Behavioral Study of an Ex-Situ Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) Flock: Introducing New Flock Members and Sound Analysis

The red siskin (Spinus cucullatus) is a small passerine bird from Venezuela that is endangered after a century of illegal pet trade to breed red-factor canaries (Serinus canaria domestica). This study focused on dominance and hierarchy structures within an ex-situ flock, and the effects on the established order when new flock members were added to the existing flock. It is important to assess the receptivity of red siskins to new individuals, since captive breeding programs will require regular transfers of birds between facilities to maintain genetic diversity. This study also looked at the occurrence of wing-fluttering behavior in aggressive interactions among male red siskins. Lastly, it presents research on the possible effects of learned song behavior in the captive red siskin flock from domestic canaries. These topics were selected to help further conservation research of the red siskin. Applicable recommendations to husbandry best practices in captivity and further research questions are proposed to aid ongoing conservation planning.