Orange-fronted conure, Half-moon conure
The orange-fronted parakeet or orange-fronted conure (Eupsittula canicularis ), also known as the half-moon conure, is a medium-sized parrot that is resident from western Mexico to Costa Rica.
The orange-fronted parakeet is 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 in) long and weighs 68–80 grams (2.4–2.8 oz). The adult is mainly green, paler and yellower below and with an olive tone to the breast. The wings have blue outer primaries and yellow linings, and the pointed tail is tipped with blue. The head is distinctive, with a blue crown, orange forehead, bare yellow eye-ring, yellow iris and white bill. Young birds are similar to the adults, but with much less orange on the forehead.
It is found in lowlands and foothills on the Pacific side of the central mountain ranges in forest canopy and edges, and more open woodland, including savanna and second growth.
The orange-fronted parakeet feeds in flocks which can reach 100 birds outside the breeding season, taking various seeds, flowers and fruits including figs. Its flight call is a raucous can-can-can, and when perched it has a reedy zeeweet.
The 3–5 white eggs are laid in an unlined nest cavity, usually self-excavated in an arboreal termite nest of the termite species Nasutitermes nigriceps, but sometimes in an old woodpecker hole or natural cavity.
Both the male and female half-moon conures excavate a cavity in the termite mound using their beaks (the male doing the majority of the digging) over the course of about a week. Following this, the birds leave the new cavity alone for 7-10 days, to allow time for the termites to seal off and abandon the damaged area. They then return and proceed to nest inside. Conure activity often causes the eventual disintegration of the termite nest due to irreparable structural damage, which provides an opportunity to predatory ants to enter the colony.
The orange-fronted parakeet (more commonly known as the half-moon conure in aviculture) is sometimes kept as a companion parrot. An excitable, energetic bird that enjoys climbing and playing, it tends to be quieter than some other conure species and is good-natured when properly socialized. It is not noted as a talking bird, but may mimic a few words or sounds. In order to remain healthy, it requires regular mental stimulation and time outside of its cage in which to fly.
The population has decreased in many areas due to persecution for the pet trade.
