Purple Martin ‘Landlords’ Manage a Different Kind of Tenant
Every year, bird enthusiasts hang groups of plastic gourds for purple martins to nest in
Erica Royer is an aviculturist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, where she works with some of the rarest bird species in the world. Fascinated by animal behavior from a young age, Erica pursued a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in experimental psychology, publishing her thesis on dominance behavior in Caribbean flamingos. From that point forward, her love of birds and the conservation of endangered species was solidified. At the Smithsonian, she manages breeding programs for Guam birds and red siskins, as well as caring for other avian species, and works to study, propagate and even reintroduce several species.
Every year, bird enthusiasts hang groups of plastic gourds for purple martins to nest in
Erica RoyerWe care for many rare and endangered species here at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, including a little brown bird named Tasi. Tasi is a 4-year-old Guam rail and a marvel, considering that just a few decades ago his species nearly disappeared.
Erica RoyerGuam kingfishers are incredibly rare and difficult to breed, so we are thrilled to be closing out the breeding season with four new chicks. This has been our biggest year to date, and one of our busiest!
Erica RoyerBreeding season is the most demanding time of year for the bird team at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, but it can also be the most rewarding. With fewer than 140 Guam kingfishers left in the world, every egg laid and chick hatched is a step closer to saving this species.
Erica RoyerIn April, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute celebrated the birth of two extinct-in-the-wild Guam kingfisher chicks. Find out more about the new chicks in this update from animal keeper Erica Royer.
Erica RoyerThere are only 135 Guam kingfishers in the world. The species is extinct in the wild, but scientists are working to change that by breeding the species for release in the near future.
Erica RoyerAs an animal keeper at SCBI, some of my favorite birds to work with are small but sassy. Guam kingfishers certainly fall into this category. We have three pairs to introduce during this year's breeding season, so we have our work cut out for us.
Erica RoyerWalking through the forests of Guam is arresting — because it’s silent. But the sound of the forest is returning.
Erica Royer