Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that Green Cheek Conures were actually wild creatures. Most parrots in general have adapted so well to captivity and thrive in our homes that we often forget these birds were once native beings that inhabited the rain forests. But the truth is, all Green Cheek Conures are descendents of wild parrots that have been imported into the United States. They are not domestic creatures and they are still very much wired to be in the forests.
So, where do Green Cheek Conures come from, and what countries can they be found in? To begin with, these birds are only found in South America. A major part of their habitat is in the country of Bolivia; however, other neighboring countries do happen to brush up into their natural habitat. These countries include Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.
A typical Green Cheek Conure habitat would consist of dense forests or marshy wetlands. In fact, these birds inhabit such a large range that it’s difficult to pinpoint which habitat suits these birds best. For example, some Green Cheek Conures have been spotted roughly 9000 feet high in the Andes flying through the clouds, while others have been found nesting in wetlands. Some have even been found in savannas! But still, there is one common factor all these environments share. What might that be? These environments are in a tropical zone and it is there these birds thrive best.
In the wild these parrots will gather in large numbers. Only when breeding season is near will a pair venture away from their flock to raise their young. After the babies have fledged and have weaned, all birds return to their flock. It’s a cycle that has run its course for thousands of years.
Being in a flock offers a great deal of security, especially against raptors who eat these birds.
Other activities these birds would do to keep them occupied are preening, chewing, foraging, and roosting.
Now, we often hear about many parrot species being endangered. Is this so for Green Cheek Conures? Thankfully, they are not! They are however experiencing habit loss at a fast rate, thus, they could eventually become threatened if habitat destruction is not stopped. These birds are considered to be plentiful, so much so, that many natives keep these conures as pets.
Why is it important to know our conure’s wild behaviors or his environmental needs? It is important because if we know what is required to own such a creature then we can emulate a proper life for them in our home. We have to remember that they never chose to be kept in captivity, rather, it was us who brought them into our home.