Blue Crowned Parakeet (Complete Specie Profile)

Last Updated on February 7, 2024 by Ali Shahid

Blue Crowned Conures also known as the Blue-crowned Parakeets or Sharp-tailed Conures (Thectocercus acuticaudatus) are colorful and charming parrots that bird lovers all over the world adore. These medium-sized birds hail from a large region in South America, stretching from eastern Colombia to northern Argentina. 

What makes them stand out is their vibrant blue head and light-colored beak, contrasting with the mainly green body. They’re about 37 cm (14.5 inches) long and weigh between 140 to 190 grams (4.9 to 6.7 oz), showcasing a delightful mix of beauty and agility. Known for their impressive lifespan of 30 to 40 years, Blue Crowned Conures make for enduring companions in households. 

They’re adaptable creatures, comfortable in various habitats like savannas, woodlands, and forest edges, steering clear of dense, humid forests. Their wide geographical range reflects their ability to thrive in different environments. This overview aims to highlight the distinctive traits and natural allure of the Blue Crowned Conure—a bird that not only captivates with its looks but also with its lively and engaging demeanor.

Origin and History

The Blue-crowned Conure is originally from South America, spanning from eastern Colombia up north to northern Argentina down south.

Natural Home and Where They Roam: These lively birds prefer places that are savanna-like, woodlands, and the edges of forests. You won’t find them in dense, humid spots like the Amazon. They also hang out in areas with Mauritia and Buriti palms in Northeast Brazil, like in caatinga and cerrado.

Eating Habits in the Wild: In their natural habitat, Blue-crowned Conures enjoy a diverse menu. They munch on fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, berries, and grains. Seeds and leaf-buds are also on their list of favorites.

How They Act and Hang Out with Pals: Blue-crowned Conures are social butterflies. They’re clever and have tons of playful energy. Compared to other conures, they’re pretty good at talking, making them popular as pets. Even though the exact flocking habits aren’t clear, conures, being part of the parakeet crew, are known to be social birds. They like to stay in large groups, keeping in touch with calls when perched. Mutual preening, a friendly behavior, is not just for mates but also among buddies.

Size and Coloring

Blue Crowned Conures are medium-sized birds, usually around 14 to 16 inches long. Their main color is green, but what stands out is the vibrant blue crown on their heads, which is why they’re called “Blue Crowned.” Additionally, you’ll notice reddish tips on their tail feathers, pink legs and feet, horn-colored beaks, and white rings around their eyes. Interestingly, males and females look exactly the same in terms of color and pattern. If you want to tell them apart, a genetic test is the way to go.

Blue Crowned Conure as a Pet

The Blue Crowned Parakeet may be more colorful than other conure species, but it is one of the most intelligent and friendly conures. They are beloved pet birds known for their friendly and affectionate nature. This detailed guide explores various aspects of caring for a Blue Crowned Conure, covering its temperament, social needs, intelligence, talking ability, noise level, and requirements for training and exercise.

Temperament and Behavior

Blue Crowned Conures are known for being calm, playful, and curious. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them ideal companions for families. Compared to other parrot species, they exhibit minimal biting behavior, earning them a reputation as one of the most easygoing and sweetest conures.

Interaction and Socialization Needs

These birds thrive on social interaction and demand considerable attention from their owners. Their highly social nature reflects their wild flocking behavior, and they benefit from having a bird companion if their human caregivers are often away. Providing auditory stimulation, such as leaving a radio or TV on, helps keep them entertained when left alone.

Intelligence, Talking Ability, and Noise Level

One of the reasons why blue-crowned conures are so popular as pets are the ability they have to speak. They are intelligent and possess a relatively extensive vocabulary for conures, even though their speech may be challenging to understand at times. While they engage in vocal communication, they are not as talkative as some other parrot species. Expect their calls to be loud, especially during active periods in the morning, noon, and before sunset.

Training and Exercise Needs

To prevent boredom, Blue Crowned Conures require ample exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy climbing and chewing, so offering a variety of toys and opportunities for interactive play is crucial. Training using positive reinforcement techniques can strengthen the bond between the bird and its owner. Regular health checkups are essential for maintaining their overall well-being.

