SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pyrrhura molinae with six subspecies with slight varieties: P. molinae australis, P. m. molinae, P. m. phoenicura, P. m. restricta, P. m. flavoptera, P. m. hypoxantha
ADULT SIZE: One of the smaller conure species, it measures around 10 inches in length and weighs about two to three ounces
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Can live 30-plus years in captivity
The green-cheeked conure is native to South America, commonly found in the forests and woodland areas of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. It usually lives in flocks of 10 to 20 birds at treetop level or larger flocks where there is more food.
Green-cheeked conures are popular pet birds. They are affectionate and playful and thrive on time spent socializing with their owners. Like all birds, green-cheeked conures can be nippy and uncooperative at times, but as a general rule, they are among the most easygoing of the conure species. Although most never talk, green-cheeked conures do well with training and are known to be fast learners. They can learn to do simple tricks. Most owners say that their big personalities make up for what they lack in the speech department.