Pionus parrots are regarded as excellent pets, although some species are very rare in captivity. Most commonly kept species are the Blue-headed, Maximillian (Scaly-headed) and White-Capped. Others, such as the Dusky and the Bronze-winged have become more common due to captive breeding. Here at Lotus Birds we are working on raising Blue Heads and White Caps occasionally we have Maxi's available also. .

Pionus parrots are known for their quiet (compared to other parrots) and reserved natures. Unlike some other companion parrots, aviculturists have noted that they are not particularly playful, and do not enjoy playing or being flipped on their backs, but they do provide companionship and are described as gentle and charming pets.

When excited or frightened, birds of this genus emit a characteristic wheezing or snorting sound that is sometimes mistaken for a sign of distress, or a symptom of disease. They also give off a musky or sweet odor that some caretakers find unpleasant, but others enjoy.

Housing:

The bigger the cage the better (as long as it is easy to clean and the bar spacing is no larger than 1"). The minimum size is a cage large enough for the bird to flap its wings and stretch fully without touching the cage bars. Pionus confined to too small a cage are inclined to become rather sedentary and tend to become over weight (not to mention unhappy). I feel a good sized cage is 2' tall, 3' wide, and 2' deep (or slightly narrower to make it easier to manage through doorways). This size has enough room for a swing, 2 or 3 different types of perches, several toys and several food cups without being crowded. I realize that not everyone can afford a cage of this size; however, you should try to buy one as large as possible. Again, remember to make sure the cage is also easy to clean and the bar spacing is no larger than 1" (for the smaller Pionus, like the White-cap and Dusky, 3/4" would be safer).

Feeding:

As will all birds, it is important to discuss any particular questions you have regarding nutrition and care with a veterinarian experienced in avian care. A good diet varied with seed, Pellets, Fruit and vegetables. You also don't want to feed your bird too much of any one fruit or vegetable, variety is good. There are many thought about diets for birds. Some believe Pellet diets are the only thing to feed. I disagree and feed a variety as I enjoy a variety of food.

Talking Ability

Pionus are not known for their talking ability. They usually learn to say a few words but never very clearly. The clarity of Pionus "speech" ranges from rather clear to words only a mother could understand. This varies greatly with individuals. Most Pionus do love to learn new and interesting sounds. Microwave beeps, clucking, and whistles are usually considered lots of fun.

Cuddliness

When Pionus are first brought home, they often seem to be a bit stand-offish. It is not that they don't like cuddling, but simply that they are shy. With gentle nurturing your Pionus will soon love physical attention. Pionus will never be cuddle bunnies, but they do love having their head, ears, and neck scratched. Even though Pionus will never be considered love sponges, they do not become less affectionate as they mature

Obedience

Pionus are very obedient and less hard headed than many other parrots. They still require nurturing dominance and behavioral guidelines but control/dominance struggles are few, except of course during the terrible twos. Pionus can (and sometimes do) develop behavioral problems, if proper behavioral guidelines are not enforced.

Blue-headed Parrot/ Pionus (Pionus menstruus) 28 cm (11 in)

Description:

The beak is black with one reddish pink spot on either side of the upper mandible. The feet are dark gray to black, the iris dark brown, and the eye-ring is light gray. The body is all green, of slightly different shades, with darker green on top and lighter underneath. The head and neck are a beautiful bright blue. The ear coverts (feathers over the ear-hole) are black. There will sometimes be a few pink feathers underneath the chin.

Immature:

Baby Blue-headed parrots will have very little blue. There will be a few red feathers right above the cere (nose). The number of red feathers varies greatly with individuals. These red feathers usually fall out by 3 months, but are definitely gone by 1 year of age. The blue color is close to complete at one year of age. However, the blue can increase up until about the second year of age. After the 2nd (or sometimes 3rd) year your baby will definitely be in full adult coloring.

# Distribution:

From Central America down south to Costa Rica, northern Bolivia and central Brazil, so most of northern South America. Also found on the island of Trinidad. The Blue-head is usually found in either lightly timbered country or forests in the lowlands and some foothills. They also enter farmland areas to raid crops, especially corn.

White-capped Parrot / White-crowned Parrot (Pionus senilis) 24 cm (9.5 in)

Description:

The forehead, fore crown, chin, and mid throat are white. The ear-covers are dark blue and there is blue edging on the head. The breast is an olive-brown edged with purple-blue which gradually becomes more green towards the abdomen. The top side of the wings (primary-coverts, secondaries, and primaries) are violet-blue, green, blue, and golden-brown. The under side of the wings (under wing-coverts, flight feathers) are bluish-green and dull green. The beak is greenish-yellow, the iris is dark brown to orange brown. The legs are pink and the eye-ring is a light pink-white.

Immature: The young have much less white and little if any blue.

* Distribution:

This parrot is found from southeastern Mexico to western Panama on the Caribbean mountain slopes. They are usually found in forested areas anywhere from the lowlands up to 1,000m (sometimes as high as 2,000m).