze-winged-pionus-Jessie-Pearl-FCC-250x250.jpg\" alt=\"Bronze-winged pionus\" width=\"75\" height=\"82\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Bronze-winged-pionus-Jessie-Pearl-FCC-364x400.jpg 364w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Bronze-winged-pionus-Jessie-Pearl-FCC-500x549.jpg 500w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Bronze-winged-pionus-Jessie-Pearl-FCC.jpg 637w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 75px) 100vw, 75px\" \/><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Dusky-pionus-Florin-Feneru-FCC.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60547\" src=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Dusky-pionus-Florin-Feneru-FCC-295x400.jpg\" alt=\"Dusky pionus \" width=\"75\" height=\"102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Dusky-pionus-Florin-Feneru-FCC-295x400.jpg 295w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Dusky-pionus-Florin-Feneru-FCC-500x677.jpg 500w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Dusky-pionus-Florin-Feneru-FCC.jpg 517w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 75px) 100vw, 75px\" \/><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Maximillian-or-scaly-headed-parrot-cropped-Carlos-Eduardo-Joos-FCC.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60551\" src=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Maximillian-or-scaly-headed-parrot-cropped-Carlos-Eduardo-Joos-FCC-286x400.png\" alt=\"Maximillian or scaly-headed parrot\" width=\"75\" height=\"105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Maximillian-or-scaly-headed-parrot-cropped-Carlos-Eduardo-Joos-FCC-286x400.png 286w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Maximillian-or-scaly-headed-parrot-cropped-Carlos-Eduardo-Joos-FCC.png 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 75px) 100vw, 75px\" \/><\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/White-crowned_Parrot-cropped-WC-Snowmanradio.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-60555\" src=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/White-crowned_Parrot-cropped-WC-Snowmanradio-285x400.png\" alt=\"White-crowned Parrot \" width=\"75\" height=\"105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/White-crowned_Parrot-cropped-WC-Snowmanradio-285x400.png 285w, https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/White-crowned_Parrot-cropped-WC-Snowmanradio.png 386w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 75px) 100vw, 75px\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Body weight <br \/>\n(average) grams<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">230-260 <sup><a href=\"#4\">4<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a>,<a href=\"#24\">24<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n234-295 <sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a><\/sup><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">180-210 <sup><a href=\"#5\">5<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n265-275 <sup><a href=\"#24\">24<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">180-230 <sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#6\">6<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a>,<a href=\"#24\">24<\/a><\/sup><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">180-210 <sup><a href=\"#7\">7<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n230-293<sup> <a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a>,<a href=\"#24\">24<\/a><\/sup><\/td><td class=\"column-6\">180 <sup><a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n220-230 <sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#24\">24<\/a><\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Length <br \/>\ncm (in)<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">23-28 <br \/>\n(9-11)<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">25-29<br \/>\n(10-11.5)<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">24-28<br \/>\n(9-11)<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">27-29<br \/>\n(10.5-11)<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">24-26 <br \/>\n(9-10)<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Overall<\/strong> <\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Bright green body,  deep blue head<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Mostly dark blue-green or blueish-purple; green with bronze back<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Mainly dark, brownish-gray<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Varying shades of green, feathers are edged with bluish-gray<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>Mostly dark green and dark blue<\/small><br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Head <\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Bright sapphire blue <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Green head; deep blue crown, back of head, upper head; pale chin patch<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Dull blue-gray with red patch at base of the bill and purplish blue chin<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Primarily brownish-green head feathers edged in gray to blue creating a subtle \u201cscaly\u201d appearance<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>Dark blue with white forehead and crown<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Bill<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Dark colored with red-pink patches at the base on either side of the upper bill<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Pale yellow<\/small> <\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Dark gray with a yellow patch at the base of the upper bill <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Most birds having a two-tone or mottled beak:  yellowish horn turning to dark gray at the base, pale tip<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>Yellow or pale-colored <\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Eye ring <\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Blue-tinged<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Bare pinkish eye ring becomes dark peach to pink-orange (coral) in adults <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Pale<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Light