| Common Name | Green Cheeked Conure |
| Latin Name |
Pyrrhura molinae |
| Average Lifespan | 20 - 25 Years |
| Average Length | 10 Inches |
| Average Weight | 60 - 75 grams |
| Song Type | Tropical Squawking |
Noise Level & Talking Ability
Green-cheeked conures are relatively quiet birds for their size. As conures go, these are definitely among the quietest species. Green-cheeked conures can and do make noise, though, but are considered to be suitable for apartments. The bulk of the noise a conure makes is contact calling when their owner is out of sight. If a green-cheeked conure is not provided appropriate exercise - both mental and physical - the likelihood of them being noisy increases. Like most conures, they are able to talk but are better known for their playfulness and antics.
Physical Features
Normal (No Mutation, Standard, Wildtype)
Dark grey-brown cap extending to nape which has a varying amount of blue. The cheeks are green, sometimes with a bluish tint. The ear area is light grey and fades into the breast feathers which are heavily striated with a similar colour. The beak is dark grey, the cere is bare and light grey. Like all Pyrrhura there is a white periophthalmic ring. The back, wings, belly, and thighs are green. Flight feathers are a brilliant blue colour, some individuals may have a small amount of yellow, orange, or white at the allula. The lower abdomen has a maroon patch that varies greatly in size and amount. The tail is red and the longest in proportion to the body of all Pyrrhura species. The base of the tail is green, however, individuals may also have some blue as well. The legs and feet are grey.
Yellow-sided (Opaline)
At a brief glance these birds will appear quite similar to the "No Mutation" birds. The yellow-sided colour mutation green-cheeked conures have a midtone beak. The breast tends to appear lighter in colour, the striations are not as noticeable. Often the blue on the nape is a little more noticeable, as is the blue at the tail base. The abdomen and underwings are yellow as opposed to green, and the maroon patch on the lower belly is more red. The amount of red varies, and some breeders like Exotic Wings will selectively pair their birds to increase the amount of red produced in the offspring. Sometimes these pairings can produce what is called a "high-red yellow-sided". These birds will have bright red from their face to their lower abdomen and are quite attractive looking. The tail feathers tend to have brighter red margins and a darker center. The legs and feet are pink.
Cinnamon
This colour mutation almost appears as though the printer cartridge was running out of ink! The colour distributions are the same as a normal green-cheeked conure, but everything is softened. That is what many people love about the cinnamon mutation, is how soft and cuddly it appears. The cap is a tan brown colour, the cheeks are a light olive green. The breast is exceptionally light in colour, and fades almost seemlessly into the belly. The beak is light tan or pink in colour. The back and wings are still green, just a softer tone of green. The flight feathers are a slightly muted blue. The red patch on the lower abdomen remains relatively the same colour as in the nominate form. The tail is closer to brick red-brown. The thighs and underwing are limey green, and the legs and feet are pink.
Pineapple
This colour form is not actually a mutation, rather it is the combination of two mutations. "Pineapple" is the visual result of a bird expressing cinnamon and yellow-sided at the same time. The combination was nicknamed pineapple because the colours on the birds are similar to that of a ripe pineapple. This colour form is kind of the best of both worlds in a cinnamon and yellow-sided. The belly is a canvas of reds, yellows, and oranges with the soft transitions between colours of a cinnamon. Overall, these birds look like a cinnamon green-cheeked conure had a yellow-sided's belly copied and pasted onto it. The tail margins due tend to be slightly lighter like in the yellow-sided mutation, and the beak is pink. Also like the yellow-sided, these birds can be produced in a "high red" variant.
Turquoise
Turquoise mutation is pretty much as it sounds. A bird that is almost blue with a tinge of green. The birds colour distribution is the same as the wildtype, except all the green parts are now a bluish colour. Some feathers will be bluer than others, and the overall colour can vary greatly by the direction of light hitting the bird. The maroon patch on the belly becomes burgundy. The tail becomes a burgundy-grey colour.
