May 29/2024

 

Different Types Of Sloths: Sloth Species List With Pictures & Facts

by Active Wild Admin

activewild.com

8/24/2023 

There are 6 species of sloths; divided between 2 families: Bradypodidae, the 3-toed sloths; & Choloepodidae, the 2-toed sloths.

There are 4 3-toed sloth species: the brown-throated sloth, maned sloth, pale-throated sloth, & pygmy 3-toed sloth.

There are 2 2-toed sloth species: Hoffmann's 2-toed sloth & Linnaeus's 2-toed sloth.

New Sloth Species?

A 7th sloth species, the southern maned sloth (Bradypus crinitus), a species of 3-toed sloth, was identified in a paper published in 2022. Previously, the maned sloth & southern maned sloth were considered to be a single species. The new species brings the total number of 3-toed sloth species to 5, & the total number of all sloth species to 7.

At the time of writing (August 2023), however, the southern maned sloth is yet to be included in either the Mammal Species of the World database or the Catalogue of Life, both of which were consulted in the writing of this article. 

All About Sloths

Sloths are slow-moving mammals native to the tropical rainforests of Central & South America. These unique creatures are known for their leisurely pace, spending most of their lives hanging upside-down from tree branches.

Sloths belong to the taxonomic families Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths) & Choloepodidae (2-toed sloths), both of which are part of the order Pilosa, which is also home to anteaters – the closest relatives of sloths in the animal kingdom. The 6 (or 7) species of sloth make up the suborder Folivora.

These tree-dwelling, rainforest animals have a distinct appearance, with long limbs, curved claws, & flat faces. Their bodies are adapted for a life spent in trees — their strong, curved claws allow them to securely grasp tree branches, & their slow metabolism helps conserve energy in their low-nutrient diet of leaves.

Sloths are solitary animals, generally coming together only for mating. Their slow movements make them vulnerable to predators, but their greenish-brown fur, which can host symbiotic algae, provides a form of camouflage, allowing them to blend in with the trees. The algae also offers sloths a supplementary source of nutrients.

Despite their seemingly laid-back demeanor, sloths play a vital role in their ecosystems. They serve as a mobile habitat for a range of insects & fungi & aid in spreading seeds through their fecal matter, promoting forest growth.

Differences Between 3-Toed Sloths Vs 2-Toed Sloths

Number of Toes: As their names suggest, 3-toed sloths have 3 toes on their forelimbs, while 2-toed sloths have only 2. (All sloths have 3 toes on their hind limbs.)

Families: 3-toed sloths belong to the family Bradypodidae, whereas 2-toed sloths are members of the family Choloepodidae.

Facial Features: 3-toed sloths typically have a more prominent 'mask' around their eyes compared to 2-toed sloths.

Diet: While both are primarily herbivores, 2-toed sloths have a more varied diet, occasionally consuming insects, small reptiles, 7 birds. 3-toed sloths are more strictly herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves.

Activity Pattern: 2-toed sloths are mainly nocturnal, while 3-toed sloths are mainly diurnal (active during the day), but may also be active at night.

Size & Appearance: 3-toed sloths are generally smaller & have a more rounded head & face & longer tails. 2-toed sloths have longer hair & a more elongated face, & their fore & hind limbs are more equal in length.

Movement: 2-toed sloths tend to move faster than 3-toed sloths.

Sloth Species List With Pictures & Facts

Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth

Scientific Name: Bradypus pygmaeus

Family: Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths)

Weight: Approximately 2.5-3.5 kg (5.5-7.7 lb)

Where Found: Exclusively on the Isla Escudo de Veraguas, off the coast of Panama

IUCN Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Smallest sloth species.

Exclusively found on the Isla Escudo de Veraguas.

Fur can host symbiotic algae, providing a greenish tint for camouflage.

The pygmy 3-toed sloth is the smallest sloth species. Its back is slightly spotted & (like that of other sloth species) often green in color due to algae living in its fur.

The species is found only on the Isla Escudo de Veraguas, a small island off the coast of Panama. Here it lives both in the forests of red mangrove trees & in the dense tropical rainforests of the island’s interior.

Due to its limited range, the pygmy 3-toed sloth is particularly vulnerable to threats, & its population is estimated to be less than 500.

Maned Sloth

Scientific Name: Bradypus torquatus

Family: Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths)

Weight: 4-4.5 kg (8.8-9.9 lb)

Where Found: Atlantic coastal rainforest in southeastern Brazil

IUCN Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Prominent mane of long black hair, especially visible on the back of males.

