- Common Name
- sun conure
- Genus Species
- Aratinga (bright and macaw-like) solstitialis (sun)
- Golden feathers with green on wing tips; lower beak tinged with red; young sun conures appear more olive green
- 30 cm (19.6 in.)
- 240 g (8.4 oz.)
- Seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables
- Approximately 23 days
Clutch Size: 4–5 eggs
- Sexual Maturity
- Capable of breeding within 2 years, although early clutches may not be fertile
- Life Span
- 30–35 years
- Northeast part of South America (Brazil, Guyana, and Eastern Venezuela)
- Savannas, forests, and palm groves
- Global: No data
- IUCN: No data
CITES: All Psittaciformes are listed as at least CITES II, although sun conure numbers appear to be stable
USFWS: No data
- Due to the small quantity of conures in the wild, little is known about this bird.
- Though they are not known as a truly social bird, pairs and small groups may be seen feeding in the treetops together.
- Conures have a tendency to spend long periods of time in their nest, even when not breeding.
- They are playful birds and are said to be clown-like.
- Because of their sharp screeching calls, they are often known as "little macaws."
Ecology and Conservation
Though these birds are not endangered, these birds are often sought for pet trade. In some areas though, over-population is a concern.
Austin, G. 1961. Birds of the World. Golden Press, Inc., New York.
Forshaw, J.M. 1977. Parrots of the World. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City.
Gotch, A.F. 1981. Birds - Their Latin Names Explained. Blandford Books Ltd., UK.
Helmut, Sick. 1993. Birds of Brazil. Princeton University Press, New York.