Turquoise Yellow-Sided
As described in the "Turquoise" variant, all green regions are bluish-green. The beak is still a midtone grey, and the feet and legs are still pink. The yellows in the belly become more of a creamy, off-white and the reds and oranges are a peach tone. The tail feathers are peach on the margins and burgundy in the center.
Turquoise Cinnamon
Pet Profile
Green-cheeked conures are extremely playful and personable. They are quite smart and readily trainable. Green-cheeked conures work extremely well with people who have some prior bird experience, but can certainly make a first pet bird for many people and households. Green-cheeked conure ownership can be compared to having a toddler in the house. The antics and attitude of these parrots are forever entertaining. These conures are a great blend of snuggle and play, and each individual has their own unique personality. Read More...
Diet
Green-Cheeked conures should be fed a pellet-based diet supplemented with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Seeds and tree-nuts can be used as treats, but should be fed in moderation. As a theme, sunflower seeds are very harmful for the health of Pyrrhura conure species, and so they should never be fed. Green-Cheeked conures will benefit from additional vitamin K and vitamin A in their diet, consider this when choosing fresh vegetables to feed.
Housing
Green-Cheeked conures should be housed in a cage that is no smaller than around 4 sqft footprint. The bars should not be spaced wider than ⅝” (1.6 cm). Being birds of high activity level, a larger cage would be better. Length is more valuable than height when picking a cage for your bird. Green-Cheeked conures love toys, and so offering a variety is necessary. They will benefit from access to foraging toys, as well as toys that they can destroy and chew apart. A rope perch is recommended for them to be able to sleep on. It is important to have a variance in the diameter of perches in the cage to avoid complications with the feet and toes.
Breeding Information
| Age of Maturity | 14 months |
| Breeding Aviculture | Very Common |
| Average Clutch Size | 4 - 6 Eggs |
| Nest Box | 14" x 7" Inch L-Box |
| Breeding Life | 15+ Years |
Green-Cheeked conures are bred commonly by many avicultural enthusiasts. They tend to prefer L-boxes that measure 7” x 14” (18 cm x 35 cm) or square boxes measuring 10” x 12” (25 cm x 30 cm). A layer 2” - 3” (5 cm - 8 cm) deep of aspen shavings is necessary to stabilize the eggs, absorb the chick's droppings, and prevent splay-leg. Green-Cheeked conures can be protective parents, and so it is not recommended to disturb the nest any more than needed. In the wild, these parakeets breed in late January-early March. In captivity, the conditions can be manipulated to induce breeding at any time of the year. For the health of the parent birds, as well as the offspring, it is not recommended to breed them for more than 3 consecutive clutches without a rest period. Clutch sizes are usually 4-6 eggs. Green-Cheeked conures can begin to reach sexual maturity as soon as 6 months of age, however, 12-16 months is a more common age.
Genetics
Green-Cheeked conures are available in a variety of colour mutations, many of which look very different from the wildtype colouration. These mutations are;
(D: dominant, R: recessive, ZL-x: Z-linked ___, iD: incomplete dominant)
Yellowside (ZL-R)
Cinnamon (ZL-R)
Pineapple (Yellowside / Cinnamon)
Turquoise (R)
Turquoise Yellowside (Turquoise / Yellowside)
Turquoise Cinnamon (Turquoise / Cinnamon)
Turquoise Pineapple (Turquoise / Yellowside / Cinnamon)
Dilute (R)
Dilute Yellowside (Dilute / Yellowside)
Dilute Cinnamon (Dilute / Cinnamon)
Suncheek (Dilute / Yellowside / Cinnamon)
Mint (Turquoise / Dilute)
Opamint (Turquoise / Dilute / Yellowside)
Cinnamint (Turquoise / Dilute / Cinnamon)
Mooncheek (Turquoise / Dilute / Yellowside / Cinnamon)
Dominant Red (D) (can apply to any mutation)
Violet, Single Factor and Double Factor (iD) (can apply to any mutation)
Misty, Single Factor and Double Factor(iD) (can apply to any mutation)
Wild Status
Decreasing - Least Concern
Last assessed in August 2018 for the IUCN Red List
- Our website has an abundance of information about species, behaviour, talking ability, and ownership essentials you may need to begin. This is a great place to start narrowing down your search for the bird best suited for your family. Once you have researched various bird species and narrowed down your choices, please contact us via phone or email to create an appointment to meet the birds and ask any questions you may have in regards to care, nutrition, and the best fit for your home.