colored<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>White to pale pink becoming pink-orange (coral) in adults<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Ear coverts<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Black<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Dark blue to black<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Black with streaky pale patch <\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Green<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>Dark blue<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Throat<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Bright sapphire blue with a pink-red base <small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>White throat patch above variable pinkish-red patches; upper neck is deep blue <\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Indistinct or streaked dusky white to pinkish collar <\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Bluish-purple band running across ventral throat<\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>White patch<\/small> <br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Breast<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Upper breast is green, tinged with olive brown and blue edging <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Upper parts of breast dark blue; pale pink to dark peach and orange on upper breast <\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Brown barred with wine red or reddish-blue<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Becoming lighter and more bronze-brown along ventrum<\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>Dark green (upper breast) to bluish green (lower breast)<\/small><br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Undertail coverts<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Bright red tipped with green<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Bright red<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Purplish red <br \/>\n(tail feathers are also red below with a blue band)<\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Bright red <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>Pinkish-red<\/small><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Tail<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Cobalt blue<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Bright violet<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Green<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Wings<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Green<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Dark bronze-green with iridescent aqua blue underwing coverts<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Blue flight feathers with iridescent silver blue underwing coverts<\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Green with bronze shoulder patches in some individuals <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>Olive shoulder patch<small><br \/>\n<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Juvenile <\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><small>Similar coloring with much less blue, some red on forehead <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><small>Less colorful than adults, dark blue-green with paler brown upper wing coverts, may have some red on the forehead and under the chin<\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><small>Less obvious patches on the cheeks, may have some red on forehead; little or no streaky patch on neck; green on secondaries as well as flight feathers coverts <\/small><br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><small>Less extensive blue on throat, less distinct margins on head <\/small><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><small>Narrow white band on forehead, green head faintly tinged blue; yellow-green undertail coverts chin, throat, breast\/ yellowish-green undertail coverts<\/small> <br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-651 from cache --><br \/>\n<\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\"><\/p>\n<h2>Normal physiologic values<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-652\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-652 tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Lifespan<\/td><td colspan=\"2\" class=\"column-2\">25-40 years, maximum <sup><a href=\"#13\">13<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#23\">23<\/a><\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Puberty<\/td><td colspan=\"2\" class=\"column-2\">1.5-4 years <sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td rowspan=\"3\" class=\"column-1\">Body weight (average), grams <sup><a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Coral-billed or sordid parrot<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">255<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-2\">White-headed or Massena\u2019s parrot<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-2\">Plum-crowned parrot<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td colspan=\"2\" class=\"column-2\">See <a href=\"#description\">Physical Description<\/a> above<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-652 from cache -->\n<p><\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\"><\/p>\n<h2>Anatomy\/physiology<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-653\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-653 tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Musculoskeletal<\/td><td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-2\">As seen in other members of Order Psittaciformes, the Pionus parrot possesses a zygodactyl foot with two toes pointed back and two toes pointed forward.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Gastrointestinal<\/td><td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-2\">The normal <em>Pionus<\/em> spp. bill is longer than most other parrot bills, extending almost to the base of the lower bill or gnathotheca.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,13<\/sup> The upper bill or rhinotheca also has a distinct notch.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<br \/>\nAs seen in other members Order Psittaciformes:<br \/>\n<ul>  <br \/>\n<li>The tongue contains intrinsic muscles.