Bird breed

Sun Conure

Also known as: Sun Parakeet, Aratinga solstitialis

A blaze of yellow and orange with a voice to match.

Written by E. S.· Updated October 2026

  • Playful
  • Affectionate
  • Loud
  • Curious
  • Social

The sun conure is a vividly coloured South American parrot known for its playful, affectionate nature — and its extremely loud call. Sun conures bond closely with their people and love interaction, but their volume makes them unsuitable for many apartments.

At a glance

Origin
South America
Size
Small
Weight
3.5–4.6 oz (100–130 g)
Lifespan
20–30 years
Coat
Plumage
Colours
Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue
Average cost
$70–$130 / month

Breed ratings

Rated 1–5 on the same scale as every other entry, so scores are comparable between breeds. Amber stars mark things that cost you effort rather than things that benefit you.

Energy level

Needs a lot of activity every day

Intelligence

Learns quickly and solves problems

Trainability

Takes to training readily

Affection

Wants close contact with people

Independence
Good with children
Good with other pets
Apartment friendly
Beginner friendly
Shedding
Grooming needs
Noise level

Vocal — barks, meows or calls often

Temperament

Sun conures are affectionate and playful but very loud.

Care & upkeep

Exercise

3–4 hours out of the cage daily with plenty of chewing toys.

Grooming

Baths or misting 2–3 times weekly.

Training

Trainable with positive reinforcement; screaming can be reduced but not eliminated.

Feeding & diet

Typical diet
Pellet-based with fresh vegetables
Daily amount
Pellets plus fresh vegetables daily
Meals per day
Fresh food daily

Pellets should form most of the diet, with daily vegetables and limited fruit.

Foods to avoid

  • Avocado
  • Chocolate
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Salt
  • Apple seeds

Who this breed suits

A good match for

  • Detached homes
  • Experienced bird owners
  • People home much of the day

Probably not for

  • Apartments
  • Noise-sensitive households

Common health problems

This section describes conditions the breed is known to be predisposed to, so you know what to ask about. It is not veterinary advice and is not a diagnosis — always speak to a vet about your own animal.

  • Feather pluckingLinked to boredom and stress.
  • PsittacosisA bacterial infection transmissible to humans.
  • PBFDA viral disease — ask breeders about testing.
  • Respiratory infectionsAvoid drafts and poor ventilation.

Annual avian vet check-ups are recommended.

Interesting facts

  • Sun conures are endangered in the wild.
  • Chicks are mostly green; colours develop with age.
  • Their call can exceed 100 decibels.

Diet & Feeding

Feed a quality pellet as 60–70% of the diet, with fresh vegetables daily and some fruit. Avoid seed-heavy diets. Provide clean water daily.

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Sun conures need 3–4 hours out of the cage daily and plenty of toys to chew and shred. Provide foraging opportunities and rotate toys to prevent boredom.

Grooming

Offer baths or misting 2–3 times a week. Have nails and beak checked every 6–8 weeks. Avoid non-stick cookware and aerosols.

Health & Vet Care

Watch for feather plucking, psittacosis, PBFD and respiratory infections. Find an avian vet and schedule annual check-ups.

Living with a Sun Conure

Sun conures are affectionate, playful and very loud. They are best for detached homes or people who can tolerate frequent screaming. Expect a 20–30 year commitment.