Found only in the Atlantic coastal rainforest of southeastern Brazil.

The Maned Sloth is a 3-toed sloth found exclusively in the Atlantic coastal rainforest of southeastern Brazil. It Is present in 3 Brazilian states: Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, & Bahia.

The species is distinguished by the mane of long black hair on its neck & shoulders, which is particularly prominent in males.

The lifespan of the maned sloth is known to exceed 12 years in the wild.

Pale-Throated Sloth

Scientific Name: Bradypus tridactylus

Family: Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths)

Weight: Approximately 3.5-4.5 kg (7.7-9.9 lb)

Where Found: Northern South America, including parts of Guyana, Brazil, & Venezuela

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Distinct pale face & throat with a darker "mask" around the eyes.

Primarily dwells in the upper canopy of tropical rainforests.

The pale-throated sloth is a species of 3-toed sloth found in the tropical forests of northern South America. It is present in areas of Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Brazil, & Venezuela. It is not found south of the Amazon River.

As its name suggests, the pale-throated sloth is characterized by a pale face & throat, contrasting with a darker "mask" around its eyes. Individuals of both sexes are dark grey with darker patches; males can be identified by an orange or yellow patch on the back, which is divided by a black stripe.

Brown-Throated Sloth

Scientific Name: Bradypus variegatus

Family: Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths)

Weight: Approximately 4-4.6 kg (8.8-10.1 lb)

Where Found: Ranges from Honduras in Central America to northern Argentina in South America

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Recognizable brown-colored throat.

Most widespread and adaptable of the 3-toed sloths.

Fur coloration can vary significantly based on location & age.

The brown-throated 3-toed sloth is the most widespread & common species of 3-toed sloth, inhabiting a range that spans from Honduras in Central America to northern Argentina in South America.

As indicated by its name, the brown-throated 3-toed sloth has a brown-colored throat, with fur that can vary in shade from gray to brown based on location & age.

Although rated as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, the brown-throated 3-toed sloth’s population is thought to be decreasing, with threats including deforestation & hunting by local people.

Southern Maned Sloth

Scientific Name: Bradypus crinitus

Family: Bradypodidae

Weight: Approximately 4-4.5 kg (8.8-9.9 lb)

Where Found: Atlantic coastal rainforest in southeastern Brazil, particularly in the states of Espírito Santo & Rio de Janeiro.

IUCN Conservation Status: Uncategorized

Only recently identified as a separate species to the maned sloth

Head resembles a coconut!

The southern maned sloth was first discovered in 1850 by English zoologist John Edward Gray, although the species was not recognized by the wider scientific community, who considered it to be a maned sloth.

A recent paper  proposes that the southern maned sloth should be treated as a separate species on the basis of DNA analysis & field observations.

The southern maned sloth has a flatter skull, more rounded jaw & wider cheekbones than its northern cousin. Its head is described as resembling a “coconut”.

The species is found in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, & is present in the states of Espírito Santo & Rio de Janeiro.

Linnaeus's 2-Toed Sloth

Family: Choloepodidae (2-toed sloths)

Weight: Approximately 4-6 kg (8.8-13.2 lb)

Where Found: Throughout the Amazon Basin in northern South America

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Nocturnal in nature.

More varied diet than 3-toed counterparts, including fruits & occasionally small prey.

Linnaeus’ 2-toed sloth is found in South American rainforests north of the Amazon River. It is also known as “Linné's 2-toed Sloth”. The species has an elongated face & long shaggy, pale brown fur.

This nocturnal sloth species has a diet more varied than that of 3-toed sloths; as well as leaves, it also eats a variety of other plant material such as shoots & fruit, & will also prey on small vertebrates.

Hoffmann's 2-Toed Sloth

Scientific Name: Choloepus hoffmanni

Family: Choloepodidae (2-toed sloths)

Weight: 4-5 kg (8.8-11 lb)

Where Found: Range spans from Nicaragua in Central America down to Peru & Brazil in South America

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Similar appearance to Linnaeus's 2-toed sloth but with slight differences in distribution & habitat preferences.

Primarily nocturnal.

Can be found in various habitats, including rainforests, cloud forests, & mangroves.