Caring for a Blue Crowned Conure

Caring for a Blue Crowned Conure involves focusing on key aspects such as providing an optimal cage setup, ensuring mental stimulation with toys, regular grooming and bathing, and addressing health concerns through routine checkups.

Ideal Cage Setup and Size

For Blue Crowned Conures, a quality aviary measuring at least 20 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 36 inches tall is essential. This size allows them ample space for natural movements like flapping, hopping, and climbing. Opting for a larger cage if possible is always beneficial, and the bar spacing should range from three-quarters of an inch to an inch. The cage should include various perches and plenty of toys for play and chewing. Placing the cage in a family-oriented room creates a sense of belonging for the bird, with the back against a wall for added security.

Importance of Toys and Mental Stimulation

Toys are vital for a Blue Crowned Conure’s emotional well-being, providing activity, exercise, and mental engagement. Soft wood toys are ideal for these enthusiastic chewers, aiding in keeping their beaks appropriately trimmed. Puzzle toys, those with chewable grass and willow mats, and foraging toys that require effort to access hidden food contribute to additional interactivity. Swings and activity toys present a different form of exercise, challenging the bird’s clever mind to learn new skills.

Regular Grooming and Bathing Needs

Blue Crowned Conures enjoy bathing, which can be achieved through a spray bottle, a sink bath, or even joining you in the shower. It’s important to avoid using soap or shampoo, as these can leave residue on their feathers or irritate their skin. Afterward, ensure they dry off in a warm room. Regular showers every few days are beneficial for healthy adult parrots.

Health Concerns and Regular Checkups

These conures may be vulnerable to diseases like Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, Psittacosis, beak malocclusion, and Aspergillosis. In addition, the blue crowned conures are also prone to infiltrative lipomas which result in a deviation of the cloaca caudally and ventrally.

Regular checkups with an avian veterinarian are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. A balanced diet comprising specialized conure pellets or seed mix, supplemented with fresh vegetables, fruit, and occasional treats, is essential. Given proper care, Blue Crowned Conures can live for over 20, and possibly up to 40, years, emphasizing the need for a long-term commitment.

Feeding a Blue Crowned Conure

Maintaining the health of Blue Crowned Conures, akin to other conure species, hinges on a well-rounded and diverse diet. Their nutrition should encompass a mix of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional treats of seeds and nuts.

Ideal Diet and Nutrition

The foundation of a Blue Crowned Conure’s diet should consist of a nutritionally balanced manufactured diet, like commercially available bird pellets. Opt for high-quality, organic pellets specifically designed for conures, making up around 70% of their daily intake to meet all their nutritional requirements.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Daily portions of fresh fruits and vegetables are vital, constituting about 20-30% of the conure’s diet. This includes a range of fruits such as apples, grapes, and tropical varieties like papaya, mango, and figs. Beneficial vegetables encompass spinach, watercress, lettuce, poppy, chickweed, dandelions, carrots, corn on the cob, peas, endives, and sweet potatoes.

Foods High in Calcium and Vitamin K

Given their susceptibility to Conure Bleeding Syndrome (CBS), including foods rich in calcium and Vitamin K is essential. Dark leafy greens and veggies like kale and broccoli, carrot tops, alfalfa, tomatoes, egg yolk, soy oil, and fish meal serve as good sources for these nutrients.

Seeds and Nuts

While conures enjoy seeds and nuts, moderation is key due to their high fat content. These can be offered as occasional rewards or training treats.

Other Considerations

Certain foods, such as avocados and chocolate, are toxic to conures and should be avoided. Although wild conures may consume insects, pet conures can fulfill their protein needs through cooked eggs, chicken, or small amounts of lean meat. Careful attention to their diet ensures the well-being of Blue Crowned Conures.

Breeding of Blue Crowned Conure

Blue-crowned Conures usually enter their breeding season from March to July, with the female taking charge of incubating the eggs for about 23 to 24 days.

