The yellow-faced parrotlet is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Restricted to the intermontane Marañón River valley and nearby drainages in northern Peru. It favors seasonally dry woodland, thorn-scrub, and areas with scattered trees and columnar cacti, often near watercourses. Birds also use agricultural mosaics, orchards, and field edges where natural scrub remains. Roosting and nesting typically occur in cavities in trees or cacti within these arid landscapes.
Altitude Range
500–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-faced parrotlet is a small parrot endemic to the Marañón Valley of northern Peru, where it inhabits dry inter-Andean scrub and riverine woodland. It is threatened by habitat loss and past trapping for the pet trade and is legally protected in much of its range. Flocks are often heard before they are seen, thanks to their high-pitched chatter. Conservation actions focus on safeguarding dry forest remnants and riparian corridors.
A pet parrotlet
Detail of upper body
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small flocks of 6–30 birds outside the breeding season, keeping in contact with constant chatter. Pairs form strong bonds and nest in cavities, often in trees or large cacti. They show cooperative vigilance while feeding and roost communally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, twittering contact calls and thin whistles delivered in quick series. In flight they give rapid chattering notes; perched birds exchange soft, buzzy twitters.
Plumage
Compact parrotlet with green upperparts and a distinctive bright yellow face; underparts greenish to yellow-tinged. Males show vivid blue on the rump and primary coverts; females are greener with less or no blue. Feathers are smooth and closely set, giving a sleek appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small seeds, including grasses and weedy herbs, as well as buds, flowers, and soft fruits such as cactus fruit and berries. They may take seed-rich crops at field edges when available. Foraging is methodical, with birds picking seeds from seedheads and shrubs and occasionally gleaning on the ground. They also visit flowering shrubs for nectar-rich buds.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dry scrub, thorny thickets, riparian woodland edges, and scattered trees with adjacent open areas. Often seen feeding quietly in bushes or low trees and moving to denser cover when disturbed.