Hoffmann's 2-toed sloth is a nocturnal sloth species found in the canopies of Central & South American rainforests. Characterized by its 2 claws on each forelimb, long shaggy fur, & an elongated face, this species is among the largest of the extant sloths.

Adaptable to different habitats, Hoffmann's 2-toed sloth can be found in rainforests, cloud forests, & even dry forests. Its diet is varied, including leaves, fruits, & occasionally small prey.

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May 22/2024

19 of the Healthiest Dog Breeds

By Emily Sanders

5/31/2023

A healthy dog is a happy dog. And while there’s no guarantee that any dog will be free from illness their whole life, there are dog breeds that face fewer health problems overall.

The healthiest dog breeds have a long lifespan & are less susceptible to getting sick. This, when coupled with maintaining an appropriate weight & keeping up with exercise, means pet parents can ensure their dogs have the best life possible.

How to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Just like us, dogs’ lifestyles play a part in keeping them healthy. As pet parents, we can do several things to prolong the lives of our beloved pups.

Exercise

Exercise plays an important part in preventative care for dogs. It’s never too late to start your pup on an exercise routine, & doing so will give her long-term benefits. Exercise is a great way to combat obesity & allows your dog to ease into her senior years without the added stress extra weight puts on her body.

Diet

Pet parents should also be mindful of what they’re feeding their dogs. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a balanced diet must have 6 nutrients: water, carbohydrates (including fiber), vitamins, minerals, fat, & protein. You should also check the label to make sure you’re giving her an appropriate amount to eat.

Vet Care

Routine veterinary checkups benefit all animals, even a dog with few health issues. Annual checkups mean vets can catch the start of any hereditary diseases—or even prevent them altogether.

Healthiest Dog Breeds

1. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the healthiest dogs out there. Known for their intelligence, work ethic, & stamina, these dogs are a typically resilient breed that doesn’t face many health issues. Just as their name implies, they’ve been bred to herd animals & need plenty of exercise to stay in top shape.

2. Australian Shepherd

Smart, loyal, & energetic, Australian Shepherds enjoy keeping active, & need physical & mental stimulation throughout their lives. These dogs especially enjoy advanced obedience training & excel in herding jobs. As a breed, they can be prone to certain diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, & some eye diseases. Nevertheless, they are generally healthy dogs.

3. Chihuahua

Despite a tendency to forget how small they are, Chihuahuas are among the breeds with the longest lifespans. These loyal & energetic dogs pack a big personality & plenty of smarts. Since Chis—as they’re sometimes called—are prone to obesity, pet parents should be careful to give them lots of exercise, even if it’s just playing fetch in the living room.

4. Beagle

Beagles are motivated by food & follow their noses everywhere—even into trouble. As pets, they are loving & affectionate. These dogs benefit from scent training & a controlled diet, since their insatiable appetites mean they will easily overeat given the chance.

5. Greyhound

The Greyhound is unique among hounds because it’s a sight hunter, meaning the breed relies on speed & agility to hunt prey. As sight hunters, they might not make good pets in homes with smaller pets, such as cats or rabbits, without proper training & introductions.

With their high energy levels & strong prey drive, Greyhounds need regular exercise. However, once they get their zoomies out, they can become cuddly couch potatoes.

6. Poodle

Poodles—whether the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle, or the Toy Poodle—make wonderful pets. Smart, loyal, & easy to train, these dogs tend to get along with other animals & people alike. Poodles enjoy swimming & learning new tricks, & they tend to face only minor health issues as they age.

7. Havanese

The only dog breed native to Cuba, the Havanese has a long lifespan of 14–16 years. This affectionate small breed loves his pet parents & is easy to train due to his exceptional smarts. However, the breed can face a few medical conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy, & patellar luxation.

8. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers are prized as hunting dogs because of their speed & stamina. GSPs boast high energy levels & need lots of exercise, as well as physical & mental stimulation, to stay healthy, & out of trouble. These dogs can be predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, & bloat.

9. Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs love being around their pet parents. Generally, these gentle giants are well-behaved & affectionate, & they do especially well in households with kids. This healthy dog breed is not prone to many ailments & has an average lifespan of 10–12 years.

10. Basenji

Typically an independent & energetic dog, Basenjis are sometimes described as catlike because of their aloof personalities & attentiveness to personal hygiene. Basenjis need plenty of mental & physical stimulation to satisfy their active minds & keep them out of trouble. This breed may be genetically predisposed to Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disease.

