In this encyclopedia article you will find a detailed introduction to all nine species of the genus Forpus (parrotlets) with visual descriptions, graphics and photos, distribution maps, audio files of the calls, conservation status and habitat description, identification of possible subspecies, species-specific diet, description of reproduction, and information for keeping each species in human care. You can find an overview of the most commonly kept species from a pet perspective in this blog article.
I can also highly recommend that all ornithology nerds among you try out a subscription to birdsoftheworld.org and browse the genus Forpus there. I've embedded a lot of the fantastic content on this site into this post and used it as sources, but of course you'll find even more and more in-depth information there, so take a look! You can also browse the media library there for free and find an incredible wealth of high-quality photos, videos and audio recordings of all parrotlet species.
Taxonomy #
Class:
Infraclass:
Order:
Family:
Subfamiliy
Genus
Birds
(Aves)
Neognaths
(Neognathae)
Parrots
(Psittaciformes)
Holotropical/true parrots
(Psittacidae)
Neotropical parrots
(Arinae)
Parrotlets (Forpus)
Taxonomy within the genus Forpus (Smith et al. 2013, adjusted according to Birds of the World). Until recently, F. crassirostris and F. spengeli were considered subspecies of F. xanthopterygius.
Pacific parrotlet #
Forpus coelestis
Alternative names: celestial parrotlet, Lesson's parrotlet
German: Blaugenick-Sperlingspapagei
Calls
Distribution
Conservation
LC – Least concern
Apprearance #
The pacific parrotlet has predominantly green plumage. The crown and face are bright light green, the body is darker, the back and wings are olive to gray-green. The males show a slight gray-bluish veil over the body and a cobalt blue colour with a slight purple shimmer on the undersides of the wings and the back feathers. In females, these areas are coloured emerald green. Pacific parrotlets are also characterized by the blue eye stripe that gives them their name, which extends to the back of the neck and turns blue-gray there. In females this is less intensely coloured. The tail feathers of males have a slight blue tinge and therefore shimmer slightly turquoise.
Beak, cere and feet are a light pinkish or peach colour.
Pacific parrotlets measure approx. 13 cm, the weight of the wild form is between 24 and 28 g, while captive-bred birds, especially females, are usually slightly heavier (up to approx. 32 to 35 g).
Distribution #
This species naturally occurs on the Pacific coast of Ecuador and north-west Peru. Recently the species was also located in the extreme southwest of Colombia.
Habitat #
Pacific parrotlets live primarily in dry lowland scrub, semi-open tropical deciduous forests, gallery forests and secondary vegetation; they also occur locally and more sparsely in moist vegetation up to 1500 m altitude. The species also tolerates proximity to humans.
Subspecies #
None.
Diet #
Berries found in the branches of trees and shrubs, cactus and tamarind fruits, and seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants taken from the ground.
Breeding #
In Ecuador, the breeding season is from January to May, after the rainy season. Nests are built in any natural or human-made cavity, from holes in trees, branches, fence posts, and telephone poles to the ends of pipes and bamboo rafters. In addition, old mud nests of the pale-legged Hornero (Furnarius leucopus) and large stick nests of the necklaced spinetail (Synallaxis stictothorax) and the fasciated wren (Campylorhynchus fasciatus) are used. No nesting material is brought in. A clutch consists of 4-6 eggs, although individual observations suggest the possibility of larger clutches. The incubation period is 17-21 days, the nestling period is approximately 30-40 days. Sometimes a second brood is raised, which can begin as early as 7-8 days after the first brood fledges.
Husbandry #
Pacific parrotlets are the most commonly bred and kept species, but also the most aggressive and territorial representatives of their genus. In the wild, outside of the breeding season, they can be found either in pairs, in small family groups or in large flocks of several hundred individuals. In captivity they are therefore easiest to keep in pairs. It is possible to keep a flock of three pairs or more, but this requires a lot of space and the ability to separate the pairs temporarily or permanently if necessary. Flock-housing is therefore not recommended for beginners. Because of their character, they are difficult to socialize with other parrots; harmony is more a matter of luck, and smaller, more peaceful species (e.g. budgies and cockatiels) are not suitable for this at all, as injuries or even deaths can occur very quickly.
