About the papageiamadinen the southwest pacific islands r neff (1)

About the Papageiamadinen the southwest Pacific islands With special consideration of the Samoan Papageiamadine Amblynura cyaneovirens RĂźdiger Neff, Fichtenberg / D

This report was first published in the journal "Feathered World" in the stitching 10 + 11 1995 (119.Jahrgang). We thank for their kind permission to reproduce

content 1. Introduction to the problem 2. Hypothetical Considerations colonization of the southwest Pacific islands 3. Experience with the Samoan Papageiamadine Amblynura cyaneovirens 3.1. Distribution and importation 3.2. Appearance and lifestyle 3.3. vocalizations 3.4. Accommodation and food 3.5. moult 3.6. breed 4. Comparison 4.1. Community attitude with Peale Papageiamadine 4.2. diet Comparison 4.3. behavior comparison 4.4. appearance Comparison 4.5. singing comparison 4.6. Young Bird Rates 4.7. geographical Comparison 5. Conclusion 6. References

1. Introduction to the problem

Males the Samoan Papageiamadine, Amblynura cyaneovirens Photo: RĂźdiger Neff

Within the family of finches (Estrildidae) the Papageiamadinen form a well-defined group. Due to morphological, ethological and ecological features, the membership of the individual species for this type of finch is easily erkennlich also for the less experienced observer.

The Papageiamadine was a long time in a genre "Erythrura" out.More detailed studies in the last three decades have then found that a further division can be made into two large groups.

1.

The Malayan Papageiamadinen with the genera and species Reichenowia hyperythra and Erythrura prasina and Erythrura viridifacies.

2.

The Melanesian Papageiamadinen with the blue-headed representatives Amblynura tricolor, A. papuana, A. coloria, A. trichroa and the red-headed types Amblynura regia, A. cyaneovirens, A. prasina and A. psittacea. Amblynura kleinschmidti falls somewhat out of this context.But we still know very little about this type.

The first group shows many original features, such. As in courtship behavior and the structure of vocalizations. By contrast, the Melanesian Papageiamadinen have developed some special features, which should be mentioned in the family of finches, especially the sexually motivated hunting flight than once.

Among the most interesting representatives of melanesichen Papageiamadinen undoubtedly include the redheaded types of SW Pacific Islands. Especially for the evolutionary biologist and taxonomist fine are these isolated populations rewarding study objects, because it can be shown particularly well as change in the various habitats characteristic complexes and can differentiate.

From Amblynura psittacea, A. prasina and A. regia many findings could be collected by the attitude in aviaries. On the other hand are of Amblynura cyaneovirens, the Samoan Papageiamadine, no record of keeping or breeding in captivity before, and also about the behavior in the distribution area, we are only slightly informed.

2. Hypothetical Considerations colonization of the southwest Pacific islands

Dissemination redheaded Papageiamadinen on the islands of the southwest Pacific Ocean Graphics: W.Rasim

When viewing a topographic map of the Pacific islands, you will inevitably face the question of how it was possible that ever could take place a settlement with finches in the long distances and where the origin of the species living today were. is hard to imagine that the ancestors of Papageiamadinen "voluntarily" encouraging eighth to fly over the vast ocean surface. Between Vanuatu and Fiji are about 1,000 km of water surface, the same distance between Fiji and Samoa. Of the various attempts at explanation to understand the colonization of today so far apart islands, is the following hypothesis most probable: during the Ice Age, the sea level was much lower, and large amounts of water bound as ice. Many today below the sea level ridge jutted out of the ocean and were important milestones of colonization. So could some species, most probably passive, be drifted by strong storms to remote archipelagos. After the Ice Age and the rise in sea levels sank back many islands completely, others only the highest elevations are left. By now incipient isolation of small populations, many endemic species could develop, which is a striking characteristic of the whole Fiji region. By contrast, there is a remarkable species in poverty Verleich to the shores closer situated Islands.

While you move the settlement process on very dangerous paths we know through comparative studies of morphological and ethological characteristic complexes on the origin of Papageiamadinen the southwest Pacific islands much more. Even today, the largest contiguous habitat of the giant Papageiamadinen island of New Guinea with the two blue-headed types Amblynura trichroa, the tri-color and Papageiamadine A. papuana, the Papua Papageiamadine. From that center more habitats were opened, and all living today Amblynura species can be derived from this form of circle. Here in the west, the island of Timor was achieved (A. tricolor), in northeastern Mindanao (A. coloria) and Australia, New Britain and the Solomon Islands, the southwest Pacific islands were colonized by the immigration priorities Vanuatu (A. regia and A. trichroa) and Caledonia (A. psittacea).

