The Mexican parrotlet, also known as the turquoise-rumped parrotlet or the Mexican blue-rumped parrotlet, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae.
Region
Western Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Pacific lowlands and foothills of western Mexico, especially in thorn scrub, tropical dry forest, and semi-open country. It frequents riparian corridors, edges of deciduous woodland, and second-growth. The species readily uses agricultural mosaics, orchards, and hedgerows. It often forages in mixed scrub and open woodland near water. Urban fringes and rural gardens are used where suitable trees and seed sources exist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the turquoise-rumped or Mexican blue-rumped parrotlet, this tiny parrot is native to the Pacific slope of western Mexico. Males show a conspicuous blue rump and wing patches, while females are greener and lack most blue. It forms small, noisy flocks and often visits agricultural edges. Trapping and habitat loss have affected some populations.
Illustration of a male and female Mexican parrotlet
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small chattering flocks that roost communally. Monogamous pairs nest in tree cavities, fence posts, or other holes, sometimes reusing sites. Breeding typically coincides with the rainy season when food is abundant. They maintain close contact with soft calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high-pitched chirps, twitters, and buzzy contact calls. Vocalizations are fast and conversational, with frequent soft notes exchanged within flocks.
Plumage
Compact, predominantly green parrotlet with smooth plumage; males have bright blue rump and blue on the wings, females are greener with little to no blue. Underparts are slightly paler green and the bill is pale horn-colored.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grass and weed seeds, small fruits and berries, and buds and flowers. It also takes leaf buds and occasionally nectar. Flocks may visit croplands to glean spilled grain or forage in weedy field margins. Foraging is typically careful and methodical in the canopy and on outer branches, but they also descend to shrubs and grasses.
Preferred Environment
Edges of thorn scrub and tropical dry forest, along riparian trees, and in agricultural mosaics such as orchards and pastures. They exploit weedy patches, hedgerows, and fallow fields with abundant seed sources.
