Green-Cheeked Conure
Description
The green-cheeked conure or green-cheeked parakeet (Pyrrhura molinae) is a small parrot of the genus Pyrrhura, which is part of a long-tailed group of the New World parrot subfamily Arinae. This type of parrot is generally called a conure in aviculture. It is native to the forests of South America.
The green-cheeked parakeet is typically 26 cm (10 in) long and weighs 60 to 80 g. It is mainly green, with a brown/black/grey crown, white periophthalmic rings, green cheeks, blue primary wing feathers, a grey beak, and its long pointed tail is mostly maroon. It has short transverse striations on its breast and a red abdominal area. Males and females have an identical external appearance.
Scientific Name
Pyrrhura Molinae
Country Of Origin
South America
Size
Small, up to 10 inches
Life Expectancy
Up to 30 years
Noise Level
Low to Moderate; quieter than other conures.
Talk / Trick Ability
Moderate
Characteristics
A green-cheeked conure’s comical and affectionate nature has made it a popular pet bird, but it can be shier than other conures. Although they are less inclined to gnawing or chewing than most conures, green-cheeked conures still enjoy chewing. Often described as being a big bird in a small bird’s body, this pet bird is a good choice for owners with limited space because of its small size. In an effort to attract their owner’s attention, green-cheeked conures often hang upside down, hide under papers and dance around on their perches. While the owner is away, the green-cheeked conure can happily entertain itself if provided with plenty of toys in the cage, but once the owner is home, this conure needs plenty of time interacting with its human companion.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Green-cheeked Conures need interesting entertainment and interaction. Feather picking and susceptibility to psittacine diseases are problems owners may encounter with this species of pet bird. Both breeders and pet owners favor the green-cheeked conure because it is typically a less expensive and quieter pet bird that is a successful breeder in captivity. Green-cheeked conures are also known for being gutsy. Some owners have witnessed them fearlessly taunting larger pet birds in the house, which means a green cheek’s owner must be attentive when the birds are out of their cages. The green-cheeked conure species has three color mutations that have made it a popular pet bird. Cinnamon and yellow-side colors are growing in popularity, and the blue mutation is the newest, imported from Europe.
Expert Advice
“A little quieter than the Aratinga conures; intelligent, very cute, great birds.”
Liz Wilson, CVT, CPBC