Monday, March 30, 2015

When Crackers Won't Cut It: Carnivory in Parrots

Animals do surprising things, and this should come as no surprise. After all, they are more than just entries in field guides; they are living beings and individuals which react different to a variety of unique situations. Most animals are both intelligent and intuitive, and will change their behavior to better survive an unlikely situation, or take advantage of situations which they find favorable.

As evolution is driven at its core by the need to gain resources for survival and reproduce, it makes sense that many surprising behaviors are related to food and sex. I’d like to address the former rather than the latter, and you can busy yourselves by searching for articles on the subject. Trust me, there’s enough material on strange animal sex to give you nightmares.

Sometimes, animals eat things that we don’t expect them to. Lions, jaguars, and other large carnivores will readily eat fruit when preferred prey is limited. Seals and walruses will chow down on seabirds when on land. Deer and cattle have been seen time and time again chewing on bones and eating young birds to gain essential calcium in their diets. But perhaps one of the most intriguing cases of bizarre gastronomy in animals is the fact that some parrots will eat meat when given the chance.

Granted, this is uncommon, but this is the norm for unexpected behavior. As far as observed instances of carnivory in parrots, I believe that only two species have been readily seen eating other animals/animal products: the kea Nestor notabilis and, just recently, the rainbow lorikeet Trichoglossus moluccanus.

Kea: Scourge of the Kiwi ski slopes
The kea is a weird parrot to begin with - it lives in New Zealand (already a sure-fire sign that it is a strange bird), specifically in the chilly alpine regions of the country, where it can be seen engaging in play behavior such as rolling in the snow and destroying your car. They are also really smart, even for parrots: in the wild and captivity, they have been able to solve manmade puzzles in order to get treats (non-meat, I presume).

A kea, happily removing your windshield wiper for its own amusement. They regularly dismantle manmade objects found in their environment, including cars, tents, and backpacks.

So what does an alpine, cold-weather parrot eat? Like most parrots, most of its diet consists of vegetation, with a few invertebrates thrown in. However, it is also an active predator. In addition to rabbits (don’t feel bad, they’re an exotic invasive in New Zealand and deserve it), kea will also infiltrate the nest burrows of shearwaters and drag out their fat, unfledged chicks. I’d just like to state, at this point, that if you’re still doubting that birds are dinosaurs, it’s not too late to change your mind.

Perhaps the most long-winded and interesting debate over the diet of the kea is whether or not it preys upon sheep. Sheep, as you know, account for most of New Zealand’s population. There have been observations of kea landing on sheep and ripping into their flesh. Yes, really. There’s even an old photo of a sheep supposedly killed by kea, showing tufts of wool around the carcass where the birds attacked. Knowing the kea’s track record for being the most metal and un-parrot-y parrot, I would not be surprised if these sheep attacks are more common than we realize.

Rainbow Lorikeet: The true sparkleraptor
Appparently, at least one person in Australia leaves out meat for endemic carnivorous birds to come and eat. Besides being the most awesome bird feeding system ever, the offerings attract kookaburra and currawongs. But recently, a new bird has taken a liking to the meat, and has even began chasing others away.

Behold the face of a true monster.

A pair of rainbow lorikeets chowing down at the
meat-filled bird feeder in question. Photograph taken by Matt Watson.
Now, I’m still trying to wrap my head around this one, honestly. Lorikeets are largely nectar-eaters, occasionally taking fruit and nuts as well. Some zoos have feeding stations for them, allowing you to walk among them with cups of simulated nectar, which they will swarm around. I think next time I go to one, I’m going to bring a pork chop instead.

What could lorikeets possibly want to do with meat? Why this sudden change in appetite? It’s likely that the meat contains essential vitamins and proteins which are beneficial to the parrots. However, perhaps it is just a matter of preference - in the yard in which this occurred, native flowering and fruiting trees were even more abundant than the meat scraps left out at the feeders. Even if this is an isolated case, I am curious to see what ornithologists make of it - continued observation of this bizarre instance is needed in order to better understand it.

I often like to think of parrots as the primates of the bird world in terms of their social behavior, feeding habits, and adaptability. And, just like chimpanzees, it seems that particular species have a fondness for something other than the usual fruit or nut. Just keep an eye out the next time Polly starts eyeing the family cat.

