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Dusky Headed Conure

Dusky Headed Conure
aratinga weddellii

Length: 28cms/11 inches
Weight:  95-115 grams
Life Span: 30+ years
Incubation:  24 days
Age at Weaning: 10 weeks
Age at Maturity: 2 years
Natural Habitat: Columbia, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil

Dusky Headed Conures frequent forests in swampy areas, river banks and the edges of rain forests.  They can sometimes be seen in large flocks in savannah grassland, sugar cane plantations and coffee plantations.  During the breeding season they can be seen in pairs or family groups.  They are inconspicuous birds whilst feeding but can't be missed when in flight due to their high pitched call.

Their diet consists of seeds, fruit, flowers, berries as well as insect and their larvae which they find in decaying trees and stumps.

Their nesting sites are varied, they use holes in dead trees, sometimes using old woodpeckers nests.  They also use the tops of dead palm trees and termite nests.  A normal clutch is 3-5 eggs and both parents feed the chicks.

Dusky headed Conures are mostly green with greenish yellow under parts.  Their head is a greyish brown, their first primaries are black with a blueish edge and their remaining head feathers are green with blue on the tips.  Their tail is blue on the upper side and blackish underneath.  They have a white bare patch around the eye, their cere is reddish grey and their bill is black.  The only difference in immature birds is that their plumage is duller.

Pet potential: Dusky Headed Conures make wonderful pets.  They have a lovely personality and are good pets for children.  They are not demanding, they will spend hours happily playing with their toys but they still enjoy lots of cuddles.  A pair we had would sit for hours down the top of my jumper with just their heads poking out.  Like all conures they are quite noisy and their talking ability is limited, in saying that their personality makes up for this.

Talking ability: Poor

Noise level: Medium

Cage requirements:  Minimum 3ft x 2ft x 2.6 ft

Interesting fact: The Dusky Headed Conure is the only aratinga conure with a  grey head.

based on 3 reviews.

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