blue-fronted-parrotlet-1600
Photo: © David M. Bell eBird S17542229 Macaulay Library ML 25809661
blue-fronted-parrolet

Blue-fronted Parrotlet

Touit dilectissimus
Periquito Alirrojo
map-colombia-blue-fronted-parrotlet
bird-song-square

Song

Blue-fronted Parrotlet

Appearance: The Blue-fronted Parrotlet is a small parrot measuring about 17 cm in length. Characterized by its vibrant green body with a blue patch on the forehead and along the wings. The underparts are a lighter green or yellowish, while the beak is horn-colored or pale. Males have more pronounced blue markings than females, which may have a more subdued coloration.
Habitat: This parrotlet is found in northern and eastern Colombia. Prefers open woodlands, scrublands, and areas near agricultural lands. They thrive in both lowland and semi-arid habitats, often occupying regions with scattered trees or patches of forest.
Behavior: The Blue-fronted Parrotlet is highly social and often found in small to medium-sized flocks. They are known for their playful and lively behavior. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, fruits, and flowers. They are foragers, often searching for food on the ground and in trees. They produce soft chirping sounds and can be quite vocal, communicating with each other through a variety of calls.
Breeding: Breeding occurs in the rainy season. They nest in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. A female usually lays between 3 to 6 eggs, which both parents incubate. The chicks are altricial, hatching helpless and dependent on their parents for food and care. They fledge approximately 4 to 6 weeks after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Blue-fronted Parrotlet is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. 

Distribution

North East Colombia to Perijá Mts and Eastern Andes.

Taxonomy

The Blue-fronted Parrotlet (Touit dilectissimus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Touit 
  • Species: Touit dilectissimus

Vocalization

High-Pitched Sounds: The Blue-fronted Parrotlet produces a variety of high-pitched, clear chirps and whistles that are often lively and cheerful in quality.
Variety of Calls: Their vocalizations include soft tweets, trills, and chattering sounds. These calls can vary in intensity and can be used for different social interactions.
Social Communication: Vocalizations play a crucial role in maintaining contact within flocks. During foraging or while perched in trees, these calls help reinforce social bonds among group members. Calls might increase in frequency and volume during active social interactions or when the birds are excited.
Alarm Calls: The Blue-fronted Parrotlet also emits specific alarm calls when sensing danger or spotting potential predators, alerting other parrotlets in the vicinity.
Mimicry: While not known for extensive mimicry, they can imitate some sounds from their environment or other bird calls, adding a unique aspect to their vocal repertoire.