ROSE-CROWNED CONURE

Distribution

Geography

Continents

South America

Countries

Venezuela

Biogeographical realms

Neotropical

It is endemic to Venezuela,

found only in the Andes of the

north-west in the Cordillera de

Mérida, from Táchira to Trujillo.

Its natural habitats are subtropical

or tropical, moist montane forests

and heavily degraded former forest,

at elevations of 800 metres to 3,100 metres above sea level, but mostly at 1,500–2,500 metres. It can also be found in farmland with scattered trees and at the forest edge.

Its estimated extent of occurrence is 17,000 square kilometres. In 1988, it was assessed for the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened, updated to Lower Risk in 2000 and Least Concern since 2004; in 2002, it was described as "fairly common." A reported population decline caused by deforestation had not become problematic as of 2010, but Parr and Juniper considered that in a species with such a small range, this must present a long-term threat. The current population trend is "stable" although the number of mature individuals is unknown. The rose-crowned parakeet is on the CITES Appendix II, which "includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival."

The rose-crowned parakeet is gregarious, forming noisy flocks of 10–30 birds when not breeding, and gathers in larger numbers to roost. It makes movements each day, but the species is probably a resident. The voice is described as "harsh reedy", though “apparently quieter than other Pyrrhura conures." The flight is "swift and direct.” Nothing is known of the species' diet, though it is suspected to eat berries, seeds, fruits and flowers. It is thought to breed in April, May and June, probably laying 4–6 eggs.

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The rose-crowned parakeet is gregarious, forming noisy flocks of 10–30 birds when not breeding, and gathers in larger numbers to roost. It makes movements each day, but the species is probably a resident. The voice is described as "harsh reedy", though “apparently quieter than other Pyrrhura conures." The flight is "swift and direct.” Nothing is known of the species' diet, though it is suspected to eat berries, seeds, fruits and flowers. It is thought to breed in April, May and June, probably laying 4–6 eggs.

 

Diet and Nutrition

As a caregiver to many conures and other birds, I do not feed them any commercial avian pellets. Instead, our birds receive a varied natural diet, which includes sprouted beans (such as mung, lentil, and adzuki), corn, wheat, barley, oats, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and more. We also provide fresh or frozen vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, beetroots, and various greens, as well as fruits like apples. Throughout the year, our birds receive high-quality seeds, and none have ever been exposed to pellets. They remain healthy and thrive on this diet.

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Domestication

The World Parrot Trust describes the rose-crowned parakeet as "uncommon" in captivity, with a probable lifespan of 10–15 years. It is suggested that a suitable diet should include 30% fruit, along with vegetables, and mixed small seeds. Captive birds lay 4–6 eggs, which hatch after 23–24 days, with the chicks fledging at "probably 7–8 weeks." 

In the wild, weaning doesn’t occur until well after fledgling. This period of development is extremely important for developing cognitive skills. Unfortunately, in captivity a lot of breeders will wean at the time of fledgling. When birds fledge, they naturally lose 10% of their body weight and start to refuse food for a couple of days as they learn to fly. Many uneducated breeders take this as a sign that they are ready to wean and stop formula altogether; this is referred to as “Crash” or “Abrupt” weaning. (and not in the best interest of the chick's health or well-being, sadly).  However, most birds will return to feeding after a couple of days when they have lost 10% of their body weight. We recommend that breeders take a natural approach and “abundance” wean. This is where you continue to offer formula to birds once they have fledged for a few weeks or even months for larger species. This also allows birds to have time in a crèche and learn bird behaviour from other chicks that they are raised with.

We cannot stress enough the life-long positive benefits that abundance weaning and extended crèche period has for the mental health of our companion parrots.

 

In their natural habitat, they roost and sleep in tree caveries high in the canopy, as conures do not naturally sleep on perches. In captivity, they require a sleeping box for security and safety.

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References

1. Rose-crowned parakeet Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose-crowned_parakeet

2. Rose-crowned parakeet on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22685877/93090758

3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/254105