Pacific Parrotlet

Least Concern

Forpus coelestis

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About

The Pacific Parrotlet, also known as Lesson's Parrotlet, is a small, stocky parrot native to western South America. It is one of the smallest parrot species, characterized by its predominantly green plumage and distinct sexual dimorphism, with males displaying prominent blue markings.

Size & lifespan

Length: 12-13 cm
Wingspan: Approximately 20-22 cm
Weight: 25-30 g
Lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity
Diet: Herbivore (primarily granivorous and frugivorous)

Physical characteristics

Plumage: Overall bright green plumage. Males have a distinctive cobalt-blue streak behind the eye, blue primary and secondary coverts, and blue on the rump. Females are entirely green, sometimes with a faint yellowish wash on the face and underparts, and lack the blue markings.
Beak shape: Small, hooked, and strong beak, typically horn-colored or pale pinkish-grey.
Eye color: Dark brown with a narrow, pale periophthalmic ring.
Leg color: Greyish-pink to grey.
Distinguishing features: Its small size, stocky build, and the male's striking blue markings are key. The short, pointed tail is also characteristic of parrotlets.
Juvenile appearance: Juveniles resemble adult females, being entirely green. Young males gradually develop their blue markings, which may be duller or less extensive than adult males.
Seasonal changes: No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round.
Sexual dimorphism: Pronounced. Males have extensive blue markings (post-ocular streak, wing coverts, rump). Females lack these blue markings and are entirely green, sometimes with a slightly paler or yellowish face.

How to identify

1
Size and Shape
Look for a very small, stocky parrot with a short, pointed tail. Its compact build is distinctive among parrots.
2
Male Plumage
Observe for bright green overall plumage with striking cobalt-blue markings: a streak behind the eye, blue on the primary and secondary wing coverts, and a blue rump. These blue patches are diagnostic for males.
3
Female Plumage
Females are entirely green, sometimes with a subtle yellowish tint on the face or underparts, but crucially lack any blue markings. Their uniform green color distinguishes them from males.
4
Vocalizations
Listen for their characteristic sharp, high-pitched 'chit-chit' or 'tsit-tsit' calls, often given in rapid succession, especially in flight or when disturbed. These calls are a good indicator of their presence.
5
Flight Pattern
Note their fast, direct, and somewhat undulating flight with rapid wing beats. They often fly in small, tight flocks.

Habitat & range

Biomes: Tropical and subtropical dry forests, deciduous woodlands, scrublands, and semi-arid regions.
Geographic range: Pacific slope of western South America, from southwestern Ecuador (El Oro, Loja) south through northwestern Peru (Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Ancash, Lima, Ica).
Elevation range: Sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters (occasionally higher, up to 2,000 meters).
Preferred environments: Prefers areas with thorny scrub, cacti, and scattered trees, often near agricultural areas or human settlements where food sources are abundant. They adapt well to disturbed habitats.

Behavior

Activity time: Diurnal. Most active during the early morning and late afternoon, resting during the hottest parts of the day.
Feeding habits: Feeds primarily on seeds of grasses and shrubs, berries, fruits (especially figs), and flower buds. They forage in trees and on the ground, often in small, active flocks.
Social behavior: Typically found in small flocks of 5-20 individuals outside the breeding season. During breeding, they form monogamous pairs. They are generally social but can be territorial around nesting sites.
Flight pattern: Fast, direct, and undulating flight with rapid wing beats. They are agile flyers, especially when navigating dense vegetation.
Migration pattern: Resident throughout its range, with no significant migratory movements. Local movements may occur in response to food availability.
Territoriality: Pairs are territorial during the breeding season, defending their nesting site. Flocks are less territorial outside of breeding.

Song & calls

Song: Does not have a complex song. Vocalizations are primarily short, sharp, high-pitched chirps and chattering calls.
Call: Common calls include a sharp, metallic 'chit-chit' or 'tsit-tsit' often repeated rapidly, especially in flight or when alarmed. They also produce softer, twittering contact calls within a flock.
When they vocalize: Vocalizes frequently throughout the day, particularly when foraging, in flight, or when communicating with flock members. Calls become more insistent when disturbed.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season: Varies geographically, but generally occurs during the rainy season, typically from January to May in Peru and Ecuador.
Nesting habits: Nests in tree cavities, abandoned woodpecker holes, or sometimes in crevices in cliffs or old buildings. They do not add nesting material, laying eggs directly on the floor of the cavity.
Clutch size: 3-7 eggs, most commonly 4-6.
Egg description: Small, white, and elliptical. Typically unspotted.
Incubation period: Approximately 18-22 days.
Fledging period: Chicks fledge (leave the nest) around 4-5 weeks after hatching.
Parental care: Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young. The female primarily incubates, while the male brings food to her and later to the chicks.

Where to find

Dry Forests and Scrublands

Focus on areas with thorny scrub, cacti, and scattered trees along the Pacific coast of Ecuador and Peru. These are their primary natural habitats.

Agricultural Areas

They often frequent cultivated lands, orchards, and gardens, especially those with fruit trees or seed-bearing plants, as these provide abundant food sources.

Forest Edges and Disturbed Habitats

Look along the edges of remaining forest patches and in areas that have been modified by human activity, as they are quite adaptable.

Field tips

Listen for Calls. Their high-pitched, sharp calls are often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are hidden in dense foliage. Learn to recognize their distinctive vocalizations.
Scan Fruiting Trees. Spend time observing fruiting trees, especially figs, and seed-bearing shrubs. They are often found foraging actively in these locations.
Look for Movement in Flocks. Outside the breeding season, they are usually in small, active flocks. Look for sudden movements or flashes of green as they fly between trees or forage.
Early Morning/Late Afternoon. These are their most active feeding times. Plan your birdwatching during these periods for the best chance of spotting them.

Similar species

Green-rumped Parrotlet

Forpus passerinus

The Green-rumped Parrotlet (F. passerinus) has a more easterly distribution (northern South America). Males of F. passerinus have blue primary coverts but lack the blue post-ocular streak and blue on the rump found in male Pacific Parrotlets. Females of F. passerinus are entirely green, similar to F. coelestis females, making identification challenging where ranges might overlap or in captivity.

Spectacled Parrotlet

Forpus conspicillatus

The Spectacled Parrotlet (F. conspicillatus) is found further north in Colombia and Panama. Males have a distinct blue eye-ring (spectacles) and blue on the wing coverts and rump. Females have a yellowish wash on the face and lack blue. The blue eye-ring is a key distinguishing feature from F. coelestis.

Quick facts

Size:: Very small (12-13 cm)
Male Markings:: Cobalt-blue post-ocular streak, wing coverts, and rump
Female Markings:: Entirely green
Habitat:: Dry forests, scrublands, agricultural areas
Diet:: Seeds, fruits, berries, flower buds
Conservation Status:: Least Concern

Fun facts

Despite their small size, Pacific Parrotlets are known for their bold and feisty personalities, often referred to as 'pocket parrots'.
They are one of the most popular parrotlet species kept as pets due to their intelligence and relatively quiet nature compared to larger parrots.
Their scientific name 'coelestis' means 'heavenly' or 'celestial', likely referring to the beautiful blue markings on the males.
Pacific Parrotlets are excellent at camouflage, and their green plumage allows them to blend seamlessly into the foliage, making them surprisingly difficult to spot despite their bright color.

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Forpus
Species: Forpus coelestis

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