<\/li><br \/>\n<li>The craniofacial hinge of the beak is a synovial joint. <\/li><br \/>\n<li>Ceca are absent. <\/li><br \/>\n<li>The gall bladder is absent. <\/li><br \/>\n<\/ul><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Respiratory<\/td><td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-2\">An interesting characteristic of <em>Pionus<\/em> spp. is the Pionus \u201csnarfle, snuffle\u201d, or wheeze, which is exhibited when individuals become upset or frightened.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> This display can be misinterpreted as a clinical sign of respiratory disease, but these clinical signs disappear when the bird once again feels safe and secure (<em>see <a href=\"#behavior\">Behavior<\/a> below for additional information<\/em>).<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a>,<a href=\"#23\">23<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<br \/>\nPionus possess a prominent naked cere.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<br \/>\nAs seen in other members of Order Psittaciformes, the right and left nasal sinuses communicate in <em>Pionus<\/em> spp. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Integumentary<\/td><td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-2\">Pionus parrots have a distinctive musky (or sweet) odor, that often becomes more prominent during the breeding season.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> It has been theorized that this odor serves to attract insects to the nest.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<br \/>\nThe uropygial or preen gland is absent in the Pionus parrot.<sup><a href=\"#19\">19<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<br \/>\nSee Preventive Medicine (below) for grooming tips.<br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Reproductive<\/td><td colspan=\"3\" class=\"column-2\">To the human eye, <em>Pionus<\/em> spp. are <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/physical-examination-of-the-avian-patient\/#signalment\">sexually monomorphic<\/a>.  <br \/>\n<br \/>\nThe age of sexual maturity ranges between 1.5-4 years.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> The breeding age is approximately 3-5 years for blue-headed, scaly-headed, and dusky parrots.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4<\/a>,<a href=\"#6\">6<\/a>,<a href=\"#7\">7<\/a><\/sup> Breeding occurs one to two times per year.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<br \/>\nBoth male and female birds may cannibalize young in the nest when the parents are visually threatened by larger neighboring species or if the parent birds are stressed by too-frequent nest-box inspection by human care takers or by the presence of predators or vermin.<sup><a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-653 from cache -->\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-654\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-654 tbody-has-connected-cells\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td colspan=\"5\" class=\"column-1\">Pionus parrot neonatology vital statistics <sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Species<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><strong>Clutch size (ave)<\/strong> <\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong>Incubation (days)<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><strong>Weight of newly hatched chick (g)<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><strong>Fledging (weeks)<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Scaly-headed<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3-4 <sup><a href=\"#7\">7<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n4-5 <sup><a href=\"#18\">18<\/a><\/sup><\/td><td class=\"column-3\">26<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">9-10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bronze-winged<br \/>\n<br \/>\n<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3-4<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24-27<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Blue-headed<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3-4<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">26<\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\">8-10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">White-crowned<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">4-6<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24-26<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">n\/a<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Dusky <\/td><td class=\"column-2\">4<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">24-26<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">9-10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-654 from cache -->\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\">\n<h2>Diet<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/feeding-your-pet-bird-a-healthy-diet\/\">healthy diet<\/a> for a companion Pionus parrot should consist of a formulated diet, supplemented with fresh, vitamin A-rich vegetables and some fruit.<sup><a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup> If table food is offered, the owner should be particularly cautious of dietary fat intake.<sup><a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup> Clinically, these birds are similar to Amazon parrots as they may be prone to obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and other adverse effects associated with high dietary fat.<sup><a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p>A study of free-ranging scaly-headed parrots in Brazil found their diet consisted mostly of native seeds (70.4%), followed by flowers (20.3%), corn from farms near their forest habitat, and fruit pulp.<sup><a href=\"#12\">12<\/a><\/sup><br \/>\n<\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\"><\/p>\n<h2>Husbandry<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p>Although the enclosure should be as large as possible, at minimum, a Pionus parrot should be provided with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/caging-the-companion-parrot\/\">medium-sized parrot cage<\/a> measuring at least 50 x 60 x 100 cm (20 x 24 x 40 inches).