Nanday Conure (Complete Specie Profile)

Last Updated on August 10, 2023 by Ali Shahid

Many of you may be searching for a pet that will make your day brighter. There is never a dull moment when you own a Nanday conure, as they are always smiling and having fun. Nandy Conure, or black-hooded parakeet, is a small-size fun-loving species of conure. 

Mostly green in color, these conures are not only the loudest among the conures but can also learn to talk a few words. These pet birds have excellent personalities making them suitable for families. 

These silly, and mischievous birds love their owners, often found on the owner’s lap, and love to cuddle. In addition, these birds are very intelligent and show exceptional abilities to learn funny tricks. 

Nanday Conure (Complete Specie Profile)

As part of the same genus Aratinga, they are related to popular pet conures such as Sun Conures, Jenday Conures, and Golden-Capped Conures. Due to their shared genus, there can be hybridization between two different conure species. 

An example of this is the breeding of sun conures with Nandy conures, which results in a hybrid known as the Nansun conure.

While they are very playful, affectionate, and talkative they are not ideal for apartments or buildings as their loud and shrill calls will get you in trouble with your landlords or neighbors. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about this beauty.

Overview of Nanday Conure
Scientific Name	Aratinga Nenday
Common Names	Nanday conure, black-hooded parakeet
Size	12-14 Inches
Weight	140 grams
Color	Green
Personality	Energetic, Playful, Friendly, Silly, Mischievous
Talking Ability	Can mimic up to 20 words
Noise Level	Very High
Lifespan	Above 30 Years
Price	$400-$1000
IUCN Status	Least Concern

Origin and history

Once Nandy Conures were included in the genus Nandayus Bonaparte but after various revisions of the genus it was included in the current genus Aratinga. This is because of a study that demonstrates that all 4 conures (Sun Conure, Jenday Conure, Nandy Conure, and Golden Capped Conure) classified in the genus Aratinga form a monophyletic group. 

Currently, this bird has an extensive natural habitat that covers the area of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. They are called “Nanday” after their indigenous name. You will often spot them in groups of at least ten feathered friends, and they have a strong liking for the natural food that crops provide. 

Out in the wilderness, you are more likely to catch their unique calls before actually laying eyes on them, since their green hue blends seamlessly into the surroundings.

Throughout time, some pet nandays were set free into the wild. You can find these untamed flocks of birds near big cities like Los Angeles, California, and Miami and St. Petersburg in Florida. It is quite amazing how tough these birds are, and they’ve managed to establish themselves in wild communities up to Canada.

Size and Color Marking

The key physical features of Nanday conures closely resemble those of their parrot relatives within the same family. When fully grown, they usually measure about 15 inches (37 centimeters) in length, which might not seem overly large, although their lengthy tail feathers add to their appearance. 

In terms of weight, they tip the scales at approximately 140 grams. Notably, there are no significant distinctions between males and females, and it’s easy to mistakenly identify their gender. 

Their predominant color is green, with a remarkable feature that gives them their name: a black mask and beak. Additionally, their wings display trailing black flight feathers, and a lengthy tail with a touch of blue at its end. 

The upper part of their chest showcases a bluish-green hue, while the lower chest leans towards a lighter green shade. Notably, their thigh feathers are adorned in red.

Temperament

The black-hooded parakeet possesses a vibrant and friendly nature. Its size, vivid colors, knack for learning tricks and speech, and its sociable demeanor contribute to its popularity as a captivating feature in bird exhibitions. 

A well-known feat of theirs is retrieving dollar bills from the audience, only to later locate the same person and return the money.

These parakeets are naturally inquisitive and tend to explore their surroundings. At times, they might exhibit restlessness, but they do appreciate gentle petting and even cuddle sessions when they’re feeling drowsy. 

A rather unusual behavior they display is falling asleep on their back with their feet pointed skyward, almost as if playing dead.

Despite their generally affectionate nature, these birds sport a robust beak which they might employ on occasion. Due to this, households with young children might need to think twice before adopting them.

In terms of noise, black-hooded parakeets can be among the more vocal species, though their volume can be influenced by the extent of their social interactions.

While they do occasionally emit random screams and screeches, a well-socialized black-hooded parakeet is often too engrossed in enjoying life to halt and make a ruckus.

Speech and Sounds

Nanday Conures are full of energy and spunk, but that also means they can be quite loud. Keep in mind that these conures can make high-pitched sounds, especially when they’re not happy with something or when it’s bedtime. 