- We will set up a date and time for you to meet the bird(s). We will notify you of our current protocols and procedures. If you have decided on a specific bird, we recommend that you put a deposit on it. Birds will not be held without a minimum 50% deposit. If you put down a deposit before meeting the bird and after meeting the bird decide it is not a good fit, we can refund your the deposit in full. If you are placing a deposit prior to meeting a bird, your appointment to meet the bird must be within the following week.
- If you are meeting a bird(s) that is not weaned, you will not be able to take the bird home that same day. If you are meeting a bird that is weaned, and you are properly prepared to have the new bird in your home, we will go over a care sheet and answer any questions you have during your appointment. If that is too soon, and your home is not ready, you can book a pick-up appointment within the following week. Again, to reserve a bird you must put down at least a 50% deposit or payment in full.
- When your bird is weaned and ready to go home you will receive an email with the following information
• A link to our care sheet in printable PDF form.
• A link to book a timeslot for your care sheet / bird pick-up.
• A link to the food your bird is eating as well as toys, treats, and other essential items to start your new adventure!
- Read the care sheet, write down any questions you have, ensure you’ve got the correct food and a proper variety of toys and perches, as well as a suitable cage. Then book your pick-up appointment! Please show up within 5 minutes of the appointment start time. If you have a carrier for your new bird, feel free to bring it. We can provide a travel box if needed.
If you have additional questions about how to purchase one of our birds please take a look at our FAQ's for purchasing a new bird:
Before You Buy
We offer a seven-day health guarantee on our handfed birds. A mandatory educational care sheet will be gone over at time of purchase. You must provide your bird with suitable shelter, food, water, vitamins and minerals from time of purchase.
We suggest that within three days (72 hours) of purchase, you bring your bird to an avian vet for a complete examination. This is at the cost of the pet owner. Should any health problem occur or be discovered, inform us IMMEDIATELY, with a written report otherwise the health guarantee is void. Any veterinary fees at this point need to be cleared by Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc.
The health guarantee does not apply if there is another bird in your home that was not purchased from Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc. or if the bird leaves the store unclipped.
We cannot guarantee the gender or temperament of your bird. Our handfed birds are tame but may take some time to adjust to their new surroundings. The more time is spent socializing with your pet bird after they have settled into your household, the better your relationship with your pet will be. After the seven day period any warranty will be at the discretion of Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc.
Shower your feathered friend (or furry companion!) with love and rewards at Exotic Wings! Our customer rewards program makes it easy to earn points and save on everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Simply create a free account and you're automatically enrolled. Every dollar spent (excluding taxes and shipping) earns you a point, and those points add up quickly to valuable discounts! Redeem your points at checkout for savings on a variety of bird food, treats, toys, cages, and other pet essentials. We also offer bonus points for referring friends, so spread the love and watch your rewards grow even faster! Sign up today and start earning rewards on all your pet purchases at Exotic Wings!
Our program currently consists of both points & referrals!
Access your rewards by clicking the blue rewards widget on the bottom left of your screen.
Points:
- For every dollar you spend (excluding taxes and shipping) you are rewarded a point!
- Spend your points on discount codes which can be redeemed at checkout.
- 500 Points = $10.00 off an order over $50.00.
- 1000 Points = $25.00 off an order over $100.00.
Referrals:
- Sign into your account and share your referral link!
- Located in the rewards widget on the bottom right of your screen.
- They get a $5 off discount (For orders over $50.00)
- You get a bonus 25 Point for each successful referral.
