Black-capped Conures or Rock Conures
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The Black-capped Conure is one of the quieter Conure species, yet they share the same affectionate, inquisitive and playful personality. The Black-capped Conure is said to be more laid-back than most conures, but they have also been described as timid with new people. They love human companionship and can be taught a few words or phrases and tricks.
Description:
Black-capped Conures grow to about nine and a half inches in length. They usually weigh around two and a half ounces. Immature Black-capped Conures have more green on their wing edges and primary coverts than do adults.
Breeding:
Black-capped Conures are rare in aviculture and special care should be taken in ensuring that the breeding efforts are successful. Black-capped Conures generally lay four to seven eggs, which they incubate for 23 to 24 days.
These conures are fairly easy to breed. Below are the dimensions of nesting boxes usually used for these conures. However, the dimensions can vary widely, as they are influenced by the owner's and the birds' preferences. The preferences of the breeding birds can also be influenced by the size and type of nest-box / log in which the bird was hatched and reared.
If space allows, offering a choice of sizes and types of logs or nest-boxes, and placed in various locations within the aviary, can allow the parent birds to make their own choice. Once a pair has chosen a specific nest-box/log and been successful in it, offer that one to them each breeding season. Try and keep that one for their exclusive use. Once a pair has chosen its log or nest-box, the other ones can generally be removed. If the "spare" boxes are to be removed and moved to another flight, ensure the log / nest-box is cleaned to ensure the receptacle has the minimal contamination of mites, parasites and pathogens.
Log / Nest-box:
- Marcy Covault from Feathered Companions Aviary suggests using a deeper box, either a bootbox or a vertical grandfather box (18" - 24" deep). Some conures do accept cockatiel-sized boxes, but using a deeper box will reduce the conures' tendency to remove the shavings and lay their eggs on the bare wooden base.
- Inspection hole: Square or round) 100 mm (or approx 4 inches)
- A Removable top / lid can be a useful access point for inspections and for cleaning.
- Location and height of log / nest-box = in a sheltered part of the aviary and at about 1.5 - 1.8 metres height, but not too close to the roof to cause heat problems in the hotter months
- Angle of log or nest box = 45 degrees through to vertical. Most boxes are vertical.
- Nesting log / nest-box material: Decomposed non-toxic saw dust, wood shavings or other suitable material/s.
- Incubation: Hen / cock / both share in incubating the eggs.
Nest inspection is generally not tolerated. If nest inspection is necessary, wait till both parents have left the nest. They can be aggressive and protective of the nest area when breeding.
For additional breeding-related information, please visit this website.
Care and Feeding:
Conures love to climb and play and need to be provided with a cage that allows them to move around freely and toys to entertain themselves with. Please refer to the following websites for information:
- Optimal nutrition to keep your bird healthy
- Housing your bird
- The 3 Key Elements to Your Pet Bird's Happiness and Health
- Caring for your companion bird
Genus: Scientific:
Pyrrhura ... English: Red-tailed Conures ... Dutch: Roodstaartparkieten
... German: Rotschwanzsittiche ... French: Perruche à
queue rouge 
Species: Scientific:
Pyrrhura rupicola rupicola ... English: Black-capped Conure,
Rock Conure ... Dutch: Zwartkopparkiet ... German: Steinsittich,
Schwarzkappensittich ... French: Perruche des Rochers Sub-Species: rupicola, sandiae CITES
II - Endangered Distribution: Central Peru
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots
Sub-species:
Sandia Conures: Genus: Scientific: Pyrrhura ... English: Red-tailed Conures ... Dutch: Roodstaartparkieten ... German: Rotschwanzsittiche ... French: Perruche à queue rouge Species: Scientific: Pyrrhura rupicola sandiae ... English: Sandia Conure ... Dutch: Sandia Parkiet ... German: Sandia Steinsittich ... French: Perruche des Rochers Sandia CITES II - Endangered Distribution: South-eastern Peru, Extreme North-western Brazil, Northern Bolivia Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots (Please scroll down to no. 2 - click on link to view photo.)
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
