Maroon Bellied Conure (Complete Specie Profile)

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Ali Shahid

The Maroon-Bellied Conure, a lively and colorful bird from South America, has become a popular pet worldwide. People love it because it’s playful, curious, and not too expensive. This little green bird with a maroon belly is known for being friendly and active, making it a great addition to any family. 

Despite its small size, the Maroon-Bellied Conure has a big personality, often described as a cuddly goofball that brings joy and laughter to your home. It’s affordable and easy to find, making it a favorite among bird lovers. 

Plus, it can be your companion for a long time, up to 35 years. Whether you’re on your own or part of a busy family, the adaptable and engaging nature of the Maroon-Bellied Conure makes it a perfect choice for a pet.

General Overview of Maroon Bellied Conure

Habitat and Distribution

There is a wide range of natural habitats for the Maroon-Bellied Conure in South America. It can be found in places like southeastern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. These birds prefer different environments, such as dry forests, moist lowland forests, savannas, and even towns.

These conures are good at adjusting to different places. In their original home, you can find them in all sorts of forests and wetlands. Surprisingly, they’re also common in city parks in South America. 

They can make themselves at home in urban areas, finding suitable spots to nest, like tree cavities. Their ability to adapt to various places, including places changed by humans, has helped them keep stable populations, even when facing challenges like habitat destruction and cities growing.

Physical Characteristics

A Maroon-Bellied Conure measures approximately 11 inches in length and has a predominantly green color. Its name comes from the maroon shade on its belly, and you’ll notice a mix of blue, purple, and crimson underneath its tail. Take a closer look, and you’ll find a black beak, a white eye ring, and some individuals may even sport red feathers on their foreheads.

People often mix up the Maroon-Bellied Conure with the Green-cheeked Conure due to their similar appearance. However, there are notable differences. The Maroon-Bellied Conure’s tail is green on the top and maroon underneath, while the Green-cheeked Conure’s tail is maroon on both sides. Additionally, the Maroon-Bellied Conure’s belly is slightly darker than the Green-cheeked Conure. Despite these distinctions, confusion can still arise, especially when observing them in pet stores

Behavior and Personality

Maroon-Bellied Conures are famous for being social and affectionate, making them great buddies for families and individuals alike. They build strong connections with their human caregivers and love interaction, often seeking physical affection such as cuddles and head scratches. In the wild, you’ll find them in pairs or small flocks, showcasing their social nature. Their friendly attitude and ability to form close bonds with their owners contribute to their popularity as pets.

When it comes to noise, Maroon-Bellied Conures are on the quieter side among conure species, but they can produce a loud and piercing call when they’re happy or excited. This might pose a challenge for apartment living or for those sensitive to noise. While they may not have a vast vocabulary, they can mimic common household sounds and engage in babbling, which can be charming to their owners. The noise level can vary based on their environment, potentially being louder in larger, lively households.

In terms of playfulness and activity, these conures are highly energetic. They love exploring their surroundings, and interacting with toys, and need a mentally stimulating environment to thrive. Their playful nature makes them wonderful companions for those who can provide plenty of opportunities for both physical and mental stimulation. Owners should offer a variety of toys and engage in interactive playtime to keep these intelligent birds happy and entertained.

Diet and Nutrition

In their natural habitat, Maroon-Bellied Conures enjoy a diverse diet consisting of seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, flowers, and vegetation. They adapt their food choices based on seasonal availability, sometimes including insects and larvae, with a preference for treetop feeding.

For pet Maroon-Bellied Conures, maintaining a well-balanced and diverse diet is crucial to avoid nutritional deficiencies. A foundational diet of pellets, making up around 60%, is recommended as they contain essential nutrients. The remaining 40% should consist of a mix of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. 

Nutrient-rich options include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli, as well as orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots. Fruits like pomegranates, figs, bananas, and berries are suitable, along with a variety of nuts.

Certain foods are harmful to birds and should be avoided for Maroon-Bellied Conures. This includes avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, which can lead to severe health issues or even death. High-fat foods, salty snacks, and dairy should be limited to prevent obesity and other health problems. 

