Blue Crowned Conure: Complete Guide to This Talented Talker
If the name Blue Crowned Conure sounds vaguely familiar even if you cannot place why, there is a good chance you have seen one on screen. This species gained real pop culture fame through the 1998 film Paulie, in which a talkative Blue Crowned Conure narrates much of the story. Beyond the Hollywood connection, this is a genuinely excellent conure species for buyers who want strong talking ability in a larger conure package. This guide covers everything you should know before choosing one.
What is a Blue Crowned Conure?
The Blue Crowned Conure (Thectocercus acuticaudatus), also known as the Blue Crown Conure or Sharp Tailed Conure, is native to a wide range across South America, from eastern Colombia south through Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. It was formerly classified in the genus Aratinga alongside Sun and Jenday Conures, but genetic studies led to it being reclassified into its own genus, Thectocercus, reflecting real biological differences from the more commonly known Aratinga conures.
What does a Blue Crowned Conure look like?
- Length: 14 to 16 inches, among the largest conure species
- Weight: 140 to 190 grams
- Head: dull to medium blue across the forehead, crown, cheeks, and ear coverts
- Body: bright green
- Tail: green on top, maroon-red underneath with iridescent orange-red highlights
- Beak: horn colored upper, grey to black lower
- Eye ring: creamy white, featherless
Young Blue Crowned Conures often show little to no blue on the head, with the full blue crown developing as the bird matures into adulthood.
Personality and temperament
Blue Crowned Conures are intelligent, playful, and known for forming intense, focused bonds with their owners. Many owners and breeders report that Blue Crowns are notably more food and target motivated than Sun Conures, making them excellent candidates for trick training. They are also described as somewhat more independent and less constantly demanding than smaller conures like the Green Cheek, while still being highly social and interactive.
Are Blue Crowned Conures good talkers?
Yes, genuinely one of the better talking conure species. Blue Crowned Conures are widely regarded within the conure family as strong talkers, capable of developing substantial vocabularies with reasonably clear pronunciation, which is part of what made the species a believable choice for a talkative lead character in Paulie. They are not going to match an African Grey, but among conures they rank near the top for talking ability.
Are Blue Crowned Conures loud?
Moderate to loud. Blue Crowned Conures are capable of producing loud calls, particularly when excited or seeking attention, though many owners report they are not constant screamers the way Sun Conures can be. Detached housing is still recommended over apartment living. For the honest noise comparison across conure species, see our Green Cheek Conure noise level breakdown.
How much does a Blue Crowned Conure cost?
Hand raised Blue Crowned Conures cost $500 to $900 in the US in 2026, reasonably priced given their larger size and strong talking ability compared to smaller conure species. For comparison, see our Sun Conure cost guide and Jenday Conure guide for pricing on other popular conure species.
Care requirements
Cage size. Minimum 30 by 24 by 36 inches, larger than what is needed for Sun or Green Cheek Conures given the Blue Crowned’s bigger size.
Diet. 60 to 70 percent quality pellet, 20 to 30 percent fresh vegetables and moderate fruit, 5 to 10 percent nuts and seeds. This species has been noted as somewhat prone to vitamin A and K deficiency, so prioritize dark leafy greens and orange vegetables.
Out of cage time. At least 2 to 3 hours per day of interaction and free flight in a bird proofed room.
Enrichment. Rotate three toys weekly. Their intelligence and food motivation make them excellent candidates for trick training as enrichment.
Sleep. 10 to 12 hours of dark quiet sleep per night.
How long do Blue Crowned Conures live?
Blue Crowned Conures typically live 25 to 30 years in captivity with proper care, with some well documented individuals reaching 40. For the full lifespan picture across parrot species, see our how long parrots live guide.
Blue Crowned Conure vs Sun Conure
| Attribute | Blue Crowned Conure | Sun Conure |
| Length | 14 to 16 inches | 12 inches |
| Talking ability | Strong, among the best conures | Moderate, 10 to 20 words |
| Noise level | Moderate to loud | Very loud |
| Price 2026 | $500 to $900 | $500 to $850 |
| Lifespan | 25 to 30 years | 20 to 25 years |
If talking ability matters more to you than bright coloring, the Blue Crowned edges out the Sun Conure. For the full Sun Conure picture, see our Sun Conure cost guide.
Is a Blue Crowned Conure the right bird for you?
Choose a Blue Crowned Conure if: you want strong talking ability in a conure sized package, appreciate a more food motivated trainable personality, and have some prior experience with medium sized parrots.
Choose a different species if: you want the smallest possible conure (choose a Green Cheek) or maximum bright coloring (choose a Sun Conure).
Where to buy a Blue Crowned Conure
At Mo’s Birds we work with several conure species from our Southern California aviary. Browse the conures category page, check the new born babies page, or contact Mo directly for Blue Crowned Conure availability. Buyers in Southern California can visit in person, and Texas buyers can have a bird shipped nationwide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Blue Crowned Conure the bird from the movie Paulie?
Yes. The 1998 film Paulie featured a Blue Crowned Conure as its talkative lead character, which introduced many US audiences to the species and its reputation as a strong talker.
How much does a Blue Crowned Conure cost?
$500 to $900 for a hand raised baby in the US in 2026.
Are Blue Crowned Conures good talkers?
Yes, widely regarded as one of the better talking conure species, capable of developing a substantial vocabulary with reasonably clear pronunciation.
How big does a Blue Crowned Conure get?
14 to 16 inches in length, among the largest conure species, noticeably bigger than a Sun Conure or Green Cheek Conure.
How long do Blue Crowned Conures live?
25 to 30 years in captivity with proper care, with some individuals reaching 40.
Are Blue Crowned Conures good for beginners?
Better suited to owners with some prior parrot experience rather than an absolute first bird, given their size, intelligence, and need for consistent training and enrichment.