The conure research is going great!
We've met a whole slew of birds in Ottawa from the various pet stores.
We've handled a maroon-breasted conure (currently my first choice because they are the quietest of the group), a dusky headed conure, a green cheeked conure, a pearly headed conure, a quaker parakeet, and a some weird little bird who's diet is more or less pure sugar.
Conures have reputations for being LOUD birds - although the subspecies that the maroon-breasted and green cheeked are part of isn't that loud. Their colouration is mostly green with a hint of maroon for both of these - the green cheeked has the maroon on its tail. They are very energetic and quite intelligent - which also means that they are mischevious.
The quaker (which is currently Rincewind's favorite) is an even more mischevious birdie.
Each of these birds are known for their ability to speak - which isn't that much of a consideration for me but it is good to know. When people talk about giving the bird attention they often mean having the bird out and participating in flock activities - not necessarily receiving cuddles and absolute attention. This was a bit of a concern for me since many places say a bird of this type (or larger) say they should get 1-2 hours of attention in the morning and 3-4 in the evening.
The attention becomes 'easier' to give when it's a matter of the bird being out and in the same vicinity as yourself as opposed to necessarily being right there on you. Of course, one should handled their bird regularly and socialize it - but that should go without saying.
I'd have to say we've learnt a fair amount about birds - although I think there's still a huge amount to learn remaining.
FAQ 
Lavander 
: Together in Singapore 