33 comments:

  1. Nice post. Thank you to provide us this useful information.
    terminator 3 leather jacket

    ReplyDelete
  2. Our the purpose is to share the reviews about the latest Jackets,Coats and Vests also shre the related Movies,Gaming, Casual,Faux Leather and Leather materials available Black Label Society Vest

    ReplyDelete
  3. I appreciate the author for this write-up. Information here is very crisp and to the point.
    I have bookmarked your blog for future references.
    dog pram

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is the best post I have ever seen. Very clear and simple. Mid-portion Is quite interesting though. Keep doing this. I will visit your site again. Jack Torrance Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  5. This was an extremely wonderful post. Thanks for providing this info. ranboo varsity jacket

    ReplyDelete
  6. I read blogs on a similar topic, but I never visited your blog. I added it to favorites and I’ll be your constant reader. Barley Lightfoot Vest

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a very nice blog and learned more knowledge to read this post thanks for sharing this informative post.
    https://ericemanuelshop.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this MillionMerch. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The information given in this blog is particularly surprising.shopstreetwears.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like your blog because it is so informative. I learned a lot from your post thank you.
    https://thrasherhoodies.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. love the content of this blog and the positive you have. Thanks!
    Best Collection

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your writing is very good, you also give good advice and are quite instructive. Black Label Society vest

    ReplyDelete
  13. GownsBIT is a good place to get all the information related to the niches of home décor, and photography also here you can read all the news and information related to the world of entertainment the website will help you in walking with what is in the latest trend
    More Visit :- videovor
    are you the one
    ranboo face
    applob

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thetechyinfo also brings important news to you which are happening around the world.
    Read more blog:-restoro review
    twitch ad block
    could not connect to steam network
    how to delete roblox account

    ReplyDelete
  15. New day lives is your platform, full of latest news updates, some DIYs, some creative ideas, and also home furnishings pop-ups for you.
    Read more blog:- .375 as a fraction
    .625 as a fraction
    52 kg to lbs
    what is mass market paperback

    ReplyDelete
  16. 23 premium games platform is the ultimate solution for you. We provide all types of tech-savvy articles, with educational information to our readers.
    Read more blog:- 110 kg to lbs
    20 km to miles
    50km to miles
    0.8 as a fraction

    ReplyDelete
  17. Chandu Travels now is a well-known brand in the bus operating industry. The vision of Chandu travels is to give a new perspective to the bus operating industry. The main motive of Chandu travels is the comfort of their passengers.
    Read more blog:- best honeymoon destination in india
    best places to visit in march
    largest desert in the world
    best place to visit in january

    ReplyDelete
  18. DD Freedish News gives all the latest news about DTH, Tech, Entertainment, and lifestyle. In the review section, you can find reviews of popular products.
    Read more blog:- Voice Changer For Discord
    Stretches For Lower Back Pain
    Most Expensive Pokemon Card
    Kegel Exercises For Men

    ReplyDelete
  19. Parrots are the colorful maestros of the avian world, spreading joy with their vibrant plumage and enchanting conversations. Learn more

    ReplyDelete
  20. How Long Does It Take to Pass a Kidney Stone
    The time it takes to pass a kidney stone can vary widely, from days to weeks. It depends on the stone's size, location, and the individual's hydration and health. Severe pain or complications may necessitate medical intervention.

    ReplyDelete
  21. How to Change Signature in Outlook
    Modifying your email signature in Outlook is straightforward. Access the "File" tab, go to "Options," select "Mail," and click on "Signatures." Here, you can create, edit, or update your email signature with your desired information and formatting.

    ReplyDelete
  22. How to Get Grease Out of Clothes
    Removing grease stains from clothes involves applying an absorbent material like cornstarch or baking soda to soak up excess grease. Pre-treat the stain with dish soap or a commercial stain remover, then launder the garment as usual.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Simple Easy Trippy Drawings
    Simple and easy trippy drawings can incorporate swirling patterns, bold colors, and abstract shapes. Let your imagination run wild, and create designs that appear visually stimulating or optically intriguing.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Women Tattoos Design
    Tattoos for women encompass a wide array of artistic choices. Popular designs include delicate floral tattoos, meaningful quotes, and intricate mandalas. The versatility of women's tattoo designs allows for creativity and self-expression.

    ReplyDelete
  25. How to Delete Spotify Account
    To delete your Spotify account, you'll need to access the Spotify website, navigate to the account settings, and follow the steps to permanently close your account. Be sure to cancel any premium subscriptions before deletion.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Does Creatine Make You Gain Weight
    Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders. While it may cause weight gain due to water retention in muscles, it's not fat gain. Creatine helps improve exercise performance and muscle growth when combined with physical activity.

    ReplyDelete
  27. How Long Does It Take for Doxycycline to Work for Bacterial Infection
    Doxycycline, an antibiotic, can begin to work within a few days to alleviate symptoms of bacterial infections. However, it's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better before finishing the medication.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Crackers are the perfect snack, versatile enough to pair with cheeses, spreads, or enjoy on their own. Just like a well-crafted cracker complements a meal, Heartland merch enhances your viewing experience of the show, allowing fans to savor their favorite moments while enjoying delicious snacks during a cozy binge-watching session.

    ReplyDelete
  29. For a laid-back, everyday look, you can pair the cargo pants with a basic T-shirt and sneakers. This combination is perfect for running errands, meeting friends, or simply lounging around. On the other hand, if you’re looking to elevate your outfit, you can pair them with a fitted jacket and high-top sneakers for a more polished streetwear look. minus two

    ReplyDelete
  30. I’d choose the Dragon Ball universe. Flying and superpowers sound great.
    https://leatherswear.us/

    ReplyDelete