11. Shiba Inu

More than just a meme, Shiba Inus are small dogs with strong personalities. These dogs are known for being willful & for their classic “Shiba scream.” Their high intelligence makes them active & alert dogs that can become anxious if not given sufficient exercise. Though healthy, Shibas can develop arthritis in their old age. 

12. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is an elegant dog that is deeply devoted to her pet parents. The breed has 2 varieties: hairless & powderpuff. Both kinds need special attention to keep their long fur (hairless Cresteds still have fine white fur on some parts of their body) well-groomed, but the hairless variety also needs sweaters to keep warm when out in the cold.

13. Border Collie 

Bred as herding dogs, Border Collies are brimming with energy & need regular exercise. They enjoy having a job that provides both physical & mental stimulation—after all, they are one of the smartest dog breeds. Border Collies are hardy dogs but are also predisposed to some genetic diseases, such as Collie eye anomaly.

14. Whippet

Sleek & speedy, Whippets are capable of reaching speeds of 35 miles per hour. These easygoing dogs love chasing toys (& neighborhood squirrels), but their thin coats mean they can get cold easily. Whippets can be genetically predisposed to deafness, so pet parents should take them to their vet for regular checkups.  

15. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are working dogs that aren’t afraid to use their voices & speak their minds. These dogs are usually friendly & intelligent, but they can also be very strong-willed. They need plenty of exercise & mental stimulation to stay healthy & happy. Huskies may be prone to cataracts, even as puppies.

16. Anatolian Shepherd

Bred as guardians, Anatolian Shepherds are giant-breed dogs that have calm demeanors. They are always on alert, however, because of their breeding history. Anatolian Shepherds tend to be independent & need outdoor exercise to release pent-up energy.

17. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise has lots of energy, but he doesn’t need prolonged time exercising outdoors due to his small size. Playful & affectionate by nature, Bichons tend to have long lifespans averaging 14–15 years. However, this breed is prone to developing diabetes mellitus, a condition that affects dogs’ abilities to regulate their blood sugar levels.

18. Belgian Malinois 

Belgian Malinois are highly energetic dogs that serve as great companions for pet parents who enjoy outdoor activities, whether that’s cycling or hiking. Their intelligence also makes them wonderful working dogs, & they have been trained for jobs including herding & drug detection. The breed is hardy & healthy, though predisposed to cataracts.

19. American Foxhound

As the name implies, the American Foxhound was bred to hunt foxes. These energetic dogs love being outdoors & are usually devoted to their pet parents. At the same time, they do well indoors & can get along well with other pets. With a lifespan of 11–13 years, they are not genetically prone to many illnesses.

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May 15/2024

 

Cassius, the world's largest captive crocodile, could be even bigger than we thought

By Sascha Pare  

livescience.com

8/14/ 2023

Cassius, the largest living crocodile in captivity, could be even bigger than previously thought.

The saltwater crocodile — who is thought to be 120 years old — entered the record books in 2011, when he measured nearly 18 feet (5.48 meters) long. But his keepers haven't measured him since, meaning Cassius may have grown even bigger since then.

"It's very possible Cassius may have grown bigger since 2011, however we have not attempted to remeasure him," Toody Scott, who looks after Cassius at Marineland Crocodile Park in Australia, told Guinness World Records. "We may attempt this in the near future to provide some insight into growth rates of large crocodiles or of course if his record was being challenged."

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) can grow up to 23 feet (7 m) long, with another record holder — a 50-year-old, captive animal in the Philippines named Lolong — measuring more than 20 feet (6.17 m). Lolong was captured in 2012 & briefly replaced Cassius as record-holder, but the crocodile died one year later after flipping over with a bloated stomach & Cassius was reinstated as the world's largest captive croc.

Despite having likely lived more than twice as long, Cassius probably won't catch up with his predecessor. "As crocodiles get larger than 5 m [16.4 feet], growth rates seem to slow to as little as 1 cm [0.4 inch a year] & in many instances the crocodile may stop growing," Scott said.

But Cassius might also be missing a few inches as a result of injuries he sustained in the wild. When researchers captured him in 1984, the gigantic croc had been fighting other crocodiles over territory & attacking boat engines, resulting in him losing bits of his snout & tail. These missing body parts were not factored into his 2011 measurements & could have added an extra 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) to his length, according to Guinness World Records.

