Myrtle, melaleuca, paperbark, tea tree...

[Thingamagigs]

So... I have been reading about toxic and non-toxic wood for birds... and to my surprise MYRTLE is on the list! Why, does anyone have any answers?

In Australia, many species not only inhabit the trees, but also eat the flowers/nuts/leaves/bits and pieces of paperbarks. Vets and Australian pet care specialists often recommend them as perching branches and for general enrichment. I've been using them for years as perches and the leaves and flowers as a snack for my birds! So why on earth is it considered toxic/unsafe?

Across the road from us is a lovely little park with creek and a couple of Melaleuca species, Melaleuca leucadendra & Melaleuca quinquenervia mostly. I collected a bunch of branches today to make some perches and a lovely big play gym. When these plants flower they attract birds of all kinds from all around. Especially lorikeets and galahs.

Here are some Australian sources...

3. Know What Different Birds Need | BIRDS in BACKYARDS
Perches
http://www.brisbanebirdvet.com.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=DRKn3DZNNbA=&tabid=21642&mid=13254
Parrot Rescue Centre | Caring for Parrots in Australia
Parrot Rescue Centre | Caring for Parrots in Australia

Does anybody know why they are listed as toxic?

 

[henpecked]

I don't know what species of melaleuca we have here in S Fla. but they are a exotic that is taking over many areas. I have never seen local birds feeding on them at all, maybe your source is referring to those trees. I have noticed that if people are unsure of a species it is usually classified as harmful. In the USA oak is listed as harmful/toxic but the feral parrots and local wildlife (including birds) eat acorns on a regular basis. Maybe someone with more knowledge about your part of the world will chime in.

 

[Thingamagigs]

I believe the species you refer to is Melaleuca quinquenervia, it was introduced into the US and seemed to take a liking to your climate Here (in Aus) it is our most prolific paperbark, we have lovely big melaleuca forests in swamps and around creeks. They are essential for a number of rare and endangered species such as the rusty mangrove monitor.
Its our good old common "paperbark" tree.

I thought perhaps its toxic status was due to "tea tree oil" being toxic if consumed... but that is a concentration of the oils of a relative myrtle plant and well... its a concentrated oil. LOL

Hopefully someone will be able to shed some light on why. It has been used in Aus for all kinds of purposes for ... well before us white people invaded If it is toxic to non-natives then I would love to know... I might hold off giving some to my GCC until then. I have some casuarina branches as well, they are on the non-toxic list everywhere Thats the biggest bird favourite I have ever seen, the galahs eat the leaves, bark, nuts... everything.

 

[henpecked]

I'm not sure where she lives in Aus. but "Pedro" might be a good person to ask. If she doesn't respond to this you can always PM her.