Pacific Parrotlet

Overview

The Pacific Parrotlet is a tiny parrot native to the arid and semi-arid lowlands of western Ecuador and northern Peru. Despite its small size, it shows a clear sexual difference in wing and rump coloring.

• Among the smallest parrot species
• Short, squared tail relative to body
• Stubby, pale bill

Feather Identification

Body feathers are green in both sexes, with males additionally showing blue feathering on the rump, a stripe behind the eye, and blue in the wing coverts and secondaries. Females lack blue markings and appear more uniformly green.

• Flight feathers: Green in females; males show blue-tinged secondaries and covert feathers
• Tail feathers: Short and green
• Sex-based mark: Blue rump and eye-stripe feathers reliably indicate a male; their absence indicates a female

The tiny overall size combined with the presence or absence of blue wing/rump feathering is the most useful identification approach for this species, distinguishing it from the similarly small Green-rumped and Blue-winged Parrotlets by subtle differences in the extent and placement of blue.

This species shows clear sexual dimorphism: males have blue markings on the rump, eye-stripe, and wing, while females are essentially all green. Juveniles resemble females initially, with young males developing blue feathering as they mature. Molt is gradual through the year.

Pacific Parrotlets favor dry deciduous forest, scrub, and woodland edge in the arid lowlands of their limited South American range. They are largely resident, with only local movements related to food availability.

These small parrots are active and social, often foraging in pairs or small flocks for seeds, and taking some fruit and blossoms. They nest in natural cavities or crevices, including in cacti or dead wood, with both parents involved in rearing chicks. Calls are high-pitched chirps and twitters, generally softer and less far-carrying than those of larger parrots.