Two of the three forms of Maroon Bellied conure have been well represented in the UK. The nominated form frontalis frontalis & sub-species frontalis chiripepe, the latter being the most common to be found in the UK currently. The third subspecies frontalis devillei (formally known as the Blaze-winged) to the best of my knowledge has not been kept in captivity. If anyone knows different please get in touch, as I would love to see some good photos of this sub-species.

Frontalis frontalis was the most common, but when frontalis chiripepe appeared on the market it became quite sort after, and the nominated form frontalis frontalis seemed to fade out for a while. Also as new & rare species of Pyrrhura's appeared on the market the Maroon Bellied became a little neglected as breeders tended to keep the more expensive types, which is understandable as the new & rare cost the same to feed/keep as the 'cheaper' Maroon Bellied. Regrettably something which I am guilty off, and often wished I kept my maroon's.

I have kept both sub-species and found both sub-species easy to breed. My birds I held at the time were kept in outdoors 6x3ft flights with a frost-free shelter attached where food was provided. As always I hang the 16x8x8 inch nest box in the flight outside with cherry & plum twigs provided inside for them to chew and bed down for the eggs. I found they usually laid 4-5 eggs and parent reared with no problems.

The status today is both sub-species can still be found quite easily in the UK and are still quite popular with the beginner to the Pyrrhura world as they are free breeders given the right conditions etc. The purity of some birds available is questionable now, as crosses between the two sub-species have been frequent. Also I have witnessed on many occasions at show/sale days I have attended, Maroon Bellied x Green Cheeked crosses these birds are worthless to the serious breeder. I have also seen Maroon Bellied and Green Cheeks being sold as proven pairs which is quite irresponsible if the seller knowingly does this.

Frontalis chiripepe: a complete golden olive tail getting more yellow towards the tip, also the maroon on the belly is not so abundant. This sub-specie can also be seen with wing-shoulders edged with yellow flecks. Some birds can be found to have red as well as yellow flecks like the one in the background of the photo(below) but note it's not often seen.

Even though they are not the most colourful of the Pyrrhura group, they are a nice suttle addition to any collection with their almost all emerald green plumage when seen in sunlight.