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Sandra July 31, 2023

Types of Green Cheek Mutations

I recently created a short video on Green Cheek Mutations on Instagram @poodlesandparrots - so different types of green cheeks and their mixes! After a few comments and a deeper look into mutations, I wanted to add a couple I didn't know and extend that list here!

Green-cheeked conures (Pyrrhura molinae) have several popular mutations, each characterized by distinct changes in their colouration. 

Most common green cheek conure mutations:

Green-cheeked Conure:
The green cheek conure has a natural colouration with a bright green body, a maroon or reddish-brown tail, and a grayish breast with darker barring. 

Pineapple Green-cheeked Conure:
Pineapple green cheeks display a vibrant mix of yellow, orange/coral, and red colours on their body. The feathers on their back and wings are a warm green. They are sometimes bred with a cinnamon conure resulting in a pineapple cinnamon.

Yellow-sided Green-cheeked Conure:
 The yellow-sided mutation reduces the green coloration on the sides of the bird and replaces it with bright yellow feathers. This mutation maintains the normal green colouring on the back and wings while enhancing the yellow pigmentation on the bird's flanks.

Cinnamon Green-cheeked Conure:
The cinnamon mutation affects the melanin distribution in the feathers, causing a reduction in black pigment. As a result, the green feathers turn to a cinnamon-green colour.



 Turquoise Green-cheeked Conure:
Turquoise green cheeks display a beautiful turquoise colour instead of green. This mutation affects the distribution of melanin in the feathers, resulting in this eye-catching blue-green hue. Mia is a mix of turquoise and yellow-sided, resulting in turquoise wings and a yellow peach belly.

 
Mint Green-cheeked Conure:
The mint mutation is relatively rare and recent. It produces a pale green or minty coloration in the feathers, which is lighter and softer than the typical green cheek conures.

High Red Green-cheeked Conure:
The high red mutation intensifies the red pigmentation in the bird's plumage, particularly on the belly and chest. These birds often have a deeper, richer red coloration on their cheeks and body.
 
Suncheek Conure:
The Suncheek is a combination mutation. These conures have a reduced green colouration, increased yellow pigmentation on the sides, and red bellies.

Mooncheek Conure:

The Mooncheek conure is an intriguing variant of the green cheek conure. These conures showcase a delightful blend of various mutations, encompassing dilute, yellow-sided, and turquoise traits.

Each of these green cheek conure mutations adds a unique and attractive touch to the bird's appearance. It's important to note that responsible breeding practices and care are essential to maintain the health and well-being of these wonderful avian companions.

Other types of conures:

  • Maroon-bellied Conure (Pyrrhura frontalis)
  • Crimson-bellied Conure (Pyrrhura perlata)
  • Painted Conure (Pyrrhura picta)
  • Pearly Conure (Pyrrhura lepida)
  • Blue-throated Conure (Pyrrhura cruentata)
  • White-eared Conure (Pyrrhura leucotis)
  • Blaze-winged Parakeet (Pyrrhura devillei)
  • Aztec Conure (Pyrrhura luticauda)
  • Golden-capped Conure (Aratinga auricapillus)
  • Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya)
  • Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis)
  • Nanday Conure (Aratinga nenday)
  • Patagonian Conure (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
  • Peach-fronted Conure (Eupsittula aurea)
  • Dusky Conure (Aratinga weddellii)
  • Green Conure (Aratinga holochlora)
  • Blue-crowned Conure (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, as new mutations and variations can arise through breeding and genetic selection. Additionally, the scientific classification and naming of species may change due to ongoing research and discoveries. If you are considering getting a conure as a pet, it's essential to thoroughly research the specific species or mutation to understand their needs and care requirements properly.