Conure

Conure is a common name for several species of small to medium-sized parrots native to the Americas, particularly Central and South America. The term is not a strict taxonomic group but is used for birds in several genera within the tribe Arini, including Aratinga, Pyrrhura, Eupsittula, and Thectocercus. Conures are typically green with colorful accents on the head, wings, or tail, and they vary in size from roughly 20 to 40 centimeters in length.

In the wild, conures inhabit a range of environments from tropical forests to savannas and forest edges, often forming flocks outside the breeding season. They are diurnal, highly social, and known for their vocalizations and ability to mimic. Their diet is omnivorous, comprising seeds, fruits, nuts, blossoms, and occasionally crops.

Breeding usually involves cavity nesting in trees. Clutch sizes commonly range from 2 to 5 eggs, with incubation lasting about 22 to 26 days and fledging occurring several weeks later. Life in the wild is influenced by habitat availability and seasonal flocking behavior.

In captivity, conures are popular pets due to their intelligence and sociability but require substantial enrichment, a spacious cage, and daily interaction. They can be noisy and long-lived, with lifespans often exceeding 20 years and sometimes reaching 30 to 40 years with proper care. Health issues in captivity include stress-related problems and feather plucking if enrichment is insufficient.

Conservation status varies by species; some are of Least Concern, while others face threats from habitat loss and collection for the pet trade. Protection of habitats and regulated trade support wild populations.