Often the redheaded Papageiamadine (A. psittacea) is considered the most original representation or output form the other red-headed species considered. However, there is more reason to A. psittacea seen as side branch of an ancestor from which the other red-headed types have emerged.

The emergence of the red head color was certainly no single and unique mutation process, but went stepwise or gradually happening. In this first thought to have occurred between the blue head feathers single red feathers, and later in a red top plate was formed.

Samoan Papageiamadine, adult male Photo: RĂźdiger Neff

When choosing a partner of females males were red preferably with the signal color, resulting in a "hereditary consolidating" the red head plumage. The more red, the greater the chance in reproduction to play out. An important note, which is the origin of royal, Peales- and Samoan Papageiamadine from blue-headed ancestors, is the more or less pronounced blue coloration head of young birds. Often there are already red feathers in this area, or is it, as in the Samoan Papageiamadine, a red head plate available. When Peale-Papageiamadine females were found with blue head feathers in adult birds both in freedom as in bred in aviaries. This "return" to a previous evolutionary stage called atavism, and it is further evidence of the earlier BlaukĂśpfigkeit.

3. Experience with the Samoan Papageiamadine Amblynura cyaneovirens Old German name "Kurzschwanzpapageiamadine"

3.1. Distribution and importation The dissemination Samoapapageiamadine is limited to the two Samoa Upolu and Savaii. Held by my birds are all from the island of Upolu. First conjecture that the different expression mainly green and turquoise to cobalt blue plumage color, leaves at a different age of the animals close, have not been confirmed. Samoan Papageiamadinen are much larger and differently colored than the frequently held here in aviaries and cages Peale-Papageiamadinen (Amblynura prasina). In all previous offspring of "Kurzschwanzpapageiamadinen" investigations have revealed that they were the Peale-Papageiamadine and this intentionally or out of ignorance than Samoa (short-tailed) were issued Papageiamadinen. Notes on a demonstrable Import I have only ninety (1921) 1) found. Then Dicker received from Halle 1910-1914 several birds. The exact description plumage by Ninety is a sure proof that it was the Samoan and not the Peale-Papageiamadine. Before the First World War a part of Samoa was a German colony, and an import from there is therefore not unlikely.About entertainment experiences or an offspring I could find no information in the literature. Recently, Mayer (1994) 2) deals in detail with the date of first introduction of the Samoan and Peale-Papageiamadinen.

3.2. Appearance and lifestyle A first complete description of the plumage color I could at Brehm (1872) 3) , see. The Papageiamadinen were then called parakeets finches and under number 424 of the stubby tail was (Amblynura cyan (e) ovirens) that Samoan Papageiamadine described. Here (Polynesia Ornith posts..) Is on releases of Finsch and Hartlaub reference: "Size of field sparrow; Top and back of the head, together with the head sides dark scarlet, rear neck, sides of neck, chin, throat and upper breast blue, other parts green with weak bluish tinge, upper tail-coverts, the two central feathers and AuĂ&#x;ensäume the remaining dark brown tail feathers darkly scarlet; Swing dark brown, outside lined teal. Iris brown, bill and feet black. " As far as the details of Brehm. From this basic description, there are significant variations within a population. The whole is even more confusing by the fact that many authors (eg. B. Watling (1982) 4) or Pratt (1989) 5) continue to follow the schedule of Mayer and Samoa, royal and Peale-Papageiamadine a kind sum up. The Peale-Papageiamadine is not recognized as an independent style with the strange grounds that there are not enough series material thereof. This leads to inaccurate and overlapping descriptions. Watling 6) speaks z. B. by a large variation of plumage, both individually and seasonally.

My now than four years of observations clearly show that from a seasonal plumage dress can not be spoken.If the individuals have even invested their adult plumage (aged 12 to 15 months), it will remain forever in this plumage coloration and color distribution. Individually hand there are strong variations even with Nest siblings. While the red head color with all males the same extent and intensity of color, has soft in the green or blue plumage almost all specimens from one another. I have a male that is very green on the back and in which only a narrow, turquoise blue line in the neck after the red head is present. There are also in the intensity of turquoise color differences, especially in the chest and stomach. With superb copies almost all small plumage is very dark cobalt blue.

