Sun Parakeet

Aratinga solstitialis

African and New World Parrots · Psittaciformes · Legendary

The Sun Parakeet (Aratinga solstitialis) is a legendary african and new world parrot found in 5 countries, weighing about 120 g. The sun conure, also known as the sun parakeet, is a medium-sized, vibrantly colored parrot native to northeastern South America.

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About the Sun Parakeet

The sun conure, also known as the sun parakeet, is a medium-sized, vibrantly colored parrot native to northeastern South America. The adult male and female are similar in appearance, with black beaks, predominantly golden-yellow plumage, orange-flushed underparts and face, and green and blue-tipped wings and tails. Sun conures are very social birds, typically living in flocks. They form monogamous pairs for reproduction, and nest in palm cavities in the tropics. Sun conures mainly feed on fruits, flowers, berries, blossoms, seeds, nuts, and insects. Conures are commonly bred and kept in aviculture and may live up to 30 years. This species is currently threatened by loss of habitat and…

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

On average, sun conures weigh around 110 g (4 oz) and are around 30 cm (12 in) long. The sexes are similar in plumage, although hens may be lighter and slenderer in body, having a shorter tail, with a smaller, rounder head and a smaller beak. Adults have a rich yellow crown, nape, mantle, lesser wing coverts, tips of the greater wing coverts, chest, and underwing coverts. The face and belly are orange with red around the ears.

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, November, with peak activity in November. It is a variable species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Sun Parakeet?
On average, sun conures weigh around 110 g (4 oz) and are around 30 cm (12 in) long. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Sun Parakeet?
The Sun Parakeet is a medium sized bird weighing about 120 g.
Where can you see a Sun Parakeet?
The Sun Parakeet occurs in 5 countries, including and undefined.
What birds look similar to a Sun Parakeet?
The Sun Parakeet is most easily confused with the Sulphur-breasted Parakeet, the Jandaya Parakeet and the Golden-capped Parakeet.
Is the Sun Parakeet endangered?
The Sun Parakeet is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Sun Parakeet for real

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