Green-Rumped Parrotlet

Forpus passerinus

The green-rumped parrotlet (Forpus passerinus) is a very small parrot from northern South America and nearby islands, including Venezuela, the Guianas and Trinidad. It favors savanna edges, scrub, light woodland, palm groves and cultivated areas, moving in pairs or small flocks. The bird is mostly bright green, with males showing blue on the wings and around the eye while females are plainer. Its tiny size and short tail can make it look delicate, but the species has the quick reactions and firm temperament typical of parrotlets.

Aviary and pet birds are less common than the Pacific parrotlet, so buyers should look for captive-bred youngsters that are eating independently and have been handled without being over-bonded. Housing needs to be secure and roomy enough for real flight, with fine spacing on bars and safe branches for chewing. Many keepers avoid mixing them with other small birds because pairs can be territorial. Breeding is usually done in single pairs with a nest box, a varied seed or pellet-based diet, leafy foods and steady calcium availability.