Sun Parakeet

The Sun Parakeet (Aratinga solstitialis), also known in aviculture as the sun conure, is a medium-sized, vibrantly colored parrot native to northeastern South America. Although they are typically found in tropical environments, sun conures' precise ecological needs are still not well understood. They are frequently described as living in coastal forests and dry savanna woodlands, but recent sightings indicate that they actually prefer lower elevations, near the edges of humid forests in the Guiana Shield foothills, and only cross more open savannah habitats when moving between patches of forest. Sun conures have been spotted in coastal, periodically flooded woods, forested valleys, and shrublands along the bank of the Amazon River. These conures typically live in palm groves and fruit trees.

The underparts and face of the mature male and female are orange-flushed, with the majority of their plumage being golden yellow. Sun parakeets are extremely gregarious creatures and frequently live in flocks. They breed in monogamous pairs and build their nests in tropical palm cavities. Fruits, flowers, berries, petals, seeds, nuts, and insects are the main sources of food for sun parakeets. Conures can live up to 30 years and are frequently bred and maintained in aviculture. Current threats to this species include habitat degradation, trapping for the pet trade, or for its plumage. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) currently lists sun parakeets as threatened.