The conure is a family of American parrots that includes about 45 species. They are characterized by their slender build and long tails, resembling parakeets. Conures are popular pets, and if you’re considering adopting one as a pet, it’s vital to learn about their care, habitat, diet, and temperament.
Whether you own a conure or you’re thinking about getting one, there are several fascinating facts you may not know, like the common trait shared by all species in this family or their favorite treat. Take a look at these 18 fascinating and fun conure facts you never knew.
The 18 Fascinating Conure Facts
1. Conures are often regarded as “real parrots” in the pet trade.
They’re referred to as “real parrots” when they’re compared to popular species like cockatiels and parakeets.
2. Conures are New World parrots.
They’re native to Central and South America.
3. They have complicated communication methods.
Though they don’t often imitate their owners, conures have highly developed communication in wild colonies and mimic flock members’ individual calls.
4. The Carolina parakeet has gone extinct.
The Carolina parakeet is a conure species native to the U.S. Unfortunately, it was hunted to extinction in the early 20th century.
5. There are many wild colonies of conures in the US.
The U.S. is home to many wild colonies living in California’s urban areas, specifically in San Francisco.
6. Conures have white eye rings.
All conure species have white rings around their eyes, known as “naked eye rings.”
7. There are four common types of conures.
The most commonly kept species include the Sun, Jenday, Maroon-bellied, and Green-cheek conures.
8. Conures are very loud.
Conures emit an ear-piercing shriek that can be heard for miles.
9. Conures can mimic certain sounds.
Captive conures don’t usually mimic strange sounds, but when they do, they choose ambient sounds like doorbells and telephones.
10. Some conures have a soft spot for peanuts.
Most birds have a natural diet of seeds and nuts, but many captive conures love peanuts as a treat.
11. These birds have natural camouflage.
Conures nest in tall treetops and use camouflage to protect themselves from predators. Their natural predators are birds of prey and the false vampire bat.
12. Several conure species are endangered from deforestation and harvesting for the pet trade.
The green-cheeked conure is one of the few listed as a “Least Concern” species on the IUCN red list of threatened species.
13. Conures are pretty healthy but are prone to some diseases.
Though generally healthy, conures are prone to chlamydiosis and psittacine beak and feather disease. Fortunately, those conditions can be prevented with proper care.
14. The hit comedy film “Paulie” featured a conure.
To adjust to the filming schedule and the demands of the role, 14 blue-crown conures were trained in verbal commands and hand signals. Other conures were used for the supporting bird roles, including the South American Nanday conure, the Jenday conure, and the Cherry-headed conure.
15. Known for playfulness, the conure has a reputation for being a sharp dancer.
Many owners report their pets bobbing their heads and dancing to music. Ironically, studies have shown that birds have diverse musical tastes but don’t usually like dance music.
16. Some conure species ingest mineral-rich soils from clay as a supplement for minerals and digestion.
In captivity, a proper diet eliminates the need for eating clay.
17. Conures are playful and quirky.
Some species enjoy hanging upside down, which comes from an instinct to forage on the underside of branches in the wild.
18. Brazilians want the golden conure species to be the national bird.
This is thanks to its coloration of golden yellow with green and resemblance to the Brazilian flag.
Final Thoughts
Conures are amazing birds and can make fantastic pets if you have the know-how and the right conure-appropriate setup. Providing a healthy diet and exercise, feeding a balanced diet, maintaining veterinary check-ups, and giving your conure plenty of daily attention are essential. Did you know any of these facts before reading the article? Which one did you find the most interesting?
You may also want to read:
- Nanday Conure (Black-Hooded Parakeet): Origin, History & Breed Info
- Cherry-Headed Conure: Pictures, Personality, Food & Care Guide
Featured Image Credit: Rutpratheep Nilpechr, Pixabay
Contents
- The 18 Fascinating Conure Facts
- 1. Conures are often regarded as “real parrots” in the pet trade.
- 2. Conures are New World parrots.
- 3. They have complicated communication methods.
- 4. The Carolina parakeet has gone extinct.
- 5. There are many wild colonies of conures in the US.
- 6. Conures have white eye rings.
- 7. There are four common types of conures.
- 8. Conures are very loud.
- 9. Conures can mimic certain sounds.
- 10. Some conures have a soft spot for peanuts.
- 11. These birds have natural camouflage.
- 12. Several conure species are endangered from deforestation and harvesting for the pet trade.
- 13. Conures are pretty healthy but are prone to some diseases.
- 14. The hit comedy film “Paulie” featured a conure.
- 15. Known for playfulness, the conure has a reputation for being a sharp dancer.
- 16. Some conure species ingest mineral-rich soils from clay as a supplement for minerals and digestion.
- 17. Conures are playful and quirky.
- 18. Brazilians want the golden conure species to be the national bird.
- Final Thoughts
