This authoritative reference, the first of its kind, is a necessary addition to the library of any practitioner or behaviorist who sees avain companion animals. Because of their beauty, intelligence, playfulness and ability in mimicry, parrots are the most widely kept companion birds. It is estimated that more than half of the psittacine cases presented to clinicians are the result of behavioral problems-problems inherent to captivity.

Bringing together a host of international experts on avian behavior, Manual of Parrot Behavior explores the many facets of psittacine behavior, both normal and abnormal. The book not only provides readers with a solid understanding of the basic principles of psittacine behavior but also offers useful techniques of diagnosis and treatment for specific problems.

1. The Classification and the Status of Wild Populations of Parrots
2. Behavior of Wild Amazona and Rhynchopsitta Parrots with Comparative Insights from other Psittacines
3. Parrot Conservation, Trade and Reintroduction
4. Sensory Capacities of Parrots
5. Social Behavior of Psittacine Birds
6. Captive parrot nutrition: interactions with anatomy, physiology, and behavior.
7. Comfort Behavior and Sleep
8. Parrot Reproductive Behavior, or Who Associates, Who Mates, and Who Cares 9. Nest Box Preferences
10. Hand-rearing: behavioral impacts and implications for captive parrot welfare
11. Behavioral Development of Psittacine Companions: Neonates, Neophytes and Fledglings
12. Handler Attitude and Chick Development
13. Grey Parrot Cognition and Communication
14. How Parrots Learn
15. Behavior Classes in the Veterinary Hospital: Preventing Problems Before They Start
16. Clinical Evaluation of Psittacine Behavioral Disorders
17. Diagnostic Workup of Suspected Behavioral Problems
18. Feeding-Related Problems
19. Aggressive Behavior in Pet Birds
20. Parrot Vocalization
21. Parrots and Fear
22. Problem Sexual Behaviors of Companion Parrots
23. Mate Trauma
24. Feather Picking Disorder in Pet Birds
25. Psittacine Behavioral Pharmacotherapy
26. Behavior of Captive Psittacids in the Breeding Aviary
27. Housing and Management Considerations for Problem Prevention
28. Captive Parrot Welfare

Andrew Luescher, DVM, PhD is Director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Purdue University. He established the Animal Behavior Clinic in 1997 and is certified as an applied animal behaviorist by the Animal Behavior Society and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. He has been treating companion animals with behavioral problems for more than 15 years