Touit costaricensis
The Red-fronted Parrotlet, *Touit costaricensis*, is a vibrant and somewhat elusive neotropical parrotlet, recognized by its diminutive size and striking coloration. Averaging about 17 cm (6.7 inches) in length and weighing between 50-60 grams, its plumage is predominantly emerald green, contrasted by a distinctive scarlet red forehead and a beautiful violet-blue crown and nape. A key field mark, especially in flight, is the bright yellow underwing coverts, which flash against its dark wingti...
Found primarily in humid montane evergreen forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, typically at elevations ranging from 600 to 2600 meters, occasionally descending lower.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a variety of small fruits, especially figs, but also feeding on seeds, berries, and nectar from canopy-dwelling plants.
Red-fronted Parrotlets are diurnal and highly arboreal, spending most of their time high in the forest canopy. They are typically observed in small, fast-flying flocks of 3 to 15 individuals, though larger congregations can form at abundant food sources. Their foraging strategy involves acrobatic...
The Red-fronted Parrotlet's geographic distribution is restricted to the humid montane regions of Central America, primarily in Costa Rica and western Panama. In Costa Rica, it is found along the central and southern Pacific slopes, extending into the Talamanca mountain range. Its range in Panama...
Near Threatened
- The Red-fronted Parrotlet is an 'underwing specialist,' with its bright yellow underwing coverts being a crucial identification feature during its rapid, high-flying movements. - Despite its vibrant coloration, its habit of feeding quietly high in the dense canopy makes it surprisingly difficul...