The Nanday Conure (Aratinga nenday), also known as the Black-hooded Parakeet, is a medium-sized, intelligent, and highly social parrot native to South America, particularly Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. Recognizable by their distinct black head, green body, and blue-tinted tail feathers, Nanday Conures are valued for their playful, engaging personalities and striking appearance.
Nanday Conure Characteristics
Size: 11–12 inches (28–30 cm) in length.
Weight: 110–140 grams.
Lifespan: 20–30 years with proper care.
Color: Green body, black face and head, blue on the chest and tail, and red on the legs.
Temperament: Highly social, playful, intelligent, and vocal.
Nanday Conure Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Nanday Conures are affectionate, curious, and energetic parrots that require daily attention and mental stimulation. They bond closely with their owners, often seeking shoulder time, cuddles, and interactive play.
Noise Level: Nanday Conures are very loud and have piercing calls, making them less suitable for apartment living or noise-sensitive households.
They enjoy climbing, chewing, and foraging, and they need daily out-of-cage time and enrichment activities to stay mentally and physically healthy.
Diet and Feeding
A healthy, varied diet is essential for your Nanday Conure’s long-term health:
Pellets: Should be the main part of their diet.
Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
Fruits (moderate amounts): Apples, berries, mango, and melon.
Nuts and seeds: Offered sparingly as treats and for training rewards.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and foods high in salt or sugar.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: Minimum 24” x 24” x 30” with ½ to ⅝ inch bar spacing; larger is always better.
- Exercise: At least 3–4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily.
- Enrichment: Chew toys, foraging toys, climbing opportunities, and frequent rotation of toys to prevent boredom.
- Hygiene: Regular cage cleaning and bathing or misting to maintain feather health.
- Veterinary care: Annual avian vet check-ups to ensure overall health and catch any issues early.
Common Health Problems
Nanday Conures may develop:
- Feather plucking: Often due to boredom, stress, or poor diet.
- Obesity: If fed excessive seeds or high-fat treats without enough exercise.
- Respiratory infections: From drafts, poor ventilation, or mold exposure.
- Psittacosis: A bacterial infection transmissible to humans.
Monitor for lethargy, feather damage, appetite changes, or breathing issues, and consult an avian veterinarian promptly if symptoms appear.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $400–$800 USD depending on breeder, age, and region.
- Where to buy:
- Reputable breeders who hand-raise and socialize chicks.
- Avian specialty stores with clear health documentation.
- Bird rescues or adoption organizations.
Avoid impulsive purchases and ensure you are ready for their noise and commitment.
Are Nanday Conures Good Pets?
Nanday Conures can be excellent companions for owners prepared for their high energy, intelligence, and noise level.
They thrive in households where they receive daily social interaction, enrichment, and mental stimulation.
Their intelligence allows them to learn tricks and basic commands, providing engaging companionship.
Conservation Note
Nanday Conures are not currently endangered, but always support ethical breeding practices and consider adopting from rescues to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce pressure on wild populations.