Onions and garlic are also toxic. Additionally, fruit pits and apple seeds contain cyanide compounds, so it’s essential to remove them before offering fruits to your conure. Always ensure that fresh food is properly washed to remove pesticides, and remove any uneaten fresh food after a couple of hours to prevent spoilage. Consulting with a veterinarian is advisable to ensure your conure’s dietary needs are met and to discuss any necessary dietary changes.

Care and Maintenance

Maroon-Bellied Conures need a roomy cage to match their active lifestyle, with the recommended size being at least 20 inches by 20 inches by 36 inches. This ensures they have ample space to move freely, crucial for their well-being. The cage should have appropriate bar spacing to prevent escapes or injuries. Choose a cage that lets your conure spread its wings without touching the sides and has room for toys, perches, and food and water dishes.

Toys, perches, and foraging opportunities are vital for the mental and physical health of Maroon-Bellied Conures. They’re lively and playful birds, so provide a variety of toys like chewables, foraging toys, and puzzles to keep them entertained. Different-shaped perches at various heights promote foot health. Foraging toys encourage natural feeding behaviors and stimulate their minds.

Regular bathing is essential for their feather health, with a daily mist spray recommended. Periodic wing and nail clippings prevent accidental escapes and maintain proper foot health. A mineral block helps with beak maintenance, and light brushing a few times a week aids in feather upkeep.

Additional care tips include regular cage cleaning to prevent waste buildup, daily replacement of food and water dishes for hygiene, and managing water dishes as many conures like to dip their food in them. Keep the cage in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and drafts. Avoid placing it in the kitchen or near open windows to shield them from smoke, gases, and strong smells.

By following these guidelines, owners can ensure their Maroon-Bellied Conures live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Health and Lifespan

While Maroon-Bellied Conures are generally robust and adaptable, they can be susceptible to certain health issues such as conure bleeding syndrome, aspergillosis, psittacosis, and Pacheco’s disease. Of these, conure bleeding syndrome is noteworthy, and foods rich in Vitamin K can worsen it, so it’s best to avoid such foods. Regular veterinary care is vital for monitoring and addressing these conditions, ensuring the overall well-being of the bird.

Veterinary care plays a critical role in early detection and treatment of health issues. Regular check-ups help prevent diseases and ensure the bird is receiving proper nutrition and care. Owners should be vigilant for signs of illness, such as changes in behavior, appearance, or droppings, and promptly seek veterinary assistance if their bird seems unwell.

With appropriate care, Maroon-Bellied Conures can have a lengthy lifespan in captivity, averaging about 25-30 years, with some sources suggesting they may reach up to 35 years with good nutrition and a disease-free environment. A balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction are key factors contributing to their longevity. Providing a stimulating environment and regular engagement with owners are crucial for ensuring a high quality of life for these birds.

Breeding and Reproduction

Maroon-Bellied Conures are known for their prolific breeding habits, often ranking as one of the most prolific within their group, alongside Green-cheeked Conures. They have a strong liking for nesting boxes, where they get comfortable and may even sleep year-round. 

They exhibit consistent breeding behavior, producing offspring regularly each season. Nest box dimensions can vary, but these conures have been observed laying eggs directly on the bare wooden bottom of the box, often removing nesting material. Breeding pairs are protective of their nests, typically not tolerating nest inspections.

During a breeding cycle, the hen usually lays 3 to 6 eggs, with both the hen and cock taking turns incubating them. The incubation period for Maroon-Bellied Conures lasts between 26 to 28 days. Once the eggs hatch, the chicks are born in a helpless state and rely heavily on parental care. They use their egg teeth to peck through the shell, shedding the egg tooth soon after. Newborn chicks need warmth and nourishment within twelve hours of hatching to survive. Sometimes, parents may selectively feed stronger-looking chicks, requiring intervention if a neglected chick is identified. In such cases, moving the chick to an incubation box is recommended.