Clearly visible is the sharp demarcation of the red head color in the neck in the male (left), during a shingled transition is present in the female (right).

Photo: RĂźdiger Neff

The amounts colored females are easily distinguished by the males. The red of the head is less extensive, and the turquoise color is paler. A sure sign to distinguish the sexes, however, that the red in the neck is not sharply defined for turquoise neck as in the males, but there will be a gradual transition, so this part looks like shingled.

Head portrait young male bird Photo: RĂźdiger Neff

Head portrait Young Bird females Photo: RĂźdiger Neff

Young birds have a yolk yellow bill with a dark tip. The small plumage is green to dull green and is especially on the throat and chest, but also the entire head area and partly on the back bluish coated to turquoise blue. Strikingly, however, is a more or less pronounced dirty to dark red headstock. In male chicks this is further extended and intense, and cheeks red feather can already are. Also throat and chest are more turquoise than in the females, so that after leaving the nest, the gender can be determined.Strange is that in the recent literature, the red headstock is nowhere mentioned. By contrast have Finsch and Hartlaub (quoted by Brehm 1872) made the following statement in the description of the young bird: "Young birds gloomy bluish green to the front and top of the head dull scarlet, beak orange yellow with more or less extensive, dark top part". Otherwise I could not find the picture of a young bird with red head plate only at Pratt (1987).

Samoan Papageiamadinen prefer a more open landscape, mainly forest clearings or cultural landscapes such as pastures, interspersed with secondary forest or large individual trees. Verbuschte areas with abundant grass and herbage vegetation are main habitats.Unlike Peale-Papageiamadine on Fiji the following human settlements is still very low, and very rarely this species can be found in the front yards of the natives or in parks.

The foraging in pairs or in groups of 30 to 50 birds. The food spectrum is very extensive. From the bottom fallen seeds of grasses and herbs are added, and in the bushes and trees seed pods and fruits are harvested. Preferred hangouts are some fig trees, where the ripe fig fruits, the seeds and the pulp are included. Animalistic food such as small caterpillars to account for up to 1/3 of the total diet.

Papua Papageiamadine (males) Photo: Rüdiger Neff

Tricolour Papageiamadine subspecies sigillifera (females) Photo: Rüdiger Neff

The Samoan Papageiamadine is well adapted to the new environmental conditions and opened up a new supply of food in a short time.Therefore, one can no longer (or never could) speak of a fig specialists. Only in remote, semi-natural forests of prickly seed content should be relatively high. The of Zisweiler 7) made mainly due to morphological and histological examinations statements that Papua Papageiamadine, the tri-color Papageiamadine subspecies Sigillifera (Neff, 1971 8) and 1972, 9) ), which Samoa and Königspapageiamadine are highly specialized fig seed predation, must nevertheless be put into perspective.So far this extreme dietary specialization could be confirmed only in Königspapageiamadine of Vanuatu.Pratt called the Samoan Papageiamadine in their area of distribution as a rare Ziswiler contrast endangered as often and in any way. Unlike Königspapageiamadine the future looks much more favorable, so that in spite of further development of the islands a good chance of survival.

3.3. vocalizations Most vocalisations Melanesian Papageiamadinen sound very similar. In the Samoan Papageiamadine most frequently hear the Stimmfühlungslaut. This high "tzi Ötzi Ötzi ..." accompanied all the activities of a group and has a function for contacts at close range. With greater distances, a loud, metallic-sounding trill distance (triiii ...) is placed, which is often heard when Samoan Papageiamadinen held without conspecifics. This trill can be

heard even with strong agitation, it sounds but still loud and mainly serves as a warning of danger.When approaching an aviary with newly fledged young, bring both males and females, often accompanied with wing beats, this warning trill. Notwithstanding the findings found so far in the melanesichen Papageiamadinen the vocals. He begins with a shorter soft trill and then goes into a long-drawn, first rising, then falling pure whistling over, which can be described as follows: "driii ... (h) uuiiii ...". Here, these elements may be repeated up to seven times. Even without the trill preceded by the whistle can this be strung together. There is a loud, audible far song, which was found only in males so far. Most of the lecture takes place in the form of undirected, but can also be part of the "courtship" and thus is sexually motivated.