The species is very prone to mutation in breeding and is now available in a variety of different colors and markings. This is probably the reason why it is by far the most commonly bred and kept species.
Calls
Distribution
Conservation
LC – Least concern
Apprearance #
The spectacled parrotlet has a grassy green colour on the forehead, face and throat and a duller green on the back, wings and tail. In males, the lower back, rump and the undersides of the wings are deep blue with paler blue on the shoulder and large wing coverts, the underwing coverts are bluish-green. Only the males have the eponymous blue ring around their eyes. Breast and belly are silvery green. Females lack any blue and the chest and belly are yellowish green.
Beak, cere and feet are a light pinkish or peach colour.
Spectacled parrotlets measure 12-13 cm and weigh 24-28 g. I don't know whether European offspring are heavier in this species as well.
Distribution #
The geographic range of the spectacled parrotlet extends from eastern Panama through the northern part of central Colombia to western Venezuela.
Habitat #
This species inhabits edges of evergreen lowland forests, gallery forests, semi-open deciduous woodland, llanos (vast tropical grassland plains), secondary vegetation, thorn scrub, pastures and clearings. The spectacled parrotlet is usually found at 100-1800 m altitude, occasionally even up to 2600 m.
Subspecies #
According to current scientific knowledge, two subspecies are distinguished in the spectacled parrotlet, in addition to the nominate form.
Forpus conspicillatus conspicillatus (nominate) #
The appearance of the nominate form corresponds to the graphics in the main section.
This subspecies occurs in eastern Panama and north-central Colombia (northern Antioquia to Cesar and Magdalena Valley).
Forpus conspicillatus metae #
This subspecies has a more yellowish underside and a reduced blue eye ring (see graphic).
It is found in central Colombia from the east of the Departamento del Meta, along the eponymous river Meta, from which the scientific name metae derives, to western Venezuela (in southern Apure).
Forpus conspicillatus caucae #
The subspecies caucae has a lighter blue on the back and wings and a larger bill (see graphic), with populations in the dry Patía and Dagua valleys being even paler.
This subspecies occurs in western Colombia from the central Cauca Valley in the south (from which the name caucae derives) to southwestern Nariño.
Diet #
Spectacled parrotlets feed on grass seeds foraged on the ground, berries, fruits, buds and probably flowers from bushes.
Breeding #
In Colombia the breeding season takes place from December to March. A hole in a stump, tree, termitarium or bamboo fence post (guadua) is used as a nest, often just 1-2 m above the ground. Spectacled parrotlets lay 1-6 eggs in the wild and usually 4-5 in captivity. The breeding period is approx. 21-22 days and the chicks leave the nest after approx. 30-35 days.
Husbandry #
Spectacled parrotlets are a little harder to find than pacific parrotlets, but are still kept relatively often. Along with the pacific parrotlet, this species is the most commonly bred and kept parrotlet. They are a little quieter and shyer, but also more sociable than pacific parrotlets. In the wild they can be found in groups of 100 birds or more. In captivity they can be kept at least in pairs, but they are also very suitable for keeping them in a flock. Here, too, you should at least keep three pairs. Socialization with other species is easier here, but larger species should still be preferred.
Over the years, a handful of colour mutations have been bred in the spectacled parrotlet, but the original colour remains the most common.
Calls
Distribution
Conservation
NE – Not evaluated (probably not threatened worldwide, common in most of the distribution area)
Until recently, the riparian parrotlet was listed as one species with both the turquoise-winged parrotlet (Forpus spengeli) and the cobalt-rumped parrotlet (F. xanthopterygius). In some sources, the entire species of the cobalt-rumped parrotlet is listed under the name F. crassirostris instead of F. xanthopterygius (e.g. Ehlenbröker et al. 2010). Due to the novelty of the species, most information about the basic biology of the riparian parrotlet comes from studies of F. xanthopterygius and there are few published observations about the species itself.
