Conures are a type of parakeet. They can be trained relatively easily as they are sociable birds. As a pet, they are smaller than the large parrots but have many of their qualities.
There are around forty conure species but numerous subspecies, giving rise to a wide variety of sizes, colours and natural characteristics.
Conures broadly divide into two main types. These are the smaller Pyrrhura, the smallest being around 8.5 inches long and the larger Aratinga which can be as long as 18 inches.
The Pyrrhura, sometimes termed scaly-breasted, are generally characterized as being less destructive and quieter then the Aratinga types.
The variety of conures gives rise to a wide range of talking abilities.
Nanday Conure and Green Conure
One of the most popular pet types, Nanday Conures are mid-size and green with a black head. They are good talkers but are also one of the loudest types of conure so possibly not well-suited to being kept in an apartment.
Green or Green-Cheeked Conures are very friendly birds, which are not usually quite so noisy but tend to speak a little less than the Nanday. The Green Conure's main trait is its fun-loving nature, which lends itself to learning tricks fairly easily. These conures are quite popular for keeping in apartments.
The Maroon-Bellied Conure is very similar to the Green-Cheeked Conure but has a reputation for being a little more bad-tempered than its greener counterpart.
Sun Conure and Jenday Conure
The Sun Conure is one of the most beautiful conures, having orange and yellow plumage. It is also easy to tame. The downside of this type is that it is loud and its piercing call is not to everyone's taste.
Similar to the Sun Conure, this is another popular pet with its yellow head, orange chest and green body. The Sunday Conure is hybrid of the Sun and Jenday varieties.
Blue Crown Conures and White-Eye Conures are larger birds which lack some of the richer colours of the above types but are usually more likely to talk very well.
General Points About Conures
Conures are energetic and playful birds so they are best kept in larger cages or aviaries and given plenty of toys to keep them amused. Bars of the cages should be no more than a half-inch apart; these birds like making a bid for freedom.
Most conures enjoy being handled and can be taught tricks all the more easily if well-socialized within their surroundings.
A highly practical solution to reducing the noise level of many conures is to start teaching them to speak as soon as possible. Talking conures tend to generally make less noise.
Colouring of most conures develops and grows richer through progressive moults over the first two years of their lives.
If kept in an aviary, conures spend a lot of time roosting so should be provided with a permanent nestbox. Breeding pairs will normally be prolific.
Conures are fairly hardy birds and the smaller types especially will eat a variety of foods.
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