Green-Rumped Parrotlet
Description
The green-rumped parrotlet (Forpus passerinus) is a small Neotropical parrot. It is one of seven species in the genus Forpus and is found in Northeastern South America.
The green-rumped parrotlet is about 12 cm (4.8 in) long and weighs 23 g and is the smallest parrot found in the Americas. Green-rumped parrotlets exhibit sexual dimorphism. Both sexes are primarily bright green with short tails and a pinkish beak. Males have a brilliant blue wing patch; females lack blue but have some yellow on the head. The subspecies F. p. viridissimus of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago is darker green than the nominate F. p. passerinus, and the males have more strongly blue-tinged wings. Green-rumped parrotlets make light, twittering calls. Contact calls are individually distinct and are used for individual mate recognition.
Scientific Name
Country Of Origin
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Low
Talk / Trick Ability
Fair
Characteristics
While parrotlets are active and clownish, green-rumped parrotlet are little more reserved than other parrotlets and may need additional socialization. Similar in personality to Amazon parrots, green-rumped parrotlets are intelligent and affectionate pet birds. The small, but active green-rumped parrotlet likes to swing and play with toys. They also require a cage large enough to accommodate their activities.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Green-rumped parrotlets can be aggressive. It is recommended that green-rumped parrotlets remain separate from other birds. They are curious, so watch out for accidents. Green-rumped parrotlets have voracious appetites and often require more food than a similarly-sized parrot, such as a lovebird.
Expert Advice
“Green-rumped parrotlets might possibly be the gentlest little birds I’ve ever met. Socialization is the key here. If you get your bird from a breeder who genuinely makes an effort to socialize the babies, these guys make fabulous pets. They aren’t as aggressive as other species of parrotlets, but they could turn out to be shy or nervous if not properly socialized. They like to hang out with you, and they very rarely bite if handled gently. They have a pleasant demeanor. They play hard, and they need a big cage for their size. They will enjoy lots of toys. They are moderately noisy. They make about as much noise as a budgie, but it is not constant chatter.”
Natasha Laity-Snyder, CVT and The Gabriel Foundation director of education and outreach