Have questions about our rewards program? View rewards FAQ's.
| Common Name | Green Cheeked Conure |
| Latin Name |
Pyrrhura molinae |
| Average Lifespan | 20 - 25 Years |
| Average Length | 10 Inches |
| Average Weight | 60 - 75 grams |
| Song Type | Tropical Squawking |
Noise Level & Talking Ability
Green-cheeked conures are relatively quiet birds for their size. As conures go, these are definitely among the quietest species. Green-cheeked conures can and do make noise, though, but are considered to be suitable for apartments. The bulk of the noise a conure makes is contact calling when their owner is out of sight. If a green-cheeked conure is not provided appropriate exercise - both mental and physical - the likelihood of them being noisy increases. Like most conures, they are able to talk but are better known for their playfulness and antics.
Physical Features
Normal (No Mutation, Standard, Wildtype)
Dark grey-brown cap extending to nape which has a varying amount of blue. The cheeks are green, sometimes with a bluish tint. The ear area is light grey and fades into the breast feathers which are heavily striated with a similar colour. The beak is dark grey, the cere is bare and light grey. Like all Pyrrhura there is a white periophthalmic ring. The back, wings, belly, and thighs are green. Flight feathers are a brilliant blue colour, some individuals may have a small amount of yellow, orange, or white at the allula. The lower abdomen has a maroon patch that varies greatly in size and amount. The tail is red and the longest in proportion to the body of all Pyrrhura species. The base of the tail is green, however, individuals may also have some blue as well. The legs and feet are grey.
Yellow-sided (Opaline)
At a brief glance these birds will appear quite similar to the "No Mutation" birds. The yellow-sided colour mutation green-cheeked conures have a midtone beak. The breast tends to appear lighter in colour, the striations are not as noticeable. Often the blue on the nape is a little more noticeable, as is the blue at the tail base. The abdomen and underwings are yellow as opposed to green, and the maroon patch on the lower belly is more red. The amount of red varies, and some breeders like Exotic Wings will selectively pair their birds to increase the amount of red produced in the offspring. Sometimes these pairings can produce what is called a "high-red yellow-sided". These birds will have bright red from their face to their lower abdomen and are quite attractive looking. The tail feathers tend to have brighter red margins and a darker center. The legs and feet are pink.
Cinnamon
This colour mutation almost appears as though the printer cartridge was running out of ink! The colour distributions are the same as a normal green-cheeked conure, but everything is softened. That is what many people love about the cinnamon mutation, is how soft and cuddly it appears. The cap is a tan brown colour, the cheeks are a light olive green. The breast is exceptionally light in colour, and fades almost seemlessly into the belly. The beak is light tan or pink in colour. The back and wings are still green, just a softer tone of green. The flight feathers are a slightly muted blue. The red patch on the lower abdomen remains relatively the same colour as in the nominate form. The tail is closer to brick red-brown. The thighs and underwing are limey green, and the legs and feet are pink.
Pineapple
This colour form is not actually a mutation, rather it is the combination of two mutations. "Pineapple" is the visual result of a bird expressing cinnamon and yellow-sided at the same time. The combination was nicknamed pineapple because the colours on the birds are similar to that of a ripe pineapple. This colour form is kind of the best of both worlds in a cinnamon and yellow-sided. The belly is a canvas of reds, yellows, and oranges with the soft transitions between colours of a cinnamon. Overall, these birds look like a cinnamon green-cheeked conure had a yellow-sided's belly copied and pasted onto it. The tail margins due tend to be slightly lighter like in the yellow-sided mutation, and the beak is pink. Also like the yellow-sided, these birds can be produced in a "high red" variant.
Turquoise
Turquoise mutation is pretty much as it sounds. A bird that is almost blue with a tinge of green. The birds colour distribution is the same as the wildtype, except all the green parts are now a bluish colour. Some feathers will be bluer than others, and the overall colour can vary greatly by the direction of light hitting the bird. The maroon patch on the belly becomes burgundy. The tail becomes a burgundy-grey colour.
