Black-Capped Conure
Description
Black Capped Conures make beautiful, intelligent, and fun-loving pets for the right people. While they do require a great deal of attention from their owners, they always seem to reward human efforts with their hilarious antics.
Known to be little clowns, Black Capped Conures can be mischievous and curious, and have a tendency to get into things that they shouldn't when not properly supervised. For this reason, it is important for those who are interested in owning a Black Capped Conure to be sure that they have plenty of free time to spend with their new pet.
Even hand-raised parrots can reject human interaction if neglected, and the same holds true for Black Capped Conures. Handling these birds every day is an important part of building a bond with them and having them accept you as a flock-mate. While they are not known to be especially good talkers, Black Capped Conures can learn a few words from time to time, and delight their owners with their chatter when they do. They can be very loud, noisy birds, and because of this, they are not recommended as good birds for apartments.
In a nutshell, Black Capped Conures make the best pets for those who are true bird lovers -- those who don't mind cleaning up a mess from time to time or waking up to screeches and screams every morning at sunrise. Black Capped Conures pack all of the personality of a larger parrot into a small package, and for this reason, they are best for experienced bird owners.
For the right person, however, they make extraordinarily loving, affectionate pets, and will surely enjoy their place among the most popular pet bird species for years to come.
Scientific Name
Pryyhura Rupicolaise
Country Of Origin
Eastern Amazon basin from Peru to Bolivia
Size
9.8 inches
Life Expectancy
10 to 30 years (up to 30 years with proper care)
Noise Level
Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability
Good
Characteristics
Black-capped conures are generally sweet, playful pet birds. They are quieter than many other types of conures and they can learn some phrases and tricks. Well-socialized black-capped conures make delightful pets and thoroughly enjoy being part of the family. Some owners have noted that this conure very cutely sings in its sleep. They are very active, intelligent parrots that need a lot of pet bird toys and social interaction with its owner. This bird enjoys a busy house where a lot is going on; this tends to keep them content and entertained.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Black-capped conures can be clownish in their playful behavior, but generally, they are not good birds for people new to parrots because they require a lot of interaction and someone who is willing to take the time to work with them and understand their behavior. They love to be handled, which helps to get them socialized to the entire family; however, they can nip and therefore are best kept with a more experienced pet bird owner who can redirect such behavior. Because of their very strong chewing ability, they need to be housed in sturdy pet bird cages. These birds like having a sleeping tent or hidey hut in which to retire in when they feel tired or shy.
Expert Advice
“Juvenile black-capped conures have a smaller, lighter colored version of the ‘lace collar’ that develops full color at maturity, giving them a regal appearance.”
Susan Newman, Wind Song Aviary, Ontario, Canada