Periquito Zafiro
Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet
Touit purpuratus
Song
Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet
Appearance: The Sapphire-fronted Parrotlet measures 17 cm (6.7 in) in length. Its plumage is bright green with vibrant blue on the forehead and crown. The face and cheeks can have a slight yellowish hue, while the wings feature blue and yellow highlights. Males have more vibrant colors compared to females in the blue forehead area.
Habitat: The Sapphire-fronted Parrotlet is found in subtropical or tropical dry forests, as well as in open woodlands and scrubland. In Colombia, they are mainly distributed in the northern regions, including areas of Cesar, La Guajira, and the Magdalena Valley. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation and thickets for cover.
Behavior: Known to be social birds, often found in pairs or small groups. They exhibit playful behavior and are quite active. They have a range of chirpy and melodious calls that can be heard during social interactions, particularly when foraging. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, fruits, and flowers. They are adept at foraging and often explore their surroundings for food.
Breeding: The Sapphire-fronted Parrotlet nests in tree cavities or hollows. They may also use abandoned nests of other birds. The breeding season coincides with the rainy season. Females lay around 4-6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 18 days. The chicks fledge around 6-7 weeks after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Sapphire-fronted Parrotlet is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.
Distribution
This parrotlet is found in southeastern Colombia in the departments of Putumayo, Caquetá, Guaviare, Vaupés and Guainía.
Taxonomy
The Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet (Touit purpuratus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Touit
- Species: Touit purpuratus
Vocalization
General Characteristics: Their calls are soft and melodious, characterized by a series of high-pitched chirps and whistles.
Social Interactions: The Sapphire-fronted Parrotlets are quite social, and their vocalizations are often used to maintain contact with flock members and express excitement, especially during foraging or playful activities.
Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, their calls may become more pronounced as they engage in courtship rituals. Males may sing more frequently to attract females and establish territory.
Variety of Sounds: In addition to their chirps, they can produce a variety of sounds, including trills and whistles, which they use to communicate different emotions or states, such as alarm or curiosity.
Contextual Use: The context of vocalizations can vary; for example, softer calls may be used when they are resting or in dense foliage, while louder calls are often employed when they are more active or in flight.
