Hand Fed Crimson-Bellied Conure - Pyrrhura perlata

Noise Level & Talking Ability

Crimson-bellied conures are not typically loud, but will make themselves heard if they feel the need to. They can be kept in an apartment, though this may not be the most ideal living situation with this species. They are a little bit chattier than some of their cousin species, but aren't known for being exceptional talkers. With time and effort crimson-bellied conures can learn some words and short phrases. 

Physical Features

Adult crimson-bellied conures are best known for the feature by which they are named - a striking red belly. The species' overall physique is similar to that of the other Pyrrhura. The head is proportionately slightly large to the body, having a hooked bill that is fairly wide. The neck is not particularly long, the body is somewhat round becoming narrower toward the tail. The tail is about as long as the body and generally a uniform width that does not taper to a point like in many parakeets. The naturally occurring colour form of this bird is very strange compared to most other Pyrrhura parakeets. Rather than being an overall mostly green bird, Crimson-bellied conures have many bluish coloured feathers on their nape and wings as well. The cap is dark grey becoming lighter toward the nape, which is blue. The breast and neck are covered with thick light grey striations which extend to the dark grey cap near the nape. The cheeks are about two-thirds green and one-third blue. The species has a brown iris and a bare white eye-ring. The beak is dark grey, the cere is a lighter grey colour. The feathers at the cere are deep red and become blue as they mix into the grey cap. The entire belly is bright red and almost appears to look like a vest on the bird. The underwing coverts are red like the belly. The flight feathers are a deeper blue than the other blue feathers. The feathers on the thighs and toward the tail are blue. Tail is dark maroon on both the top and bottom. Legs and feet grey.

Immature crimson-bellied conures look similar to adult except overall duller plumage. The red belly feathers will be very few if any, typically they will start to come in around 6 months of age with the first molt. The belly can take up to two years to change colour completely. It is not uncommon that young crimson-bellied conures are mistaken for Pearly conures (Pyrrhura lepida), the easiest way to differentiate is that Crimson-bellied conures tend to be notably larger, and also that Pearly conures' tails tend to be more tapered. These are both quite subjective, though. 

Pet Profile

 Crimson-bellied conures make exciting and energetic pets. They are best suited to people who have prior experience with parrots, as they can be stubborn at times. They are playful and very trainable birds. It is extremely important that quality socialization time is being spent with these birds. 

Diet

Pellet should take up 60% of the diet. Fruit such as apple, pear, orange, banana, pomegranate, cactus fruits, kiwi. Vegetables such as carrot, celery, green beans, and peas in the pod; fresh corn on the cob; green leaves such as Swiss chard, lettuce, sowthistle, dandelion, chickweed should form about 30 percent of the diet. Small seed mixes such as canary, millet, and smaller amounts of oats, buckwheat, safflower, and a little hemp; soaked and sprouted sunflower seed; cooked beans and pulses, boiled maize.

Housing

These birds need a spacious cage to exert their energy. Provide toys and perches of different materials to keep them engaged.

Breeding Information

Wild Status

Vulnerable - Stable
Last assessed October 2016 for the IUCN Red List