Apprearance #
Riparian parrotlets are green overall, with slightly more yellowish tones on the chest and belly. The forehead and the area around the eyes are bright emerald green. In males, the underwing coverts, lower back and rump are blue. All blue colours are relatively pale compared to other Forpus species. The females lack any blue, instead they are completely green.
The beak, cere and feet are a light pink, sometimes with a slight grey tint. The iris in this species is slightly lighter than in the other members of the genus.
The species reaches a body length of 12-13 cm and weighs approx. 30 g.
Distribution #
The geographic range of the riparian parrotlet extends from the extreme southeast of Colombia, through eastern Ecuador and northeast Peru, to western Brazil and the Rio Madeira.
Habitat #
This species lives mainly on the edges of lowland rainforest and secondary vegetation, mostly below 500 m above sea level.
Subspecies #
None.
Diet #
There is currently little specific data available. The riparian parrotlet probably feeds primarily on fruits and seeds from plants in secondary vegetation.
Breeding #
The exact timing of the breeding season is still unclear. An occupied nest hole was found in Colombia in July, but further information is currently lacking.
Husbandry #
Due to the recent recognition as a separate species, there is currently no information available on keeping riparian parrotlets in captivity that can be clearly distinguished from cobalt-rumped parrotlets.
Mexican parrolet #
Forpus cyanopygius
Alternative names: turquoise-rumped parrotlet, Mexican blue-rumped parrotlet
German: Blaubürzel-Sperlingspapagei
Calls
Distribution
Conservation
NT – Near threatened
Apprearance #
Mexican parrotlets have a light green head, a green back, the chest and belly are a paler grass green, and the belly of males sometimes shows a bluish tinge. Males also have turquoise-blue markings on the lower back, rump, secondary coverts, secondaries and underwing coverts. In the female, the blue is replaced by yellow-green.
Beak cere and feet have a slightly grey tinge on top of the light pink base.
Cyanistic specimens (blue mutations) have been spotted in the wild (Rosas-Espinoza et al. 2021).
With a body length of 13 to 14 cm and a weight of 30 to 37 g, the Mexican parrotlet is one of the largest Forpus species.
Distribution #
This species is found in western Mexico along the coast from southeast Sonora to Colima. There is also a population on the Tres Marías Islands off the west coast of Mexico.
Habitat #
The species inhabits tropical wet-dry deciduous forest and rainforest, riparian forests, plantations and secondary forest, preferably near streams. They can be found up to 1400 m above sea level. Seasonal migrations appear to occur, particularly in the southernmost part of the range.
Subspecies #
In addition to the nominate form, another subspecies of the Mexican parrotlet is described.
Forpus cyanopygius cyanopygius (nominate) #
The appearance of the nominate form corresponds to the graphics in the main section.
Forpus cyanopygius insularis #
The subspecies insularis has a darker green colour on the back, the chest and belly are dull green to gray-blue and darker. The blue parts of the male are more cobalt blue (see graphic). This subspecies is also larger than the nominate form.
As the name insularis suggests, this subspecies only occurs on the Tres Marías Islands off the west coast of Mexico.
Diet #
The Mexican parrotlet feeds on ripe and semi-ripe fruits, including small Ficus species, berries and seeds, as well as grass seeds, which are eaten from the ground.
Breeding #
The breeding season takes place from June to July in the Tres Marías Islands. On the mainland it is probably a little later. Nests are probably created in tree hollows, but this has apparently not yet been documented. In captivity, Mexican parrotlets lay 3-9 eggs and the breeding period is approximately 19 to 24 days. The nestling period lasts approximately 5 weeks.
