Green-cheeked Conure

The Green-cheeked Conure, or Green-cheeked Parakeet, is a small, compact member of the Pyrrhura group of South American parakeets, known for its subtly patterned plumage. The crown is dark grey-brown, the cheeks and throat green, and the chest shows fine grey-white scalloping that gives way to a maroon patch on the lower belly and a long, deep maroon-red tail.

Appearance

• Dusky grey-brown crown and nape
• Bright green cheeks, wings, and back
• Grey-brown chest feathers edged in pale grey, creating a scaled or scalloped look
• Maroon-red lower belly and a long, dark maroon tail
• Bare white eye-ring around a dark eye

Key field marks

• Small size compared to most other conures
• Scalloped grey-brown chest pattern unique among green-bodied parakeets
• Long maroon-red tail, noticeably darker and redder than the green body
• White, bare eye-ring contrasting with the darker face

Similar species

Other Pyrrhura species, such as the Maroon-bellied Conure, are similar but typically lack the same crisp chest scalloping or show differences in cheek color; range is often the best way to separate closely related Pyrrhura species. The much larger Blue-crowned Conure has a blue crown and lacks any chest scalloping.

Range

Native to south-central South America, including Bolivia, Paraguay, western Brazil (Mato Grosso), and northern Argentina.

Habitat

Inhabits humid and semi-humid forest, forest edge, and adjacent woodland, from lowlands up into subtropical foothill forest; generally a non-migratory resident that may move locally for food.

Behavior

Highly social, typically moving in small, tight flocks that keep in constant vocal contact as they forage through the canopy.

Voice

Gives high-pitched, chattering calls and shorter chirps, generally less harsh and lower in volume than larger conure species.

Feeding

Forages in the mid to upper canopy for seeds, fruit, berries, nuts, and blossoms, often hanging upside down to reach food.

Nesting and breeding

Nests in tree cavities, laying a small clutch of white eggs incubated by the female while the male stands guard and provisions her.