Green-check conure
Pyrrhura molinae (6 subspecies exist)
There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it came from a legal source and is allowed in their jurisdiction.
© Brandon Lim / Wikimedia Commons
Assessment results
Moderate risk
Conservation | Moderate risk
This animal is likely to be threatened by extinction in the wild, and/or it is subject to international trade controls due to demand in the pet trade. Please check that the animal you want comes from a reputable seller or rescue center that follows best practices when they source their animals. Learn more about wildlife conservation and the pet trade.
Legality | Moderate risk
It’s likely that the animal has some national legal protections or import restrictions; however, exotic pet ownership is regulated at the state, county, or city level, so check your jurisdiction to see if you can own it. Keeping these protected or prohibited species can have legal consequences for the owner, including fines or bans on pet ownership or sale. Learn more about relevant exotic pet trade and ownership laws.
Human and public health | Moderate risk
It is likely that this animal is a potential threat to human or public health, either due to potential zoonotic diseases or due to physical attributes that can harm humans. Learn more about animal-related illness and injuries.
Invasiveness | Low risk
This species would not likely impact native biodiversity or habitats. However, never release a pet into the wild for any reason.
Animal welfare | Low risk
Care, diet, and housing needs of this species are either insufficiently known or difficult, making it hard to ensure it has a good quality of life for its lifetime. Learn more about the challenges with exotic pet welfare.
⚠️ Important considerations
- The green-cheek conure (also know as the green-cheek parakeet), has housing, diet, and social needs are hard to meet in captivity. They need hours of stimulation and social time outside of their cage each day, along with a rotating variety of toys, puzzles, perches, and space to fly. They are prone to behavioral issues, such as feather plucking from boredom, without enough exercise, stimulation, and social interaction, and diseases without proper care and diet.
- Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you at.
Basic information
Taxonomy:
Psittaciformes, Psittacidae
Lifespan:
25-30 years in the wild or captivity
Weight:
2-3 oz
Size:
About 10 in (26 cm) long, 6-7 in (15-18 cm) wingspan
Native range and habitat:
Forests and woodlands of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay
Diet:
Fruits, vegetables, seeds, and insects; in captivity a high-quality pellet diet plus a variety of fruits and vegetables
Activity and behavior:
- Lives in flocks of 10-20 birds or more depending on food availability
- Fly for miles each day to find food, mates, or a place to nest
- Friendly, playful and can be noisier birds
© WWF-Japan