Skill in identifying African parrot species in the field comes only with practice and time. In Africa, one is not likely to see more than a few species of parrot in a given area at a particular time. It is not difficult to know what kinds are likely to occur at any season in a certain habitat. Crucial field marks separate one species from another. One must pay attention to the context of the sighting (season, habitat type, weather) and the behaviour and colour patterns of the bird. Check whether anyone has prepared a list of the birds of the region, since published information can greatly simplify the task of identifying birds in the field.

In woodland areas experienced birders do most ‘watching’ by ear, not by eye. Wild parrots are often difficult to see in heavy foliage, but most advertise their presence through vocalisations or warning calls, indicating which species are present even if you cannot see them. Parrots also have preferences within a given habitat, for example, the top of the canopy. Learn the species that occur commonly in the habitat where you wish to observe parrots.

Censusing, including mist netting and ringing (banding), nesting studies and behavioural observations are all fascinating aspects of parrot biology, but mastery of these skills comes only with time spent in the field. Time spent finding and studying wild parrots in their natural habitats is a rewarding activity.

FIELD MARKS AND FIELD GUIDES

Many factors influence identification decisions; the most important are the field identification characters, for example, the unique combination of colour, pattern and shape that separates each species. The characters are not always visual. Behaviour and vocalisation play an important role in most identifications and are often more important than visual details in separating one species from another.

With experience in the field, identification will depend as much on subtle differences in shape and behaviour as on colour patterns. This is especially true when birds are far away and plumage details are difficult to see clearly. The term ‘jizz’ summarises the unique combination of silhouette and behavioural idiosyncrasies that characterise each species in the field. This term is derived from the acronym for General Impression of Shape and Size – GISS, or ‘jizz’).