Why Do Conures Scream? A Cause-and-Fix Guide for Indian Sun Conure Owners

Sun conures are vivacious and playful birds and more households in cities such as Bengaluru, Pune and Chennai are keeping them as pets. However, new owners quickly discover one thing: these little birds can be noisy! Sun conure calls can be heard from room to room in an apartment building. Then, why do conures scream? Conures are social birds that live in large flocks in the wild and communicate by making loud noises. Your flock at home is your family! There is always a reason for each scream, and once you know the reason, you should be able to resolve it.

Why it happens: When you leave the room, your conure may scream to find out where you are. A bird without a flock is a bird in danger in the wild, hence the natural call.

The solution: Respond with a brief, quiet word or a quiet whistle from across the room, such as "I'm here." This conveys to your bird that the flock is safe. Many conures can be taught to use a soft contact call over a period of time, rather than a loud, full scream. You can read how another bird uses sound to talk in our post on why cockatiels whistle.

Why this occurs: Many conures will vocalize loudly around the time of sunrise and sunset. Wild flocks do this when they wake up and when they come together to sleep. It's perfectly normal and typically only lasts for a few minutes.

The solution: Be prepared for it, don't try to prevent it. If neighbours are complaining, keep the cage away from shared walls, and try to keep the session brief by giving the bird a new toy or some attention during these times.

Why it occurs: Conures are intelligent and active birds. A bird left alone in a small cage with nothing to do will only screech to make something happen.

The solution: Provide a lot of activity for your conure. Rotate toys every few days, give shreddable paper and soft wood toys, put treats in foraging toys. Most conures need at least a few hours out of the cage each day, with careful supervision.

The reason: If you rush over every time your bird screams, it will soon learn that screaming works. Even shouting "stop!" counts as attention to a conure.

The solution: Do not give in to the cry. When it pauses, even after a second of quiet, go to it and praise it. Reward soft talking, chirps and whistles with extra attention and treats. Screaming can get worse for a few days before it gets better.

When this occurs: A sudden, sharp scream with the bird frozen, feathers tight or wings flapping is likely fear. Common triggers in Indian households are crows or kites at the window, the whistle of a pressure cooker, fireworks at festivals, a new person, or a cat or dog nearby.

The remedy: Identify the trigger and eliminate or reduce it. Keep the cage away from windows where birds of prey can be seen. If it's Diwali or wedding season, draw curtains, keep the room calm and stay near. Never punish a frightened bird.

It occurs: Adult conures may be more vocal and demanding during the breeding season. This can be induced by long days and petting under the wings and/or on the back.

The cure: Only pet the head and neck areas. Provide 10 to 12 hours of darkness and quiet time with a cage cover on. Eliminate nest-like spaces such as boxes, tents or dark corners.

Why this occurs: Occasionally a change in sound is a warning sign. If your conure starts screeching louder or goes unusually quiet, it could be sick.

The cure: Watch for other symptoms: fluffed feathers for extended periods, sitting on the cage floor, alterations in droppings, bobbing tail when breathing, or weight loss. If you see these, take immediate action and see an avian veterinarian. Our guide on how to tell if your pet bird is sick lists more warning signs.

Do not cover the cage during the day as a punishment, spray your bird with water, or shout back. These actions destroy trust and may make the screaming worse. If conures are housed with another bird, they may become noisy if the birds are not compatible, so look out for fights. Our post on why lovebirds fight each other explains how to spot bird fights early.

A conure will never be silent. But constant screaming usually means a need is not being met. Hear and understand how and when your bird shrieks, match it to one of the causes above, and make small adjustments. Most conures will settle into a happier, quieter routine with time, attention and patience.