Turquoise Yellow-Sided
As described in the "Turquoise" variant, all green regions are bluish-green. The beak is still a midtone grey, and the feet and legs are still pink. The yellows in the belly become more of a creamy, off-white and the reds and oranges are a peach tone. The tail feathers are peach on the margins and burgundy in the center.
Turquoise Cinnamon
Pet Profile
Green-cheeked conures are extremely playful and personable. They are quite smart and readily trainable. Green-cheeked conures work extremely well with people who have some prior bird experience, but can certainly make a first pet bird for many people and households. Green-cheeked conure ownership can be compared to having a toddler in the house. The antics and attitude of these parrots are forever entertaining. These conures are a great blend of snuggle and play, and each individual has their own unique personality. Read More...
Diet
Green-Cheeked conures should be fed a pellet-based diet supplemented with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. Seeds and tree-nuts can be used as treats, but should be fed in moderation. As a theme, sunflower seeds are very harmful for the health of Pyrrhura conure species, and so they should never be fed. Green-Cheeked conures will benefit from additional vitamin K and vitamin A in their diet, consider this when choosing fresh vegetables to feed.
Housing
Green-Cheeked conures should be housed in a cage that is no smaller than around 4 sqft footprint. The bars should not be spaced wider than ⅝” (1.6 cm). Being birds of high activity level, a larger cage would be better. Length is more valuable than height when picking a cage for your bird. Green-Cheeked conures love toys, and so offering a variety is necessary. They will benefit from access to foraging toys, as well as toys that they can destroy and chew apart. A rope perch is recommended for them to be able to sleep on. It is important to have a variance in the diameter of perches in the cage to avoid complications with the feet and toes.
Breeding Information
| Age of Maturity | 14 months |
| Breeding Aviculture | Very Common |
| Average Clutch Size | 4 - 6 Eggs |
| Nest Box | 14" x 7" Inch L-Box |
| Breeding Life | 15+ Years |
Green-Cheeked conures are bred commonly by many avicultural enthusiasts. They tend to prefer L-boxes that measure 7” x 14” (18 cm x 35 cm) or square boxes measuring 10” x 12” (25 cm x 30 cm). A layer 2” - 3” (5 cm - 8 cm) deep of aspen shavings is necessary to stabilize the eggs, absorb the chick's droppings, and prevent splay-leg. Green-Cheeked conures can be protective parents, and so it is not recommended to disturb the nest any more than needed. In the wild, these parakeets breed in late January-early March. In captivity, the conditions can be manipulated to induce breeding at any time of the year. For the health of the parent birds, as well as the offspring, it is not recommended to breed them for more than 3 consecutive clutches without a rest period. Clutch sizes are usually 4-6 eggs. Green-Cheeked conures can begin to reach sexual maturity as soon as 6 months of age, however, 12-16 months is a more common age.
Genetics
Green-Cheeked conures are available in a variety of colour mutations, many of which look very different from the wildtype colouration. These mutations are;
(D: dominant, R: recessive, ZL-x: Z-linked ___, iD: incomplete dominant)
Yellowside (ZL-R)
Cinnamon (ZL-R)
Pineapple (Yellowside / Cinnamon)
Turquoise (R)
Turquoise Yellowside (Turquoise / Yellowside)
Turquoise Cinnamon (Turquoise / Cinnamon)
Turquoise Pineapple (Turquoise / Yellowside / Cinnamon)
Dilute (R)
Dilute Yellowside (Dilute / Yellowside)
Dilute Cinnamon (Dilute / Cinnamon)
Suncheek (Dilute / Yellowside / Cinnamon)
Mint (Turquoise / Dilute)
Opamint (Turquoise / Dilute / Yellowside)
Cinnamint (Turquoise / Dilute / Cinnamon)
Mooncheek (Turquoise / Dilute / Yellowside / Cinnamon)
Dominant Red (D) (can apply to any mutation)
Violet, Single Factor and Double Factor (iD) (can apply to any mutation)
Misty, Single Factor and Double Factor(iD) (can apply to any mutation)
Wild Status
Decreasing - Least Concern
Last assessed in August 2018 for the IUCN Red List
- Our website has an abundance of information about species, behaviour, talking ability, and ownership essentials you may need to begin. This is a great place to start narrowing down your search for the bird best suited for your family. Once you have researched various bird species and narrowed down your choices, please contact us via phone or email to create an appointment to meet the birds and ask any questions you may have in regards to care, nutrition, and the best fit for your home.
