There are up to 12 genera of conures, depending on whose reference you consult, representing almost 60 species, with many additional subspecies branching off these. Most conures are green with red, yellow or blue patches on the throat, head, breast or other part of the body. The most popular types include the blue-crowned (Aratinga acuticaudata), dusky-headed (Aratinga weddellii), green-cheeked (Pyrrhura molinae), mitred (Aratinga mitrata), nanday (Nandayus nenday) and white-eyed (Aratinga leucophthalma) conures. The sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis), another popular bird, is a striking exception to the usual green bird. Its fiery red and yellow feathers mimick a sunset. 

Countries of origin: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatamala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela. Size: Small to medium with long pointed tail, ranging from the 8-inch Brazilian white-eared conure to Chile's 18-inch, 400-gram (almost one-pound) greater Patagonian, a large grey-breasted bird with a startling red stripe up its yellow abdomen. 

The average conure is 12 to 14 inches long. 

Personality: Highly active, affectionate. Needs plenty of toys and time with owner. Blue-crowned conures are considered among the most laid back of a rowdy bunch prone to screeching. 

Talking ability: Poor to moderate, with a high-pitched voice.

Average lifespan:15-20 years, up to 30.