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Blue Throated Conure

Blue Throated Conure
pyrrhura cruentata

Length: 28-30cm/11-12 inches
Weight: 90+/- grams
Life Span: 30 years
Incubation: 25 days
Age at Weaning: 10 weeks
Age at Maturity: 2 years
Natural Habitat: Brazil

Blue Throated Conures inhabit the lowland forests and the areas bordering them, they have also been known to occur in agricultural areas providing there is substantial tree cover near by.  They feed in small groups high up in the forest canopy, where they become almost invisible as their colourful plumage is ideal camouflage in the trees.  When on the wing the birds are much easier to see, their flocks are noisy and their rattling call has been said to resemble the magpie.  Sadly they are now endangered in the wild, mainly due to deforestation, and they are listed Cites 1.

Their diet consists of nuts, seeds and fruits, they also raid agricultural crops from time to time.

The Blue Throated Conures nest in holes in trees, a normal clutch is 3-5 eggs.

The plumage of the Blue Throated Conure is prominently green.  The feathers on their crown and nape are dark brown edged with dull yellow.  Their ear coverts are maroon, their cheeks green and their throat and upper breast is blue, hence their name.  They have a maroon abdomen, the bend of their wings is red, their tail is green apart from the underside which is maroon.  Immature birds look the same as the adults but their plumage is duller.

Interesting fact: Although endangered in their natural habitat Blue Throated Conures are now well established in aviculture.  When kept as aviary birds they become very tame and they will even learn a few words, as will most pyrrhuras, normally in their typical squeaky voice.

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