Periquito Piquinegro
Dusky-billed Parrotlet
Forpus modestus
Song
Dusky-billed Parrotlet
Appearance: The dusky-billed parrotlet is relatively small, and has a green plumage. The males have a more vivid green color with some bluish hues on the wings. The beak is a distinguishing feature, being dark or dusky-colored, which gives the species its name. Males and females can be similar in appearance, though males may have more pronounced blue markings.
Habitat: This species is found in various parts of South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. It inhabits tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in lowland forests, forest edges, and sometimes in more open areas such as savannas and agricultural lands.
Behavior: Dusky-billed parrotlets are often seen in small flocks, which may consist of family groups. They are social birds, engaging in mutual preening and vocalizations. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, fruits, and possibly some insects. They are known to forage both in the trees and on the ground.
Breeding: These parrotlets typically nest in tree cavities, which they may either find or excavate themselves. The breeding season can vary depending on the region, but generally involves the female laying a clutch of eggs, which she incubates. The male often assists by feeding the female and the chicks once they hatch.
Conservation Status: This species is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
Amazon Basin: The dusky-billed parrotlet is primarily found in the Amazonian lowlands of Colombia. This includes regions in the departments of Amazonas, Caquetá, Guaviare, Guainía, and Vaupés. These areas are characterized by tropical rainforest habitats which provide the necessary environment for the species.
Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales): Although less common than in the Amazon Basin, it can also be found in the transitional zones between the Amazon and the Llanos, in areas with gallery forests and riverine habitats.
Orinoco Region: This region, which overlaps with parts of the Llanos Orientales, may also host populations of this bird, in areas with forest cover.
Taxonomy
The Dusky-billed Parrotlet (Forpus modestus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Forpus
- Species: Forpus modestus
Vocalization
Contact Calls: These are used to maintain communication between members of a flock or between mates, especially when they are out of sight of each other.
Alarm Calls: Sharp, loud calls may be used to alert other parrotlets to potential danger or predators.
Social Interactions: Vocalizations play a role in social bonding and interactions within flocks. This can include softer, more varied calls used during grooming or other social behaviors.
Territorial Calls: In some cases, vocalizations may be used to establish or defend territory, although this is less prominent in parrotlets compared to larger parrot species..
