Sun Conures
Aratinga solstitialis
Also known as: Suns
Brilliant, vocal companions who need engaged humans and plenty of chewing outlets.
Lifespan
Roughly 15–30 years depending on source
Size
About 12 inches; vivid orange-yellow plumage
Natural history
Northeast South American canopy birds with strong flock calls. Bright plumage and loud contact calls help groups stay connected in dense foliage.
Personality
Loyal, energetic, and often Velcro-like with their favorite person. They thrive when included in household activity.
Social & communication
Crave interaction. Plan for hours of engagement, training, or companion bird options researched carefully.
Vocalizations
Among the louder small parrots—piercing contact calls are normal flock behavior. Best for noise-tolerant homes.
Diet basics
Pellets, colorful vegetables, limited fruit, and occasional nuts. Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onion, garlic, xylitol, and salty foods.
Housing, sleep & enrichment
Large cage or aviary, heavy-duty toys, multiple perch types, and a reliable dark sleep routine. Destroyable toys, foraging, baths, and training to channel energy. Rotate often.
Behavior notes
Calling when you leave the room is common flock behavior—teach independent play with foraging setups rather than scolding.
General everyday care
Expect a long, interactive commitment. Focus on enrichment, diet variety, and predictable rest.