Cobalt-rumped parrotlet
The Cobalt-rumped parrotlet, also known as the blue-winged parrotlet, is a small parrot species found across central and northern South America. It is distinguished by its preference for open woodlands and scrublands, avoiding dense forests, and its social behavior, often forming flocks. This species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Key Facts
- ›Found in central and northern South America, with subspecies occupying different parts of its range.
- ›Inhabits lowlands including dry woodlands, cerrado, caatinga, palm groves, and savanna, avoiding dense forests.
- ›Highly social and gregarious, often seen in flocks of around 20 birds, sometimes exceeding 50.
- ›Diet primarily consists of fruits, seeds, and flowers of various plants, with local movements linked to seasonal availability.
- ›Breeding season occurs from may to August, and nests may be scraped into or utilize abandoned rufous hornero nests.
- ›Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to a stable population and absence of significant threats like deforestation or pet trade.
Blue-Winged Parrotlet
South America
Dry Woodlands, Riparian Woodlands, Cerrado, Caatinga, Palm Groves, Semi-Arid Scrubland, Savanna, Pastures
Cobalt Rump
Fruits, Seeds, Flowers, Grass
Highly Social, Gregarious
High-Pitched "Sheet" Or "Zeet" Screeches, Twittering Noises, Chattering Noises
Scrape Rufous Hornero Nests, Utilize Nests Created By Rufous Horneros
About Cobalt-rumped parrotlet
The Cobalt-rumped parrotlet, scientifically known as Forpus xanthopterygius and formerly referred to as the blue-winged parrotlet, is a species of parrot belonging to the Psittacidae family. This small parrot is native to central and northern South America, inhabiting a variety of lowland environments. Its range is divided between two recognized subspecies: Salvadori's cobalt-rumped parrotlet (F. x. flavescens) and Hellmayr's cobalt-rumped parrotlet (F. x. flavissimus).
Distribution and Habitat
Cobalt-rumped parrotlets are generally common and widespread throughout their South American range, though they are more localized in the Amazon Basin. They prefer open habitats such as dry and riparian woodlands, cerrado, caatinga, palm groves, semi-arid scrubland, savanna, and pastures, notably avoiding densely forested areas. They are typically found at altitudes below 1,200 meters (3,900 ft).
Behavior and Ecology
These birds are highly social and gregarious, usually found in flocks of around 20 individuals, which can swell to over 50 around abundant food sources like fruiting trees or seeding grasses. They are active vocally, calling while in flight and perched with high-pitched "sheet" or "zeet" screeches, as well as twittering and chattering noises when feeding and socializing in larger groups.
Reproduction
The breeding season for Cobalt-rumped parrotlets generally occurs from May to August, although occupied nests have been recorded in other months depending on the region. Females lay clutches of 3 to 7 small, white, roughly spherical eggs. Interestingly, they have been observed scraping and utilizing abandoned nests made of clay by rufous horneros, a behavior that may be related to mineral intake for nutritional needs, similar to clay-licking observed in other Forpus species.
Diet
Their diet is primarily composed of fruits from species such as Cecropia and Ficus, seeds from Mikania and Trema micrantha, and flowers from plants including Ambrosia, Handroanthus serratifolius, and Marcgravia. They are known to migrate locally based on the flowering and fruiting seasons of these key food plants.
Conservation Status
The Cobalt-rumped parrotlet is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The species' population is considered stable, and it does not appear to be significantly threatened by deforestation or the pet trade, unlike many of its relatives. Numerous protected areas exist across its extensive range, contributing to its conservation.
Taxonomy and Naming
For many years, the Cobalt-rumped parrotlet was considered the same species as the green-rumped parrotlet (Forpus passerinus), but they are now recognized as distinct. Other species, such as the turquoise-winged parrotlet (F. spengeli) and the riparian parrotlet (F. crassirostris), were also historically grouped with F. xanthopterygius but are now considered separate based on morphological and geographical differences. The scientific name F. xanthopterygius has had a complex history, with its application to the species now known as the Cobalt-rumped parrotlet being re-established following taxonomic revisions. In 2021, the IOC officially renamed the species from blue-winged parrotlet to Cobalt-rumped parrotlet.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Cobalt-rumped parrotlets found?
Cobalt-rumped parrotlets are distributed across much of central and northern South America. Their range is divided between two subspecies. They are generally common and widespread, although more localized within the Amazon Basin.
What kind of habitat do Cobalt-rumped parrotlets prefer?
These parrotlets primarily inhabit lowlands, favoring dry and riparian woodlands, cerrado, caatinga, palm groves, semi-arid scrubland, and pastures. They tend to avoid densely forested areas and are not found at altitudes above 1,200 meters.
Are Cobalt-rumped parrotlets social birds?
Yes, Cobalt-rumped parrotlets are highly social and gregarious. They are typically seen in flocks of around 20 birds, which can grow larger around abundant food sources. They feed in groups, usually between 2 and 12 individuals.
What do Cobalt-rumped parrotlets eat?
Their diet mainly consists of fruits from species like Cecropia and Ficus, seeds from Mikania and Trema micrantha, and flowers from plants such as Ambrosia and Handroanthus serratifolius. They may also occasionally feed on grass.
What is the conservation status of the Cobalt-rumped parrotlet?
The Cobalt-rumped parrotlet is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Its population is considered stable, and it is not significantly threatened by deforestation or the pet trade, with many protected areas within its range.
Related Parrot species
Australian ringneck
The Australian ringneck is a medium-sized parrot native to Australia, found in diverse environments except for extreme tropical and highland regions. It is characterized by a green basic plumage, a distinctive yellow ring around its hindneck, and variations in color across its four subspecies. This gregarious bird is known for its varied vocalizations and is generally not considered a threatened species, though some subspecies face local competition.
Black-winged parrot
The black-winged parrot, scientifically known as Hapalopsittaca melanotis, is a species of parrot found in Bolivia and Peru. This predominantly green bird is distinguished by its black ear coverts (in the nominate subspecies) and largely black wings with blue primaries. It inhabits humid montane forests and can be found in flocks searching for berries.
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