Husbandry #
Mexican parrotlets are kept relatively rarely. Correspondingly, there is little information about this. As with all parrotlets, keeping them at least in pairs is mandatory. Mexican parrotlets are similarly aggressive to pacific parrotlets (F. coelestis) and can therefore only be kept in larger flocks with plenty of space and are difficult to socialize. In the wild, this species occasionally forms flocks of up to 50 individuals, but like the pacific parrotlet, it is also often found in pairs. Keeping them in pairs can therefore be considered appropriate.
Dusky-billed parrotlet #
Forpus modestus
Alternative names: Sclater’s parrotlet
German: Schwarzschnabel-Sperlingspapagei
Distribution
Calls #
Conservation
LC – Least concern
Apprearance #
The dusky-billed parrot is coloured darker green overall than other Forpus species. In the male, the forehead, cheeks and chin are emerald green, while the stomach and chest have a blue-grey tinge. The lower back, the rump and the undersides of the wings have the genus-typical cobalt blue colouring. The female's back and wings are green instead of blue, and the body and face are paler and yellower than the male's.
What is striking is the eponymous dark gray-brown coloured upper beak, which distinguishes the species from all other parrotlets. The lower beak, cere and feet are lighter than the upper beak, but are more grey than pink.
With a body length of 12 - 13 cm and a weight of approx. 28 g, the species is average size for its genus.
Distribution #
Dusky-billed parrotlets are native to eastern Colombia and south-eastern Venezuela, as well as the Amazon basin from Ecuador and Peru east to Brazil and south to northern Bolivia. Another distribution area is from the north of Brazil to the south of the Amazon Delta. They are also found more rarely from the east of Venezuela east to French Guiana.
Habitat #
Seasonally flooded forests (varzéa) along rivers appear to be the most important habitat for dusky-billed parrotlets. The species also inhabits clearings, forest edges and other secondary habitats in tropical lowland rainforests. Locally in Ecuador, these birds can be found up to 1000 m above sea level, but otherwise inhabit lowlands.
Subspecies #
The dusky-billed parrotlet was previously listed as Forpus sclateri, but now the name modestus is used and sclateri describes the subspecies F. m. sclateri. The previously used subspecies name eidos is now considered a synonym for modestus. In addition to the nominate form, only one other subspecies is recognized. However, the exact boundaries between the two subspecies remain unclear.
Forpus modestus modestus (nominate) #
The nominate form corresponds to the graphics in the main section. It is currently established in the northern part of the species' range, from eastern Colombia (Guainía) and southern and eastern Venezuela via Guyana (rare) to northern Brazil.
Forpus modestus sclateri #
A clear visual distinction of the subspecies F. sclateri is currently not possible. It is inhabits the southern part of the species' range, from south-east Colombia and north-east Ecuador south (including western Brazil) to eastern Peru and northern Bolivia and eastern to northern Brazil south of the Amazon Delta.
Diet #
There is currently virtually no information available about the diet of the dusky-billed parrotlet. Specimens have been recorded feeding on fruits in trees, including those of Cecropia trees, as well as foraging on the ground.
Breeding #
Similarly, very little is known about the reproduction of the dusky-billed parrot. The breeding season is assumed to be in July in Peru, and the cavity nesting typical of the genus is assumed.
Husbandry #
In contrast to other parrotlet species, dusky-billed parrotlets are not caught for the pet trade, or at least not on a large scale. Therefore, populations remain stable throughout most of their range. There are no reliable reports of keeping or breeding this species in Europe.
Calls
Distribution
Conservation
LC – Least concern
Apprearance #
Green-rumped parrotlets are green overall, slightly lighter on the forehead, cheeks, belly, chest, back and rump (the latter is lightest but sometimes washed out blue). They have a grey tinge on the neck. The primaries and under wing coverts of the male are dark blue, the arm wings are blue and the primary wing coverts are a paler blue. In the female, the blue parts are replaced by green, and the forehead has a yellow tint.
Beak, cere and feet are a light pinkish or peach colour.
