At Terra Natura Benidorm, we have recently welcomed a new group of seven Aratinga solstitialis—commonly known as sun conures—into our aviary. These vibrant, sociable birds arrived at the park this past May, and following a short period of adaptation and monitoring, they are now fully integrated with the other species in the facility.

Native to South America, sun conures are known for their gregarious nature, often forming large social groups with complex interactions. One distinctive trait of the species is the lack of sexual dimorphism—males and females are visually identical. As a result, DNA testing was required to determine their sex. The results revealed a group consisting of three males and four females.

In the days following their arrival, the birds were housed in a temporary facility to ensure their well-being and facilitate any necessary veterinary care. Once the test

results were in, and under the supervision of our zookeepers team, the sun conures were transferred to their permanent home: the aviary at Terra Natura Benidorm. This space is designed to closely mimic their natural habitat and is shared with a variety of other bird species.

During the adaptation period, our veterinary team carried out close monitoring to watch their behaviour and ensure harmonious integration with the aviary’s existing residents. The seven sun conures have now fully settled in, displaying excellent acclimatisation and actively engaging in daily life with behaviours typical of their species.

In the wild, sun conures feed primarily on fruit and are noted for their vocal nature, intelligence, and high levels of social interaction. Their arrival not only enhances the park’s biodiversity but also supports the educational and awareness-raising efforts that Terra Natura Benidorm undertakes in the field of exotic species conservation.