Definition : more than one species of bird housed in the same aviary. The aim is to keep species which occupy different areas or niches in the aviary. e.g. parrots and quail
(As distinct from a colony : greater than one pair of the same species)
Advantages :
greater variety of birds may be kept
more interesting collections
Disadvantages :
compatibility
risk of fighting and injury
feeding and housing requirements may be different
may be different in the breeding season
more work !
Compatibility of different groups of birds
parrots
finches
pigeons and doves
quail
Examples of compatible collections
Habitat Aviaries : a collection of species found in one area/habitat e.g. the Adelaide Hills. Well represented at the Adelaide Zoo.
Compatibility of Australian Parrots
Docile Neophema – small, docile
Polytelis – docile (except breeding) but large
Cockatiel
Pugnacious Red-rumps
Hoode
Golden-shouldered
Aggressive Blue-bonnets
Rosellas
Ringnecks
Lorikeets
Cockatoos
Compatibility of Australian Finches
Aggressive species : Crimson Finch
Beautiful Firetail – to own kind
Red-eared Firetail – to own kind
Dominating species : Zebra
Black-throated
Long-tailed
Diamond Firetail
Different Habitats e.g. Painted Firetail (dry open) and Blue-faced Parrot Finch (wet, planted)
Do not house large parrots, quail or pigeons with finches
Compatibility of Pigeons and Doves
Most are compatible with mixed collection of small parrots, finches and quail
Spinifex and Partridge parrots are aggressive ground dwellers
Closely related species may fight
Arboreal and terrestrial species will mix e.g. fruit-dove and Spinifex
Compatibility of Quail
Bob-white and California Quail fly – upset nesting finches
Black-breasted Button-quail defend their nest/young vigorously