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THE PARROT SPECIES FIELD GUIDE · Psittacidae

Sun Parakeet

Aratinga solstitialis

Meet the sun parakeet: its taxonomic place, natural range and conservation record.

Sun Parakeet — Aratinga solstitialis
Sun Parakeet
SPECIES NOTES

A closer look.

Scientific names follow AviList v2025b. Read the taxonomy and source notes for changes in classification.

About this species

The sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis), also known as the sun parakeet, is a medium-sized, vibrantly colored parrot native to northeastern South America. The adult male and female are similar in appearance, with black beaks, predominantly golden-yellow plumage, orange-flushed underparts and face, and green and blue-tipped wings and tails. Sun conures are very social birds, typically living in flocks. They form monogamous pairs for reproduction, and nest in palm cavities in the tropics. Sun conures mainly feed on fruits, flowers, berries, blossoms, seeds, nuts, and insects. Conures are commonly bred and kept in aviculture and may live up to 30 years.

Where it occurs

Guyana, Suriname, and northern Amazonian Brazil.

Conservation record

AviList v2025b records this species as endangered. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.

Sources & image credit

Names, family, range and conservation record: AviList Core Team (2026), AviList v2025b, CC BY 4.0. Species summary: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Length, weight and longevity when listed: World Parrot Trust species account.

Image: Wayne Deeker. Original file and full credit · CC BY 3.0. Display size and encoding adjusted.