3.4. Accommodation and food The accommodation of the birds was first carried out indoors at temperatures not below 20 degrees Celsius.The cages or aviaries should not be too small so that the Papageiamadinen can satisfy their urge to move.One problem with the entertainment is the rapid fatty degeneration which can not be avoided even in the most economical feeding of conventional feed mixtures. Only repeatedly rationed daily feed accordingly better control over the steady state was reached. With the Fa. Blattner, Oberdorf, I have a special compound developed with a very high proportion of grass seed. This grain feed is scattered mainly in the breeding time in fresh, humus-rich, moist forest soil, which is present in shallow trays in each aviary. Much of the seeds begin to germinate and becomes richer and easier to digest. Half Ripe red millet and silver millet, fresh in summer and thus from the freezer enrich the offer. While chickweed is hardly noticed, various fruits are very readily eaten. Foremost among papaya and fish figs are worth mentioning. Papaya fruit should be cut into larger pieces, whereas fresh figs can be halved or quite enough. Both the seeds as the pulp can be added, so that often remains only the Fruchhaut. A bis twice a week is the fruit either Osspulvit powder (calcium and bone structure preparation) or with a dry food (even prepared for the diet of Loris) sprinkled.Like most Melanesian Papageiamadinen are Samoan Papageiamadinen greedy on mealworms. I use to feed well-fed medium sized larvae, which are previously provided with three to four drops of a vitamin preparation (multi-Mulsin). The now moistened mealworms are then dusted alternately either Osspulvit-, Korvimin- or a special yeast powder. In the non-breeding season are daily per bird 2 to 3 pieces, in breeding time, especially when young in the nest are almost unlimited number mealworms passed. Fresh ant pupae are not always popular, on the other hand I could get used to all the animals receiving a Eifutters. Several times I was able to observe how the aphids have been read from a Lonicera bush and was also sought on the ground for small insects in the open aviary.

Adult females of the Samoan Papageiamadine Photo: RĂźdiger Neff

3.5. moult

The duration of moult into adult plumage are no uniform information.For KĂśnigspapageiamadine are Bregulla 10) for a period of approximately one year, during a period of Zisweiler mentioned up to 20 months until the final era dress is applied. According to my observations so far, the dyeing is finished in the Samoan Papageiamadine having about 9 to 12 months. By early puberty in appropriate environmental conditions, the youth Mauser is interrupted and resumed only at the end of the breeding season in breeding begins. Thus, the termination of youth Mauser is substantially delayed. Not Breeding birds molt twice a year, while in pairs after the end of the second or third nesting only a full moult takes place until the next breeding.

3.6. breed Apart from free aviaries broods for a special issue (s. Section "Comparison"), the Samoan Papageiamadinen were kept for breeding pairs in aviary of size 190 x 130 x 90 cm indoors. The temperature never dropped below 20 degrees Celsius, and the average daily values were 24 degrees. There was an additional illumination with plastic tubes of about 14 hours a day. As seating natural branches of different thicknesses were attached. Lining vessels, bathhouse and a bowl of fresh forest soil located on a feeding table, half-ripe and sprouted red millet are secured with a clamp increases from a branch. The floor is strewn with a medium grade quartz sand. When nest site wooden boxes were offered for finches (size 16 x 13 x 13 cm).But the birds are not picky and take on other sizes. Nesting material must be offered sufficient because very comprehensive and compact nests are built. The males are very active builder and contribute tirelessly bundled nesting material to the nest, which is then weiterverarbeit from females. At the start of nest building coarser material is used as dried leaves, reeds, has burnt Hirserispen and even plastic strips and thick woolen threads. The interior is done with fine grasses and coir. Above the containment tube a 3 to 5 cm long canopy, so that the birds must fly from the bottom to reach the Nistkammer. Completion is usually in one to two days. Unused nesting material should be removed if possible, because it occurred often that the nest was covered.

