Sulphur breasted Parakeet is a species of bird that lies in the subfamily Arinae of the family Psittaciformes. They are also well-known as sulphur breasted conure.
Sometimes, people misidentified them with sun parakeets. Although they resemble the same, they have orange-red patches on the face, belly, and breast.
You can commonly find these species of parrot from Brazil and Suriname. But, due to habitat loss, deforestation, and illegal trade, this species faces threats to its population size.
If you want to learn more about birds of the world, their eating habits, behavior, lifespan, and breeding, keep reading this article.
Color
The Sulphur breasted Parakeet is a pale orange and colorful parrot with a pale yellow head, throat, chest, and a rare neck.
The beautiful pale orange is on the flanks and covers the underlings that appear while flying.
If we look at the thighs and under tail coverts, they are green and different from lavender parakeets. However, the tail is blue-green and looks charming.
The mantle is pale greenish yellow, while the wings are green-yellow. You find mesmerizing closely to orange strips in front of the crown, around the eyes, and in the lores.
The iris is dark grey, and the orbital ring is pale grey. The top of the chest and cheeks are yellow-olive. However, their bill is almost black.
Shape and Size
Their sexes are alike. They have slender bodies with a beautiful range of colors.
One of the basic facts is that these birds are 12 inches long and weigh about 110 grams.
Behavior and Personality
Sulphur breasted birds are social birds like lineolated parakeets.
They typically forage singly but also in groups of 10-20 birds. To some extent, they also mimic human speech.
They are famous for their acrobatic flying skills and playful behavior, making them a perfect companion.
Feeding List
Sulphur breasted parakeet feeds on fruits, nuts, berries, and seeds. They also like blossom flowers.
As a source of protein, they also eat some insects and their larva.
Speech
A high-pitched shrill screech of 2-3 times, “screek screek screek’.
They also produce the very sharp sound of “eeuwt-uht-uht.”
Distribution and Habitat:
As mentioned, they are found north of the Amazone River between Macura and Paru River, Brazil. They are also distributed in the Savannas of Suriname.
Sulphur breasted parakeet live in large open and semi-open areas, sandy soils, scattered bushes, and trees.
You can also find these species in visiting orchards and gallery forests up to 4600 feet and nest next to the roads.
Breeding
The breeding pairs for a strong bond that lasts longer. They mostly nest in tree cavities where the female lays 3-5 eggs.
The incubation period is 23-26 days.
The breeding season is between August and October, and Till now, only one nest has been found in dead Hymenaea trees. Not much is known about their breeding habits and biology.
Lifespan of Aratinga Maculata
The average lifespan of sulphur breasted parakeet in the wild is 15-20 years, and it depends upon several factors, like food availability, habitat conditions, and predation.
However, in captivity, they live many years.
For example, for around 30 years as proper care and feeding can increase their lifespan even more.
Potential Challenges of Owning Sulphur Breasted Parakeet
They are only kept as pets by the people of Brazil and Surinam. But now they become popular in the breeding community.
However, there are some potential challenges to owning these birds. That is:
- You need to import them from native countries.
- They require lots of care because of habitual changes
- You must keep them in spacious cages.
- A balanced diet is required for proper health.
- Please provide them with lots of toys.
- They also need regular exercise outside the cage.
FAQs
Is Sulphur Breasted and Sun Conure the Same?
People often confuse them, but the sulphur-breasted parakeet has green mottling to the mantle, and its underparts are less orange. While the Sun Conure has green wing coverts, vent, and mantle.
Name the Rarest Conure.
The Golden Conure, or the Queen of Bavaria Conure, is the rarest species.
What is the Breeding Season of Sulphur Breasted Parakeet?
They usually breed from August to October before winter starts so that they take better care of their chicks.
Conclusion:
Sulfur breasted parakeet is fairly common, also known as sulphur breasted parakeet or conure. They are friendly birds and live in small flocks.
However, they are well-known for their acrobatic flight and social behavior.
They love to live in sandy soils, open forests, near the roads, and orchards. Sulfur-breasted parrots are native to Brazil and Suriname, where the least concern is that this species is threatened due to deforestation and trading.