Utilization of certain tame birds in the New World in pre-Columbian times

Abstract

An ethnozoological survey has been made of the literature on the tropical Amerindian trait complex of keeping game birds in a tame state. This custom has undergone relatively little change from pre-contact aboriginal times in many parts of Latin America. The evidence available points to the widespread use of tame birds as a pragmatic adaptation to tropical conditions such as: (a) the difficulty of preserving food (especially meat) in a warm, humid climate; (b) the hordes of insect and other small vermin which commonly gravitate to human habitations; and (c) the dangers of unseen predators and marauders who can approach silently at night or through the lush tropical vegetation by day. The tame birds provide temporary meat storage for months and even up to several years- the period being limited to the birds' natural life span. During this time they are largely self-sustaining, consuming large quantities of human garbage and the small pests attracted to this organic debris. In their search for their food they are widely dispersed over the settlements and surrounding environs so that their alert nature and loud voices provide early warning of potentially dangerous intruders. Finally, the valuable feathers of these birds, used as inter-tribal currency and for ritual purposes or as arrow guides, are best "stored" on the live birds themselves where they can be preened and cared for properly..