Brown-backed parrotlet
The brown-backed parrotlet is a small, green parrot native to the humid forests of southeastern Brazil. It is distinguished by its dark brown mantle and back, brown ear coverts, and a distinctive red outer tail with black tips. These parrots are typically found in small flocks and are known for their inconspicuous nature, which contributes to their rarity in recorded sightings.
Key Facts
- ›Found in humid forests of southeastern Brazil, from Bahia to southern São Paulo.
- ›Characterized by a dark brown mantle and back, brown ear coverts, and red outer tail.
- ›Typically observed in small flocks of 3 to 20 individuals.
- ›Diet includes large leguminous seeds and fruits from plants like Rapanea acuminata and Clusia sp.
- ›Breeding is suspected to occur from September to October.
- ›Young birds can be identified by a paler orbital ring and flesh-colored cere.
Black-Backed Parrotlet, Black-Eared Parrotlet, Wied's Parrotlet
South America
Humid Forest, Lower Montane Evergreen Forest
Dark Brown Mantle and Back, Brown Ear Coverts, Red Outer Tail With Black Tips
Large Leguminous Seeds, Fruit of Rapanea Acuminata, Fruit of Clusia Sp., Mistletoes
Known For Their Calls
About Brown-backed parrotlet
The brown-backed parrotlet (Touit melanonotus), also referred to as the black-backed parrotlet, black-eared parrotlet, or Wied's parrotlet, is a small parrot measuring approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length. Its natural habitat is the humid forests of south-eastern Brazil, with documented occurrences from Bahia down to southern São Paulo. This species is identifiable by its distinctive plumage, which includes a dark brown mantle and back, brown ear coverts, and a striking red outer tail edged with black tips. The overall body is primarily green.
Ecology and Behavior
Brown-backed parrotlets are most commonly found in lower montane evergreen forests, typically at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 meters (1,600 to 3,900 feet), though they can ascend to 1,400 meters in areas like Itatiaia National Park. They also inhabit regions near sea level in Bahia and São Paulo. The species is suspected to undergo seasonal migration or dispersal, likely involving short altitudinal movements. While their diet is not extensively documented, known food items include large leguminous seeds and the fruits of plants such as Rapanea acuminata and Clusia species, as well as mistletoes. Observations indicate that adults pluck fruits, carry them to a secure perch, and then use their bills to open them and extract the seeds, a process where their feet are not utilized. Younger birds have been observed consuming fruits in situ without plucking them.
Reproduction and Identification
Breeding is believed to occur between September and October. Evidence of breeding activity includes observations of adult birds feeding well-grown young in Ubatuba, São Paulo, in January 2010. Juvenile birds can be distinguished from adults by a paler orbital ring and a flesh-colored cere, in contrast to the dark grey cere found in mature individuals.
Range and Conservation
The distribution of the brown-backed parrotlet is confined to south-eastern Brazil, encompassing states like Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. They have been noted as vagrants in Rio de Janeiro and extend south to Ilha do Cardoso. After a century-long absence, they were re-sighted in Bahia. Historically, they were considered rare, even in the 19th century. Their inconspicuous behavior and naturally low population densities likely contribute to the limited number of records. An increase in sightings since the mid-1980s, alongside discoveries in Espírito Santo, has been attributed to greater awareness of their calls, which aids in their detection.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for the brown-backed parrotlet?
The brown-backed parrotlet is also known by several other names, including the black-backed parrotlet, the black-eared parrotlet, and Wied's parrotlet. These names reflect distinctive physical characteristics or historical associations.
Where does the brown-backed parrotlet live?
This parrot species is endemic to south-eastern Brazil, with its range extending from Bahia to southern São Paulo. They inhabit humid forests, often at elevations between 500 to 1,000 meters, though they can also be found near sea level.
What does the brown-backed parrotlet eat?
While its diet is not extensively studied, the brown-backed parrotlet is known to consume large leguminous seeds, as well as fruits from species such as Rapanea acuminata and Clusia sp. They have been observed plucking fruits and carrying them to a secure branch to extract the seeds.
When is the breeding season for the brown-backed parrotlet?
Breeding is suspected to take place between September and October. Observations of well-grown young birds being fed by adults have been recorded in January, suggesting a period of parental care extending into the early new year.
Why are brown-backed parrotlets rarely seen?
Their inconspicuous nature and naturally low population densities are believed to contribute to the scarcity of records. A resurgence in sightings since the mid-1980s has been linked to increased knowledge of their calls.
Related Parrot species
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