Before and even during the time of nest building could regularly chases are observed, as we know, this Melanesian all Papageiamadinen. Copulations outside the nest could be perceived only in a few cases. Two to three days after the completion of the nest usually four eggs are laid in one day distance (size 17.5 to 18 x 14.5 to 15 mmm). Few nests were previously of three eggs. The beginning of the fixed incubation takes place from the third egg. Both partners brood and are often day and night together in the nest.

When breeding replacement of non-breeding partner brings in nest near a chirping sound, whereupon the previously brooding bird leaves the nest. But a simultaneous stay in the nest at the detachment is not rare.

Squabs 5 to 6 days old Photo: RĂźdiger Neff

After an incubation period of 14 days to slip about the same time three Young, the fourth young bird about one half to one day later.The boys are bright flesh-colored and completely naked. Revenge drawing and the Schnabelpapillen not deviate from those of the other Amblynura species. Starting the third day of life the begging sounds can be heard easily. A closed guides must be carried out at the age of five to six days. Good is the ring size with diameter 2.7 mm. From the seventh day of life, the eyes begin to open, and the wing keels break through the skin. The boys now conform to the nest entrance, and by the defecation forms at the bottom of the nest edge Einschlupfloches a Kotkranz. To this period during the day often both parents to be found outside the nest. At the age of eight or nine days, the eyes are open, and the adult birds not set foot in feeding the nest chamber. The beggar's cry is getting stronger, especially if can be a parent bird in the nest close view. The brunt of feedings is now increasingly on the males over, the feeding intervals are getting shorter. At 10 to 11 days of age the quills burst open, and to see the feather barbs. Due to the rapid growth it will be very close in four young birds in the nest chamber. From this point, the parents stay at night outside the nest.

Squabs 15 days old Photo: Rüdiger Neff

On 22 days of age the young birds fly mostly from the same time.Then close mutually seated nestled on a tree branch and leave their contact or Standortruf hear an elongated "siih" or süüih ". The boys immediately fly well and land very safe on the branches. At night, no longer fell into the brood nest. Even two or three days after leaving nest you see the young birds to semi-mature Hirserispen herumnibbeln, and 3 weeks later they are lining resistant and can be separated from their parents. Most also have eggs the next breeding are then available.

Young Samoan Papageiamadinen are extremely precocious. At the age of three and a half months two female eggs have set. Seven to ten months old birds migrate successfully to boy without any drawbacks are noted. For this purpose, observations from the distribution area would be particularly important if held broods with unausgefärbten or only partially colored parent animals under natural conditions. Which timer for the early start to breeding come in question is not yet known. However, it can be assumed that an over-rich food supply will be the actual trigger. It is therefore appropriate to divide the young birds just after weaning from parents by gender separated to prevent sexually motivated behaviors. Nevertheless occur in young males at the back on by the hard biting in Kopulationsversuchen bald spots. This could be avoided only by individual housing. Samoan Papageiamadinen make succession two to three broods, and the couples were then to be absolutely isolated.Even then a rest period of at least six months must be adhered to in order to give the animals enough time for regeneration. This is a condition that even older couples from four to five years successfully raise young.

4. Comparison In this part of the paper some issues are addressed which relate to the similarities and differences in Samoa, and Peales- Königspapgeiamadine. To examine relationships, one should include not only a feature, but more

characteristic complexes into account. In the field of fine classification is therefore particularly important that are carried out to further significant morphological and ecological, and zoogeographical ethological investigations.

4.1. Community attitude with Peale Papageiamadine An attempt that may provide important clues about the species status, is the simultaneous holding together pairs of each species in a large planted aviary possible. When it comes in these "natural conditions" no hybridization, one can conclude that in all three geopraphisch widely separated species sufficient potential isolation factors are in place to prevent a mixed pairing. Unfortunately, the experiment only with the Samoan and PealePapageiamadine could be performed because the KĂśnigspapageiamadine z currently not available. Available Swimming. From any kind at the same time three adult pairs were housed in a large outdoor aviary. The result for me was something surprising and unexpected: multiple broods were successful from both species reared, and it never came to a mixed pairing. In this experiment, other noteworthy observations could be made. The Melanesian Papageiamadinen the pair bond is very low, and it can even occur a change of partners between broods a season. In particular, the males tend to make other females the yard. Multiple led to the advances of males in Samoa Peale females. Even chases took place in which then withdrew the Peale Bitch sent or showed his beak defensive behavior.