This species measures approximately 12 cm when fully grown and weighs between 20 and 28 g. This makes them one of the smaller representatives of their genus.
Distribution #
The green-rumped parrotlet lives in northern Colombia and from northern Venezuela east to Brazil.
The species has also been introduced to the islands of Curaçao, Tobago and Jamaica. An introduction to Martinique was unsuccessful and the species became extinct again in Barbados.
Habitat #
The green-rumped parrotlet lives in semi-open lowland areas such as dry deciduous and gallery forest edges, secondary vegetation, thorn and cactus scrub, mangroves, and more rarely in open plains. However, this species often moves to open grassland up to 1800 m altitude to feed. They can now also be found in city parks, livestock farms and agricultural areas. It is believed that the population in the lower subtropical zone migrates seasonally to higher elevations.
Subspecies #
According to current scientific knowledge, in addition to the nominate form, there are 4 other subspecies of the green-rumped parrotlet.
Forpus passerinus passerinus (nominate) #
The appearance of the nominate form corresponds to the graphics in the main section.
It is found in Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, mainly near the coast.
Forpus passerinus cyanophanes #
This subspecies has more intense blue in the males when their wings are closed than the nominate form (see graphic).
It populates northern Colombia in Guajira and northern Cesar.
Forpus passerinus viridissimus #
The viridissimus subspecies is of a darker green overall than the nominate form (see graphic).
They are found in northern Colombia in Norte de Santander, in northern Venezuela and on the island of Trinidad.
Forpus passerinus cyanochlorus #
The males of the cyanochlorus subspecies are identical to the nominate form, but the females are more yellow (see graphic).
It is found on the upper Rio Branco in the Brazilian state of Roraima, as well as in northwest Brazil.
Forpus passerinus deliciosus #
In this subspecies, the males have a light blue shimmer on their rump and a darker blue on their secondaries. The females have a strong yellow tint on their foreheads (see graphic).
It is widespread by the lower Amazon (east of the Rio Madeira) and the Brazilian state of Amapá.
Diet #
Green-rumped parrotlets feed, among other things, on grass seeds (particularly Croton hirtus, Hyptis suaveolens, Wissadula, Cyperus, Scoparia dulcis and Melochia parviflora), which are often obtained by landing on blades of grass and pressing the seed heads to the ground with their weight. Also berries (e.g. from mistletoe), fruits such as Annona species and Psidium guajava, leaf buds, flowers and seeds of Lagerstroemia indica, and sunflowers are part of her menu.
Breeding #
The breeding season has probably extended in most areas. In Trinidad the species breeds in most months from February to August. Breeding occurs in February, June, August and November in Suriname, April to August in Venezuela and May, June, August, October and November in Colombia. Nests are built in hollow stumps, branches or logs. Termitaria in trees are also used as nesting holes. More rarely, they nest at the base of palm fronds and in artificial caves such as pipe ends. Typically the clutch consists of 5 eggs, but varies from 2-11 eggs. Incubation lasts about 14 days, but eggs hatch one after another. After 4-5 weeks the chicks leave the nest. In captivity, young are independent almost immediately, suggesting there is room for a second brood, and in the wild half of females attempt repeated reproduction.
Husbandry #
Green-rumped parrotlets are relatively quiet and shy in human care. Both pair- and flock-housing, as well as mindful socialization, are possible. In the wild, the species is often found in pairs even outside the breeding season, which is why keeping them in flocks is not considered mandatory for species-appropriate husbandry.
Generally, captive-bred offspring can no longer be differentiated according to subspecies. However, this is not a problem because different subspecies still belong to the same species and “mixes” are therefore not hybrids. Individual colour mutations have been described for the green-rumped parrotlet, but these apparently rarely or never find their way into the pet trade.
