WildView™

April 15, 2015

Fanfare for A Trumpeter

- as seen by -

Amanda Hackett

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In July of 2014, the ornithology department at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo was expecting a new hatch.

It was none other than the grey-winged trumpeter (Psophia crepitant.) Trumpeters are known for their distinctive vocalizations (with a loud honk that sounds a bit like a trumpet,) and guinea fowl-like features. This South American bird is very important to our current breeding program. WCS is one of 14 AZA accredited institutions across the country that participates in the Species Survival Plan for grey-winged trumpeters. Although this species is not endangered, it is near threatened.

Our adult pair of grey-winged trumpeters is the first captive hatched parents to have a chick in North America. WCS is more than excited to welcome little “Dorito” to our bird family. At the same time Dorito was becoming a new member of WCS, I was becoming a new member, too. With this in common, I couldn’t help but believe this new born chick and I had a special bond. Working with Dorito since he was just a day old has been such a rewarding experience, especially watching him discover his abilities as a growing bird.

With breeding season approaching, WCS is pursuing all efforts to have another successful hatch this year. We are providing the appropriate nesting site, which is a hollow tree log, and supplying sufficient nutrients to the parents so they produce healthy eggs.

Come by the World of Birds and visit our whole trumpeter family. They give us a good reason to toot our horn.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For our current assignment, we’re celebrating birds. Send us your best. In the New York area? Join us on May 9 for our annual Birdathon at the Bronx Zoo. Bring your camera and take photos for the assignment.

Canon SX520 HS

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