Apart from that, they’re quite good at imitating noises they hear regularly. Some of these birds can even learn around 20 words and say them in a funny, playful voice that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

Caring For Nandy Conures

Maintaining a comfortable environment for your Nanday involves keeping the temperature within the range of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees Celsius). For a single Nanday Conure, it is recommended that the cage measures at least 24x24x30 inches with bar spacing of 3/4 inches.

A larger cage is preferable, given these birds’ penchant for climbing and exploring. To promote healthy feet and prevent issues like arthritis, provide perches of varying diameters. To ensure their well-being, mental engagement is crucial. 

As highlighted on birdtricks.com, a lack of mental stimulation could lead to behavioral problems, including excessive screaming. This behavior might also stem from inadequate sleep, so it is vital to offer your conure at least 10 uninterrupted hours of rest each night. 

These birds enjoy bathing, so regular opportunities should be provided. A diverse array of toys is essential to keep them mentally engaged, with chew toys and bell-equipped toys being particularly favored.

Daily interaction with your conure is pivotal for their happiness, and ample time spent outside the cage is equally important. Properly tending to your bird’s needs will help minimize instances of excessive screaming, enhancing the overall experience for both the avian and human occupants of the household.

 Regular bathing is also a source of delight for these birds, and leaving a dish of water, such as a pie dish, in their cage can bring them great joy.

Diet and Nutrition

Out in the wild, black-hooded parakeets mostly eat seeds, fruits, palm nuts, berries, flowers, and little plant buds. Sometimes, when they’re not in the wild anymore, they even visit bird feeders. They like to hang around places with bushes and open spaces close to where people live. 

You can see them in places like grassy lands, fields, and spots where animals are kept in South America. But some folks don’t like them in certain areas, thinking they cause trouble.

For pet nanday conure, giving them good pellets and seeds alongside fresh fruits and veggies every day will keep them healthy. You can give them plenty of pellet food – they will eat just what they need.

For fruits and veggies, offering a small bowl in the morning and evening should be enough. Nanday parakeets really enjoy foods like grapes, apples, broccoli, and tomatoes. They also like leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are good for them.

Sometimes, you can give them some protein too. Since they eat both plants and meat, you can share a bit of cooked egg, lean meat, or fish from time to time. Be careful, though. Some foods can be bad for these birds, like avocado, chocolate, coffee, and anything with too much salt.

Breeding

Nanday Conures are capable of breeding in about three years. The female bird will lay a clutch of two to six eggs, and these eggs take about 24 to 26 days to hatch. The male bird usually stays close to the nesting area, either sitting on the eggs or hanging around nearby.

Exercise

Your Nanday conure is a lively bird that loves being out of its cage. Many people who know a lot about these birds suggest letting them move around freely for about 4 hours every day. This helps them stay in good shape and stay well. 

It might seem like a long time, but if you make sure the room is closed off so the bird can’t fly away, you can do other stuff like watch TV while your bird explores around.

Common Health Issues

Nanday Conures are really strong birds, which is why they can live for quite a while – around 35 to 40 years. They rarely get sick, and that is why you can spot them living on their own in the United States.

Some folks even call them invasive because they have settled so well. But even though they are tough, there are still some illnesses that can affect them. Some of the common problems include conure bleeding syndrome (which makes them bleed too much for no clear reason), Pacheco’s disease (caused by a virus), and issues with their breathing.

If your bird doesn’t get enough attention or doesn’t hang out with others, it might start feeling down. This can lead to behaviors like plucking its own feathers and making loud noises. To prevent this, make sure your bird gets enough rest and stays engaged with the things around it.

Nanday Conure for Sale and Price

Before you decide to bring a nanday into your home, it is important to check the rules in your area. Look into the laws set by your state and local community to make sure you’re allowed to have one as a pet.

Keep in mind that feral nandays are seen as invaders and a danger to native birds in many parts of the United States. This has led to them being prohibited in various places.

If you are thinking about adopting a nanday, it is worth checking out your local animal shelter. We mentioned earlier that these birds can make quite a bit of noise, especially if they don’t get enough attention. This can sometimes worry new owners who aren’t used to it.

 Because of this, you might find nanday conures in shelters, often at a lower cost. You can also try asking nearby pet stores to see if they have any information about breeders or looking on the internet. 

If you are interested, you can purchase these birds from breeders, and the price usually ranges from $400 to $1000. There are websites like Birdbreeders, BirdsNow, and PetBirdsBreeders that can help connect you with breeders and others who are looking to sell their nanday conures.