Species Guides

Conure Buying Guide

Conures are vibrant, playful, and surprisingly affectionate birds that pack enormous personality into a compact body. They make excellent companions for owners who want an interactive, energetic bird without the size and complexity of a macaw or cockatoo.

Conure species comparison

The Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis) is the most visually spectacular — a blaze of yellow, orange, and green that is breathtaking in sunlight. Sun Conures are affectionate and playful but are the loudest conures; their contact call is sharp and penetrating. The Green-Cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae) is considerably quieter, equally cuddly, and is one of the best conure options for flat or apartment living. The Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya) sits between the two in noise level and is a lively, social companion.

Are conures good for first-time owners?

Yes — conures are one of the better choices for first-time parrot owners who are moving up from budgies or cockatiels. They are hardy, relatively forgiving of minor care mistakes, and respond well to gentle handling and training. The Green-Cheeked Conure in particular is widely recommended as a starter parrot due to its manageable noise level and affectionate disposition.

Care requirements

CITES status

Most conure species are listed on CITES Appendix II. Import into the UK requires an Animal Health Certificate and appropriate CITES documentation. At Paraíso de Aves, all paperwork is prepared at our end; we guide you through the UK import process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are conures noisy?

It depends on the species. Sun Conures are among the loudest small parrots — their contact call is sharp and frequent. Green-Cheeked Conures are considerably quieter and more suitable for flats or semi-detached houses. Jenday Conures fall in the middle.

Do conures talk?

Conures are not known for large vocabularies, but many individuals learn 10–30 words and short phrases. They are more expressive through behaviour and vocalisation than through speech. Some Green-Cheeked Conures become surprisingly good talkers.

How long do conures live?

Green-Cheeked Conures typically live 15–25 years. Sun Conures and Jenday Conures can live 25–30 years with good care. This is a long-term commitment — factor it into your decision.

Can conures live with children?

Conures can be wonderful with children who handle them gently and respectfully. They are small enough that rough handling can injure them, so supervision with very young children is important. Many conures genuinely enjoy interacting with children.

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