Turquoise-winged parrotlet #
Forpus spengeli
Alternative names: -
German: Türkissperlingspapagei, Kolumbianischer Sperlingspapagei
Calls
Distribution
Conservation
LC – Least concern
Until recently, the turquoise-winged parrotlet was listed one single species with both the riparian parrotlet (Forpus crassirostris) and the cobalt-rumped parrotlet (F. xanthopterygius). However, more recent studies suggest a closer relationship to the green-rumped parrotlet (F. passerinus), which also corresponds to the geographical distribution (Smith et al. 2013). Many sources still list the turquoise-winged parrotlet as a subspecies of the cobalt-rumped parrotlet. Therefore, extremely little is still known about the biology of this species.
Apprearance #
The turquoise-winged parrotlet is also primarily green, much paler overall than the cobalt-rumped parrotletF. xanthopterygius, which was until recently considered to be the same species. The male turquoise-winged parrotlets have a turquoise-blue back and rump, as well as deeper blue coloring on the wings. The female has a prominent yellow tint on the forehead, otherwise the plumage is green.
Beak, cere and feet are a light pinkish or peach colour.
This species measures between 12 and 13 cm and weighs appr. 30 g.
Distribution #
The turquoise-winged parrotlet is distributed from northern Colombia from Sucre through the lower Magdalena Valley to the western and southern foot of the Santa Marta Mountains.
Habitat #
The species generally inhabits semi-arid areas with secondary vegetation, bushes and occasional trees. It is mainly found in lowlands.
Subspecies #
None.
Diet #
Due to its taxonomic history, there are currently no known differences to the diet of the cobalt-rumped parrotlet (F. xanthopterygius), which feeds primarily on fruits and seeds of secondary vegetation, including grass seeds foraged on the ground.
Breeding #
There is also no data available on species-specific reproductive biology. However, it is believed that it overall corresponds to the ecology of F. xanthopterygius that nest in tree holes, termitaria, fence posts or vacated nests of other birds and bring in a few blades of grass as ground cover. The clutch contains 4-7 eggs, the incubation period is approx. 18-21 days and the nestling period is approx. 4-5 weeks.
Husbandry #
When it comes to husbandry, reports are also blurred with those about the cobalt-rumped parrotlet. Since this species is rarely kept and bred, today's offspring are still very shy and quiet, but active and require plenty of space. I couldn't find any information about flock-housing and socialization.
Calls
Distribution
Conservation
VU – vulnerabel
Apprearance #
The aptly named yellow-faced parrotlet's most prominent feature is its bright yellow coloration on the crown and face. The close relationship to the pacific parrotlet is reflected in the bluish eye stripe, which merges into the bluish grey of the hind crown and neck. The back, sides of the neck and wings are olive-grey green. The lower back, rump, upper tail coverts and undersides of the wings are a dark cobalt blue in the male, the secondary coverts are somewhat paler. The chest and belly are green-yellow, the tail is emerald green. In the female, the back and rump are paler blue and the wings show less blue. Sexual dimorphism is relatively low in this species.
Both sexes show a slightly dark coloring of the upper beak, but this is significantly less pronounced than in the dusky-billed parrotlet (F. modestus). Apart from that, the beak, cere and feet are a light pinkish or peach colour.
With a body length of 15 cm and a weight of approx. 35 g, yellow-faced parrotlets are the largest representatives of the genus Forpus.
Distribution #
The yellow-faced parrotlet is endemic to the upper Marañón Valley in north-central Peru. There, its range extends from the southern Amazon through southeastern Cajamarca to eastern La Libertad. The yellow-faced parrotlet is the representative of the genus with the most limited distribution area.
Habitat #
The home valley of the yellow-faced parrotlet cuts a deep gorge longitudinally through the middle of the central Andes and, due to the large eastern Cordilleras, very little moisture reaches the Marañón Valley, resulting in a so-called rainshadow valley. The species lives in small, cross-species flocks in cactus scrub of the mountain desert, in dry leafy scrub and in bank thickets. The habitat extends between 600 and 1800 m altitude.
Subspecies #
None.
