Bringing Home a Golden Conure: Tips for new Pet Owners

The extremely rare Golden Conure (in the wild and captivity) was once considered to be of the Macaw Family, because of it’s head size (large) and tail size and shape, but; was recently reclassified to the Conure family after further comparisons were made.

In the wild, its habitat is restricted to northeastern Brazil, south of the Amazon River, from the west bank of the Rio Tapajos, Para and east to northwestern Maranhaao. They prefer hilly upland areas of terra firma rather than verzea, or flooded forest.

There is no proven life span record, established yet (that this writer can locate), but; estimates are 20-35 years, if living in an ideal domestic situation. Like the Hyacinth Macaw, (these birds are so near extinction in the wild, due to loss of habitat, hunting for their feathers for adornment and of course the pet trade in South America and other countries who still allow importation that the World Parrot Trust is striving to re-establish their numbers and save the species.

They are covered all over with bright yellow feathers, which are in striking contrast to the dark green primary flights. They average 14 inches in length and weigh 8.8 ozs (249 g). Because of their massive head and beak, many people feel the Golden’s more closely resemble macaws than conures. Immature birds have scattered green feathers on the upper wing-coverts and cheeks and are rather slimmer in build. They are among the most expensive conures both to purchase and to care for, although many owners feel that the benefits outweigh the cost.