Types of Conures 

Genus Aratingas- Latin for "little macaw," (ara - macaw, tinga - diminutive)

Temperament- Aratingas are generally the noisier, more outgoing, more demanding of the two primary conure genera, the other being the Pyrrhuras.

General Appereance- Aratinga conures vary in size from 9 to 14 inches. The plumage of most of the Aratinga species is mainly green with various colored markings on the head and body, which can be red, yellow or blue. The beaks are either horn colored or black.

Some of the conures in this genus are: 

• Blue-Crowned Conures
• Cactus Conures
• Cuban Conures
• Dusky- headed Conures
• Finsch’s Conures
• Gold-Capped Conures
• Golden Conures
• Green Conures
• Hipaniolan Conures
• Jamaican Conures
• Jenday Conures
• Mitred Conures
• Orange-fronted Conures
• Peach-fronted Conures
• Red-fronted Conures
• Red-masked Conures
• St. Thomas Conures
• Sun Conures
• White-eyed Conures

Genus Pyrrhura

 

 

Genus Pyrrhura are endemic to tropical and subtropical South America and southern Central America (Panama and Costa Rica), where they can be found in the humid forest and adjacent habitats.

Is the second genus with more species among conures, behind the Arantiga.

Temperament-  The Pyrrhura Conures are one of the quieter Conures and one of the least aggressive of the group. These gentle birds are active and they do need a lot of attention or at least bird companionship. They have a long life expectancy over 15 years.

General Appereance- Pyrrhura conures can be recognized by their breast coloration. The feathers of this area are tipped with lighter colors which gives this conures a ruffled look. They have long gradated tails, a white eye-ring and are smaller than Arantigas. Their base color is green which is complemented with other colors - reds, blues and/or grays – depending on the specie. Young birds have duller plumage than adults and have shorter tails. Pyrrhuras are usually smaller with a total length range from 8½-12 in (22 to 30 cm).

 

Species of Pyrrhura Conures  

• Black-capped Conure (Pyrrhura rupicola) – These 25 cm long conures have very prominent chest markings. Also generally green with dark brown forehead and red feathers on the wedge of the wings.
• Blue-throated Conure (Pyrrhura cruentata)
• Brown-breasted Conure (Pyrrhura calliptera)
• Crimson-bellied Conure (Pyrrhura perlata) – Native from a small part of the Brazilian territory, in the Northern part of the country, the Crimson-bellied Conure is one of the largest in the Pyrrhura genus, with 25 cm. This bird is mostly green, with a large crimson frontal band that gives it his name. Dull yellow, pale blue, brown and grey can also be observed in some specific areas.
• Fiery-shouldered Conure (Pyrrhura egregia) – This parrot is mostly green, but it has bright yellow to red feathers on the shoulders and blue at the end of the wings. The Fiery-shouldered Conure has 25 cm and it´s not a hard chewer
• Green-Cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae) – This is probably one of the most popular conures of this group. Green-Cheeked Conures have 25 cm and dark green plumage, with narrow red to brown belly area and blue feathers at the end of the wings. There are some brightly colored variations of this bird
• Hoffmann's Conure (Pyrrhura hoffmanni)
• El Oro Conure (Pyrrhura orcesi)
• Maroon-bellied Conure (Pyrrhura frontalis) – These common Pyrrhura Conures got their name from the red to brown band that they have in the belly area. This bird is mostly green, not brightly colored but with shades of dull blue or yellow to the green. The tail is also maroon on the underside. It measure 25 cm.
• Maroon-tailed Conure (Pyrrhura melanura)
• Painted Conure (Pyrrhura picta) - There are nine sub-species of Painted Conure but even so, they are quite rare. These 22 cm long conures are generally green but have some red to brown areas, as the belly and the shoulders and cheeks.
• Red-eared Conure (Pyrrhura hoematotis)
• Rose-crowned Conure (Pyrrhura rhodocephala)
• Santa Marta Conure (Pyrrhura viridicata)
• White-eared Conure (Pyrrhura leucotis)
• White-necked Conure (Pyrrhura albipectus)

 

Genus Nandayus

 

 

Genus Nandayus- There is only one conure in this group, and that is the Nanday Conure.

General Appereance- The Black-hooded Parakeet is 32-37 cm in length, and is mostly green in color. Its most distinguishing characteristic, for which it is named, is its black facial mask and beak. It also shows black trailing flight feathers on its wings and has a long tail edged at the end in blue. The upper chest is bluish-green and the lower chest is a paler green. Feathers covering the thighs are red.

Temperament- They are noted for having a very loud call. Very intelligent, hardy and acrobatic. They will bond with one person or territory, and can be quite destructive if made unhappy due to inadequate socialization and stimulation.

Genus Cyanoliseus conures are endemic to South America ( Argentina, Chile and Uruguay). Inside this genus is the largest conure of all: Patagonian Conure.

Temperament- They can learn to speak, enjoy playing and have a very loud voice. This conures bond well with their owner, often choosing a specific person as favorite.

General Appereance- Cyanoliseus conures conures measure 18 inches (46 cm) in size. All birds have olive green feathering over most of their bodies, with sparse white feathering in the neck of some individuals. The abdomen and legs are reddish orange and there is blue on the primary wing feathers and the tail. In some conures the abdomen may not exhibit as much orange or red coloration. The bright white periophthalmic eye ring narrows to a point behind the eye, and the irises are yellow. Their mandibles are black and the feet are pink.

Conures in this genus are:

Conures of the Genus Enicognathus

Genus Enicognathus conures are endemic to Argentina and Chile. They are not commonly seen as pets.

The Austral Conures are endemic to Chile, southern Argentina, and the islands in the Strait of Magellan.  In their natural habitat, these conures nest in tree cavities. Austral Conures can usually be seen in flocks of 10 to 15 individuals, but large flocks of over one hundred (or more) occur.

Description- The average length is 13- 14 inches and weigh around 4.9 oz (139 g). The Austral Conure is mostly green, with dark-edge feathers. Its forehead and abdomen are maroon. The wing are green, tinged with blue, and the tail is maroon with green tips. Their mandibles are gray to black, have dark red irises, gray skin in the eye ring and grey feet.

Temperament- Austral Conures make sweet and loveable companion birds with an easy-going disposition. They are fun-loving, inquisitive and mischievous. They are moderately noisy and most are not very nippy.

Description- The general plumage is generally olive green. Their forehead, crown and neck feathers are edged with brownish black. The feathered lores and cere are crimson red. The center of abdomen is a maroon reddish color and the tail is brownish red with a tinge of green.

They have a dark grey bill. The upper beak is prolonged and slightly curved. The irises are orange and the eyes are circled by a small grey periophthalmic ring. The legs are grey. This is a big conure, measuring nearly 16 inches in length.