The Sun Parakeet(Aratinga solstitialis), also known as the Sun Conure is a new world parrot that lives in South America. The Sun Parakeet is classified in the order Psittaciformes, and the family Psittacidae.
Physical Characteristics
Wild adult Sun Parakeets are mostly yellow in color; their faces and bellies are faded orange; there is some green on their wings. Their tails are olive-green with a blue tip.
A wild juvenile’s plumage is more green than Yellow.
Captive Sun Parakeets can produce unique colorations.
| Length | 28-31 cm(11”-1’0.2”) |
| Weight | 110-130 grams(3.9-4-4.6 oz.) |
Range
Sun Parakeets live in Roraima, Brazil. They are also found in western Guyana.
Habitat
Sun Parakeets inhabit open savanna, savanna woodland, forested valleys, and seasonally flooded forest.
Breeding
Sun Parakeets nest in holes of poles and tree trunks. The clutch size is 2 to 4 eggs. The female incubates the eggs while the male defends the nest from predators. The female only leaves the nest to eat. The incubation period is 23 to 27 days. When the chicks hatch they are blind and naked. A chick’s eyes begin to open 10 days after it hatches. Both parents feed the chicks. The Chicks take up to 4 months to become independent from their parents. Sun Parakeets reach sexual maturity at about 2 years old.
Diet
Sun Parakeets eat fruit, nuts, buds, flowers, and legume pods.
Conservation Status
The Sun Parakeet is listed as endangered.
Fun Facts
- A Sun Parakeet can live for up to 30 years.
- Sun Parakeets are Found in flocks of around 30 individuals, but can be seen in larger groups where fruit is plentiful.
- Newly hatched Sun Parakeet chicks weigh 6 grams (0.21 ounces).
- Sun Parakeets eat red cacti fruits.