While large colorful males Samoa had yet weak chances of success, the frail, color is less conspicuous Peale males were immediately expelled by the Samoa females with beak defense. The following statements can therefore be made: In male Papageiamadinen is the threshold to skip species barriers, much less than in females. The choice of breeding partner is made only by the females. In females isolation factors are formed to a greater extent, prevent hybridization. More colorful males, especially with a lot of red on the head, are preferred by the females. This is also an explanation for why the red head feathers has prevailed in the evolution towards the blue color.

4.2. diet Comparison

Royal Parrotfinch (bagwell) (male) Photo: RĂźdiger Neff

Samoan Papageiamadine (males) Photo: Rüdiger Neff

In the diet of the Samoan Papageiamadine broad equivalence with the Peale-Papageiamadine be noted. If the proportion of fig seeds is to be much higher, so you can no longer speak of a fig seed specialists but today.Whether a change in diet only took place lately, I can not understand, the willingness to do so, however, is much larger than in the Königspapageiamadine of Vanuatu. This is dependent on the basis of their diet almost entirely on the presence of fig trees. Where this food source dries up due to deforestation, a marked decrease or even the complete disappearance of these Papageiamadine is determine (Bregulla 1992).

The very fact that in the last century and in the first quarter of this century Samoan Papageiamadinen in good condition came to Europe (Brehm 1872 ninety 1914 1921), shows how unambitious these birds in the diet. Königspapageiamadinen had this long voyage to Germany only in exceptional cases survived. Just the acclimatization and feed conversion were preparing to Vanuatu considerable difficulties (Bregulla 1962). Although these birds arrived in good condition in Europe, could not be obtained this way in captivity. In contrast, Samoan Papageiamadinen immediately go to an alternative food and prepare well in breeding not so great difficulty.

4.3. behavior comparison As for the sociability, are found in the Samoan and the Peale-Papageiamadine broad agreement. As a resident of open areas, both types tend to form small flocks of 30 to 50 copies. Even with a mixed group of young bird Samoa and Peale-Papageiamadinen in a large aviary all acts were performed jointly, whether in the food intake on the floor or in a shared bathroom. In contrast, the Königspapageiamadine is loner and performs the prevalent forest dwellers a solitary or paired lifestyle. Accumulations of individual distinctive sites as on Feigenbämen must not lead to misinterpretations. The birds fly to and from singly or in pairs, and only through the food supply, there is a larger number of individuals (Bregulla 1992). Also of held me Königspapageiamadinen (Neff 1971) 11) have never participated in the activities of other aviaries roommate as rotköpfigen- or Buntkopfpapageiamadinen and lived very retired.

Size Comparison - left Peales- right Samoan Papageiamadine, both males) Photo: Rüdiger Neff

4.4. appearance Comparison In contrast, falls in the consideration of the external appearance of the three species at once the great similarity in the size and in the plumage color in Samoa and the Königspapageiamadine on. There are significant differences to the much smaller and "simply" colored Peale-Papageiamadine.

Even when Königspapageiamadine must be assumed that after depositing the age dress this life as in the Samoan Papageiamadine remains the same and there are no seasonal color gradations.Coloration differences in adult birds are individually conditioned. By separate reservation therefore is to see the division into sub-types.It is conceivable that the living on Savai more green colored Samoan Papageiamadine is indistinguishable from the simple colored individuals of the island of Upolu. A single feature of such low significance does not justify taxonomic conclusions. The plumage color is genetically very little strengthened, and the "Evolution is still in full swing."

4.5. singing comparison When comparing the vocalisations were asked died, with one exception, no significant differences among the species. Especially the calls sound very uniformly in all Melanesian Papageiamadinen. A compilation can be found in the monograph by Zisweiler et al. As mentioned in this paper, the song of the Samoan Papageiamadine differs greatly on the songs of other melanesichen Papageiamadinen. It is amazing that such a loud, distinctive and pure whistling is nowhere mentioned. Güttinger writes in the monograph for singing the Bambuspapageiamadine (Reichenowia hyperythra): "Similar, paused for long periods at the same pitch whistling absent in all other known to me Asia Papuan waxbills" or the singing of Samoa and Königspapageiamadine is said: "... they show very simple singing verses. These types sing for several seconds, a repetition of a single element. "Only at Watling could I find a note, which speaks of a long lasting dual as singing, but without explaining details. Goodwin (1982) 12) expresses the following comments to singing and shouts: "I can never find a description. Probably these are similar to those of Peales- and Königspapageiamadinen. " The singing of the Samoan Papageiamadine may be sexually motivert, but mostly it will be carried forward undirected. Only very rarely males could be observed, as this this song verse two brought weak zugedrehtem head and tail with a Nistsymbol in its beak and the female to three times. This, however, never developed a chase. This itself is always preceded by a trill, taking the known at the melanesichen Papageiamadinen history. Copulations were mostly held in the nest.

