The St Thomas Conure ( Aratinga pertinax pertinax)   or Brown Throated Conures are by far one of the smallest Conure families averaging between 18-24cm in size. Native to St. Thomas , the Virgin Islands and St. Croix they love foraging on the scrublands there and so when in aviary conditions they spend a great deal of time digging around the floors.

Primarily green in colouration, bluish areas can be found on the head and some have yellow on their shoulders, there are quite a number of sub species so lots of hybridisation has occurred over the years leaving it difficult to distinguish the nominate species.

The Patagonian Conure, ( Cyanoliseus patagonus ), It is also known as the "burrowing parrot," due to its habit of nesting in holes in the ground. Unsurprisingly, Patagonians in captivity are great chewers, one of the larger Conures, native to the Patagonia region of south-central Argentina and Chile . Drab on the top, brightly colored underneath, the Patagonian Conure has exploded in popularity since the 1990s , leading to an increase in illegal importation which threatens the wild populations.

The Sun Conure ( Aratinga solstitialis ) is one of the most stunning looking small Conures which is the reason so many people own one, sadly due to their high noise the pet side of things soon deteriorates and they end up being rehomed.

A member of the Aratinga family and standing approx 25cm this bird is closely related to the Jenday Conure ( Aratinga jandaya) and the Gold-capped Conure, ( Aratinga auricapilla) and are native to the coastal forests of South America

The Jenday Conure ( Aratinga jandaya) or Janday Conure or Jandaya or Yellow-headed Conure as it is sometimes known as is one of the louder Aratinga family members, standing around 25cm and being primarily green and yellow in colouration this little bird is closely related to both the Sun Conure ( Aratinga solstitialis ) and the Gold-capped Conure, ( Aratinga auricapilla) native to North-eastern Brazil, they are often found in UK collections due to their stunning colouration but given up as pets due to their noise levels being so high.

The Nanday Conure ( Aratinga nenday) or Black-hooded parrot as it is sometimes known is one of the noisy parrots that originate from Bolivia through to Argentina , measuring approx 25-30cm and found very commonly as pets these little birds make good aviary birds but not so good as house pets due their loud screech which is the primary reason we have so many here.

The Green-cheeked Conure (Pyrrurha molinea) a member of the Pyrrurha family measures approx 25cm from head to tail and is predominantly green in colour with a tail that measures equal to the body. A sprightly little bird they are common within the pet world which usually means they are relatively scarce within the centre. In their habitat which ranges from Brazil to Bolivia and even up to North East Argentina they are still found in great numbers.

The Maroon-bellied Conure, ( Pyrrhura frontalis ), is a small Conure native to Southeastern Brazil through Northern Argentina , including Paraguay and Uruguay and maybe the Eastern tip of Bolivia . These birds range from 25 to 28cm, and are primarily green, with a maroon patch on the belly, a yellow-green barred breast and front and sides of neck, sometimes confused with the Green-cheeked Conure this little bird is a very popular pet in the UK. We have a number of these birds here and although sometimes territorial with new members they usually settle down.

A member of the Aratinga family the White-eyed Conure ( Aratinga leucophthalmus) is a vibrant and bright green in colour. There are a few red feathers on the head and neck area. The green on the front of the bird, stomach and chest, is a little lighter than the rest of the body.

The under wing coverts and the carpal edges of the wings are red and the greater under wing coverts are a very bright yellow on the adult birds. Coverts are green on immature bird.

The have a white ring around the eyes.

The Red-masked Conure ( Aratinga erythrogenys ) also known as the Cherry-headed Conure is one of the larger Conures and its native to South America , Peru and Ecuador . Although not yet on the list of endangered parrots it is very close usually earning the title of ‘Near threatened'.

A large raucous parrot they usually live happily within a flock environment.

We have a number living here within the centre and due to their loud voice you can usually find them without looking too far.

The Blue-crowned Conure (Aratinga acuticaudata) is also known as the Sharp-tailed Conure and is one of the larger Conures measuring some 37cm. Primarily living in Central America this poor bird suffered at the hands of the popular film ‘Paulie' which showed this species singing and dancing in its starring role, this then created a rush on the bird only to then have them abandoned in great numbers, due to this problem we have over 20 of this species in a colony which live happily together but 16 of them are called Paulie!!!

The Painted Conure ( Pyrrurha. p. picta ) is considered the nominate species. It is 20cm in length and is found from northern Brazil to Venezuela . Mostly green with blue on the forecrown and head. The nape is dark brown, suffused blue.

The throat, neck and upper breast are brown edged with greyish buff that gives it a scalloped appearance. The ear coverts are pale buff and the shoulders are red. The abdomen, lower back and upper tail coverts are maroon. Primaries are blue and tail feathers are green at the base of their upper surface, turning maroon. The beak and legs are dark grey. A valued member of the Conure flocks this little bird fits into aviary life very well as can be seen here.

A member of the Pyrrurha family the Blue-throated Conure ( Pyrrhura cruentata) is now on the C.I.T.E.S. ( Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ) list. Generally this bird has green plumage with the feathers of the crown and nape dark brown. The upper breast and collar around the throat are blue with red on its rump, lower back, centre of abdomen, and part of the wings. Standing approx 30cm this little bird is becoming more scarce in captivity and has it is suffering in the wild too it really does need help.

The Fiery Shouldered Conure (Pyrrurha e egregia) a member of the Pyrrurha family general plumage green; narrow band to forehead reddish-brown; remainder of forehead brown; crown, back of head and nape brown with green edging; ear-coverts reddish-brown; sides of neck, throat and upper breast green with whitish-grey edging and narrow dusky-grey band; primary-coverts and outer webs of primaries blue; tail upperside dark brown-red with green base, underside grey; narrow periophthalmic ring whitish; iris brown; feet brownish-grey; bill horn-coloured and measures approx 25cm, not the commonest of Conures and certainly not the nosiest, we have a small number here in the centre.

The Gold-capped Conure ( Aratinga auricapilla .) This beautiful Conure is mainly green in colour, with the cheeks, ear coverts and throat a yellowish green or slightly yellowish. The areas around the eyes and the forehead are red to orangish red. The crown is tinged with yellow and the breast and abdomen are reddish. The primary feathers, wing coverts, and under-wing coverts are blue. Standing at around 30 cm in length and weighs about 150 grams. These birds are becoming very uncommon and will at some time need assistance in captivity. Due to their rarity we only have small numbers here

The Cinnamon Conure is a sex linked version of the Green-cheeked Conure (Pyrrurha molinea) and has its name suggests is a wonderful cinnamon colour, having the same nature as the little Green Cheeked Conure which is a member of the Pyrrurha family and measures approx 25cm from head to tail. A sprightly little bird they are common within the pet world which usually means they are relatively scarce within the centre. In their habitat which ranges from Brazil to Bolivia and even up to North East Argentina they are still found in great numbers.