<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> Bar spacing should be 2.2 cm (7\/8-in) for most Pionus species.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> Smaller birds, such as dusky parrots and white-crowned parrots, should have no more than 1.8 cm (3\/4-in) space between bars.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/teaching-bathing-skills\/\">Bathing<\/a> is a favorite activity and daily misting, showers, or baths is recommended.<br \/>\n<\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\"><br \/>\n<a name=\"behavior\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Behavior<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Personality<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pionus parrots tend to have a gentle disposition.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#13\">13<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#23\">23<\/a><\/sup> Pionus have a reputation for being relatively quiet, or least less noisy than larger parrots, but of course <em>Pionus<\/em> spp. are capable of making loud vocalizations, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon hours or during the breeding season.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a>,<a href=\"#23\">23<\/a><\/sup> Males are believed to be more vocal than females.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> The dusky parrot is also thought to be the noisiest of <em>Pionus<\/em> spp.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Pionus also tend to be shy birds.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#13\">13<\/a><\/sup> They are often nervous in a hospital setting but are generally not as aggressive or territorial as mature Amazon parrots.<sup><a href=\"#17\">17<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a> <\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Pionus parrots are relatively independent companion birds.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> They usually do not seek or accept a large amount of handling or cuddling.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> The scaly-headed parrot is believed to be the most sedate or easy going Pionus species.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> The white-crowned parrot (<em>Pionus senilis<\/em>) may be the most aggressive <em>Pionus<\/em> spp., requiring a more experienced owner.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p>As with most psittacine birds, aggression may be more likely to occur during the breeding season.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> An aggressive Pionus may \u2018strut\u2019, fanning its tail feathers and raising its head feathers as it slowly stalks back and forth.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> A bird <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/reading-bird-body-language\/\">exhibiting this display<\/a> may bite if approached.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a> <\/sup><br \/>\n<a name=\"1\"><br \/>\n<strong>Response to stress<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pionus parrots are unique among parrots in their response to external stressors.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16 <\/a><\/sup>When frightened or upset, Pionus produce respiratory noises that can be misinterpreted as snorting and snuffling, wheezing, rattling, hyperventilation, or <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/respiratory-emergencies\/#Recognizing_dyspnea\">dyspnea<\/a> but these signs resolve within minutes when the stressful stimulus is removed.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup> These sounds can be disconcerting for even the experienced avian veterinarian <sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a><\/sup>, but there should be no nasal discharge or other physical signs of disease.<sup><a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup> This respiratory noise is also produced with the mouth closed.<sup><a href=\"#17\">17<\/a>,<a href=\"#23\">23<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mimicry<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pionus parrots are considered intelligent birds but they are not considered the \u201cbest talkers\u201d.<sup><a href=\"#13\">13<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#23\">23<\/a><\/sup> These birds tend to mimic household sounds or repeat words in a somewhat garbled fashion.<sup><a href=\"#13\">13<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> Pionus spp. may also speak in \u201can exceptionally soft voice\u201d.<sup><a href=\"#16\">16<\/a><\/sup> Among <em>Pionus<\/em> spp., scaly-headed, dusky, and white-crowned parrots are often considered the best talkers.<sup><a href=\"#3\">3<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p><\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\"><\/p>\n<h2>Restraint<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p>Pionus may be <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/parrot-handling\/\">restrained<\/a> by holding the head between index and middle fingers. Support the body with palm of the hand as well as the thumb and little finger. Beware of the Pionus \u201csnuffle\u201d (See <a href=\"#behavior\">Behavior<\/a> above).<br \/>\n<\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\">\n<h2>Venipuncture<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p>Use a 25-gauge needle and 1 to 3-ml syringe to <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/venipuncture\/\">draw blood<\/a> from the right jugular vein. Collection of up to 1% of body weight is acceptable in healthy patients.<br \/>\n<\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\">\n<h2>Important medical conditions<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-infectious disease<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As in Amazon parrots, <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/obesity\/\">obesity or malnutrition<\/a> is a common disorder in <em>Pionus<\/em> spp.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup> Hepatic lipidosis may develop, which can progress to cirrhosis and fibrosis of the liver.