Individually held males sing more often, but also when three to five males are together, the song can be heard regularly and undergoes only a break during the moulting season. The importance of this particular song is difficult to classify, as warning and distance trills are well trained. Perhaps this loud singing is also used for area demarcation. but is contradicted by the low aggressiveness in holding together several males or pairs.

4.6. Young Bird Rates

Squabs 24 days old (male left, female right) Photo: Rüdiger Neff

Comparing with freshly fledged young birds the plumage color, then one finds especially in the head area in all three kinds significant deviations. When Peale-Papageiamadine the head is almost uniformly dark green.Only on the cheeks and the chin is sometimes, especially in males, to detect a faint bluish tinge. Samoa and Königspapageiamadinen have a more or less cobalt to turquoise head, and often has been the breast a bluish tinge. But while the Königspapageiamadine are only occasionally single red feather on the head available, the Samoan Papageiamadine has a clear distinctive red headstock. In males, this is further extended and stronger in the colors and often even single red feather in the cheek area are available. This red head plate is an original feature with security and must be regarded as an intermediate step in the development of today's red head color.

4.7. geographical Comparison When dealing with taxonomic issues but should also geographical aspects be included in the approach. The authors of the famous finch work of Immelmann et al. 13) have provided to the species status of the red-headed species the conclusions in the monograph by Zisweiler in question. You have rightly said that if one of PealePapageiamadine confers this species status, you can not deny that the populations of Samoa and Vanuatu. And in fact, it has zoogeographisch little sense to almost 2000 km from each living far away Samoa and Königspapageiamadinen to refuse species status and lead the intervening Peale-Papageiamadine as independent kind.

5. Conclusion

Putative relationships of Papageiamadinen) Drawing: Rüdiger Neff

Having considered the facts in this chapter findings, a guide of the three Papageiamadinen is justified in separate species. By contrast, a breakdown into subspecies is still questionable according to current knowledge.These further investigations both in the field as well as in aviaries are necessary.

6. References other literature used: 14) 15) 16) 17)

1)

NINETY K. (1921) outlandish caged birds MAYER H. (1994) The Peale Papageiamadine aviary 17, S.313 3) BREHM HE (1872) prisoners birds. A manual and textbook for lovers and caretakers of indigenous and exotic birds. part 1 4) 6) , WATLING D. (1982) Birds of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa 5) PRATT HD, PLBRUNER, DGBERRET (1989) The Birds of Hawaii and the Tropical Pacific 7) ZISWEILER V., HRGÜTTINGER, HLBREGULLA (1972) Monograph of the genus Erythrura 8) NEFF R. (1970) The Papuapapageiamadine (Erythrura papuana) Feathered World 94, p.21 9) NEFF R. (1971) About a new breed of Three colored Papageiamadine (Erythrura trichroa sigillifera) Feathered World 95, p.83 10) Bregulla HL (1992) Guide to Birds of Vanuatu Anthonhy Nelson 11) NEFF R. (1971) comments on the Königspapageiamadine (Erythrura regia) Feathered World 95, p.201 12) GOODWIN D. (1982) Estrildid finches of the world 13) IMMELMANN K., J. NICOLAI, J. STEINBACHER, HEWOLTERS (1977) waxbills 14) BIEL FIELD H. (1995) The Great finch book Ulmer Verlag 15) HOFMANN G. (1990) Short-tailed Papageiamadine AZ-News 37, S.524 16) MAYR E. (1931) Birds collected during the Whitney South Sea Expedition, XV. The parrot finches, Am.Mus. Novit. 489 17) NEFF R. (1970) Rare finches in the hand of the lover AZ-News 17, S.368 2)

Date Modified: 24/05/2011 15:08