Sun Conure: Bright, Loving & Full of Personality
Published: 19 Apr 2025
The Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis), also known as the sun parrot, is one of the most colorful and social birds in the parrot family. Known for their fiery feathers, playful behavior, and loving nature, sun conure parrots have become a favorite pet choice around the world. In Spanish, they are often called “cotorra del sol” or “perico del sol.”
Let’s explore everything you need to know about this stunning bird from types, behavior, and lifespan to breeding, diet, and more.
🐦 What is a Sun Conure?
A sun conure, also known as a sun conure parrot or sun parakeet, is a small to medium-sized parrot native to northeastern South America. It belongs to the Aratinga genus, making it a part of the aratinga conures family.
Key Facts:
- Scientific Name: Aratinga solstitialis
- Other Names: Sun parrots, sun bird parrot, sun cheek conure, sunset parrot, suncor bird
- Local Names: Cotorra del sol, Perico del sol
🎨 Sun Conure Colors & Variations
The sun conure color is a bright blend of yellow, orange, red, green, and sometimes blue. As they grow, their color deepens , a young sun conure may appear greener until it matures.
Color Variants:
- Yellow sun conure
- White sun conure
- Sun conure red
- Green cheek sun conure
- Sun conure green
- High yellow sun conure
- Sun cheek and suncheek conures
- Pied sun conure
- Golden sun conure
Fun fact: Sun conures are sometimes confused with golden conures, but they’re different species!
🧬 Types of Sun Conures & Related Breeds
There are different sun conure varieties and conure types that are often grouped together.
Popular Varieties:
- Sun conure
- Sun cheek conure
- Sunrise parrot
- Sunset parakeet
- Sun chick (young sun conure)
Related Conures:
- Aratinga conure
- Green cheek conure
- Yellow headed conure
- Grey conure
- Conure aratinga
- Super sun conure
🏞️ Sun Conure Habitat & Origin
In the Wild:
Sun conures are native to northeastern South America. You’ll find wild sun conures in forests and savannas of Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela. They live in flocks and communicate with loud calls.
Sun Conures in the Wild:
- Social and active birds
- Live in large flocks
- Nest in tree hollows
- Prefer warm, humid climates
In the wild, they’re also called “birds of the sun.”
📏 Size and Lifespan of Sun Conures
Sun conures are small, compact parrots, but full of personality.
Size:
- Sun conure size: About 30 cm (12 in)
- Sun conure weight: 100–120 grams
- Sun conure size comparison: Similar to a cockatiel or small lovebird
Lifespan:
- Average lifespan of a sun conure: 20–30 years
- Sun conure life expectancy in captivity: Up to 30 years with good care
- Oldest sun conure: Some have lived over 35 years
🧠 Intelligence and Talking Ability
Many ask: Do sun conures talk? Yes , but their vocabulary is limited. What they lack in words, they make up for with expressions, whistles, and mimicry.
Smart Features:
- Can learn simple words
- Understand routines
- Recognize family members
- Known for sun conure bird talking and sounds
🍎 Diet: What Do Sun Conures Eat?
A healthy sun conure diet is the key to a long life. In the wild, they eat fruits, seeds, and insects. As pets, they enjoy a mix of pellets, veggies, and fruits.
Sun Conure Food List:
- Pellets (main diet)
- Fruits: apples, bananas, strawberries
- Vegetables: carrots, spinach
- Occasional treats: nuts and seeds
- Avoid: avocado, chocolate, caffeine
Can sun conures eat strawberries? Yes, in moderation!
💕 Sun Conure as a Pet
Sun conures as pets are loyal, cuddly, and high-energy. They’re great for experienced bird lovers and need daily attention.
Key Characteristics:
- Sun conure temperament: Social, loud, playful
- Sun conure behavior: Active, affectionate, noisy
- Sun conure care: Needs toys, training, love
- Sun conure training: Best done while young
- Sun conure young vs adult: Adults are calmer, but young ones bond faster
🔍 Male vs Female Sun Conures
It’s hard to tell sun conure gender just by looking. Both male sun conure and female sun conure look alike. A vet can confirm through DNA.
Differences:
- Behavior can vary slightly
- Males may be more dominant
- Only DNA tests give 100% answer
🐣 Breeding & Growth
Sun conures are seasonal breeders. You need a bonded pair and a nesting box.
Breeding Basics:
- Breeding season: Spring or early summer
- Perfect age: 1.5 to 2 years old
- Eggs: 3–5 per clutch
- Sun conure nest should be safe, clean, and warm
💵 Sun Conure Price & Cost
The sun conure bird price varies by region and breeder.
Average Prices:
- Sun conure price: $300 – $800 USD
- Sun conures near me: Prices may be higher in cities
- Cost includes cage, food, toys, and vet care
🧾 Quick Facts About Sun Conures
- Also known as sun canary bird
- Related to types of conures parrots
- Live in flocks in the wild
- Part of aratingas species
- Known for sun conure flying skills
Conclusion
So guys in this blog we have discussed Sun Conure in detail. The sun conure is more than just a beautiful bird , it’s a companion full of life, joy, and personality. From their bright feathers to their curious, playful behavior, these parrots quickly become the heart of any home. Whether you’re a first-time bird owner or an experienced parrot lover, owning a sun conure means forming a bond that lasts for years. Their intelligence, social nature, and love for interaction make them a favorite choice among bird enthusiasts worldwide.
Want to learn more about parrots and how to care for them? Check out our other articles to keep discovering the colorful world of these amazing birds!🦜💛
❓ FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Sun Conure , with answers to keep your feathered friend safe and healthy!
Sun conures live 20 to 30 years in captivity. Good care and nutrition can extend their lifespan. Wild ones may live slightly less.
Yes, but they aren’t strong talkers like African Greys. They can say a few words and mimic sounds. Most use body language and calls.
Yes, they are among the louder parrot species. They call to communicate with their flock. This makes them unsuitable for quiet households.
Their diet includes pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Occasional seeds and nuts are fine. Avoid toxic foods like avocado.
A sun cheek conure is a hybrid of sun and green cheek conure. It has a mix of both color traits. They’re known for unique markings.
They require attention and care, so not ideal for total beginners. But with research and time, they can be great companions. They bond deeply with owners.
If you can’t spend much time with them, a companion is ideal. They are flock birds and love company. Another conure or bird-safe pet can help.
Start with bonding and simple commands. Use treats, consistency, and patience. Training works best when they are young.
The average price is $300 to $800. Setup costs (cage, food, toys) can be another $200+. Vet checkups and diet add to monthly costs.
Yes, conures are small parrots. They belong to the Psittacidae family. Their behavior and intelligence match larger parrots.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
