Animal-World > Birds > Conures > Dusky Conure

Dusky ConureWeddell's Conure

Family: Psittacidae

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"Duster Bug"Aratinga weddelliiPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

"Duster bug" is a cute litte 5 months old Dusty Conure or Weddell's Conure... and a real character!

Dusky Conures are very popular pets because of their quiet, friendly, and easy going disposition. "Duster Bug" was handfed and likes the company of people very much. He loves to be held and played with. He has proven to be a very good escape artist. He climbs out of his own cage and climbs in other cages to visit his friends! Although "Duster Bug" doesn't talk yet, most Dusky Conures will learn to say a few words.

For more information about the care of Conures see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Conure

Scientific Name:Aratinga weddellii

Distribution:      Originates from western South America. They populate water courses in the Amazon basin and the tropical woodlands on the eastern edge of the Andes mountains.

Description:      Also known as the Weddell's Conure, the Dusky Conure belongs to the parrot family. It has a green body and a gray-brown head. The tips of the feathers on the top of the head have a bluish cast, the legs are gray. They grow to about 11 inches. Younger birds are duller in color and their belly is green turning more yellow as they age. The ends of the primaries and tail feathers are blue.

Size - Weight:      Mature birds are about 11 inches long and weigh 4.1 ounces.

Care and feeding:     The Dusky's main diet should primarily be nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. A commercially prepared pelleted diet can also be beneficial.

     See About Conures: Housing and About Conures: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:      Wild conures are friendly and peaceful. They live together in groups of 20 or more birds and seldom fight with each other.

Breeding/Reproduction:      Dusky conures breed early in the year. They lay three to four eggs which are incubated for 24 days. Once hatched the young will stay in the nest for about 55 days. Many females will only take an egg food while they have young in the nest.

Potential Problems:    This bird is not nearly as noisy as most Aratinga species.      See About Conures: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:   Readily available.

Activities:   Loves to climb and play. Provide lots of toys.

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Latest Comments
I purchased Kiwi about a year ago, he was half a year old and handfed which helped him be more social. He used to scream a lot more when his wings were clipped, but now that we have let them grow out he is less dependent and flying around the house. I should have worked on potty training before hand haha but it was too late. I'm now trying to associate a noise with every time he poops, hopefully it can become our summer project. He is a definite part of the family, he sometiems walks on the floor with the dogs, though no barking yet. He gets up early in the morning, and if I set food out for him in the kitchen and some water trickling into a bowl he will be happy and singing to himself while I get more sleep. He loves grapes and breaking into mixed nuts tubs in the pantry. His favorite is taking warm showers with me, he will sing and make water noises till I let him on my finger and sprinkle water on him till he is soaked! As for drying him, I usually have to point the hair dryer in his general direction till he grooms dry more. His vocabulary includes water noise, his own version of 'please' and 'thank you', kiwi, and 'what are you doing' in a very gravely voice. He likes to meet new people and having his head rubbed poofy :] which of course makes up for all the times when he's not adorable which is just poop and alert screeching. I'd only recommend a conure when you're prepared for a little flying toddler, the mess and misunderstanding which gives way to a love for the person they are. They live for at least 20 years, and though it's not easy, I can't imagine giving him away to a stranger ever. Kasey 2010-01-07
We just purchased a 4 month old male Dusky Conure. His name is Dusky. He is the cutest sweetest and best pet we have ever owned. In 3 days he has learned to come to his name, and gives kisses constantly. I can see him trying to mimic words. At night when hes real sleepy, he will crawl under my blankets and cuddle up against my body. I would so let him sleep with us if i didnt think he would be crushed. Its amazing how much Joy this little fella is bringing to our lives. I highly recommend a dusky conure to anyone looking for a bird companion. annette pinedo 2009-12-09
I just rescued a Dusky Conure, she is feisty especially with her mate. When I hand feed her she loves the one on one. I named her Ally, I am not certain as to her living condition or age prior to rescuing her and her mate which I call Noah. They love and fight like crazy.. But how they make up and kiss one another is priceless. I am learning more and more each day. And desperately trying to win there affection.. Any ideas please share. I feed them apples and millet and they seem to really enjoy those treats. I would like to know what other foods they eat, please feel free to post any suggestions. I am new to the world of conures. Jacqueline 2009-06-24
Well I just got my dusky and named him FRANCO. He tends to bite, he is 6-months old but had it bad as a little baby. I just taught him to get on my finger and he is starting to make wierd noises. He poops a lot and has very sharp nails. Right now he's lonely because he got separated from his girl, but hopefully I'm getting a sun conure to be his little buddy. I highly recommend getting a conure, they're really fun and cute. daniel 2007-11-13
I just recently purchased my Dusky Conure...Connie short for Conrad. I love him to bits. He is such a joy, and makes my day brighter and more enjoyable. He is only 2 months old, but already has an outstanding personality. He loves to play and sing along with me. Connie loves to eat and play with puzzle toys. No words yet but he has started mimicing kissing sounds and Beeps. I can't imagine not having Connie now. I hope to have him forever :D Glynis 2007-07-27
Some of the coolest comments:
My husband and I have a 7 month old Dusky named Emma, short for Emerald Jade. She has been such a delight to our family. She is so loving and comical. If I am under a blanket, she loves to lay on my chest under it cuddling. She has started to say a few phrases already. I thank God everyday that we bought her. Jen and Mike 2003-11-19
We have a boy Dusky, named Deui (Day-you). We bought him as a friend for our for our girl Gold Capped conure. Deui has proven to be a real fun bird. He is very sweet and loves to be on my shoulder. His favorite activity is chewing on my ear lobe... Deui is a great eater too. :-) TJ 2003-09-18

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