Parrotlets (Forpus, Touit, and Nannopsittaca spp.) Species Profile

Forpus, Touit, and Nannopsittaca spp.

Parrotlets are often described as big parrots in a little body. They exhibit all of the inquisitiveness, curiosity, intelligence, and emotional needs of their larger counterparts, but rarely exceed six inches in stature. There are 3 genera and 16 species of Parrotlets:

Forpus coelestis - Pacific or Celestial	Touit melanonota - Brown Backed
Forpus passerinus - Green Rumped	Touit surda - Golden Tailed
Forpus conspicillatus - Spectacled	Touit dilectissima - Red Winged
Forpus xanthopterygius - Blue Winged	Touit purpurata - Sapphire Rumped
Forpus cyanopygius - Mexican	Touit huetii - Scarlet Shouldered
Forpus xanthops - Yellow Faced	Touit batavica - Seven Colored
Forpus sclateri - Sclater's	Touit stictoptera - Spot Winged
Nannopsittaca panychlora - Tepui	Nannopsittaca dachilleae - Amazonian

Of these, the Pacific or Celestial, Green Rumped, and the Spectacled are the most common parrotlets in the pet industry. The Pacific is the largest and has the most outgoing personality, including being very stubborn and strong-willed. For example, many Parrotlets will resist being taken from their cage. This behavior may be even stronger in the Pacific; however, with consistent kind handling, this behavior can also be overcome.

Parrotlets are some of the more quiet members of the parrot family. This characteristic, in addition to their size, and the fact that they do best when kept singly makes them a good choice for apartment dwellers. In general, these are colorful, loving, outgoing birds that can exhibit entertaining and comical behaviors. The average price of a Parrotlet ranges from $100-$300, depending on species.

Quick Stats: Parrotlets

Family: Psittacidae
Origin: Mexico (Forpus cyanopygius) and throughout South America
Size: Depending on species, 3" to 6.5"
Coloration: Varies with species, however, all have predominance of green. Color mutations include American Yellow, European Yellow, Lutino, Blue, Fallow, American Dark Factor, and White
Diet: 65-80% high-quality commercial diet (pellets, crumbles or nuggets). The rest of the diet should consist of 15-30% vegetables and 5% fresh fruits. Use many varieties of fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly. See Basic Nutrition for Psittacines (Parrot Family) for more information. In the wild, blossoms, seed heads, fruits, and berries make up the diet.
Cage Size: Minimum of 16" H x 18" L x 14" W
Grooming: Trim beaks, nails, and flight feathers as necessary. (Safety Note: Often can still fly even if flight feathers are trimmed.)
Compatibility/Disposition: Not compatible with other birds, including their own species. Do best when kept as a single parrot in the household. Exception: Mexican Parrots, although rare, are the only species to congregate and breed in colonies.

Vocalization: Call varies somewhat with species, but generally a shrill, high-pitched twitter or screech. Otherwise a quiet voice without much talking or mimicry.
Playfulness: Outgoing, comical, curious, and intelligent. Although one of the better species at being able to entertain itself, still demands daily interaction with the family. Will bond with the person it spends the most time with - not necessarily the person feeding it.
Life Span: 20-30 years
Age at Maturity: Approx. 12 months
Nesting Sites in the Wild: Tree hollows and hollow limbs.
Breeding Season: Varies among species and location; however, generally between April-November.
Sexing: Most species are sexually dimorphic (Tepui and some of the rarer Touit species are not).
Special: Enjoy toys of all kinds. Should be handled daily.