Australian Birdkeeper – June-July 2018

GREEN-CHEEKED CONURE

As is often the case with prolifi c species, mutation colours

become the main interest in aviculture and this can leave

genuinely ‘normal’ birds quite rare. Currently, I would suggest that

no ‘normal’ Green-cheeked Conures Pyrrhura molinae exist in

Australia that breed true to wild-type at all times. But even if we

consider normal-coloured birds that are split, the Green-cheeked

Conure in green (Normal) form has become somewhat rare and

could disappear from Australian aviculture in the near future.

Due to their low price and lack of popularity in the current

market (due to fashion, not attributes of the bird), these birds

would represent a fantastic focus for young or beginning bird

keepers who would like something that few other people have.

Perhaps they could even look to times past in awe as these birds

were once so highly sought-after that they fetched approximately

$30,000 a pair. Now a pair would cost around $100. How times

change...

PEARLY CONURE

The Pearly Conure Pyrrhura lepida is often confused with the

closely related Green-cheeked Conure. Typically, Pearly Conure

numbers in Australia would be comparable to that of the Blue-

throated Conure, but they are much lower in market value.

Members of this species can be reliable breeders but cannot be

compared with others of the Pyrrhura genus for prolifi c output.

The small size, stature and fl exibility of this species make them an

excellent candidate for the beginner aviculturist looking for the

next challenge in their hobby, without pushing their knowledge or

husbandry too far.

BLACK-CAPPED CONURE

This species has become rare in recent times and I believe it is

very hard to fi nd pure forms that have not been hybridised with

the Green-cheeked Conure. The Black-capped Conure Pyrrhura

rupicola is subtly different, though still a predominantly green

bird. If quality birds that are pure to type can be sourced, it would

be a worthwhile venture to get them breeding and the numbers

sustainable once more.

JANDAY CONURE

This species used to be readily available, but as times have

progressed and prices have fallen, the Janday Aratinga jandaya

has almost disappeared from bird sales. The overall commercial

preference for the Sun Conure Aratinga solstitialis in the pet

market has meant that most serious breeders choose not to keep

Jandays within their collection, resulting in a decline in numbers.

Pearly Conure

J WELCH

J WELCH

Green-cheeked Conure

Janday Conure

J WELCH

LCLC

J WEJ WE

LL

Black-capped

Conure

J WELCH