Sun Conure
Meet Kiwi: A Gentle Soul with a Heart of Gold
Say hello to Kiwi, one of the most affectionate and quietly charming residents of Port Orchard Parrot Rescue & Sanctuary. Hatched in 2007, Kiwi is a Sun Conure presumed to be male, though like many of our birds, he’s never had a DNA test—he’s happy just being himself. Kiwi arrived at the sanctuary in 2018, along with two other conures, Pip and Scamp. Sadly, Scamp passed away in 2023, and Pip—a Pineapple Green-Cheek Conure—has since found a loving new home. That left Kiwi to find his place in a new flock, and find it he did.
These days, Kiwi shares a special bond with Buttercup, another Sun Conure and longtime sanctuary resident. The two are nearly inseparable, spending most of their time hanging side-by-side from their cage, preening one another with quiet devotion. When perched just right, their vibrant feathers and mirrored postures form a perfect, fluffy orange heart—an image that melts hearts around the sanctuary every day. Their friendship is gentle and deeply affectionate, and it’s a testament to the resilience and emotional intelligence of these stunning birds.
When they’re together, it can be tricky to tell Kiwi and Buttercup apart at first glance. Their brilliant orange and yellow plumage is nearly identical, and they often move in perfect synchrony. But if you look closely, you’ll spot an easy clue: Kiwi’s flight feathers have more yellow tones, while Buttercup’s flight feathers tends toward green. It’s a small detail, but it helps us—and their many admirers—keep track of who’s who in this inseparable pair.
Sun Conures (Aratinga solstitialis) are native to the lush, tropical forests of northeastern South America, including parts of Guyana, northern Brazil, and Venezuela. In the wild, they live in small flocks and are known for their strong pair bonds and high-pitched, screeching calls that help them stay in contact through the dense jungle. Their dazzling coloration—bright yellows, oranges, greens, and blues—is more than just eye-catching; it helps them blend into the colorful canopy of fruit and blossoms.
These medium-sized parrots are highly social, curious, and affectionate. Their diet in the wild consists mostly of fruits, nuts, berries, flowers, and seeds. In captivity, they thrive on a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, fresh vegetables, and a variety of fruits. With proper care, Sun Conures can live 20 to 30 years or more, which means Kiwi is a mature bird with many bright days still ahead of him.
Though he’s not as extroverted as Buttercup, Kiwi is no less beloved. He’s a calming presence at the sanctuary, and his deep bond with Buttercup has made them one of our most heartwarming duos. Whether they’re playing, snoozing, or quietly grooming each other, it’s clear that Kiwi has found comfort and companionship in his new flock—and in the humans who care for him.
Have you had the joy of seeing Kiwi and Buttercup together? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below to share your story or photo.
To keep up with Kiwi, Buttercup, and all our vibrant sanctuary residents, subscribe to our newsletter. If you feel moved by Kiwi’s story, consider making a donation to support his care and the continued work of Port Orchard Parrot Rescue & Sanctuary. Your support helps us provide food, enrichment, medical care, and a loving home to birds in need.
From all of us—feathered and human—thank you for being part of our flock.