Maroon-Bellied Conures are known for their ease of breeding, making them popular in the pet trade and attractive for breeding programs. Their nesting behavior, preference for specific boxes, protective nature, and shared incubation responsibility highlight their intricate reproductive behavior. Proper care and attention during the breeding season ensure successful chick rearing, contributing to the conservation and understanding of these vibrant birds.

Conservation Status

The Maroon-bellied Parakeet, also known as the Maroon-bellied Conure, is a small parrot found from southeastern Brazil to eastern Paraguay and Uruguay. It is generally common and not considered threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).CITES Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. Since 1981, when the Maroon-bellied Conure was listed on CITES Appendix II, 52,523 individuals have been recorded in international trade.

Challenges and Considerations

Maroon-Bellied Conures are generally considered one of the quieter conure species, but they can still create a notable amount of noise, which might pose challenges for apartment living. Their expressions of happiness include a shrill and piercing call, and while they may not be as loud as some other conures, the noise can still be a concern for owners in close living quarters with neighbors. 

The noise frequency is moderate, with potential squawking during dawn, when entering or leaving the house, and if disturbed while sleeping. Prospective owners should carefully consider their living situation, taking into account understanding neighbors or exploring soundproofing options to manage potential disturbances.

Ethical concerns surround the breeding of hybrid animals, including birds. While hybridization can occur naturally in the wild, deliberate breeding of hybrids in captivity raises ethical issues. Conservationists widely oppose this practice due to potential health problems and birth defects in hybrid animals. 

Though hybridization might serve conservation purposes in some cases, it often leads to negative consequences, such as premium prices on the black market. Ethical breeding emphasizes the use of healthy animals true to their species, with a focus on the well-being of the species or breed. When considering breeding Maroon-Bellied Conures, it is crucial to uphold the integrity of the species and avoid practices that could harm the birds or the species as a whole.

Places to Buy Maroon-Bellied Conure and Price

Maroon-Bellied Conures are available for purchase from various sources, including bird specialty stores, breeders, and online retailers. The price for a Maroon-Bellied Conure can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the bird’s age, whether it is hand-raised, and the reputation of the seller.

For instance:

1. Parrot Stars offers a male Maroon-Bellied Conure for $675.
2. Hyacinth Bird Farm lists Maroon-Bellied Conures for $400.
3. Parrot Grove has Maroon-Bellied Conures priced at $1,200.

It’s noteworthy that prices may differ between sources, with some, like Parrot Stars and Parrot Grove, listing higher prices, while others, like Hyacinth Bird Farm, offer more affordable rates. Price variations can be influenced by factors such as the bird’s health, rarity, and the reputation of the seller.

When considering the purchase of a Maroon-Bellied Conure, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research and contact reputable breeders or stores to ensure the birds have been raised in good conditions. Additionally, potential buyers should be prepared for the long-term commitment of caring for a parrot, which includes providing a proper diet, enrichment, and veterinary care.

Conclusion

With its vibrant colors and engaging demeanor, the Maroon-Bellied Conure is an excellent pet for individuals willing to provide proper care and attention. Its sociable, intelligent, and playful nature makes it an excellent companion for both families and individuals. However, potential owners should be mindful of the bird’s vocalizations, which can be loud and may not be suitable for apartment living.

In terms of care, these birds thrive in a spacious cage, a balanced diet, and a variety of toys and perches for mental and physical stimulation. Regular grooming and veterinary care are crucial for maintaining their health. With appropriate care, Maroon-Bellied Conures can enjoy a lifespan of 25-30 years in captivity, emphasizing the long-term commitment required.

When considering the purchase of a Maroon-Bellied Conure, thorough research and contact with reputable breeders or stores are essential to ensure the birds’ health and proper upbringing. Prices can vary widely, so potential owners should be prepared for both initial and ongoing expenses related to food, toys, and veterinary care.

While the Maroon-Bellied Conure is not currently considered threatened, responsible ownership plays a role in supporting the global ecosystem. This includes avoiding hybrid breeding and endorsing conservation efforts to preserve these species for future generations.