Sun Conure

Animal Diversity Web describes the sun conure as highly social: in the wild it lives in pairs or groups of 3–15, and flocks of 20–30 form where food is plentiful. In flight it gives a loud, high-pitched "screek" repeated three to six times; while feeding it is usually quiet. Merck describes the conure group (Aratinga) as small-to-medium birds with piercing screams that are not known for talking.

The World Parrot Trust writes that the sun conure enjoys socializing and bathing. In a 2011 survey of avian veterinarians and parrot owners by Gaskins and Bergman, the most common behavior problems were aggression, screaming and feather picking; screaming is an especially important issue with conures.

The sun conure suits people who are ready for a lot of noise, can spend long stretches with their bird every day, can set aside a roomy living space and accept a 25–30 year commitment. RSPCA Australia reminds readers that birds can live 10 to 50 years, that noise levels vary greatly by species and that a bird vet can be hard to find.

According to Animal Diversity Web it lives in the Roraima region of northern Brazil and neighboring Guyana, in open savannas, dry woodland and palm groves. The World Parrot Trust says the wild population is about 1,000–2,499 mature birds and falling, and that because of a very rapid decline over three generations the species was moved on the IUCN Red List from Least Concern to Endangered. Trapping is the main threat: large numbers of birds were exported from Guyana and trappers have now turned to Brazil, where the population has dropped 50–79% over three generations. Trapping pressure in Guyana is reportedly easing, with signs of recovery.

So buying this species, even from a legal, documented source, is a decision connected to the wild population. Do not buy a wild-caught bird.

Animal Diversity Web gives about 12 in (30 cm) and 3.5–4.3 oz (100–123 g), and the World Parrot Trust about 12 in (30 cm) and 4.2–4.5 oz (120–130 g). The head and body are yellow-orange and the wings green with blue tones. These showy colors make the species attractive, but looking good does not make it easy to keep. A bird with fluffed, dull or plucked feathers should be seen by a vet.

• Flight: Free flight in a safe, enclosed room every day; window, door, fan and heater precautions; toxic plants removed.
• Mental work: Merck lists lack of mental stimulation among the causes of feather picking; rotate toys and set up foraging games.
• Regular attention: Merck recommends consistent, regular interaction.
• Sleep: Merck values uninterrupted nights; RSPCA suggests a separate night cage instead of covering the cage.
• Bathing: The World Parrot Trust says it enjoys bathing; a mister or shallow dish.

Also see bonding with your bird and toys for birds.

RSPCA Australia's rule for a pair: the width at least three times the combined wingspan of the two birds, the height at least three times the head-to-tail length of the largest bird, and at least two wingbeats between perches. For a bird about 12 in (30 cm) long, that is a height of at least about 3 ft (90 cm). Birds fly horizontally; a long cage beats a tall one. RSPCA writes that birds confined to cages risk obesity, arthritis, boredom, feather picking, screaming and aggression; a flight aviary or regular safe flight is a must.

• Material: For aviary wire for birds of 80–200 g, RSPCA suggests about 1.2 mm wire. Poorly galvanized wire can poison with zinc; Merck prefers stainless steel.
• Perches: Natural, non-toxic branches; avoid metal pipe, cotton-rope and sandpaper-covered perches.
• Bowls: Stainless steel, glass or glazed ceramic.
• Floor: Newspaper or paper towel.
• Location: In a corner, away from traffic and constant noise. See the cage placement guide.
• Cleaning: At least weekly, ideally every 1–2 days.

Animal Diversity Web says the wild sun conure eats seeds, fruit, nuts, blossoms and buds, that a varied diet is advised at home and that seed alone can harm breeding. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, a diet built around seeds and nuts is fatty and lacks many vitamins and minerals. The recommended base is a complete formulated pellet plus a smaller amount of fresh vegetables and fruit; work out the proportions with a vet who sees birds. Switch gradually.

• Fresh water every day; do not mix powdered supplements into the water.
• Vitamin A deficiency is common and often missed in seed-fed birds.
• For harmful foods, see foods that are harmful to birds.

Merck says birds hide illness. What follows is for information; for diagnosis and treatment, talk to a veterinarian who sees birds.

• Nutrition problems and obesity: Linked to seed-heavy diets.
• Feather picking: Merck says medical causes should be ruled out first, then psychological ones such as stress and boredom considered.
• Chlamydia (psittacosis): A disease that can spread through droppings, nasal discharge and feather dust and pass to people. Animal Diversity Web also says the capture trade has spread infectious diseases among birds. Merck lists testing new birds, isolating sick birds, gloves and hand washing.
• Fume and gas poisoning: Overheated nonstick coatings, aerosol sprays, room fresheners and burning plastic can kill birds quickly.
• Heavy metals: Galvanized wire, metal toys and old paint are risky.

Merck says up to 30 years, the World Parrot Trust about 30 and Animal Diversity Web 15–30 in captivity; lifespan in the wild is unknown. Plan for decades. The expert panel in Chalmers and colleagues (2024) lists the lack of a life plan for birds (moves, illness, rehoming) among the priority welfare issues for pet parrots.

• Legal status: The World Parrot Trust lists the species in CITES Appendix II, and the EU list also puts the Psittaciformes order generally under Appendix II ("II"). Lists can change, so verify the current status. When buying, ask for the exact species name and paperwork; confirm the details for Türkiye with the relevant official authorities. (Animal Diversity Web writes "no special status" for this species; that information is out of date.)
• No wild-caught birds: Trapping is the main factor reducing the wild population; buy only from a documented, known breeding source.
• Rescues and shelters: Look for organizations that rehome birds.
• Assess the seller: Pick one who knows the species, gives health and diet information, and offers returns or support; RSPCA warns against impulse buying.
• Vet: First find out whether a bird vet is available near you.