Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet

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Quick Facts

Endemic
  • Scientific Name: Forpus cyanopygius
  • Spanish Name: Periquito de rabadilla azul
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Known Nicknames: Blue-rumped Parrotlet, Mexican Blue-rumped Parrotlet
  • Average Length: 12–13 cm / 4.7–5.1 in
  • Average Weight: 28–35 g / 1.0–1.2 oz
  • Wingspan: N/A
  • Key Feature: Male has bright blue rump and lower back
  • Primary Diet: Primarily Granivore (seeds, fruits, berries)
  • Range: Western Mexico (from Sinaloa to Oaxaca)
  • Habitat: Tropical dry forests, thorn forests, and arid scrublands
  • Social Structure: Highly Social (flocks of 10–50 individuals)
  • Nesting/Breeding: Tree cavities, often in termite nests or dead palms
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
  • Population Trend: Stable

The Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet (*Forpus cyanopygius*) is a tiny, vibrant parrot endemic to western Mexico, celebrated for its dazzling splash of electric-blue feathers on its lower back and rump—a stark contrast to its otherwise predominantly bright green body. Males boast this signature cobalt patch, while females are a more uniform green with a yellow wash on the face, both measuring a mere 12 to 13 centimeters in length. As one of the smallest parrot species in the world, this energetic bird is distinguished by its short, square tail and a stout, pale beak perfectly adapted for cracking seeds. A special feature of the Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet is its highly social, flock-oriented behavior, often seen chattering noisily in small groups as it forages in dry forests and scrublands, making it a lively gem of its arid habitat.

Fun Facts

Despite its name, the Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet is not actually blue—the male's rump is a striking turquoise that appears to glow under direct sunlight, while females are entirely green, making them one of the most sexually dimorphic parrotlet species. They have a quirky habit of "anting," where they rub crushed ants or other acidic substances (like citrus) through their feathers, possibly to deter parasites. As one of the smallest parrots in the Americas, they can hover like hummingbirds for a few seconds when inspecting flowers or seeds, using rapid, shallow wingbeats. In the wild, they form tight-knit flocks that engage in synchronized "bouncing" displays on tree branches, where the whole group bobs up and down in unison, likely to confuse predators or strengthen social bonds.

Habitats & Distribution

The Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet is endemic to western Mexico, ranging from southern Sonora and Chihuahua south through Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima to western Michoacán. Its habitat consists primarily of tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests, and arid scrublands, often in lowland areas near the Pacific coast. It is also found in secondary growth, forest edges, and cultivated areas such as mango orchards and agricultural clearings, typically from sea level up to around 1,500 meters in elevation.

Behaviours & Reproduction

The Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet is highly social, typically found in small, loose flocks that pair-bond for life. During the breeding season, which can be timed with rainfall in their native Mexico, the male performs a courtship display involving bobbing his head, fanning his tail, and offering food to the female. They are cavity nesters, often using abandoned woodpecker holes or termite mounds, where the female lays a clutch of 4 to 6 white eggs. The female incubates alone for about 18 days, while the male feeds her at the nest entrance; both parents then share feeding duties after hatching. A unique reproductive strategy is their ability to breed multiple times per year in favorable conditions, with pairs often reusing the same nest site and defending it aggressively from other parrotlets. The young fledge at around 5 weeks and remain with the parents for several more weeks to learn foraging skills.

Diet

The Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet is primarily granivorous, with a diet heavily centered on a variety of small seeds, including those from grasses, weeds, and native trees. They are known to forage both on the ground and in the canopy, often in small flocks. An interesting fact about their feeding habits is that they will also consume soft fruits, berries, and the occasional flower buds and blossoms to supplement their dry seed intake, which provides essential moisture and vitamins. Another notable behavior is their reliance on clay licks; they are frequently observed ingesting mineral-rich soil, a practice that helps neutralize toxins found in some unripe seeds and provides crucial dietary minerals like sodium and calcium.

Colors

The Cobalt-rumped Parrotlet is primarily bright green with a distinctive vivid cobalt-blue rump and lower back, most prominent in males. Males also show blue on the inner flight feathers and wing edges, while females lack this blue and are entirely green with a yellowish face. They have no camouflage adaptations beyond their general green coloration blending with foliage.

Distribution Map

Places linked to this species. A sighting is never guaranteed.