Conure

What are the main characteristics that distinguish conures from other parrots?

Conures are a group of approximately 45 species of parrots native to the Americas, ranging from Mexico to Argentina. They are distinguished from many other parrots by their slender build and long, pointed tails, which lead them to be frequently referred to as parakeets.¹

Unlike some other popular pet parrots known for their intelligence and mimicry, conures are generally characterized by a tendency to be bad-tempered and possess unpleasant calls. Furthermore, they typically do not mimic human speech. While they are considered handsome birds, their temperament and vocalizations often set them apart from the more famously imitative and relatively good-tempered species, such as the African gray parrot.¹²

What are some popular species of conures kept as pets?

Several species of conures are kept as pets, though they are generally known for being handsome rather than for their temperament or ability to mimic speech.¹

Popular species include:

• Half-moon conure (Aratinga canicularis): Also known as Petz’s conure or the “dwarf parrot,” this species originates from Central America. It is a smaller bird, measuring about 24 cm (10 inches) in length, and is primarily green with an orange forehead, a dull-blue crown, and blue coloration in the wings.¹
• Patagonian conure (Cyanoliseus patagonus): Often called the burrowing parrot, this is a much larger species that can reach up to 50 cm (20 inches) in length. In the wild, these birds are known for nesting colonially in cliff holes within the temperate regions of Chile and Argentina.¹

What is the taxonomic classification of conures within the parrot family?

Conures are classified within the parrot family, known as Psittacidae, and belong to the subfamily Psittacinae.¹

Taxonomically, these birds were formerly grouped under the genus Conurus. Modern classification now places the approximately 45 species of conures into several distinct genera, most notably Aratinga and Pyrrhura, along with about five other genera.¹

How do conures compare to macaws in terms of size and temperament?

Conures and macaws differ significantly in their physical characteristics and behavioral traits.

Size

Conures are generally smaller, slender birds with long, pointed tails. Most species are relatively compact, such as the half-moon conure, which measures approximately 24 cm (10 inches) in length. Even the larger species, like the Patagonian conure, typically reach only about 50 cm (20 inches). In contrast, macaws are among the largest members of the parrot family, often possessing much heavier builds and longer tail feathers compared to the slender conure.¹

Temperament

While macaws are frequently noted for their intelligence and social nature, conures are often described as having a more challenging temperament. Conures are widely considered to be bad-tempered, and they are generally not known for their ability to mimic human speech. Additionally, conures are characterized by their loud, often unpleasant calls, which distinguishes them from the vocalizations of many other parrot species.¹