Parrot Interspecies Flings?

Question

I have a large mixed flock consisting of mainly Indian Ringneck Parakeets (Psitticula) and Cockatiels (Nimphicus). Now I understand full well the implications of inbreeding and know that cross breeding between the two is a genetic impossibility because they aren't even in the same genus.

However, I have a very confused male IRN who just reached sexual maturity who really believes he's a Cockatiel and won't have anything to do with the other IRNs, even though there are 6 others in the flock and he has access to 3 female IRN's.

I've had him since he was 3 months old and he's been well socialized to many different species of birds but ever since he was a baby he's insisted on spending all his time with the Cockatiels and for the most part ignoring the IRN part of the flock.

This morning I went into the bird room to get everybirdy up and caught him in the act of mating with one of my Cockatiels (LOL)!

So my question is, does anyone else out there have a certain feathered friend who is sexually confused? I know this can't be an isolated case as many mixed flocks as there are out there so if you have a feathered friend who is convinced he/she is of a different species or genus, please give detailed examples because I'd love to know my little "man-bird" has not lost his marbles!

Thanks!

PS. Imagine a green Cockatiel with a red beak or an Indian Ringneck with a crest....too funny.

Answer 1

I have a foster pair of society finches that have been adamently trying to rape the gouldians they just raised. Obviously the babies are oblivious and just stand there while the societies try to copulate.. luckily they'll be separated next weekend.

Otherwise.. those two socities are both male and they frequently try to hump one another.

It's silly/crazy.. especially when you finally put eggs in their nest.

And I feel like you can watch the expression on their faces when they see it in the nest.. get all excited.. and then maybe a bit confused. I imagine them, ticking back and forth in front of the nest, going.."*I* didn't lay that.... did you lay that? Cause I didn't... .. .. oh well, I'll sit on it!"

Answer 2

I have herd of this before and if you put him in a cage with only the female IRN's.He sould mate with them.

Answer 3

I think while the birds don´t fight, there´s not a problem. If the male ring neck don´t make any damage to the cockatiel I would let the situation as it is. I have several amazon parrot a some time  them show sexual attitude or  mating behavior towards humans. It´s not the ideal situation but maybe is due to the confinement of the birds.