Touit surdus
The Golden-tailed Parrotlet (Touit surdus) is a petite and vibrant member of the true parrot family, Psittacidae, endemic to Brazil's threatened Atlantic Forest. Measuring approximately 15-16 cm (5.9-6.3 inches) in length and weighing around 45-55 grams (1.6-1.9 oz), its plumage is primarily emerald green, offering superb camouflage amidst the dense foliage. Distinctive field marks include its namesake golden-yellow tail, which is particularly striking when fanned in flight, bright blue prima...
This parrotlet primarily inhabits the canopy and sub-canopy of humid lowland and montane Atlantic Forest, including secondary growth and forest edges, typically from sea level up to 1,200 meters.
The diet of the Golden-tailed Parrotlet consists predominantly of fruits, seeds, and flowers, with a particular preference for mistletoe berries (Loranthaceae), often foraging high in the forest canopy.
Golden-tailed Parrotlets are diurnal and generally observed in small, cohesive flocks, typically ranging from 3 to 15 individuals, though larger aggregations can occur at abundant food sources. Their movements are often swift and direct, making them surprisingly difficult to spot despite their br...
The Golden-tailed Parrotlet is an endemic resident of the Atlantic Forest biome in eastern Brazil, with its distribution extending from southern Bahia south through Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, and northern Santa Catarina. Historically, its range may have exten...
Vulnerable
- The Golden-tailed Parrotlet is one of the smallest parrots endemic to Brazil's Atlantic Forest, often camouflaged effectively despite its vibrant green plumage. - Its scientific name, *Touit surdus*, translates to "deaf" or "silent" parrotlet, likely referring to its inconspicuous nature and re...