Perching Bird House and Mango Hummingbird (inset)
The free-flight area of the Perching Bird House at Brookfield Zoo recently underwent some major renovations. The exhibit is home to approximately 25 bird species from around the world, including a new resident—a rescued green-breasted mango hummingbird.
The bird, nicknamed Mango, made quite a stir in the bird-watching community this past November when he not only entered U.S. airspace but flew as far north as Wisconsin. Normally, this particular species lives in Mexico and Central America, dispersing only slightly into southwestern United States—Mango’s flight marks the northernmost this species has ever been seen.
Chicago Zoological Society Curator of Birds and Reptiles, Tim Snyder, says the young hummingbird probably just got his bearings mixed up and ended up out of place. "Since he was a juvenile bird when found, we think he probably did not have a fully developed sense of direction yet, sort of like his GPS was not fully ready yet," says Snyder. "And, he's male, so you know he doesn't like to ask for directions!"
After he appeared in Wisconsin, hundreds of bird-watchers took the opportunity and traveled to the neighboring state to see him. However, growing concern about the bird’s well-being in the approaching winter months led bird-watchers to contact a wildlife rehabilitator. When the Chicago Zoological Society was notified about the situation, Mango was brought to his new home at Brookfield Zoo. To date, Mango is the only green-breasted mango hummingbird to reside at a U.S. zoo.
"Brookfield Zoo has a long, strong history of caring for small birds and we have the skilled staff to care for hummingbirds," says Snyder. "This little guy is doing fine so far here, eating well and gaining weight at regular intervals, and he also just went into his adult plummage." Snyder added that Mango is getting along with the other birds in the exhibit and seems to enjoy flitting across the newly-remodeled space with another like-minded bird, a female sparkling violet hummingbird. "For small birds, hummingbirds are very aggressive and can defend their territory very well. The two in Perching Bird like to zip around the top, like two little speed demons, so they're fun to watch."
Free-Flight Zone
Having undergone renovation this spring, the free-flight area has been fully restored and has several new features, including skylights, a painted mural, plantings, and new custom perches for the green-winged macaws. A large tree that was quickly outgrowing the exhibit by blocking light to lower plants and threatening to push against the skylights was removed. New trees, such as mahogany, bamboo, banana, and ficus, were placed throughout the exhibit. The project also included restoration of many architectural and design elements, such as plaster walls and bird pools.
One of the most significant improvements to the exhibit are the new skylights, which include some that are transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light. While most mammals, including humans, can see only the well-known spectrum of colors from violet to orange, some species of birds are thought to see the UV spectrum. This spectrum can be important for determining appropriate foods and in selecting a mate. By installing UV-transparent skylights, scientists and bird caregivers at Brookfield Zoo are looking at ways to provide a better environment for the birds. The efforts have proven to be beneficial. Keepers have already observed some species nest on exhibit that hadn’t shown any signs of nesting previously without the UV component. Due to its success, contractors are currently working on the skylights in off-exhibit breeding areas as well.
Other bird species that can be seen in the free-flight area include sun bitterns, green-winged macaws, paradise tanagers, and shama thrushes. Aside from Mango, Perching Bird House is also home to three other species of hummingbird—the ruby-throated hummingbird, Peruvian sheartail, and sparkling violet-ear. Guests can view these birds, and many more, flying inches away among lush greenery in quick flashes of color.