Avian Behavior: An Evolving Discipline (Round Table Discussion) (Discussion‪)‬

Perspectives on bird behavior have changed dramatically in recent years. Magazines directed at bird owners are featuring more articles on how to enrich birds' lives, and pet stores and bird-related websites are focusing more attention on environmental stimulation with toys, food, etc. The avian veterinary community is abuzz with discussions about foraging, and more avian field research has focused on the differences between wild and captive bird behavior. Keeping abreast of these new perspectives on bird behavior--such an important aspect of veterinary medicine that affects all other aspects of avian practice--can be especially challenging to us veterinarians who were taught little originally about avian behavior in veterinary school. To help us better-understand recent changes in thoughts on bird behavior, I have asked 6 individuals who work regularly in the field of avian behavior to participate in a round table discussion. The participants work in both clinical practice and teaching facilities with a variety of species. They are Todd Driggers, DVM, Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic of Arizona, Gilbert, AZ, USA; M. Scott Echols, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian Practice), Director of Avian Medical & Surgical Services, Westgate Pet and Bird Hospital, Austin, TX, USA; Thomas Edling, DVM, MSpVM, Director, Veterinary Medicine, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA; Susan Friedman, PhD, Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA; Julie Ponder, DVM, Executive Director, The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA; and Lynne Seibert, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVB, Veterinary Behavior Consultants, Kirkland, WA, USA. I think that this discussion will be interesting to anyone who owns or works with birds and will, I hope, make us all want to learn more about the ever-evolving body of knowledge on bird behavior. Laurie Hess, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian Practice) Associate Editor