Sun Conure

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
fast facts

About Sun Conure

Size
12 inches
Lifespan
30 years
Bird Species
Conure
Colors
Yellow, orange, green details
Sounds
Vocal, mimicking, noisy, chatterer
Interaction
Highly social, playful, affectionate, territorial
Comparable Breeds
Masked Lovebird, Alexandrine Parakeet
Sun Conure General Info


There are a couple of reasons why the Sun Conure is a highly popular pet bird. These playful, goofy little parrots are quick to conquer hearts with their intelligent and fun personality, the mimics and all the silly dances that they love. With a long lifespan of up to thirty years, these lovely parrots can be the best choice for your new family pet. While they are an endangered breed in the wild, as a pet they are widely available at most pet stores and not too expensive.


Sun Conure is bound to be full of energy and tricks, and will quickly become the favorite of the whole family.

Native Region/Natural Habitat


Their natural habitat is limited to a relatively small region in the north of South America – a belt that spans north of Brazil and southern Guyana and Suriname. They prefer these tropical regions – the coastal, savannah forests – as their nesting places, choosing palm groves and blooming trees as their home. An increasing decline due to hunting, loss of habitat and mass trapping, have resulted in the Sun conure becoming an endangered bird. More than 800,000 are illegally captured each year.


Overall Description


An adult Sun Conure can reach a length of 12 inches (30 centimeters) and weigh up to 4 ounces (110 grams). While they are considered a medium-sized parrot, their stocky build will make them seem small and cute. Sun Conure pairs are visually the same, as well as monogamous, meaning they will bond with their mate for a lifetime and become very affectionate partners.


Speech and Sounds


While not the best of talkers, Sun Conures are relatively good mimics. They love to learn and repeat familiar sounds and some basic short words. Sometimes though, they can get loud, with their high pitched screech calls, or murmured singing. This occasional high level of noise might be a problem if you live in an apartment.


Keep in mind that your conure pet will love music, and will often wholeheartedly dance and “sing along” to the rhythm of popular songs.


Colors

There are so many warm tones and bright colors on a Sun Conure’s plumage – a vivid and lively combination that leaves everyone impressed. Their bodies are mainly bright yellow, but with plenty of reddish-orange details, mostly on the belly and the face. The back, rump and lover wings are lush green, with several key details which are blue. There is no doubt that Sun Conures are impressive and quite beautiful parrots, their name ideally suited to their looks. The full richness of the color is acquired only in maturity.


A Sun Conure deserves its name. It is colored with warm, summery tones and is sure to brighten any space.


Care and Feeding


To ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your conure, the first step is to get a commercial seed or pellet mix. They are filled with nutritious millet, sunflower, wheat and barley seeds. To balance it out, make sure you add a regular dose of fresh fruits, green veggies, as well as nuts and selected cooked foods. Cuttlebones and commercial mineral blocks both serve as a great source of vitamins and a chance for your pet to work on their beak. A source of fresh water must be changed regularly.


Health and Common Conditions


Stoutness and good health are a significant advantage for Sun Conures. They are known for their ability to adapt and thrive in most common conditions. To ensure a long life free of sickness, pay attention to avoid some regular issues like draft, cold, neglected hygiene and lack of space and exercise. These parrots are energetic and sociable, which means they will require a lot of space outside of the cage, playing around the house. Be sure to provide regular showers, baths or water sprays, which they will surely love.


These little parrots are a whirlwind of energy. Provide them with enough attention to ensure your pet bird is satisfied and happy.


Personality & Behavior


There is a lot of fun and energy trapped inside these inquisitive little parrots. They will love to be in the center of attention, displaying their tricks and mimicking all the sounds they picked up. There’s a great tendency for a conure to bond with a particular person, and becoming protective when others are around. This protectiveness and their strong temperament can result in an occasional nibble, so better be careful.


Photo credit: apiguide/Shutterstock; boyphare/Shutterstock; siam.pukkato/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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