A small bell was attached to the middle tail feather to monitor their movements initially. Some birds quickly removed this interference, but all were eventually lost at the bird’s first major moult, by which time all would be independent. Hopper- style feeders (to which the birds had become accustomed while in their flights) were mounted on posts around the site to ensure that all individuals would continue to receive adequate nutrition. Anne then went on to show the natural rain-forest habitat of these birds, with photographs of released individuals. She described how these methods had increased the population of free-living Echo Parakeets to 120+ breeding pairs at the last count. Anne’s colleague Gareth Evans then took


the stage to describe a recent survey on the Ecuador Amazon Parrot (Amazona autumnalis lilacina). This study followed DNA research carried out by Chester Zoo’s Director General Dr Mark Pilgrim, who was interested in the relationships between the various species and possible sub- species of this group of Amazon parrots. After 10 years of dedicated study, Dr Pilgrim was able to confirm that this parrot should be listed as a distinct species, and it was immediately classified as endangered by IUCN. The Ecuador Amazon is found just in a small area of dry forest habitat in southwest Ecuador, known as Cerra Blanco. The parrots roost in nearby mangrove trees, so the survey team staked out these roost sites in the


12 BIRD SCENE


early mornings and late afternoons, to observe and count the birds flying to and from their roost sites. Birds counted ranged from 40 to 140, mostly in pairs or threes. Allowing for the fact that some may have been nesting, a maximum number for the area surveyed was estimated at less that 200, so a truly endangered population. Trees were surveyed for possible nest holes in the area, and a follow-up survey is planned for early 2017. Gareth went on to describe Chester Zoo’s attempts at breeding Amazona lilacina since the arrival of the first individuals in 1983. None were bred until 1996, following a change in nest box design. In the following year Mark Pilgrim set up a studbook for the species, and the Zoo acquired several individuals from various sources and gathered them together in a communal aviary. The parrots then selected their chosen partners, and these bonded pairs were set up in breeding situations at the Zoo or with other agencies. This technique led to a rapid increase in breeding success. Gareth continued by describing the current breeding aviary for these parrots at the Zoo, and we were able to see these for ourselves on the following morning’s guided tour. They are not highly destructive parrot species, so flights can be planted out to mimic their natural habitat more closely than is possible with many other psittacine birds in captivity. The breeding cycle and feeding regime


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