Based on the size of crocodiles that have lived in the Marineland park since birth, Cassius' keepers estimate the colossal croc was born in 1903. This year therefore marks the saltwater giant's 120th birthday, & his keepers say Cassius may have "years to come."

"Becoming a Guinness World Record holder certainly shot Cassius to 'croc-stardom,'" Scott said.

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May 8/2024

 

Top 10 Talking Birds

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP 

8/9/2023

petmd.com

You may be thinking it’s time to adopt a new family pet & you’ve considered the traditional dogs, cats, guinea pigs, but nothing seems quite right for your lifestyle. But have you considered a bird? For the right situation, birds can be an amazing social addition to the household.

Living with a bird is as much responsibility as a dog; they need daily care & cleaning, playtime, socialization, training, & sometimes expensive medical care. However, some species can be very entertaining talkers given plenty of time, attention, & training.

Keep in mind, that birds are individuals, & some from a “talkative” species may never choose to speak, & another non-talkative bird may learn to talk up a storm. Read on to learn about talking birds & what to expect.

Best Birds That Talk

Budgerigar

Also known as the budgie or parakeet, this small bird might be petite, but he is mighty. With an average lifespan of 5–8 years, they are intelligent birds that are extremely social & enjoy spending time with their human families. Budgies are only 6–8 inches long, & weigh about an ounce, but hold world records for the largest bird vocabularies. They can learn long & short phrases & can even learn to sing.

Budgies aren’t as loud as some of the other talkative birds. Although they need & enjoy out-of-cage time, they can also be content in a large cage while the family is at work during the day; leaving on a television helps to expose them to an ever-growing vocabulary.

Budgie voices can seem slightly garbled & gravelly, but their exuberance & wide variety of words & phrases can make up for this. For your budgie to maximize their skills, look for a very young bird at a rescue or find a reputable breeder locally that hand raises their birds.

Cockatiel

Cockatiels are popular pets & with very good reason—they are generally gentle, social, & easy to care for. They love to be held & snuggled, & enjoy the company of their humans. With consistent socialization & training, they can become quite talkative, learning as much as 250 words & phrases, even whistling songs.

If you are looking for a talking bird, however (as opposed to one that chirps & whistles), you will want a male cockatiel. Female cockatiels generally do not learn speech as well as males. Cockatiels are larger than budgies, coming in at 12–14 inches & weighing 2.5–4 ounces, but also live longer with an average lifespan of 10–14 years. Cockatiels are excellent beginner birds & will reward their families with years of social companionship.

Quaker Parakeet

Quaker parakeets, also known as monk parakeets, are relatively easy birds to keep & are considered excellent beginner birds. However, be sure to check your local regulations, as they are not legal in all areas.

Quakers are small (11–12 inches, 3–5 ounces), gentle birds who are exceptionally fast learners. Because they pick up on human speech quickly, they are easier to teach & train for someone that is new to working with birds. Although they don’t have as wide of a vocabulary as budgies, quaker voices are a clearer, making them easier to understand. They can still learn 50 or more words & phrases & will even mimic other sounds in the household (like barking dogs). Both younger & older birds will likely catch on quickly to the household conversations. Repeating phrases you would like them to learn will only speed the process.

Quakers are a bit louder than budgies but are social & enjoy being around people. Overall, they are excellent beginner birds. And to top off all these wonderful characteristics—they have a life expectancy of up to 30 years.

Ring-necked Parakeet

Ring-necked parakeets, also known as Indian Ringnecks, are slightly larger birds than the prior birds on this list, coming in at 14–17 inches & 5 ounces. Their specialty is the fact they are capable of learning longer phrases, in addition to individual words. Ring-necked parakeets can repeat full sentences & can mimic many sounds they hear. The tone of their voice is also quite clear & understandable, making them fun to train & communicate with.

In some cultures, ring-necked parakeets are revered as sacred animals because of their ability to learn—& mimic—daily prayers they overhear. Because they enjoy learning longer phrases, more repetition is needed. After all, they do need to make sure everything is said clearly & in the correct order! This characteristic does make ring-necked parakeets a little more difficult to train.

They can also be somewhat stubborn, making them an “advanced” beginner bird, & probably not the ideal first bird. They are also noisy birds & will produce significant noise throughout the day, which eliminates them from consideration in apartment buildings & from anyone without a reasonably high noise tolerance.

