The Spix Macaw!

[Honesty]

This is the Spix Macaw which is now extinct in the wild. Isn't it beautiful?


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[Debra]

Now I think I could handle one of those!

[Honesty]

Now I think I could handle one of those!Aren't they just so cute?

[plax]

Some of you may or may not know that the Spix Macaw (or Spix's Macaw) was the species that Blu and his girlfriend were based upon in the movie "Rio".

[Honesty]

Some of you may or may not know that the Spix Macaw (or Spix's Macaw) was the species that Blu and his girlfriend were based upon in the movie "Rio".I learn something new everyday :)

[Blancaej]

Wow! Very beautiful!

[Turquoise]

I saw a video of the babies I think being raised in Florida on FB recently. I added it to my group page, not sure if I can find it. It wasn't very long, they were going to make a larger aviary I think for them.

The Spinx Macaws are quite beautiful. I have never seen the movie Rio.

[Mayden]

You should, it's a brilliant film! Might try and watch it tonight actually! It's about Blu being set up with a sassy mate! But Blu is handreared. Lots of problems arise, fun story, but highlights true plight of endangered species.

Biggest issue is the fact she feeds Blu hot chocolate at the start. Apparently a lot of birds have gotten sick because of that. >: (

Spix's are beautiful, all blue, just... beautiful!

[plax]

Biggest issue is the fact she feeds Blu hot chocolate at the start. Apparently a lot of birds have gotten sick because of that. >: (Your comment is reminiscent of the children's puppet series, "It's A Big Big World". One of its characters, "Burdette", is supposed to be a Quetzal Bird, but the puppet highly resembles a parrot of some type. Burdette's primary food is avocados. Years ago when the series was current I emailed the production company stating that their suggestion of feeding avocados to birds could inspire children with pet psittacine birds to try feeding them avocados. I as well certainly explained the toxicity factor of avocados with regard to psittacines. Someone from the production company rendered a somewhat rude and clearly apathetic reply in which it was stated that "Burdette is a Quetzal Bird, so there should be no concern". Disturbingly, within the particular episodes of the series which I have personally viewed there was never a mention of the type of bird the Burdette character was intended to portray. I initially thought she was supposed to be a parrot of some sort based upon her appearance and colors. I consider the production company's lack of research, and certainly their lack of concern, to be quite irresponsible. This issue had (or perhaps still has) a potential for creating devastation and heartbreak for families with beloved pet birds :(.

Below is a brief description of the potential toxicity of avocados for birds and other animals. The toxic substance is called persin. It exists mainly in the avocado skin and pit, but can leach into the fruit to some degree. The article below is from: [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]


Why Avocados Are Bad for Birds

By Melissa Hamilton, eHow Contributor
[Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks] ([Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]) Avocados are a superfood for humans but a death trap for birds.
Foods that taste delicious to humans can be poisonous to animals. The avocado is one of those toxic fruits due to chemicals in the skin and pit, though they are not found in the fruit itself.



Toxins



The toxin that dwells in avocados is called persin. It is a polyketide chemical that, while perfectly safe for humans, is incredibly toxic for animals.

Reactions



Persin causes cardiac problems in birds. This can start with breathing problems, followed by heart failure and then, the very unpleasant and sudden death. Sometimes the persin only causes irritation for birds but there is no guarantee this will be the only reaction.

Other Dangers



Avocado is not simply dangerous to birds. Rabbits, horses, dogs and cats are all susceptible to the toxins. While the persin is not in the fruit of the avocado itself, the chemicals can easily seep through the skin or pit into the flesh of the avocado. The safest option for your pets is to refrain from feeding them avocado.