Hand Fed Blue Crowned Conure - Thectocercus acuticaudatus

Noise Level & Talking Ability

Blue-crowned conures are very capable mimics and many learn to talk at a young age. These parakeets are able to produce loud noises, and are recommended only for detached housing. They are generally not loud, but will make themselves heard when they want to. 

Physical Features 

General plumage green; head blue; outer webs of flight feathers bluish-brown; greater under wing-coverts dusky yellowish-olive; tail upperside green; outer tail-feathers brown-red; inner webs of tail underside brownish-red; periophthalmic ring whitish; upper mandible horn-colored, lower mandible black; iris orange; feet flesh-colored to pink.

Immatures often without blue to head; in some birds forehead blue; lower mandible horn-colored.

Pet Profile

Blue Crowned Conures are very playful and entertaining birds and can be trained easily. These highly intelligent, social birds do require a home that can give them frequent attention and spend quality time with the parrot daily. Blue-crowned conures do best in homes with mature owners who have had birds before. They are loveable and rewarding to own, but can be stubborn if not trained properly.

Diet

A quality pellet should be the staple food item for these birds. Fresh vegetables and grains should be provided as often as possible - at least a few times a week. Fruits and nuts can be offered a few times a week but should not represent a large portion of the birds diet. Seeds can be used as a training reward, or offered in small, controlled amounts throughout the week. Sprouted seeds are a healthier option. When selecting fresh vegetables and other food items, consider the amount of vitamins A and K. These birds are somewhat prone to deficiency of these two essential micronutrients. 

Housing

Blue Crown Conures require a medium-large cage to accommodate their long tail. Blue Crown Conures are very active birds that need room to roam and climb in their cage. While these birds are not necessarily prone to obesity, birds housed in larger cages do tend to be healthier and typically live longer. These birds do best with a wide range of materials for toys and perches. Both destructible (wood, cardboard, seagrass, etc.) and indestructible (plastic, metal, acrylic, etc.) toys should be given to maximize enrichment. Perches should vary in material (cotton/rope, wood, cement, swings, ladders, etc.) and size to promote grip strength and prevent bumblefoot. 

Breeding Information

Wild Status

Decreasing - Least Concern
Last assessed August 2018 for the IUCN Red List.