Lovebirds are virtual escape artists. If there is a way out of an aviary
they will find it. Plenty of birds getting out but not establishing
themselves. Similarly, Guineafowl were widely kept in many outer suburban
areas of larger cities (probably still are) but despite a semi-feral
existence do not appear to have established viable feral populations. Why,
particularly as they occupy a range of rural habitats in South Africa that
would be similar to that in Australia?
I suggest that the birds in question have a relatively long history of
domestication. Look at the colour forms available in Lovebirds, almost as
diverse as Budgerigars (if these escapee Australian natives can't survive
why should foreign escapees). Similarly, Guineafowl have been domesticated
long enough to develop several colour forms. The ability to survive a
truly wild existence has been bred out of many of these species (and lets
be thankful for that).
David Geering
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