The Dusky Conure, also known as the Dusky-headed Parakeet or Weddell's Conure, is a medium-sized conure native to the lowlands of southeast Colombia, northeast Bolivia, and western Brazil. Adult birds measure approximately 11 inches from head to tail and weigh around 120 grams. They live in large flocks, often foraging, socializing, and roosting together. While quieter than most other members of their genus, they are vocal throughout the day and enjoy calling back and forth.
The average lifespan of a domestically kept Dusky Conure ranges from 15 to 35 years, depending on various factors. Dusky Conures are extremely social and playful, enjoying interaction with both humans and other conures. Unlike some of the more common pet conures, Dusky Conures tend to maintain a gentle disposition well into maturity, though there are exceptions. They generally have an excellent temperament, though some may go through a slight rebellious phase during adolescence. Fortunately, this can be curbed with patience and training.
We recommend a cage that is at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches long, with bar spacing no greater than 5/8 of an inch. In general, smaller parrots benefit more from cages that are wide and long rather than tall.
Dusky Conure
Aratinga weddellii
Lesser Jardine's Parrot
Poicephalus gulielmi fantiensis
Don't be misled by their name—Lesser Jardine's parrots are anything but small in personality. Primarily found in Ghana, these colorful parrots live in small flocks, forming larger groups to feed on a variety of foods, from wild olives and seeds to insects. Male Jardine's parrots court females by opening their wings, calling out, and moving their heads side to side. Like most poicephalus species, the Lesser Jardine's parrot has a large head, a dense body, and a short tail.
Though they may be shy at first, Jardine's parrots are extremely playful and love hopping around, lying on their backs, and getting into mischief. Most owners report that they have an extensive vocabulary, though it’s not always easy for humans to understand. Jardine's parrots enjoy playtime but are also good at entertaining themselves throughout the day. It’s important to introduce young Jardine's parrots to a variety of toys, foods, environments, and people to prevent fear of new things in the future.
Despite their relatively small size, these birds require a strong cage and plenty of wood blocks to chew on. Jardine's parrots are sometimes prone to vitamin A deficiencies, but this can be easily managed by regularly offering foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and red peppers. Though not as noisy as conures, Jardine's parrots occasionally let out a piercing shriek.
Baby Jardine's parrots are very tiny when they hatch, requiring constant attention from their parents. Initially, they lack the orange crown seen in adult birds, but as they mature, they will molt and develop a vibrant, orange crown.
Around one year of age, they may go through a bluffing stage, but owners who remain patient are rewarded with a lifelong companion. In the wild, Jardine's parrots mature around four years old and form pairs. They breed from October to March, laying between three and four eggs per clutch.
Overall, Jardine's parrots have a wonderful temperament and an incredibly playful personality.
Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus
Though previously considered a subspecies of Poicephalus robustus, this parrot has been reclassified as the Gray-headed subspecies of the Brown-necked Parrot, also known as the Uncape Parrot (a term coined by Jean Pattison). Despite this, the Uncape Parrot is far more common in aviculture than the true Cape Parrot. Both species groups, however, are the largest of the poicephalus parrots and share similar behaviors and needs.
In the wild, these large-bodied parrots feed on a variety of foods but have a particular fondness for nuts. They typically flock in groups ranging from 2 to 20, though they can sometimes be seen in flocks of up to 50. While Uncape Parrots often reach maturity at 2 years old, they tend to be most successful as parents around 4 years old. The parents are highly attentive and caring but require a great deal of privacy. They typically raise between 2 and 4 chicks per year, nesting in the hollows of baobab trees. All immature Uncape Parrots have an orange crown, which disappears in males as they mature.
Known as gentle giants, Uncape Parrots are highly intelligent and observant companions. That said, they still have a playful side—these birds love hanging upside down and swinging back and forth. Aviary birds particularly enjoy the rain, but a mist bottle can be just as appreciated. Like Jardine's Parrots, Uncape Parrots have an extensive vocabulary with a clear voice. They are talented mimics and enjoy whistling.
Despite their wonderful temperament and behavior, Uncape Parrots remain uncommon in aviculture worldwide, though there are more individuals in Europe. It is an honor for us at Orange Feather Aviary to breed these unique birds.
Brown-necked Parrot
Green Cheek Conure
Pyrrhura molinae
Green cheek conures are pint-sized parrots with big attitudes and boundless energy. Native to South America, they inhabit forest edges, savannas, and woodlands across Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. These adaptable birds are skilled foragers, thriving on a diet of fruits, seeds, flowers, and even occasional insects. Social by nature, they form tight-knit flocks and are often seen playing and vocalizing with one another in the wild.
In the home, green cheek conures are loved for their mischievous antics and affectionate demeanor. They’re highly intelligent and curious, always eager to investigate new toys or interact with their favorite humans. While they’re generally quieter than larger conures, they’re not shy about making their opinions known, especially when excited. Their playful chatter and occasional squeaks add to their charm without being overwhelming.
Green cheeks are excellent companions, bonding closely with their owners through head scratches, shared snacks, and playtime. They thrive on variety, so providing an assortment of toys, perches, and activities is essential to keep their busy minds entertained. These conures are also known for their acrobatics—watching them dangle from a perch by a single foot or roll around playfully never gets old.
As they mature, typically between 8 months to 2 years old, green cheeks may begin nipping more frequently.. This is a natural phase where they test boundaries and explore their independence. Consistent training, patience, and positive reinforcement help guide them through this stage, resulting in a well-behaved and loving companion.
Despite their small size, these birds need a spacious cage, frequent interaction, and plenty of chewable toys to keep them content. A varied diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, and high-quality pellets keeps them healthy and vibrant.
With their quirky antics and affectionate nature, Green Cheek Conures bring endless joy to their families, forming deep bonds that can last their entire 25- to 30-year lifespan.