Forpus xanthopterygius
The Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet (*Forpus xanthopterygius*) is a diminutive and vibrant Neotropical parrot, rarely exceeding 12 cm in length and weighing around 25-30 grams, making it one of the smallest parrots in its range. Males are conspicuously emerald green with brilliant cobalt-blue primary coverts, secondaries, and a striking blue rump, while females typically display a duller green plumage with little to no blue, sometimes exhibiting faint blue on the rump. This sexual dimorphism, particu...
This parrotlet primarily inhabits semi-open areas, forest edges, secondary growth, clearings with scattered trees, and shrubby woodlands, often found in lowlands and foothills up to moderate elevations.
Their diet primarily consists of a wide variety of small seeds, fruits, berries, flowers, buds, and nectar, supplemented occasionally by small insects and larvae. They forage actively in trees and shrubs, gleaning and manipulating food with their strong beaks.
Cobalt-rumped Parrotlets are diurnal and highly active, spending their days foraging and socializing. They are agile arboreal feeders, expertly climbing and maneuvering through branches to access food. During the non-breeding season, they typically form small, cohesive flocks of 10-20 individuals...
The Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet (*Forpus xanthopterygius*) is widely distributed across a substantial portion of South America, primarily within Brazil, extending south into Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, and west into eastern Bolivia. Its range encompasses diverse biomes, including the edges o...
Least Concern
- Known as one of the smallest parrot species in the world, often referred to as "pocket parrots" or "dwarf parrots". - The striking cobalt blue on the male's rump and wings is a key identification feature and gives the species its name. - Despite their diminutive size, they are known to be quite...