Nanday Conure

onures, like many parrots, are known to be playful, intelligent, and have a particular fondness for snuggling and affection. The Nanday Conure is no exception. This species requires and enjoys lots of social stimulation, including playtime outside the cage, and has a particular fondness for water. With a mature length of about 12", this species makes a terrific pet bird for an owner with a keenness for a friendly and loving companion bird.

Known for being quite vocal, the Nanday Conure can often be taught to speak rather well, learn tricks and mimic sounds, especially when started at a young age. However, the Nanday can also be quite loud and does best in a home where his owner doesn't mind a little extra noise. Perhaps one of the most unusual habits of this species is the tendency of falling asleep on his back with his feet straight up in the air. Although this can be disconcerting the first time observed, it is an interesting behavior of the Nanday Conure.

Nanday Conures can be sexed by using an endoscope while the bird is anesthetized or through DNA testing. This brightly colored species has bright green plumage on the body with a black "cap." The throat and upper breast are a light blue color, and the lower leg plumage is bright red. The coloring of an immature Nanday is less pronounced than that of a mature bird but brightens with age. A Nanday Conure costs around $200 and up. Diet consists of a high-quality pelleted food, vegetables, and an occasional treat of a small amount of fruit or small nut. Nanday Conures can live 20+ years in captivity.

The Nanday Conure makes a great pet for someone who has the time and patience to provide plenty of social stimulation and affection for a devoted and entertaining pet.