Green parrotlets are small parrots known for their vibrant plumage. Their compact size and lively demeanor make them appealing to bird enthusiasts.
Physical Characteristics and Natural Habitat
Green parrotlets are among the smallest parrot species, measuring between 4.7 to 5.5 inches in length and weighing 0.71 to 1 ounce. Their plumage is predominantly bright green, with lighter green on their forehead, cheeks, and underparts. Males of the green-rumped parrotlet (Forpus passerinus) display purplish-blue primary and secondary feathers and blue on the leading edges of their wings, while females lack these blue markings and have more yellow-green on their heads.
These birds are native to tropical South America, with the green-rumped parrotlet found from northern Venezuela eastward to the lower Amazon in Brazil, including Caribbean regions of Colombia and Trinidad. The Pacific parrotlet, another well-known species, is indigenous to western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. They inhabit semi-open lowland areas, dry scrubland, deciduous woodlands, gallery forests, and even city parks.
Their diet in the wild consists of seeds from grasses and forbs, along with flowers, buds, berries, and fruits. They have been observed consuming seeds from fruit trees such as Annona species and guava. This diverse diet supports their active lifestyle.
Social Behaviors and Breeding
Green parrotlets are highly social birds, gathering in flocks that can range from four to over a hundred individuals. They communicate through vocalizations, including squawks or loud calls, especially when alarmed or interacting with flock members. These vocalizations are part of their daily routine, observed during morning and dusk gatherings for eating and grooming.
Green parrotlets form strong pair bonds and mate for life. Breeding occurs during the wet season, with pairs seeking out nesting sites in natural tree cavities or holes in arboreal termite mounds. Some parrotlet species also utilize abandoned nests of other birds.
Female parrotlets lay one egg every day or every other day, with clutch sizes ranging from three to seven eggs, sometimes up to ten. The female alone incubates the small, white eggs for 18 to 22 days. While the female handles incubation and brooding, the male forages for food for both his mate and the newly hatched chicks. Chicks fledge, or leave the nest, about one to two months after hatching, but may continue to be fed by their parents for a few more weeks and often remain with their siblings.
Living with Green Parrotlets
Green parrotlets, despite their small size, have personalities often compared to larger Amazon parrots. They are known for being bold, curious, playful, and assertive. These intelligent birds form strong bonds with their owners and can make engaging companion animals when properly socialized.
Their intelligence means they require mental stimulation and daily interaction to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Providing toys like shreddable options, swings, and boings helps keep them engaged. While not all parrotlets will develop extensive vocabularies, some individuals can learn to mimic several words and short phrases, along with sounds and whistles.
Prospective owners should be prepared to dedicate a few hours daily to interacting and playing with their parrotlet. A hand-fed parrotlet kept singly develops a strong bond with its human companions, as keeping multiple parrotlets together can lead to them bonding with each other rather than with humans. Their small size and lower tendency to scream compared to larger parrots can make them suitable for apartment living.