Diet #
This species feeds on the legumes of the Parkinsonia species Cercidium praecox, on cactus fruits and seeds, and flowers of Bombax discolor. Yellow-faced parrotlets were also observed on the ground, where they undoubtedly fed on grass seeds. The species also eats ripe wheat from fields.
Breeding #
The breeding season of the yellow-faced parrotlet occurs from March to April. Nests have reportedly been placed in natural soil and rock faces along the Marañón River in colonies of up to 70 birds. Old woodpecker holes are also used. In captivity, the species lays 3-6 eggs. The incubation period is approximately 19-22 days and the nestling period is approximately 32-40 days.
Husbandry #
Although (or perhaps precisely because) the yellow-faced parrotlet has such a limited distribution area, it is relatively common in breeding. The species is very active and requires plenty of space. However, within their species they are easy to keep in flocks. Kept in pairs, they are described as very shy. Yellow-faced parrotlets are more selective when choosing partners than other parrotlets and, even more than other members of the genus, should be allowed to choose their partner freely in a flock. Once found, pairs have a stronger bond than is observed with other parrotlets.
Because this species is so rare in the wild and correspondingly expensive, they have reportedly been cross-bred with pacific parrotlets in the past. It is not known whether such hybrids are still in circulation today. However, if you are interested in this species, you should look particularly carefully when purchasing it. Keeping the species clean is particularly important, especially in view of the vulnerable status of the species in its homeland.
Cobalt-rumped parrolet #
Forpus xanthopterygius
Alternative names: –
German: Blauflügel-Sperlingspapagei
Calls
Distribution
Conservation
LC – Least concern
Apprearance #
Cobalt-rumped parrotlets are green overall, with yellow-green tones on the belly and chest. In males, the secondaries, underwing coverts, lower back and rump are also blue. A blue eye stripe is slightly hinted at. The females lack any blue, instead being completely green with a yellow tinge to their faces.
Beak cere and feet have a slightly grey tinge on top of the light pink base.
This species measures between 12 and 13 cm and weighs appr. 30 g.
Cyanistic specimens (blue mutations) of this species have been spotted in the wild (Pagotto et al. 2020).
Distribution #
The geopraphic range of the cobalt-rumped parrotlet extends from northeastern Brazil south and west through Paraguay and northeastern Argentina to eastern Bolivia.
Habitat #
In the center of its range, the cobalt-rumped parrotlet inhabits gallery forest, light riparian vegetation, matorral (patchy, varied riverine thickets), lowland rainforest edges and secondary vegetation. At the edges of the range, however, it can also be found in open plains, palm groves and semi-arid scrub, as well as pastures, parklands and suburbs. In southeastern Brazil, this species inhabits areas up to 1200 m above sea level.
Subspecies #
Until recently, both the turquoise-winged parrotlet (Forpus spengeli) and the riparian parrotlet (F. crassirostris) were listed as subspecies of the cobalt-rumped parrotlet. In some sources the entire species of cobalt-rumped parrotlets is also referred to under the name F. crassirostris instead of F. xanthopterygius (e.g. Ehlenbröker et al. 2010). Overall, the taxonomic history ofF. xanthopterygius is convoluted and difficult to summarize. The name vivitus is a synonym for xanthopterygius. The subspecies flavissimusa nd flavescens are no longer differentiated today. This means that the cobalt-rumped parrotlet F. xanthopterygius no longer has any subspecies today.
Diet #
Cobalt-rumped parrotlets feed primarily on fruits and seeds of secondary vegetation, including grass seeds taken from the ground. For this species there is detailed information about the species consumed, including seeds of Mikania, Cecropia, Trema micrantha, flowers of Ambrosia polystacha, Marcgravia polyantha Fruits of Cereus jamacaru, Rhipsalis sp. (pulp and seeds), Marcgravia polyantha (fruits), Ficus enormousis (pulp), Turnera ulmifolia (seeds), Partenium hysterophorus (seeds), Malvastrum coromandelianum (seeds and leaves), Albizia Lebereck (seeds) and fruits of Myracrodruon urundeuva. In addition, cobalt-rumped parrotlets have been observed to absorb clay from the outer walls of nests of rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus). The reason for this is unknown, but is probably either to absorb minerals or to test the suitability of the nest for their own use. To search for food, the species sometimes forms flocks of up to 50 individuals.
