The sun conure, also known as the sun parakeet, is a medium-sized, vibrantly colored parrot native to northeastern South America. The adult male and female are similar in appearance, with black beaks, predominantly golden-yellow plumage, orange-flushed underparts and face, and green and blue-tipped wings and tails. Sun conures are very social birds, typically living in flocks. They form monogamous pairs for reproduction, and nest in palm cavities in the tropics. Sun conures mainly feed on fruits, flowers, berries, blossoms, seeds, nuts, and insects. Conures are commonly bred and kept in aviculture and may live up to 30 years. This species is currently threatened by loss of habitat and trapping for plumage or the pet trade. Sun conures are now listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Region
Northeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in a mosaic of seasonally flooded savannas, gallery forests, scrub woodlands, and palm groves across parts of Guyana and adjacent northern Brazil, with local occurrences in Suriname. It favors edges and clearings where palms and fruiting trees are abundant, especially Mauritia stands. Birds move locally in response to food availability but do not undertake long-distance migrations. They may occasionally visit agricultural areas to feed on crops.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the sun parakeet, this dazzling parrot is famed for its bright golden-yellow and orange plumage and loud, piercing calls. Juveniles are greener and molt into the vivid adult colors over their first year. They form strong lifelong pair bonds and often nest in cavities of Mauritia palms. Wild populations are threatened primarily by trapping and habitat loss, despite the species being common in aviculture.
Adult on the left and three juveniles on the right
![[13] A group of sun conures](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/Aratinga_solstitialis_-Baltimore_Aquarium%2C_USA-8b.jpg/1280px-Aratinga_solstitialis_-Baltimore_Aquarium%2C_USA-8b.jpg)
[13] A group of sun conures
At Hamilton Zoo, New Zealand
A pair of sun conures
A young female sun conure hatched in captivity
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in noisy flocks, often 6–30 birds, maintaining contact with sharp calls. Pairs are monogamous and maintain strong bonds, allopreening and staying in close proximity. Nesting is in tree or palm cavities, frequently in Mauritia palms; both adults care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, piercing screeches and repeated contact calls, especially in flight and at roosts. At close range, pairs exchange softer chatter and murmurs.