Eclectus

The eclectus parrot is a medium sized bird at 17–20 inches long & weighing 13–19 ounces. They are considered gentle but do require a moderate amount of care in addition to socialization & are not an ideal “beginner” bird. However, eclectus parrots are a good bridge for an intermediate bird owner before jumping into the “advanced” species.

Males are often slightly easier to train, but both sexes need significant amounts of interaction & out-of-cage time. Over time, these birds often learn a variety of words & phrases, & they are not as noisy as other birds in the parrot family.

Yellow-naped Amazon

Although many of the birds in the Amazon group are considered good talkers, the yellow-naped Amazon is considered the best talker. They can have enormous vocabularies, & are capable of stringing together coherent sentences. They are able to understand the context, tempo, & tone, almost as if they were part of the conversation all along.

Yellow-naped Amazons are fairly large birds at 15–27 inches & 16–23 ounces, & can live to be 80 years old. These birds are extraordinarily intelligent, social, & are great communicators & singers with a clear & pleasant voice.

However, they are not for the faint of heart. Amazons in general can be very moody & change from pleasant to biting quickly. A strong knowledge of parrot body language can help avoid many painful bites, particularly from males during breeding season. This “attitude” is generally something that cannot be adjusted with training, making the Amazon a wonderful talker for more advanced bird owners.

Cockatoo

Cockatoos are beautiful birds that are social & affectionate, almost to a fault. These birds can be described as clingy (or needy) & require hours of social time per day. They can be quite noisy, especially when they aren’t getting what they want.

Cockatoos do not rank high in terms of talking or mimicking, but often pick up some words & phrases, particularly if it helps them to get attention. Cockatoos are birds that are best for owners with the time, space, & energy to share their lives 24/7. They are not ideal for beginner bird parents.. However, when it comes to social interaction, they are almost unparalleled in the amount of time they can/want to spend with their human companion.

Macaw

Everything about a macaw is big, from their large size to their enormous personality. However, they are a force to be reckoned with; without good, consistent training, macaws expect to be given everything that they want. However, they can develop a reasonable vocabulary, as well as an array of squawks, whistles, & mimics.

Macaws require a significant amount of training & will sometimes develop “habits” like lunging toward people with their massive beak—a common macaw “game” & not usually a sign of aggression. Macaw owners need to have a large amount of time to devote to socialization & training. They also need to tolerate lots of bird noise & a moderate amount of habitat destruction as those large beaks will chew everything in reach. Wonderful, bonded personalities can make up for the smaller vocabulary & loud noises for the dedicated & advanced bird owner.

Myna Bird

These little birds are social, intelligent, & eager to show off a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, screeches, & words. Myna birds are can learn up to 100 different words & short phrases, along with a myriad of other sounds. They love their human companions, but are not particularly fond of being cuddled, or learning tricks—they are much more independent.

Mynas generally adjust well to being caged, & their diet is heavily fruit based, which means that the poop is soft, runny, & fairly smelly. This means that care & feeding is more intensive than many other birds. Rather, the myna requires a specially prepared, heavily fruit laden diet. For owners able to put in the work & maintenance required by these special birds, the reward is up to 25 years of companionship.

African Grey

The African grey parrot ranks number one in the list of most intelligent talking parrots. They can learn up to 1,000 words or more & are considered to have the intelligence of a 2–3-year-old toddler. African greys can mimic sounds; however, these birds also get themselves into a lot of trouble with their intelligence. They often find places in the house to destroy & other ways of creating chaos. They can also be very moody & can deliver extremely painful bites.

African greys are good pets only for people with extensive bird experience, plenty of patience, & ample time to socialize & train their new pets. For this reason, they commonly change hands; a 10-year-old bird may have already seen 6–7 homes, which is ultimately unfair to the bird. Those that are willing to work with the African grey “attitude” may be rewarded with up to 80 years of comical mimicry, commentary, & entertainment.

Considerations Before Finding a New Bird Pet

Adopting a bird is a long-term, life changing event with responsibilities that rival adopting a new dog. But the rewards include years of social interaction—whether your individual bird turns out to be a talker or not. Every species has unique advantages & disadvantages—some adapt well to cage life & some won’t, some need special diets while others can eat pelleted bird foods.

Many in the parrot grouping specialize in ear-splitting calls & noises that can drive your neighbors crazy, while others settle for a quieter, conversational tone. Be sure to research the temperament of any species you are considering adopting, as well as information on the individual you are looking to keep. This ensures many happy years with your new feathered companion.

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