Description

Cactus Conures average 10-11 inches in length, and sport green plumage above and a rusty-orange breast.  The head, face and throat areas are brown, shading gradually to olive.  Two subspecies have been described, neither of which has been well-studied.

Range and Natural History

The Cactus Conure is limited in distribution to Northeastern Brazil, where the majority of its range is contained within Bahia State.  It is adapted to a dry habitat (the Caatinga Scrub) that is dominated by cactus, succulents, thorn scrub, low trees and sturdy grasses; “semi-desert” has been used to describe some portions of this region.  Cactus Conures sometimes venture into pastures and farms, where they may be hunted as crop pests.

Field studies of this bird are scarce, which is puzzling since it is so unique among South America’s Psittacines.  The few published natural history accounts that are available indicate that it feeds upon cactus fruits and flowers, seeds, sprouts and buds.  Small groups of 8-20 individuals have been observed, but little is known of its social behavior. 

Conservation Status

The Cactus Conure’s status in the wild is also something of a mystery, and reports vary widely as regards population estimates.  For now, it is listed on Appendix II of CITES and considered Near Threatened by the IUCN; detailed studies are needed.  Because it is adapted to a very specific environment, and occupies a limited range, habitat loss would likely impact the Cactus Conure severely.

Captive Care

Cactus Conures are rarely kept in either private or public collections.  They are reportedly slow to accept human companionship, but once acclimated become as trusting (and remain as loud!) as most of their relatives. 

Suggested diets contain more fruit, buds and vegetables than is typically recommended for other conures.  Captive breeding is not common but occurs regularly among established pairs.  The 4-6 eggs hatch in 25-30 days and the chicks fledge at age 7-8 weeks.

Parrot oddities abound – from seashore dwellers to those that nest under rocks, surprises are everywhere.  I’ll cover others from time to time, and would be happy to hear about your favorites.  Please write in with your questions and comments. 

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Further Reading

Cactus Conure fact sheet

Video of wild Cactus Conures.
Cactus Parakeet images referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Phillipe and Snowmanradio
Caatinga images referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Allan Patrick

Post from: That Bird Blog


The Cactus Conure – Little Known Parrot of Brazil’s Arid Scrublands

General Considerations

Conures in the genus Aratinga are often suggested as birds to purchase for those who wish to keep macaws but lack experience (Aratinga means “little macaw”).  Brilliantly colored but quite loud and with an indomitable spirit, conures do indeed resemble their larger cousins in many ways.  Most do best in outdoor aviaries, although they can be acclimated to large indoor cages as well.

The 17 species classified genus Pyrrhura are, in general, quieter and easier to manage than the Aratinga conures.

Green Cheeked Conure, Pyrrhura molinae

An affectionate personality, quiet voice and small size (10 inches) render this one of the most favored of the conures.  Hailing from western Brazil, northwestern Argentina and Paraguay, green cheeks enjoy being held and will even “wrestle” on their backs with those they trust.

Fresh fruit is, as with all conures, an important part of their diet, and should always be available.  A number of stunning color strains, including pineapple and turquoise, have been produced.

White Eared or Maroon Fronted Conure, P. leucotis

The White-ear is, at 8.5 inches, one of the smaller conures, and also among the quietest and most confiding.  It tames readily and is known for its trick-learning abilities, but like all related birds requires a great deal of attention if kept singly.

White-eared Conures are limited in range to eastern Brazil, and generally stay high in the forest canopy.

Blue Crowned Conure, Aratinga acuticaudata

This first of the larger conures that we will cover is also one of the most popular, and with good reason.  Although as rambunctious as its relatives, the Blue Crown has a very affectionate side as well, and is particularly quick to bond its owner.  Those I cared for at a nature center years age were crowd favorites – always in motion and eager for attention.  Two of the birds picked up several words on their own.

Jenday Conure, A. jandaya

Gorgeous golden yellow and deep red plumage keeps this bird on the “most wanted” list of parrot fanciers worldwide, but the jenday is best reserved for experienced aviculturists.  While many become wonderful companions, these natives of northeastern Brazil tend to be high strung, especially when kept alone.

Red Masked Conure, A. erythrogenys

A striking red head and face set this 13 inch beauty apart from other conures. Ranging from western Ecuador to northwestern Peru, where it is sometimes kept as a free-ranging pet, the red masked conure frequents arid habitats.

Free-ranging may be the ideal (but illegal outside of its native habitat) situation for this robust bird – extremely noisy and active, it is suited only for large, outdoor enclosures.

