Status Endangered
Size 30 cm tall
Weight 120-130 g
Gestation 4 weeks
Young 4 eggs are laid
Life span Up to 30 years
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.
This species is only found in Guyana and a small area in the north of Brazil. They live in dry, semi-deciduous forests.
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.
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.
Whole flocks of up to 30 sun conures roost together in holes in trees at night.
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