WHITE CAPPED PIONUS

 

White Capped Pionus,the White crowned Pionus, also known as the White-capped Pionus or White-capped Parrot, is a popular pet and relatively common in captivity. They are a delight to own! Once they are established they make a very docile parrot that is calm and undemanding. They are very sweet and affectionate.

These intelligent and curious little birds do have a somewhat stronger personality than most other Pionus species, but with good attention they can make fabulous family pets! They are quick to learn and can be taught a variety of tricks. Although they are rather quiet and shy they do have some talking ability.

They are generally green with a paler and more yellowish green on the underside. True to their name, they have a white cap on their forehead as well as a white patch under their chin and throat. The rest of the head is blue and the breast has olive-brown feathers edged with darker purplish-blues, gradually turning green across the abdomen. They sport a variety of colors on the tops of the wings from golden browns, violet-blues, blues, to greens and the underwing is a bluish green moving to a dull green. The beak is a horn color, the eye is dark brown to orangish circled by a light pinkish-white eye ring, and they have pink legs.
Juveniles are paler in color, have much less white on the cap, and very little or no blue on the head.

 

Care and feeding White Capped Pionus

 

A Pionus diet consisting of a good parrot mix which includes formulated foods, a variety of seeds, and dried fruits is generally regarded as a suitable base to provide nutrition and variety. Along with this, provide a daily supplement of fresh fruits and vegetables.
They are active by nature and can become overweight if confined. Like the Amazon Parrots they require a low fat diet. Good Pionus bird care starts with providing a good diet.A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend a good deal of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. They do enjoy showering.
They eat a variety of seeds, fruits, berries, and green stuffs. Including a formulated diet would also be beneficial.

Bird Food:
Foods available for Pionus parrots include formulated diets, either pelleted or extruded, seed only diets, and parrot mixes which offer a mixture of both. There are pros and cons to feeding only a formulated diet as well as feeding only a seed diet.

 

Social Behaviors

 

Pionus parrots are generally peaceful and not particularly loud. A nice Pionus trait is that they are usually a calm bird though some can be a bit more nervous. Usually this is only when first introduced to a new environment and passes as they become more confident. There is some thought that the females are more gentle than the males.
They are very social birds and are often considered the most ideal parrot to have as a pet, particularly when children are involved. They have good steady personalities and are loyal. A favorite Pionus parrot trait is that they rarely bite. They can also do well with other pets if they get used to and accept each other. However be very careful to monitor all groupings with animals and with children to prevent any unexpected accidents.

Temperament and Personality

Although shy natured, they are intelligent and curious birds. If hand raised, they can become an excellent companion. Adult birds, particularly males become attached to their handler and may become aggressive if anyone comes near the handler including their family members.