Maroon-bellied Conure

Looks how to spot one

Feathered; small, slender Pyrrhura conure with a long tail

A small green conure with a scalloped, yellow-green barred chest and neck, a pale brownish ear patch and a thin dark red band above the black beak. A maroon patch on the belly and a maroon underside to the tail give it its name, and the flight feathers are blue on the outer edge.13

Personality what they are like

Maroon-bellied conures are friendly, bright and busy birds that often enjoy a cuddle and get along with several family members. They are among the quieter conures, chirping more than screaming, though they can still be shrill when excited. Speech is limited, but some learn a few simple chirped phrases.31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs several hours outside the cage each day and a good range of toys to climb, chew and play with.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Enjoys bathing, so offer a shallow dish or a light misting regularly. Provide bird-safe branches and toys for chewing.32

Home where they are happiest

A cage of at least about 51 x 51 x 91 cm (20 x 20 x 36 in); bigger is better. For aviary birds the World Parrot Trust suggests a flight at least 2 m long.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Wild birds eat fruit, flowers, Araucaria nuts and palm nuts. Pets take well to pellets, with about 30% fruit plus vegetables, leafy greens and a small-seed mix.123

Company who they like around

A flock bird, typically in groups of 6-12 in the wild. In the home it needs plenty of daily company and attention.23

The story where it all began

Louis Vieillot formally described the species in 1818, building on an illustration published by Francois Levaillant in 1801. Its species name frontalis refers to the dark band on its forehead. It is kept by bird keepers mostly as captive-bred birds.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern; generally common.1

CITES

Appendix II.2

Taxonomy

Two subspecies: frontalis and chiripepe.1