Periquito Pacífico
Pacific Parrotlet
Forpus coelestis
Song
Pacific Parrotlet
Appearance: Pacific Parrotlets are small parrots, measuring about 11–14 cm (4.3–5.5 in) in length.They exhibit sexual dimorphism. Males are vibrant green with a striking blue streak behind the eyes and on the wings. Females are primarily green, lacking the blue markings. They have a pale beak and dark eyes, which stand out against their colorful plumage.
Habitat: These parrotlets inhabit dry forests, shrublands, and semi-arid regions. They are often found in areas with sparse vegetation and are well-adapted to dry environments. They are primarily found in the southwestern regions, although their range extends into neighboring countries.
Behavior: Pacific Parrotlets are social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are known for their playful and curious nature. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. They forage both on the ground and in trees.
Breeding: Pacific Parrotlets typically nest in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other birds. They may also use man-made structures if available. The breeding season varies depending on the region but generally occurs during the rainy season when food is abundant. Females lay between 4 to 6 eggs, which are incubated for 18–22 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks once they hatch.
Conservation Status: The Pacific Parrotlet is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Pacific Coast: The Pacific Parrotlet is commonly found in the humid tropical forests along the Pacific coast of Colombia. This includes areas such as Chocó and parts of Valle del Cauca.
Lowland Areas: The parrotlet inhabits lowland areas with dry to moist forest conditions, often near open habitats like savannas or agricultural lands.
Taxonomy
The Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Forpus
- Species: Forpus coelestis
Vocalization
The Pacific parrotlet is known for its vocalizations, which include a variety of chirps, tweets, and calls. These vocalizations are used for communication between individuals, including mate attraction, territorial defense, and social interactions within flocks.
Pacific parrotlets are generally not as loud as some larger parrot species, but they can be quite vocal and expressive. Their calls are high-pitched and can be described as a series of short, sharp notes. They may also mimic sounds from their environment, although they are not as prolific mimics as some other parrot species like African greys or budgerigars.
In captivity, Pacific parrotlets can learn to recognize and respond to their owner's voice, and some may even learn to mimic simple words or phrases. However, their primary form of communication remains their natural calls and sounds. It's important for owners to pay attention to these vocalizations, as changes in their frequency or intensity can indicate stress, illness, or changes in the bird's environment.