<sup><a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Like any neotropical parrot, Pionus parrots are also susceptible to <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/fungal-disease-in-avian-patients\/\">respiratory aspergillosis<\/a>.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p><strong>Infectious diseases<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Depending on environmental conditions, <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/presenting-problem-upper-respiratory-signs-in-the-bird\/\">sinus infections and chronic upper respiratory disease<\/a> can be common, particularly when the diet is deficient in vitamin A.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup> Bacterial, fungal, and mycoplasma infections are all common causes of chronic upper respiratory diseases in Pionus parrots.<sup><a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Like other New World psittacine birds, <em>Pionus<\/em> spp. are susceptible to <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/avian-chlamydiosis\/\">Chlamydophila<\/a>.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#16\">16<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reported conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A non-<em>Candida albicans<\/em> species, <em>C. krusei<\/em>, was identified in six birds exhibiting clinical signs associated with diarrhea, regurgitation, and melena, including one white-crowned parrot.<sup><a href=\"#9\">9<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<li>Mycobacteriosis involving the gastrointestinal tract is reportedly seen with greatest frequency in <em>Pionus<\/em> and <em>Amazona<\/em> species.<sup><a href=\"#10\">10<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<li>Fatal <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/avian-bornavirus-primer\/\">proventricular dilatation disease<\/a> was described in one captive scaly-headed parrot in Brazil.<sup><a href=\"#8\">8<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<li>Prior to 1992 when psittacine birds were commonly imported (or smuggled) into the United States, avian pox virus was a very common finding in Pionus parrots.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a>,<a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/avian-polyomavirus-primer\/\">Avian polyomavirus<\/a> infection is often fatal in pre-weaning aged chicks.<sup><a href=\"#22\">22<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/feather-destructive-behavior-in-psittacine-birds-webinar\/\">Feather damaging behavior<\/a> <sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<li>Toe necrosis <sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-one-third\"><\/p>\n<h2>Preventive medicine<\/h2>\n<p><\/div><br \/>\n<div class=\"ezcol ezcol-two-third ezcol-last\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Obtain a complete <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/exotic-animal-history\/\">history<\/a> and perform a thorough annual <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/physical-examination-of-the-avian-patient\/\">physical examination<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/avian-hematology\/\">blood count<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/protein-electrophoresis-in-avian-patients\/\">protein electrophoresis<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/avian-hematology\/\">plasma biochemistries<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure proper husbandry.<\/li>\n<li><em>Pionus<\/em> spp. often fall and injure themselves with severe wing trims. Clip only the primary flight feathers and only enough so the bird can glide to the floor.<sup><a href=\"#4\">4-7<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p>For additional information, visit the review article <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/grooming-companion-birds-a-review\/\">Grooming Companion Birds<\/a> and the RACE-approved webinar recording <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/flight-mechanics-ethical-concerns\/\">Flight Mechanics and Ethical Concerns<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>Recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/avicultural-medicine-quarantine-protocols\/\">quarantine<\/a> of newly acquired birds.<\/li>\n<li>Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyomavirus and <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/avian-chlamydiosis\/\">chlamydiosis<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Determine the origin and history of newly acquired sick birds to contain and prevent further spread of disease.<\/li>\n<li>Birds housed in large groups or aviaries are at higher risk of Pacheco\u2019s disease virus and use of the vaccine may be indicated.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lafeber.com\/vet\/avian-polyomavirus-primer\/\">avian polyomavirus<\/a> vaccine is recommended for breeding populations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div><div class=\"ezcol-divider\"><\/div><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\u201dref\u201d\">References<\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The birds of genus Pionus are native to regions of Mexico, Central America, and\/or South America. Pionus parrots are often described as \u201csmall Amazon parrots\u201d because of their stocky builds and often short, square tails. This information sheet reviews natural history, taxonomy, and conservation status, as well as physical descriptions, husbandry needs, behavior, including the Pionus \u201csnarfle or snuffle\u201d, normal physiologic data and anatomy, restraint, and important medical conditions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":60627,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1141],"class_list":["post-60464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-pionus","content_types-article","content_types-information-sheet","topics-anatomy-physiology","topics-behavior","topics-husbandry","species-avian","species-parrot","channel-resources-education","contributor-pollock","contributor-rich"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Basic Information Sheet: Pionus - LafeberVet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The birds of genus Pionus are native to regions of Mexico, Central America, and\/or South America. 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