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Photo: © Jay McGowan eBird S27010954 Macaulay Library ML 23419181
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Green-rumped Parrotlet

Forpus passerinus
Periquito Coliverde
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Song

Green-rumped Parrotlet

Appearance: The Green-rumped Parrotlet is one of the smallest parrot species, measuring about 13 cm (5.0 in) in length. It has a bright green plumage. Males have a blue patch on their wings, while females are more uniformly green. They have a short tail and a stout, hooked beak.
Habitat: This species is commonly found in open and semi-open areas, including savannas, scrublands, and forest edges. They are adaptable birds and can also be found in agricultural areas and urban gardens.
Behavior: Green-rumped Parrotlets are social and often seen in pairs or small flocks. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and insects. They are known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of chirps and calls used for communication within flocks.
Breeding: They nest in tree cavities, but they can also use artificial nest boxes. The female lays about 4 to 6 eggs, which she incubates for around 18-22 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks. Breeding season coincides with the rainy season when food is abundant.
Conservation Status: The Green-rumped Parrotlet is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
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Photo: © Jay McGowan eBird S27010954 Macaulay Library ML 23419181
FEMALE
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Photo: © Jay McGowan eBird S9111448 Macaulay Library ML 23465941

Distribution

Caribbean Region: This includes areas along the northern coast. The parrotlet is often found in open habitats, such as savannas and agricultural lands, which are prevalent in this region.

Orinoco Region: This region includes the eastern plains of Los Llanos. It provides  open and semi-open habitats for the green-rumped parrotlet.

Magdalena Valley: The parrotlet can also be found in the Magdalena River Valley, which runs through the central part of northern Colombia. This area offers a mix of agricultural and natural landscapes.

Taxonomy

The Green-rumped-Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Forpus
  • Species: Forpus passerinus

Vocalization

Contact Calls: These are used to maintain communication between individuals, especially between mated pairs or parents and their offspring. The calls help them stay connected while foraging or flying.

Social Interactions: Parrotlets also engage in vocalizations during social interactions within their flocks. These can include softer, more varied sounds used in friendly exchanges or during mating rituals.
Alarm Calls: Green-rumped Parrotlets have specific calls to alert others of potential danger. These calls are sharp and loud to quickly grab attention.
Learning and Mimicry: While not as proficient as some larger parrots, Green-rumped Parrotlets can learn and mimic sounds from their environment, including elements of human speech though this is less common.