Burrowing Parrot

Burrowing Parrot key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Up to 35 years

Size

39-52cm (including tail)

Diet

Soaked or sprouted sunflower seed, maize, beans, whole rice, vegetables, fruit

Cage

The World Parrot Trust recommends a walk-in aviary 4.5-7 m long. It is unsuited to any setup that cannot provide room to fly.

Temperament

Playful and gentle, and affectionate once tame. It may mimic words and sounds from its surroundings.

Vocalization

Very noisy, with shrieking calls and a repeated gyee alarm call when alerted.

Notes

Strongly social, so a solitary bird frustrates easily. It is traded as the Patagonian conure, so confirm the scientific name.

About Burrowing Parrot

Meet the burrowing parrot, a large South American conure that nests in cliffside colonies. Learn about its striking olive, red, and yellow coloring and the spacious flight area experienced keepers need to provide.

7 things to know before welcoming a Burrowing Parrot

1. 1Needs ample flight space

   As one of the largest members of the conure group, this bird isn't suited to spending its life in a cramped cage. Plan ahead for a large enclosure that allows full wing extension, or a room where it can fly freely during out-of-cage time.

2. 2Best suited to experienced keepers

   Its large size, powerful voice, and high exercise needs mean this species is generally recommended for keepers with prior bird-keeping experience. First-time parrot owners should research thoroughly and ideally consult someone experienced before bringing one home.

3. 3A long-term commitment

   With a lifespan of up to 35 years, this bird represents a truly long-term commitment that may span major changes in your own life circumstances. Before bringing one home, carefully consider whether you can provide consistent care for decades to come.

4. 4Sociable, colony-rooted nature

   Because it nests colonially in cliffside burrows in the wild, this species tends to be highly social and enjoys interacting with flock mates and caregivers alike. A home where you can dedicate consistent daily interaction time is a good fit.

5. 5Consider its vocal volume

   Like many large parrots, it can vocalize quite loudly at times. If you live in an apartment or close to neighbors, it's worth thinking through noise considerations before bringing one home.

6. 6A balanced, varied diet

   A pellet-based diet supplemented with a balanced variety of vegetables and fruits forms the foundation of good health. Since nutritional imbalance can lead to health issues, it's wise to work with an avian veterinarian to fine-tune the diet.

7. 7Daily mental and physical enrichment

   Its intelligent, active nature means it needs regular enrichment through toys and supervised out-of-cage time. A lack of stimulation can contribute to behaviors like feather plucking, so thoughtful daily environment design matters.

Frequently asked questions about Burrowing Parrot

Q.Is the burrowing parrot subject to CITES?

A.Burrowing Parrot is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Q.Is this bird suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally rated as suitable for experienced keepers rather than beginners. Its size, exercise needs, and vocal tendencies are all factors that benefit from prior bird-keeping experience.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.As an adult, it reaches roughly 39 to 52 cm including the tail, making it one of the largest birds among the New World parrots collectively known as conures.

Q.How long can I expect to spend with one?

A.They can live up to around 35 years. When considering one, it's important to think about whether you can provide consistent long-term care, including how your future living situation might change.

Q.What besides a cage do I need to prepare?

A.Because of its large size and need for flight space, it's a good idea to prepare a room or area where it can safely fly outside the cage, in addition to the cage itself. Toys and other daily enrichment are also worth having on hand.

Useful tools for Burrowing Parrot care

Learn more about Burrowing Parrot in the encyclopedia

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