Society of Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors
Standard for Exhibited Parrots
Points Awards
Conformation
40 points
Condition
30 points
Deportment
15 points
Color
10 points
Presentation
5 points
Total
Points
100 points
CONFORMATION (40 POINTS)
Conformation is the single most important consideration in judging parrots size it involves hereditary characteristics, which might -at least in theory -be perpetuated in captive breeding programs. Conformation includes size, proportion and substance.
Some exhibitors are under the misapprehension that bigger is always better. The bird should, instead, be the right size for its species or subspecies. Thus, a Double Yellow-headed Amazon of the subspecies 'magna' should not automatically receive more points than the smaller subspecies 'oratrix'. Some birds should have a tendency towards the diminutive and an oversized bird is no more desirable than an undersized one.
The head should be bold and broad, and the eyes must be bright and clear.
The eyes must also be the appropriate size and shape and have the proper relationship to the overall shape of the head. The beak should be in proper proportion to the head and without deformity, imperfection or misshapenness. The cere must not show crustiness or scaling.
The back should be full and smooth and should lead in a straight line or curve down to the rump and tail. In some birds, e.g. Amazons, the wings will be held close to the body and lay flay along the back, forming part of the line from the back of the head to the tip of the tail. In other birds, e.g. some of the larger Cockatoos, the wings are held near to but not against, the body, thus the wings will ride slightly above the line of the back, rump, and tail.
The wings in repose will not normally cross at the tips, although some birds will carry the wings in a crossed position while climbing or engaged in other activity. It is desirable for the wings to fie neatly together, without drooping or being held unnaturally away from the body. Conures, Macaws and birds of the Ring-necked group (Psittacula) often cross their wings and should not be penalized as heavily as other birds for this fault. The tall should be held at the correct angle and its line will usually continue the line of the back and rump.
Feet and legs should be strong and clean, without growth, abnormalities or excessive scaling. All toes and toenails should be present. The toes should point in the right direction - two forward and two back - and the nails should be of proper length and shape. Judges are not to penalize too much for a missing tow or toenail.
CONDITION (30 POINTS)
Condition refers to the overall health, appearance and grooming of the bird and is of paramount importance in judging parrots. Of particular importance is the appearance of the plumage. Feathers should be complete. Clipped wings will be penalized, as will any sign that tail feathers or the tip of the flights feathers have been trimmed to create an appearance of evenness. All wing and tail feathers must be present and no feathers should be obviously missing from the head or body. Visible pinfeathers are also undesirable. The feathers of the body and head should lie smoothly along the body. Plumage should be clean and free of any foreign matter or deformity, with no frayed or rough- edged feathers. Feather texture appropriate to the species and excellence of feather condition will be weighed heavily.
Some birds, such as Amazons, hawk-headed, Pionus, Caiques, and Cockatoos, will partially erect or ruffle their feathers while displaying, especially the feathers of the head, neck, and upper chest. This should not be mistaken for poor feather condition.
Some birds, such as Eclectus, have oddly textured feathers and this must not be construed to be a defect.
Some birds, notably Lories, Ringnecks and Hanging Parrots, will normally take very good care of their plumage and these types must be examined very critically during judging. Other birds, like Galahs and Pionus, are seldom seen in perfect feather and will be particularly impressive if they appear in excellent condition on the show bench.
Eyes should be clear, bright and free of any discharge or abnormality. The beak should be clean and free of excess scaling or incrustation. The beak of the Parrot normally grows in a 'layered' pattern’ Attempts to erase these layers by polishing and buffing are needless and should not be undertaken since this layering is typical growth and is not a fault, Feet and legs should be neat and clean. Both nails and beak should be of the proper length and shape and trirnmed if necessary.
The general appearance of the bird should be one of radiant good health and conscientious care.
DEPORTMENT (15 POINTS)
Deportment refers to the bird’s demeanor and behavior while being judged. A trained bird stands at the proper angle, firmly grips the perch, does not hunch over, and holds its head and tall at the appropriate angles. The stance is erect and confident.
The bird behavior in the show cage should be normal. An Amazon should behave like an Amazon, etc. The bird should perch with alert confidence and not hang from the cage wires and " to hide. The bird should display itself to advantage, with an air of confidence, alertness and behavior normal to its type.
Good deportment cannot be overestimated since it allows the bird to show off its conformation, condition and color. These qualities can be an obscured by poor deportment resulting from insufficient show training.
COLOR (10 POINTS)
Color expectations for each species and subspecies or mutation will differ, but as a rule, a judge should look for depth and uniformity of color. The color should seem to radiate from within whether it is bright and metallic, or a soft pastel. Depth and evenness are still major considerations with those birds that show color suffusion or a blending of one color into another.
In Pied mutations, a pleasing degree of color contrast is desirable, with the pied markings in an attractive proportion, which may have light or dark factors; no preference is given to one factor over another. Rather, the color that is actually present must be rated.
PRESENTATION (5 POINTS)
Presentation refers to the show cage. While SPBE does not require that a specific show cage be used at this time, the cage should encourage and allow the bird to display itself well. It must admit enough light to permit close observation of the bird and its construction should permit the judge to view the bird from above as well as from the side and front.
Perches should be of appropriate thickness for the bird feet and they should be firmly fastened. A single perch, or one main perch and another supplementary perch near a seed cup. is desirable. If more than one perch is used, placement should permit easy movement from one to the other.
The cage must be large enough to permit some natural movement. but small enough to provide a sense of security for the bird. Its size and construction should allow the judge to focus attention on the bird, without distraction.
Ornamental cages, wings, toys and distinguishing marks are not permitted. Cages with a flattop are preferred.
The cage floor should be cover with plain white or brown paper, ground corn cog litter or the appropriate seed.