Periquito Sietecolores
Lilac-tailed Parrot
Touit batavicus
Song
Lilac-tailed Parrot
Appearance: The Lilac-tailed Parrot is a small parrot characterized by its vibrant green plumage with a distinctive lilac tail, giving it its name. Its wings feature blue and yellow accents, while the head is green with a slightly darker shade around the face. The beak is short and strong, suitable for cracking seeds and fruits.
Habitat: This species is found in the subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and the montane forests. They thrive in areas with dense foliage, providing ample food sources and safety from predators. They can also be seen in humid tropical areas, often residing in the canopy.
Behavior: Lilac-tailed Parrots are social birds observed in small flocks. They are known for their playful behavior and can often be seen engaging in acrobatics among the branches. Their diet mainly consists of fruits, seeds, and nuts. They areactive during the daytime (diurnal) and rely on vocalizations to communicate with each other.
Breeding: Breeding occurs during the rainy season. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs in tree cavities, which both parents help incubate. The chicks are altricial, meaning they are born helpless and depend on their parents for food and care. Fledging occurs after about 6-8 weeks.
Conservation Status: In Colombia, It is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Distribution
North of Colombia and Santa Marta mountains.
Taxonomy
The Lilac-tailed Parrotlet (Touit batavicus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Touit batavicus
- Species: Touit batavicus
Vocalization
Calls: The vocalizations of the Lilac-tailed Parrot are described as high-pitched and squeaky. They often emit short, sharp calls that can vary in intensity. These parrots use their calls to maintain contact with flock members, particularly in dense foliage where visibility is limited. Their sounds help reinforce social bonds within the group.
Alarm Calls: When threatened by predators or disturbances, Lilac-tailed Parrots produce specific alarm calls that alert other members of their flock to potential danger.
Mimicry: While not as adept at mimicry as some other parrot species, they can sometimes replicate sounds from their environment, adding variety to their vocal repertoire.
Breeding Calls: During the breeding season, vocalizations may intensify as part of courtship displays, with males often calling to attract females.
