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 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
My wife and I purchased a Dusky conure last year. We called him (Drusky). He was such a lover. He shared a cage with our Sun Conure (Ducky). They fell in love right away. He would crawl down from his cage and come right to us, and as soon as we put him back,h e would crawl down again. He fell ill early this year of liver disease. We did everything to save him, but GOD called him home. He was a real joy in our lives. We recently purchased a Red Sholuder Macaw to help out Ducky. She was grieving and our new Macaw (Odie) has helped her and us. I would recommend getting a Dusky Conure. They are real lovers. David & Sherri Homola 2007-05-22
My Dusky Conure Jocko, is the best pet I have ever had. She is loving, gentle, and full of life. She is never in a bad mood. She is two years old. She is a blessing to me. Dusky Conures RULE! Kenny E. 2007-05-11
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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