Birds
Green-Cheeked Conure
Pyrrhura molinae · also called green-cheeked parakeet
Moving quietly through forest canopy in a small flock, a green-cheeked conure lives up to a reputation few other conures share, a calmer, softer-voiced parrot that has made it a favourite among keepers who cannot tolerate a louder bird.
Overview
The green-cheeked conure, Pyrrhura molinae, is a small, relatively quiet parrot native to forest and rainforest habitat across Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina in central South America. Its notably subdued voice compared with many louder conure relatives, subtle dusky cheek patches, and wide range of selectively bred colour mutations in captivity make it one of the most popular small pet parrots for keepers prioritising a calmer companion.
The quiet conure
Where many conures are known for piercing, near-constant calls, the green-cheeked conure stands out for its comparatively subdued voice, a trait that has quietly made it one of the most sought-after small parrots for households that cannot accommodate a louder bird.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest and rainforest habitat throughout Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Green-Cheeked Conure: common questions
Why is the green-cheeked conure popular as a pet?
This species is notably quieter than many other conure species, a trait that has made it a particularly popular choice among pet keepers concerned about noise in shared or close-quarters living spaces, unlike some louder parrot relatives that are less suited to such environments.
How did the green-cheeked conure get its name?
This species has a mostly green body with a darker, dusky patch across each cheek, a subtle marking that gives rise to its common name and helps distinguish it from other similarly sized conure species.
Does the green-cheeked conure always look green?
Not necessarily in captivity, since this species has been selectively bred into numerous colour mutations, expanding well beyond its natural green plumage into a wide range of alternative colours available through captive breeding programs, though wild individuals remain predominantly green.
Where does the green-cheeked conure live in the wild?
This species is native to forest and rainforest habitat across a range spanning Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina in central South America, where it forages in small social flocks through the canopy and forest edge.