From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Parrotlets are a species of the smallest New World parrots, comprising three genera. One of these genera, Forpus, is growing in popularity within the world of aviculture, raising interest in the group as a whole.
General
Parrotlets are very small, with a stocky build and a broad tail, much like the lovebird species of East Africa and fig parrot and pygmy parrot species of Australasia. At 4˝–5 inches(11-12cm) long, they are the second smallest kind of parrot in the world.
One of the most common species kept as pets is the Pacific Parrotlet. The wild type coloring for this species is green, but several color mutations have been discovered through selective breeding. Parrotlets are sexually dimorphic, meaning males can be distinguished from females. Males have markings of cobalt blue on their head, wings and tail. Females generally lack these blue markings.
These miniature parrots in the wild travel in flocks which, depending on the species can range from as low as four to over 100 birds. Most either species travel in flocks of about 5–40. This species forms strong pair bonds with mates.
Life expectancy
With a healthy diet, much exercise and healthy environment, the Parrotlet has a life expectancy of 20 to 30 years.
Speech and training
They can learn more than 10–15 words and can "whistle" songs well. They have about the same speaking and whistling capabilities of a cockatiel. They are also very good learners for commands such as "step up", "kiss-kiss", "step down", and other small commands. Some parrotlets can learn advanced tricks, but not as advanced as a Macaw or an African Grey Parrot. Having the ability to speak does not necessarily mean a bird will speak; it depends on the specific bird's personality.
Demeanor
These feisty little birds should not be overlooked in favor of more widely known types of birds; any Parrotlet owner will tell you that these birds possess all the intelligence and attitude of the largest of macaws. These birds are fairly quiet companions, making them ideal for those who live in apartments or condominiums.
Aviculture
The most commonly kept parrotlet in aviculture is by far the Pacific Parrotlet, which now has several color mutations such as yellow, blue, lutino and white. The Mexican, Spectacled, and Yellow-Faced are also fairly common pets. Their popularity as pets has grown due to their small size and large personalities. Parrotlets are commonly known as playful birds that enjoy chewing as much as their larger Amazon Parrot counterparts. Being highly intelligent and active parrots, Parrolets must have ample opportunities to play and exercise. Environmental enrichment must be made a part of their lives as to prevent boredom. Parrotlets keep themselves more than occupied when left alone for several hours, so long as they are provided with an array of chewable and destructible toys to play with. However, when their keepers get home, they often greet them with lovely chirps and whistles to let them know they want attention.
Genera
Forpus
Forpus, the best-known genus of parrotlet, includes all species of parrotlet commonly kept as pets including the Pacific Parrotlet, Celestial Parrotlet, Mexican Parrotlet, and the Spectacled Parrotlet.
Touit
The Touit parrotlets are a genus of parrotlets found in The Venezuela-Guyana area, Northern Andes, and Bahia. Only three of the seven species have ever been brought into aviculture, with all three failing to keep them alive, or breed them.
Nannopsittaca
There are only two species in the Genus Nannopsittaca, of which only one—Nannopsittaca panychlora, the Tepui Parrot—has been successfully kept in captivity.
DIET: Fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked rice, grains, sprouted seeds, seeds, nuts.
LIFESPAN: 20 + years.
HOUSING: 18" x 18" x 18" MINIMUM cage with daily exercise or larger cage/aviary.
PET QUALITY: Excellent
SIZE: Small size parrot approx. 4 1/2" 35 grams
NOISE LEVEL: Fair/good talking ability. Very quiet noise level. Good choice for apartments.
EXTRA COMMENT: Pacific Parrotlets make excellent pets. They are small and quiet. They are very easy-to-care-for and can learn to talk. Both males and females can learn to talk although not all birds will talk. They are sometimes difficult to understand with squeaky voices. Acrobatic clowns, parrotlets are superb companions. Note that they can be very territorial and become nippy if not handled properly. Children must be closely suspervised when handling all birds.
~ AFRICAN GREY PARROTS ~ GOFFIN'S COCKATOOS ~ UMBRELLA COCKATOOS ~
~ ECLECTUS ~ BLUE & GOLD MACAWS ~
