The Nanday Conure: A Comprehensive Guide to the Black-Hooded Parakeet

The Nanday Conure (Aratinga nenday) is a medium-sized Neotropical parrot known for its black facial hood, vivid green feathers, and highly social temperament. A popular companion bird, the Nanday Conure thrives with consistent interaction, mental stimulation, and an enriched living environment. This intelligent species, also called the Black-hooded Parakeet, requires a spacious cage, a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and pellets, and regular vocal engagement. Known for their loud calls and strong pair bonding, Nandays demand an attentive caregiver familiar with parrot behavior.

Nanday Conure Care Guide: Lifespan, Diet, Cage, Socializing, Grooming Tips

This guide covers everything from dietary needs and behavioral training to housing, health care, and enrichment strategies.

Fact Sheet: At a Glance
Scientific Name	Aratinga nenday
Common Names	Nanday Conure, Black-headed Conure
Adult Size	30 cm (12 in)
Adult Weight	Approx. 140g (4.9 oz)
Expected Lifespan	25 to 30 years in captivity
Origin	Pantanal region of South America
Conservation Status	Least Concern (IUCN)
Temperament	Intelligent, social, energetic, loud

1. Taxonomy and Scientific Classification

The scientific classification of the Nanday Conure has been subject to revision, reflecting advancements in phylogenetic analysis.

• Genus and Tribe: Previously placed in the monotypic genus Nandayus, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA evidence has conclusively positioned the Nanday Conure within the Aratinga genus. This genus is part of the Arini tribe, which includes other long-tailed New World parrots like macaws.

• Closest Relatives: Phylogenetic studies, such as those by Ribas & Miyaki (2004), reveal a close genetic relationship between the Nanday Conure and the "sun conure group," which includes the Sun Conure (A. solstitialis), Jenday Conure (A. jandaya), and Golden-capped Conure (A. auricapilla). Divergence from these relatives is estimated to have occurred between 0.5 and 1.3 million years ago.

• Historical Context: The species was first formally described by French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot in 1823. Its scientific journey from Nandayus nenday to Aratinga nenday illustrates the dynamic nature of taxonomy based on genetic science.

2. Physical Description and Identification

The Nanday Conure is a medium-sized parrot with several unmistakable features that distinguish it from other species.

• Plumage and Coloration: The body is predominantly a vibrant green, with a slightly paler shade on the chest and abdomen. The most defining characteristic is the jet-black hood that covers its entire head and beak area, creating a stark, beautiful contrast. The upper chest features a subtle wash of bluish-green, while bright red feathers adorn the thighs, often referred to as its "socks."

• Wings and Tail: The trailing flight feathers are black, and the long, tapering tail is edged with a deep blue at its tip, providing a flash of color during flight.

• Beak and Eyes: It possesses a strong, black beak typical of its genus, capable of cracking nuts and seeds. The eyes are framed by a bare, white periophthalmic ring.

• Sexual Monomorphism: Like many conures, the Nanday is sexually monomorphic, meaning males and females are visually identical. Surgical or DNA testing is required for definitive sexing.

3. Distribution and Natural Habitat

The Nanday Conure’s native range is geographically specific, though its adaptability has led to the establishment of thriving feral populations worldwide.

• Native Range: The species is endemic to the Pantanal, a vast tropical wetland region that spans across southeast Bolivia, southwest Brazil, central Paraguay, and northern Argentina. In these areas, it inhabits scrub forests, open savannahs, pastures, and clearings near human settlements.

• Feral Populations: Escaped or intentionally released pet birds have established self-sustaining feral colonies in several locations. These adaptable parrots can be found in urban and suburban environments in the United States, including large flocks in Florida (particularly in Broward, Miami-Dade, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties), California (Los Angeles), and Texas (San Antonio). Feral populations are also documented in Tenerife and Israel.

4. Behavior in the Wild and in Captivity

Understanding the Nanday Conure’s innate behaviors is crucial for providing proper care and interpreting its actions as a companion.

Social Structure and Vocalizations

In the wild, Nanday Conures are exceptionally gregarious, forming large, noisy flocks that roost and forage together. This social instinct is the root of their most challenging trait in captivity: screaming. Their loud, piercing call is a natural "contact call," used to maintain awareness of flock members.

As noted by parrot behaviorist Jim McKendry, "The degree to which uncontrollable stimuli influence her calling behaviour has really served as a reminder for me of the challenges that often face Conure owners." When kept alone, a Nanday will adopt its human family as its flock, and its calls are an attempt to maintain contact and alleviate anxiety when left alone. This behavior is not malicious but a deeply ingrained instinct.

Diet and Foraging

Nandays are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet. In their native habitat, they consume seeds, fruits, berries, flowers, buds, and particularly palm nuts, which they crack open with their powerful beaks. They often spend considerable time foraging on the ground, a behavior that should be encouraged in captivity with foraging toys.

Breeding and Nesting

These birds are cavity nesters, typically finding and utilizing holes in trees for their nests. The female lays a clutch of three to four white eggs, which she incubates. After the young fledge, the entire family rejoins the communal roost, reinforcing their strong social bonds until the next breeding season.

5. The Nanday Conure in Aviculture

The Nanday Conure's intelligence and affectionate nature make it an engaging pet, but its needs are significant.

• Temperament: A well-socialized, hand-reared Nanday is often described as cuddly, playful, and interactive. They are capable of learning tricks, mimicking sounds, and developing a limited vocabulary. However, their intelligence also means they are prone to boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors if not adequately stimulated.

• Managing Noise: Prospective owners must be prepared for the noise level. Quelling a Nanday’s screams is not about punishment but about managing the underlying anxiety. Providing a stimulating environment with ample foraging toys, establishing a consistent routine, and ensuring the bird feels secure can help mitigate excessive calling. A single Nanday can be a poor choice for apartment living or noise-sensitive households.

• Diet in Captivity: A balanced diet is essential for longevity.

  • Base Diet: High-quality formulated pellets should constitute about 60-70% of their intake.

  • Fresh Vegetables: Offer daily, including dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.

  • Fruits: Provide in moderation due to sugar content. Berries, melon, and apples (seeds removed) are good choices.

  • Treats: A limited amount of high-quality seed mix and nuts can be used for training and foraging enrichment.

• Housing and Enrichment: A spacious cage is mandatory. The World Parrot Trust recommends an aviary at least 2-3 meters in length. Inside the cage, provide perches of varying diameters and textures to promote foot health. Enrichment through shreddable toys, puzzle feeders, and foot toys is not optional; it is a necessity to prevent boredom and feather-plucking.

• Lifespan and Health: With proper care, a Nanday Conure can live for 25 to 30 years. They are generally hardy birds but, like other conures, can be susceptible to feather-plucking, Pacheco's disease, and Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD).

6. Conservation Status and Human Interaction

The Nanday Conure (Aratinga nenday) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its widespread native range across South America and a stable wild population. In the late 20th century, tens of thousands were exported for the international pet trade, leading to the formation of feral colonies in Florida, California, and parts of Brazil. These non-native populations have adapted to urban and semi-tropical environments, raising ecological concerns about competition with native bird species. While the species faces no immediate extinction threat, its history underscores the long-term environmental risks of unregulated aviculture and highlights the need for responsible pet ownership, legal compliance, and habitat protection.