ANIMAL: Golden Conure/Golden Parakeet Guaruba guarouba Type of Animal: Parrot Habitat: Lowland humid forests/forest edges/forest clearings, open areas near forest edges/clearings, agricultural fields near forest edges, grasslands w/ scattered trees, hilly upland areas of terra firme (unflooded) forests/edges/clearings Location(s): Brazilian states of Para, Maranhao, & Amazonas in N & NE Brazil Appearance: Yellow-golden color w/ green in outer wings & all-yellow tail/gray beak/pink legs, juveniles have mostly green head/neck, green & yellow back, mostly green tail, greenish breast, & brown legs Food/Diet: Fruits, berries, flowers, buds, seeds, grains, vegetables, nuts, agricultural crops, legumes Status in Wild: Threatened Conservation: Breeding in zoos, breeding centers, & aviculture. Reintroductions into areas of former range. Lifestyle: Found in flocks of 4-50 birds. Often breed colonially/communally, w/ multiple males & females caring for each other’s young & laying eggs in single nest. Helpers from previous clutch often help w/ care of younger siblings. Breeding pairs monogamous. Additional Info: Called: Male: Cock Female: Hen Young: Chick Group: Flock Weight: 8 oz Gestation: 1 month Life Span: 15-20 years in wild, 30 years in captivity Height: 1.12 ft Body Length: 1.12 ft Tail Length: 0.7 ft Main predators of adults are raptors, crocodilians, snakes, monkeys, tayras, felids, & pigs. Toucans prey on chicks. Threatened due to pet trade, habitat loss, deforestation, flooding, dam building, persecution as crop pests, & hunting for sport/food. Often called Queen of Bavaria Conure in aviculture. Flocks defend nest areas from toucans vigorously. Make high-pitched vibrant “greh” or “kray” call. Sexually mature at 2 years old. Females lay 4-10 eggs per clutch. Considered one of the most beautiful conures. 1st described by German naturalist Georg Marcgraf during his 1638 Brazil expedition. Breeding season runs from November-February. Prone to laying infertile clutches in 1st few years of maturity. Will alternate different hollows for roosting on successive nights. Fun Fact(s): Make decent pets but like many parrots, they make lots of noise & require lots of commitment. Tend to have friendly affectionate personalities. Make appearance in both Rio movies. Skilled mimics, often repeating common sounds like kisses/beeps/barks. Known to be very receptive to music, not hesitating to dance. Known to be rather smart birds.
