Conure Species Comparison Guide: Green-Cheeked, Sun, and Jenday
A comprehensive comparison of major conure species (small parrots in the macaw family). We explain the personality, vocal volume, price, and ease of care for Green-Cheeked, Sun, and Jenday Conures.
Key Takeaways
A comprehensive comparison of major conure species (small parrots in the macaw family). We explain the personality, vocal volume, price, and ease of care for Green-Cheeked, Sun, and Jenday Conures.
Related Species
Conures are small parrots belonging to the macaw family native to Central and South America, and their charming appearance and expressive faces have made them increasingly popular in Japan in recent years. Though often referred to simply as "conures," there are many species, and they differ significantly in personality, vocal volume, and ease of care. This time, we'll provide a detailed comparison of three particularly popular species—Green-Cheeked Conures, Sun Conures, and Jenday Conures—to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
What Kind of Bird Is a Conure?
Conures are small to medium-sized parrots measuring approximately 20–30 cm in body length. Within the parrot family (Psittacidae), they form a group known for their active and curious nature. With proper care, they can live 15–25 years, making them long-term companions that many families welcome into their homes.
They are highly intelligent, playful, and bond well with their owners. On the other hand, they have strong social needs, and inadequate out-of-cage time or attention can lead to stress. All three species are well-suited for those who wish to seriously keep a tame hand-fed parrot, but since vocal volume and personality vary considerably between species, selecting one that fits your living environment is crucial.
Green-Cheeked Conure: The Beginner-Friendly Classic
Basic Data
- Body Length: Approximately 26 cm
- Price: Around ¥30,000–80,000 (varies with color mutations)
- Vocal Volume: ★★☆☆☆ (relatively quiet)
- Ease of Care: ★★☆☆☆ (easy)
The Green-Cheeked Conure is widely considered the easiest conure species to care for and remains a popular choice. True to its name, it features a green body with reddish tail feathers, and numerous beautiful color mutations such as turquoise, cinnamon, and pineapple are readily available.
They have calm, affectionate personalities and are known for bonding very closely with their owners—you may often see them dozing peacefully on their owner's shoulder or chest. Among the three species, they are the quietest, making them relatively easy to keep in apartments or multi-unit housing. However, they are not completely silent and will still vocalize when seeking attention, so consideration for neighbors is still necessary.
