Aratinga / Pyrrhura spp. — Big personality in a compact package — the most playful parrots you will ever meet.
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aratinga / Pyrrhura spp. |
| Size | 25–40 cm, 100–200 g (species-dependent) |
| Wingspan | 30–46 cm |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years |
| Vocabulary | 10–30 words |
| Noise Level | Loud (Sun), Moderate (Green-cheek) |
| Family Suitability | Families, first-time owners |
| CITES Status | CITES Appendix II |
Conures are a diverse group of small to medium parrots native to Central and South America. Despite their modest size, conures pack an enormous personality into a compact frame — they are active, playful, curious, and deeply affectionate, forming genuine bonds with their owners. At Paraíso de Aves, we primarily breed the Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis), the Green-cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae), and the Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya).
Conures are often recommended as an excellent "stepping-stone" species for those who wish to eventually own larger parrots — their care requirements, social needs, and interactive qualities are similar in kind to macaws and Greys, but scaled appropriately for a smaller animal.
The Sun Conure is the most striking visually — brilliant orange-yellow with green and blue accents — and is one of the louder conure species. The Green-cheeked Conure is quieter, more playful, and often considered the ideal apartment conure. The Jenday Conure falls between the two in both volume and appearance.
All conure species are characterised by their high activity levels, insatiable curiosity, and affectionate nature. They love to play, forage, cuddle under clothing, and ride around on shoulders or in pockets. Most are excellent with children when socialised appropriately and enjoy the activity level of a busy household.
Conures benefit from a varied diet despite their small size:
Conures, especially Sun Conures, can be prone to Conure Bleeding Syndrome (CBS), which may be linked to Vitamin K deficiency. Ensure dark leafy greens are a regular part of the diet. Avoid avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, and caffeine.
Real photographs from our breeding facility in Llíria, Valencia — not stock images.
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Yes and no. They are affectionate and sociable, and their size makes handling easier than large macaws. However, the Sun Conure's call is extremely loud — a significant consideration for flat or terraced-house dwellers. The Green-cheeked Conure is considerably quieter and often better suited to noise-sensitive environments.
Some individuals learn 10–30 words, though conures are not renowned talkers compared to Amazons or African Greys. They compensate with expressive body language, whistles, and playful vocalisations that many owners find more endearing than speech.
20–30 years with proper care. A significant commitment for a bird of their size.
Generally yes — their playful, active temperament suits energetic households well. They should always be supervised with very young children, as their bite can cause injury and their fragile bodies can be unintentionally harmed.
Minimum 60×45×90 cm; a larger cage is always better. Conures are active birds that need space to climb and play. A well-stocked cage with multiple perches, swings, and foraging toys is essential.
Yes — throughout the UK and Ireland via specialist live-animal air cargo. Contact us at paraisodeloros@gmail.com for current availability and pricing.
Yes — significantly so. Green-cheeked Conures are among the quietest conure species and one of the best choices for those who want the conure personality without the volume of the Sun Conure.
Yes — all Aratinga and Pyrrhura species used in commerce require CITES Appendix II documentation. We provide complete paperwork with every bird.
Contact us to discuss current availability, pricing, and the delivery process. We answer all enquiries promptly and without obligation.