GCC vs Pionus

Hey all,
I currently have a green cheek conure and she's the sweetest, most cuddly thing. I am considering getting a pionus, specifically a dusky or bronze wing, and while I've read that they are quiet and independent in comparison to some other birds, I'm curious how they might compare to a GCC, specifically one that is very active and affectionate.

Also, have you noticed and personality differences in the pionus color mutations?

Much love, ya'll and thanks again

There are different species of pionous, but no color mutations that I know of.

I would think pionus vs gcc would be night and day, but hopefully some pi owners will speak up soon.

Hi welcome!

GCC and Pionus are like apples and oranges . Conures are close relatives to Macaws, and Pionus are close relatives to Amazons, with similarities to these 'cousin' species. Of course each bird is an individual, but I know you're asking about species .

There are no Pionus color mutations (except some that are not in the pet trade - I know there is an aviary somewhere who has a "priceless" lutino dusky). What we do have are the 6 different species of Pionus available as pets. Some rare, some common... I too love the Dusky and the Bronze Winged. Raven my male Pi is a BW. I also had a female BW in the past.

Although each bird is unique, many Pi people including myself, find that females typically tend to be a bit more 'easy going' and may accept hands on cuddling more or more easily than males. Males can be nice pets too but in a different way, and many males tend to be more aloof, especially after maturity. Also, like you hear about their Amazon cousins, Pionus are also a species in which the males are going to be more aggressive (for lack of a better word) especially during their hormonal seasons, as it's their wild instinct for the males to be territorial.

I was at one time also considering the Dusky Pi in the future, but as much as I love my Raven, I do think there is another genus that suits me even more if I were to get only one more (besides another Budgie) . My Raven loves his human daddy though! Besides I have my hands full with my current birds right now!

I dont have much expierence with a Pi species but I love the BH pionus. They are so beautiful and I just love the blue. GCC's are very hands on and cuddly and it soundslike pi's are more like they want to be near you but not on you. Good Luck.

kalypso123 said:

I dont have much expierence with a Pi species but I love the BH pionus. They are so beautiful and I just love the blue. GCC's are very hands on and cuddly and it soundslike pi's are more like they want to be near you but not on you. Good Luck.

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I too love how vibrant the blue headed are! Although not typical, some Pi's are fairly cuddly, but more in an independent style, if that makes sense.. and then, it's typically females who tolerate more petting, and unless inadvertently "trained" to be unnaturally clingy, they normally are not clingy birds by nature, and would not be typical to develop behavior problems easily from this... unlike many GCC who typically can turn into a Velcro-bird much more easily and become active attention seekers.

My male Pi shows he's in the mood for my company by showing his body language that he wants me to come near him. Just stand there close to him, not touch him, and talk with him.. He's an amusing mimick! Very occasionally he'll step up willingly to sit with me on my arm for a few minutes.

Pionus would win in that battle....

goalerjones said:

Pionus would win in that battle....

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Funny, and I didn't even see the title that way til you said that haha.

My budgie does Budgie vs Pionus :52:. I don't think Twigs realizes Raven lets him win LOL