Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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Unique birds have arrived at the Moscow Zoo's Rare Species Reproduction Center: the rarest pheasants, Cabot's tragopans, and the largest parrots in the world, the hyacinth macaws. Both species are extremely rare in captivity.
Cabot's tragopans are rare in the wild and are not represented in Russian zoos anywhere else. Their natural habitat is the mountainous regions of southeastern China. These birds inhabit subtropical evergreen coniferous, broadleaf, and mixed forests. Their population is highly dispersed, hindering genetic exchange between groups.
Other tragopans, including Temminck's and Satyr tragopans, have long been kept and bred at the breeding center. Cabot's tragopans can be identified by the patches on the males' heads: they are yellow, not blue.
"Like other pheasants, only the males of tragopans are brightly decorated. During courtship, they develop a long "wattle" with red and blue patterns, as well as blue horns—a rare sight, even in zoos. Three tragopans arrived with us—one male and two females. They've already settled into their new surroundings and immediately learned where their hiding spots are, allowing them to quickly hide from prying eyes. They're currently adapting, not included in the sightseeing tour," said Svetlana Akulova, General Director of the Moscow Zoo.
Two hyacinth macaws also arrived at the breeding center. These parrots are relatively rare in zoos; in the wild, they inhabit Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, primarily forests, marshes, and palm groves.
The rich blue coloration of parrots is a rarity in the animal kingdom. The sex of the newly arrived young birds has yet to be determined. They have settled into their new surroundings very quickly: they are already allowing keepers to get close and accepting treats from their hands. The birds can be seen on display along with another female named Lapochka.
Hyacinth macaws are not only the largest parrots in the world (their wingspan reaches two meters), but also very vocal. Their powerful and strong beaks easily handle Brazil nuts, their primary food source in the wild.
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