Blue-crowned Conure Identification Guide

Key Field Marks

• Size & shape: A medium-sized parakeet, about 37–38 cm long, with a substantial portion of that length made up of a long, pointed tail — typical of Aratinga-type conures.
• Plumage: Predominantly green body; a blue crown and forehead that extends back over the top of the head toward the nape, giving the bird its name.
• Face & bill: A pale to whitish, fairly bold eye-ring; a dark, blackish bill; pale grayish legs.
• Tail: Long and pointed, green with blue tips on the outer/underside, visible well in flight and at rest.

Separating It from Similar Species

• Compared to other Aratinga-type conures, the extent and clean edges of the blue crown are the best mark — many similar species show red, not blue, on the head (e.g., Mitred Parakeet and Red-masked Parakeet both show red on the face/crown).
• Nanday Parakeet has a solid black head and throat rather than a blue crown on an otherwise green head, and shows red "thighs," both good differences.
• General green body plus a clean blue cap and whitish eye-ring is the quickest combination for this species.

Where & When to See It

• Native range: South America — dry woodlands, palm groves, and savanna-like habitats across Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.
• Introduced/feral populations: Established self-sustaining feral populations occur in urban and suburban areas of Florida and California, often in parks and neighborhoods with fruiting and flowering trees.
• Season: Non-migratory; present year-round wherever established, whether in native range or as feral populations.

Behavior & Voice

• Highly gregarious, typically seen in noisy flocks that forage together on seeds, fruit, and blossoms and roost communally at night.
• Flight is fast and direct, usually accompanied by loud calling that draws attention before the birds are seen.
• Voice: harsh, screeching calls typical of conures, given frequently in flight and at roost sites.