Also known as The QUEEN OF BAVARIA Conure.

The Queen of Bavaria Conure has rich golden yellow plumage of the body and tail, which are in striking contrast to the dark green primary flights. Their massive head and mandible (light horn-colored) and short, tapered tail contribute to a top-heavy appearance. Length is 36 cm (14 inches).

Because of their massive head and mandible, many people feel the Goldens more closely resemble macaws than conures. Immature birds h ave scattered green feathers on the upper wing coverts and cheeks and are rather slimmer in build. At this stage their close relationship to the Sun Conure is more apparent. This, combined with their call, are more characteristic of a conure.

The range of the Golden Conure is restricted to northeastern Brazil, south of the Amazon river, from the west bank of the Rio Tapajos, Para and east to northwestern Maranhaao. They prefer hilly upland areas of terra firma rather than verzea, or flooded forest. They are pressured by habitat loss, predation, hunting and trapping.

It is one of the most desirable birds an aviculturist could possess. In shape and size, it is totally unlike other Aratinga conures, being much larger and heavier in build with a massive beak which gives it a slightly top-heavy appearance. While it lacks the more slender form of the other conures, it has abundant playfulness, in this respect resembling a young macaw, perhaps, rather than a conure. A pair of Queen of Bavaria Conures playing together in an aviary is one of the most pleasing sights imaginable.