The jandaya parakeet or jenday conure, is a small Neotropical parrot with green wings and tail, reddish-orange body, yellow head and neck, orange cheeks, and black bill, native to wooded habitats in northeastern Brazil. It is a member of the Aratinga solstitialis complex of parakeets very closely related to, and possibly subspecies of the sun parakeet.
Region
Northeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Found in wooded habitats, including dry forest, caatinga mosaics with gallery forests, palm groves, and secondary growth near forest edges. It frequents riparian corridors and forest clearings, and readily uses disturbed habitats and agroforestry areas with fruiting trees. Pairs and small groups often commute between feeding and roost sites and may visit orchards and plantations.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the jenday conure, this species is a close relative of the sun conure and part of the Aratinga solstitialis complex. It is popular in aviculture for its vivid colors and bold personality but is not truly domesticated. In the wild it nests in tree cavities, including palms, and often travels in small, noisy flocks.
Two jenday conures (center) and one sun conure (right) at Kobe Kachoen, Japan
Aratinga jandaya – MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small flocks, communicating constantly with loud calls. It forms strong pair bonds and is monogamous, with pairs often staying in close contact while foraging. Nests are placed in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, including in palms.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, sharp, and piercing screeches typical of conures, often given in series during flight. Contact calls are repetitive and carry over long distances, while perched calls can include chattering and harsher notes.
Plumage
Bright yellow head and neck, reddish-orange body, and mostly green wings and tail with blue-tinged primaries. Feathers are sleek and glossy, giving a vivid, high-contrast appearance.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits, seeds, and berries, often favoring palms and seasonally abundant native fruits. It will also take blossoms and occasionally nectar. In human-modified landscapes it may feed on cultivated fruits and grains.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and along forest edges, as well as in palm groves and gallery forests. It frequently visits orchards, parks, and secondary growth where fruiting trees are available.
