Sun Conure
Scientific Information:
The Sun Conure, (Aratinga solstitialis), is a parrot that is native to the north-eastern coastal forests of South America, specifically eastern Venezuela, North-eastern Brazil and Northern Amazonas
Description:
The average weight for a Sun Conure is between 100g and 123g. Their length is approximately 305mm from head to tail. As with all conures, the Sun has the white skin patch around the eye.
The plumage of the sun conure is a strikingly beautiful red/orange/yellow over most of the bird. The wings have a slight green on the wings. The younger birds are more green, and their brighter colors appear after several molts.
Both males and females look alike. However, according to some breeders, one can take a guess by looking at the shape of the bird's head. Females have a rounder and smaller head than the male. The male's head is squarer, with a flatter forehead. This method most certainly isn't foolproof and if identifying the right sex is important, DNA sexing (or surgical sexing) is recommended.
Sun Conures can live for 25 to 30 years.
Personality:
The Sun Conure is noted for its loud squawking compared to its relatively small size. The bird is capable of mimicking humans but not as well as some larger parrots. This being said, there are some amongst them that are very capable talkers.
They have big personalities for such small birds. Owners report that they are smart and interactive, but are also more prone to behavioral problems than are cockatiels or budgies - but this would be the case with any conure. They all require a committed owner who will work with their pets to guide their behavior, while cockatiels and budgies are "beginner birds."
Diet and Caging:
A Commercial Parrot blend of Pellets, Seeds, Nuts and dried fruit should be supplemented everyday with FRESH fruits and veggies. All parrots enjoy a warm mash breakfast of beans, oatmeal, pasta and yams. MINIMUM cage size for a Sun is 18 X 18 X 20. Bar spacing of 1/2".
The Sun Conure, (Aratinga solstitialis), is a parrot that is native to the north-eastern coastal forests of South America, specifically eastern Venezuela, North-eastern Brazil and Northern Amazonas
Description:
The average weight for a Sun Conure is between 100g and 123g. Their length is approximately 305mm from head to tail. As with all conures, the Sun has the white skin patch around the eye.
The plumage of the sun conure is a strikingly beautiful red/orange/yellow over most of the bird. The wings have a slight green on the wings. The younger birds are more green, and their brighter colors appear after several molts.
Both males and females look alike. However, according to some breeders, one can take a guess by looking at the shape of the bird's head. Females have a rounder and smaller head than the male. The male's head is squarer, with a flatter forehead. This method most certainly isn't foolproof and if identifying the right sex is important, DNA sexing (or surgical sexing) is recommended.
Sun Conures can live for 25 to 30 years.
Personality:
The Sun Conure is noted for its loud squawking compared to its relatively small size. The bird is capable of mimicking humans but not as well as some larger parrots. This being said, there are some amongst them that are very capable talkers.
They have big personalities for such small birds. Owners report that they are smart and interactive, but are also more prone to behavioral problems than are cockatiels or budgies - but this would be the case with any conure. They all require a committed owner who will work with their pets to guide their behavior, while cockatiels and budgies are "beginner birds."
Diet and Caging:
A Commercial Parrot blend of Pellets, Seeds, Nuts and dried fruit should be supplemented everyday with FRESH fruits and veggies. All parrots enjoy a warm mash breakfast of beans, oatmeal, pasta and yams. MINIMUM cage size for a Sun is 18 X 18 X 20. Bar spacing of 1/2".