- We will set up a date and time for you to meet the bird(s). We will notify you of our current protocols and procedures. If you have decided on a specific bird, we recommend that you put a deposit on it. Birds will not be held without a minimum 50% deposit. If you put down a deposit before meeting the bird and after meeting the bird decide it is not a good fit, we can refund your the deposit in full. If you are placing a deposit prior to meeting a bird, your appointment to meet the bird must be within the following week.
- If you are meeting a bird(s) that is not weaned, you will not be able to take the bird home that same day. If you are meeting a bird that is weaned, and you are properly prepared to have the new bird in your home, we will go over a care sheet and answer any questions you have during your appointment. If that is too soon, and your home is not ready, you can book a pick-up appointment within the following week. Again, to reserve a bird you must put down at least a 50% deposit or payment in full.
- When your bird is weaned and ready to go home you will receive an email with the following information
• A link to our care sheet in printable PDF form.
• A link to book a timeslot for your care sheet / bird pick-up.
• A link to the food your bird is eating as well as toys, treats, and other essential items to start your new adventure!
- Read the care sheet, write down any questions you have, ensure you’ve got the correct food and a proper variety of toys and perches, as well as a suitable cage. Then book your pick-up appointment! Please show up within 5 minutes of the appointment start time. If you have a carrier for your new bird, feel free to bring it. We can provide a travel box if needed.
If you have additional questions about how to purchase one of our birds please take a look at our FAQ's for purchasing a new bird:
Before You Buy
We offer a seven-day health guarantee on our handfed birds. A mandatory educational care sheet will be gone over at time of purchase. You must provide your bird with suitable shelter, food, water, vitamins and minerals from time of purchase.
We suggest that within three days (72 hours) of purchase, you bring your bird to an avian vet for a complete examination. This is at the cost of the pet owner. Should any health problem occur or be discovered, inform us IMMEDIATELY, with a written report otherwise the health guarantee is void. Any veterinary fees at this point need to be cleared by Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc.
The health guarantee does not apply if there is another bird in your home that was not purchased from Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc. or if the bird leaves the store unclipped.
We cannot guarantee the gender or temperament of your bird. Our handfed birds are tame but may take some time to adjust to their new surroundings. The more time is spent socializing with your pet bird after they have settled into your household, the better your relationship with your pet will be. After the seven day period any warranty will be at the discretion of Exotic Wings & Pet Things Inc.
Shower your feathered friend (or furry companion!) with love and rewards at Exotic Wings! Our customer rewards program makes it easy to earn points and save on everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy. Simply create a free account and you're automatically enrolled. Every dollar spent (excluding taxes and shipping) earns you a point, and those points add up quickly to valuable discounts! Redeem your points at checkout for savings on a variety of bird food, treats, toys, cages, and other pet essentials. We also offer bonus points for referring friends, so spread the love and watch your rewards grow even faster! Sign up today and start earning rewards on all your pet purchases at Exotic Wings!
Our program currently consists of both points & referrals!
Access your rewards by clicking the blue rewards widget on the bottom left of your screen.
Points:
- For every dollar you spend (excluding taxes and shipping) you are rewarded a point!
- Spend your points on discount codes which can be redeemed at checkout.
- 500 Points = $10.00 off an order over $50.00.
- 1000 Points = $25.00 off an order over $100.00.
Referrals:
- Sign into your account and share your referral link!
- Located in the rewards widget on the bottom right of your screen.
- They get a $5 off discount (For orders over $50.00)
- You get a bonus 25 Point for each successful referral.
Have questions about our rewards program? View rewards FAQ's.
Ownership Essentials
Monthly Specials