White Eyed Conure, A. leucopthalmus

Often described as “watchful”, this large, thick-billed conure is not a bird for the inexperienced aviculturist.  Nesting pairs are known for their habit of attacking anyone, even well-liked individuals, who approaches their aviary during the breeding season.

Further Reading

Two of the world’s most beautiful parrots are conures, and both are regularly bred in captivity.  For further information, please see The Golden Conure and The Sun Conure.

Please write in with your questions and comments. 

 Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Post from: That Bird Blog


Wild and Pet Conures – Natural History and Captive Care – Part 2

Nearly all accounts of conures include the word “clown”.  Having observed flocks of conures in the wild and worked with others in huge outdoor exhibits, I can vouch that this description is most appropriate…they are among the most active and engaging of all parrots.

Popular Conures

Many popular pet conures belong to the genus Aratinga, which means “little macaw”.  Certainly they have outsized personalities, and “act” as though they are as large as macaws – if anything, they are even more boisterous.

The genus Pyrrhura is comprised of conures that, while more somberly colored than their relatives, are never-the-less quite beautiful.  Their personalities are also subdued, exhibiting the intelligence of the Aratinga without the noise.  Many make wonderful, affectionate pets.

Other parrot genera contain species that are usually referred to as conures as well.  Of these, the Nanday Conure (Nandayus nanday) and the Patagonian Cconure (Cyanoliseus patagonus) are popularly kept as pets.

Patagonian Conure or Burrowing Parrot, Cyanoliseus patagonus

This largest of all conures is also one of the most unusual.  It excavates nesting burrows of 6-9 feet in length in the sides of limestone or sandstone cliffs, usually overlooking the sea or a river.  Patagonian Conures nest colonially, and the burrows may interconnect with each another, reminding one more of a rabbit warren than a parrot-nesting area!  As there is usually no “landing area” in front of the cliff-side nests, Patagonian Conures fold their wings as they near and enter directly from the air, running as they hit the ground. 

Patagonian Conures are now rare over much of their range (south-central Argentina and Chile; possibly Uruguay), but they rebound rapidly when protected; despite laying only 2-3 eggs, their inaccessible nest sites and communal breeding system assures that most nestlings survive.

Working with a Flock

I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a flock of Patagonian Conures in a huge outdoor exhibit, complete with nesting burrows, at the Bronx Zoo.  I must say that these birds were perhaps the most interesting of any I have ever worked with – they literally do not stop interacting all day. 

Seeing parrots like this, or in the wild, really helps to give one a sense of their true natures, and to explain some of the problems they face as captives.  I also helped to hand-rear 6 chicks, all of which became quite popular in outreach and educational programs.

Suitability as Pets

Patagonian Conures are quite a handful in the home, vocalizing often and at high volume.  They are highly social, even by parrot standards, and remain in a close-knit flock even during the breeding season.  Pets therefore require a great deal of attention and stimulation. 

That being said, their popularity is increasing…exceptionally responsive and entertaining, they are wonderful pets for those with appropriate time, experience and space.

Next time I’ll cover some of the smaller, more popularly kept conures.  Until then, please write in with your questions and comments. 

Further Reading

Please see my article on Half Moon Conures and False Vampire Bats for a peek at an odd bit of conure natural history.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio

Burrowing Conure image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Hedwig Storch

Post from: That Bird Blog


Wild and Pet Conures – Natural History and Captive Care – Part 1

Of course, not all conures are noisy – although none of the 42 species, all native to Central and South America, can be termed “quiet”. The smaller ones, such as the green-cheeked, black-capped and maroon-bellied conures, are good choices if you are looking for a quieter, (but not quite “quiet”!) pet. The Patagonian, nanday, mitred, red-fronted and other medium to large conures tend to cause a racket. That being said, I must admit that a group of Patagonian conures I worked with at the Bronx Zoo were among the friendliest and most interesting birds I have ever run across.

Vocal tendencies aside, there can be no doubt that the sun conure makes a charming pet. In addition to its brilliant coloration, it is very playful and has a friendly, curious demeanor. The jenday conure, perhaps even more outgoing, is also a great companion bird – but is among the most vocal of the group.

I’d enjoy hearing about your experiences with these spectacular birds. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.

You can see a sun conure’s playful nature in action at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmnCQmqJcZk&feature=related

Post from: That Bird Blog


The Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis) and its Relatives – Praise and Warnings