Birbs

Parrotlets

Parrotlet

The parrotlet parrot might be small in size but it is big in personality. These pint-size parrots are bold and assertive, and they can learn to talk, too. Parrotlet prices can range from 120$ to 300$ but usally at least 200$.

CONTENTS

Native Region / Natural Habitat
Care & Feeding
Personality & Behavior
Speech & Sound
Health & Common Conditions
Get a Parrotlet

COLOR

blue, green, yellow

SIZE

small

LIFESPAN

Up to 20 years

SOUNDS

Vocal communicator

INTERACTION

Social

OTHER BIRDS IN THIS FAMILY

Pacific Parrotlet

QUICK FACTS

Parrotlets are the smallest of the New World parrots
Diet & Nutrition: Parrot food

Parrotlets may look like little green parakeets, but they are not priced like parakeets, nor do they share the same temperament. At 5 inches in length, they are also a couple of inches smaller than parakeets.

There are several species of parrotlet, but only two are commonly found in the pet trade, the Pacific parrotlet (Forpus coelestis) and the green-rumped parrotlet (Forpus passerinus), though most of the others are available if you inquire from breeders.

The Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis) has become one of the more popular small birds in the country, and is the most common of the various parrotlet species. Originating in Mexico and Central and South America, these "pocket parrots" have caught on fast. They have the personality of a "large bird in a small bird's body," and are often compared to Amazon parrots, a family of parrots said to be their close cousins. Indeed, they do resemble the Amazons, with short, stout bodies and a somewhat blunt tail. The male is green with a blue streak behind the eye and blue on the rump and wing-coverts. Females lack the blue coloring, and may or may not have a faint blue streak behind the eye.

Pacific Parrotlets are not noisy birds, making them great for people living in apartments. They will repeat words and simple phrases, but are not known to be the finest talkers of the parrotlet family. Pacifics are very spirited, and can become aggressive if left for too long without handling. Even though it is tiny, do not underestimate the strong beak - its bite is much stronger than a budgie.

The next most popular species is the Green-rumped parrotlet (Forpus passerinus), which is the smallest of the group. Like the Pacific, the males have blue on the wings and the females do not. They are a little gentler than the Pacific parrotlet, but may take a longer time to acclimate to new surroundings. This species might be better for the parrotlet novice.

Native Region / Natural Habitat

Parrotlets in the wild can be found in Mexico and Central and South America.

Care & Feeding

Parrotlets might be small but that doesn't mean that a small cage will do. A spacious wide cage with 1/4 inch bar spacing is ideal. These are active birds that need their play space and plenty of toys to keep them busy. Parrot kabobs and other shreddable toys are parrotlet favorites, and they also like swings and boings.

Parrotlets should have a pellet-based diet supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as some seed. They also need a calcium source, such as cuttlebone. You might have to dice up their fruit so they can sink their tiny beaks into it. Nutri-Berries, Avi-Cakes, Premium Daily Diet are some great Lafeber foods for parrotlets.