The Patagonian Conures

Patagonian Conures were recently reclassified as mini-macaws, measuring about 20 inches from head to tail. They are also referred to as the "Cliff Dwelling Parrot" or "Burrowing Parrot" because they nest in tunnels that they create within high cliffs. There are three types of Patagonians, the Lesser, Greater, and Andean, which differ slightly in size and coloring. They are found in Northern and Central Argentina and some parts of Central Chile. Populations in the wild have declined in the past couple of decades due to illegal importation, human construction, being killed by farmers as pests, and the robbing of nests (chicks are a culinary delicacy).

Our pair of resident Patagonians came to the sanctuary together and are never apart. The bright flashes of red and yellow on their bellies are best seen when they fly from one end of their aviary to the other.