Breeding #
The exact timing of breeding is unclear, but active nests were observed in south-east Brazil in October and January and in north-east Brazil in March. Nesting takes place in a hole in a tree (e.g. ant trees), in a termitarium, a fence post or in a vacated nest of a rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus). This species also uses some blades of grass as ground cover. Cobalt-rumped parrotlets also sometimes nest in nests of red-rumped caciques (Cacicus haemorrhous). The clutch contains 4-7 eggs, or more in captivity. The incubation period (only by the female) is estimated to be around 18-21 days. The nestling period is approximately 4-5 weeks.
Husbandry #
In human care, cobalt-rumped parrotlets are quiet and shy. They can be kept in pairs or in flocks, provided there is enough space. The species appears to be less aggressive or territorial and could therefore be a candidate for successful socialization with other parrot species. However, the shy nature should be taken into account here. Roommates who are too bold could suppress the little parrots.
Some color mutations have been reported for this species, but these do not appear to have become established in breeding for the long term.
Sources #
Collar, N. and P. F. D. Boesman (2020). Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.grrpar1.01
Collar, N. and P. F. D. Boesman (2020). Yellow-faced Parrotlet (Forpus xanthops), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.yefpar2.01
Collar, N. and P. F. D. Boesman (2023). Spectacled Parrotlet (Forpus conspicillatus), version 1.1. In Birds of the World (B. K. Keeney, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.spepar1.01.1
Collar, N., P. F. D. Boesman, and G. M. Kirwan (2020). Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.pacpar2.01
Collar, N., P. F. D. Boesman, and C. J. Sharpe (2020). Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.mexpar1.01
Collar, N., A. Bonan, and P. F. D. Boesman (2020). Dusky-billed Parrotlet (Forpus modestus), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.dubpar1.01
Collar, N., J. del Hoyo, G. M. Kirwan, and P. F. D. Boesman (2021). Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus xanthopterygius), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (H. F. Greeney, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.buwpar3.01
Collar, N., J. del Hoyo, G. M. Kirwan, and P. F. D. Boesman (2021). Riparian Parrotlet (Forpus crassirostris), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (H. F. Greeney, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.buwpar2.01
Collar, N., J. del Hoyo, G. M. Kirwan, and P. F. D. Boesman (2021). Turquoise-winged Parrotlet (Forpus spengeli), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (H. F. Greeney, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.buwpar1.01
Jörg Ehlenbröker, Renate Ehlenbröker & Eckhard Lietzow: Agaporniden und Sperlingspapageien: Edition Gefiederte Welt. Ulmer, Stuttgart 2010, ISBN 978-3-8001-5431-9
J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana. Birds of the World. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/home (Stand Dezember 2023)
Pagotto, A., Muscat, E., & Rotenberg, E. (2020). Out of the blue, a cyanistic parrotlet, Forpus xanthopterygius (Psittaciformes: Picittacidae) in the Mantiqueira Mountains. Atualidades Ornitológicas, 210, julho e agosto de 2019. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339508104
Rosas-Espinoza, V. C., Castro-Félix, L. P., Hudon, J., Gutiérrez, C. A. D. L. T., Ríos, A. C., & Santiago-Pérez, A. L. (2021). Encounter of a cyanistic Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius) in west-central Mexico. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 132(3), 703–708. https://doi.org/10.1676/19-41
Karl Heinz Spitzer: Sperlingspapageien: Arten und Rassen, Haltung und Zucht. Ulmer, Stuttgart 1992, ISBN 978-3-8334-8551-0
