Sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis)

What do I eat?

Sun conures eat a variety of fruits, nuts, buds, flowers and legume pods. They have been seen feeding in groups of up to 30 in places where there is plenty of food.

Where do I live?

This species is only found in Guyana and a small area in the north of Brazil. They live in dry, semi-deciduous forests.

Breeding

There is little research about the wild breeding behaviours of sun conures, but it is thought that like the rest of the parrot family, these birds would mate for life (monogamous).

They will build a nest within spaces in palm trees, and the female will lay 3-4 eggs and it is only her that will sit on the eggs (incubate) for about a month. The chicks will stay in the nest for around 8 weeks before leaving (fledging). These birds are mature and able to breed from between 1-2 years of age.

Predators

Little is known about the breeding behaviour of these birds in the wild. However, they are thought to pair for life, like most parrot species. In the wild nests have been seen in holes in poles and tree trunks.  In captivity the eggs are incubated by the female, and the young are able to leave the nest after around 8 weeks.

Conservation

The main threat to sun conures is from being trapped for the pet trade. They have been caught in huge numbers and have disappeared from many areas where they were previously found.  Sun conures are listed on CITES Appendix II, which means that trade in these birds or any of their body parts is restricted, but unfortunately the number of birds being traded has far exceeded the quotas set.