Parrotlets: Pint-Sized Parrots
Parrotlets, affectionately known as “pocket parrots,” are charming, miniature-sized, true parrots. There are seven species of parrotlets: blue-winged parrotlets (Forpus xanthopterygius), Guiana or green-rumped parrotlets (F. passerinus), Mexican parrotlets (F. cyanopygius), Pacific or Celestial parrotlets (F. coelestis), Sclater’s parrotlets (F. sclateri), spectacled parrotlets (F. conpicillatus) and yellow-faced parrotlets (F. xanthops). The most commonly kept parrotlets in the United States are the green-rumped, Pacific and the spectacled. These usually weigh between 18 and 28 grams and are approximately 3 to 5 1/2 inches in length. Parrotlets can be sexed at a glance, since they are sexually dimorphic. Most owners describe them as lovable and easily maintained, yet very territorial. They are relatively inexpensive at prices ranging from $100 to $350 each. The following are a few common questions one may have while considering a parrotlet for a pet.










