bird of the day: pacific parrotlet

the pacific parrotlet, also known as the lesson’s parrotlet or celestial parrotlet, is a small parrot native to ecuador and peru. they are in the second smallest group of parrots, behind the fig parrots, and are part the smallest new world parrot genus.

pacific parrotlets are sexually dimorphic. males and females are easily distinguished; males have blue feathers on the wing and base of the tail and a small blue stripe behind the eye, whereas females are only green.

parrotlets feed off of fruit, berries, seeds, and plant matter.

pacific parrotlets are the most common species of parrotlet in captivity. despite being small, they aren’t always recommended as beginner birds as they are known for being temperamental and stubborn.

despite some import for the pet trade and habitat loss, the pacific parrotlet is currently rated ‘least concern’ by the iucn.

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