Golden Conure/Golden Parakeet

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.

Leave a Reply to Anonymous Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *