The Turquoise Green-cheeked Conure

The Cool-Toned Wonder

The Turquoise Green-cheeked Conure is one of the most striking and sought-after color mutations of the Green-cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae). While most conures are celebrated for their warm “fire” colors (reds, yellows, and oranges), the Turquoise mutation removes the yellow pigment (psittacofulvin), resulting in a bird with a stunning “seafoam” or “steel blue” appearance.

It is the “cool-toned” alternative for those who love the Green-cheek personality but prefer a more ethereal, jewel-like aesthetic.

Key Characteristics

• Seafoam Plumage: Instead of the typical forest green, their body feathers are a beautiful, muted blue-green or aquamarine.

• The Smokey Hood: They retain the dark head of the wild-type Green-cheek, but it often appears as a deep, smokey grey or charcoal, which provides a dramatic contrast against their blue bodies.

• Muted Tail: The vibrant maroon tail of a standard Green-cheek is transformed into a “smokey” or “dusty” burgundy-grey in the Turquoise mutation.

• The “Silver” Variant: When the Turquoise gene is combined with the Cinnamon or Pineapple genes, you get incredibly pale, “high-fashion” birds often called Turquoise Pineapples or Silver Conures.

Quick Facts

Care & Personality

Turquoise Green-cheeks are identical in behavior to their green cousins, though some breeders swear they are slightly more “laid back”:

• The “Apartment” Champion: Like all Pyrrhura conures, they are relatively quiet. Their vocalizations consist mostly of soft croaks, whistles, and the occasional “mumble” of human speech.

• The “Beaky” Nature: They are very mouth-oriented. They love to chew and explore textures. Providing a variety of “shreddable” toys (yucca, sola, and balsa) is essential to keep them from nipping at fingers.

• Pocket Companions: They are incredibly social. If you are working at a desk, a Turquoise Conure will likely want to sit on your keyboard, ride on your shoulder, or take a nap in your shirt pocket.

• Bathing Enthusiasts: The Turquoise mutation seems to “glow” particularly well after a bath. These birds usually love water and will happily splash in a shallow dish or under a slow-running faucet.

Genetics & Breeding

The Turquoise mutation is autosomal recessive. This means that for a baby to be born Turquoise, both parents must either be Turquoise themselves or “split” (carriers) for the gene. This makes them slightly more rare and often more expensive than the standard Green-cheek or Pineapple mutations.

Is a Turquoise Green-cheek Right for You?

This is the perfect bird for someone who wants a “living gemstone.” They offer a sophisticated, calm color palette that fits beautifully into any home, combined with the world-class personality that has made Green-cheeks the most popular pet conure in the world.