GREATER PATAGONIAN CONURE

Greater Patagonian Conure In Nevada

The Greater Patagonian Conure is the largest of all the Conures. They learn to talk and
they usually bond very well with people, especially if hand-raised.

This Conure is not as widely available as other Conure species in many areas. The Greater
Patagonian is almost unknown in American aviculture. They are rare in the pet trade, though if
you are lucky you might find one in a zoo. Unknowing dealers may often sell Lesser
Patagonian Conures as Greaters. Make sure you get what you pay for. Greater Patagonian
Conures are very active. They love to play, climb and chew on toys, making for an
entertaining parrot. Their ability to talk is usually quite good, though they can be very noisy.
Greater Patagonian Conures are known for having sweet dispositions, and many of them will
form close bonds with their owners. In the wild, these birds like to make their nests in the
sides of cliffs, earning them the nickname, Cliff Dwelling Parrots. The Greater Patagonian
Conure has been known to live as long as 25 years, but the average lifespan is only 12 years.
With proper care and diet this can be increased.

The Greater Patagonian Conure's plumage is basically a dark olive green. There is some
yellowish tinge on the side of the wings as well as the head. The breast is gray with some blue
highlights. There is some red on the abdomen and inner thigh as well as some yellow. The
primary flight feathers are dark blue. The tail feathers are olive green on the upper side and
edged in blue. The undersides are dark gray. The Greater Patagonian Conure has white eyes
when mature, while the young have brown irises. The eye is ringed with a bare white area. An
interesting fact about the Greater Patagonian Conure is that it is the only Conure that has
feathers covering their nostrils. The beak is black on the adult and the upper beak is white on
the young. The feet of the Greater Patagonian Conure are flesh colored. They reach a length
of 19 inches, which is larger than the other two Patagonian varieties. The adults achieve their
true coloring at one year of age.

The Greater Patagonian Conures can be found along the coast in central Chile. They can be
seen in bushes, trees, and making nests in the sides of cliffs. Though their flock numbers were
large at one time, they are mostly spotted in smaller groups and usually when eating. The
Greater Patagonian Conure is considered endangered in the wild, and that is due in part to the
immatures being sought for food, the adults were frequently shot for this reason. Additionally
habit destruction and shooting by farmers who consider them to be pests has led to a
decrease in their numbers. Today new laws have been passed in Chile and they are protected.

As with most parrots, always offer Greater Patagonian Conures fresh fruits and vegetables, as
well as foods such as beans and cooked eggs in addition to their regular diet of a good seed
mix and a good quality pellet. Fresh water daily is necessary, as is removing fresh food
quickly so it does not spoil. The size of the cage should be sufficient to accommodate their
wings and room to play. Usually, a 24 inches by 24 inches by 36 inches cage will do, but
larger is always better. A variety of perches are good exercise for the Greater Patagonian's
feet, and make sure the food dishes are not directly below a perch, so that food and water are
not soiled. Toys are necessary, since Conures are avid chewers. In addition they should be
provided with a dish for bathing and if this is not possible they should be sprayed with water
regularly.