Number of Eggs Per Clutch

During a breeding cycle, Blue-crowned Conures typically lay 2 to 4 eggs per clutch. While this is the common range, some sources suggest that clutches can sometimes be larger, ranging from 3 to 6 eggs.

Age of Maturity for Breeding

These conures generally reach sexual maturity and start breeding at around 3 to 3.5 years old. However, individual birds may vary, and some may become mature as early as 1 year or take up to 3 years. Providing a nest box when they are approximately 2.5 years old allows them to acclimate to it. It’s essential to recognize that these are general guidelines, and the specific timeline may differ for each bird. Ensuring the birds are healthy and well-cared for is crucial for fostering successful breeding.

Conservation Status of Blue Crowned Conure

According to IUCN Redlist Blue Crowned Parakeet comes in the category of least concerned species. This classification indicates that the species is not immediately threatened with extinction in the wild, suggesting a stable population that does not meet the criteria for being labeled as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

Threats and Challenges to the Species

Despite its “Least Concern” status, the Blue Crowned Conure encounters several challenges that, if not properly managed, could impact its populations. These threats include:

1. Habitat Loss: Deforestation and urbanization pose risks by diminishing natural habitats like savannas, woodlands, and forest margins where Blue Crowned Conures reside.
2. Illegal Pet Trade: The capturing of wild Blue Crowned Conures for the pet trade has the potential to significantly impact their natural populations.
3. Agricultural Practices: Pesticide use in agriculture can harm the birds and diminish their food sources. Additionally, conures may be considered pests in certain regions due to their consumption of crops like corn and sorghum, leading to conflicts with farmers.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation initiatives for conure species typically involve projects for habitat protection and restoration, strict enforcement of laws against illegal trapping and trade, and public education campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of conserving these birds. These efforts are crucial to ensure the continued well-being of Blue Crowned Conures despite the challenges they face in their natural environment.

Places to buy blue-crowned Conure and Price in US

When contemplating the purchase of a Blue Crowned Conure in the United States, the cost can significantly vary based on factors such as the breeder, the bird’s age, and whether it has been hand-raised. Here’s a summary of prices from different sources:

1. Exotic Pet Birds Inc, NY: Offers hand-raised, baby Blue Crown Conures for $2,600, emphasizing their super sweet and cuddly nature, showcasing the importance of early care and socialization.
2. Live Parrots: Does not specify a price but highlights the Blue Crowned Conure’s affectionate and fun disposition, suggesting their suitability as excellent long-term companions.
3. Parrot Stars: Lists a female Blue Crowned Conure for $2,900, indicating a premium price possibly influenced by factors like sex, age, or rarity.
4. Golden Cockatoo: Lists Blue Crown Conure Parrots for $2,799.99, emphasizing their playful nature and the significance of socialization.
5. Omar’s Exotic Birds and Macaw Parrots Shop: Offers insights into care and social needs without specifying prices, while Macaw Parrots Shop lists them at $1,150.
6. Novan Birds: Presents a sale price of $500, down from $650, for Blue Crown Conures, representing a more affordable option.

In summary, the price for a Blue Crowned Conure in the US can range from as low as $500 to as high as $2,900, influenced by factors such as the breeder, the bird’s age, and upbringing. Prospective buyers should consider not only the purchase price but also the long-term commitment to providing a loving and enriching environment for these intelligent and social birds.

Conclusion

A Blue Crowned Conure distinguishes itself as a cherished pet, admired for its vibrant blue crown, spirited personality, and sociable demeanor. Flourishing in an affectionate environment that caters to their need for interaction, mental engagement, and a well-rounded diet, these birds bring joy to their owners. 

While not currently facing endangerment, responsible pet ownership is crucial, coupled with active support for conservation initiatives to safeguard their natural habitats and combat illegal trade. Prospective owners should brace themselves for a long-term commitment, considering these conures can thrive for up to 40 years.

The price of a Blue Crowned Conure in the US varies widely, reflecting not just an initial investment but an ongoing commitment to their care and enrichment, ensuring the continued well-being and happiness of these delightful birds.