Red-fronted Parrotlet

The Red-fronted Parrotlet, Touit costaricensis, is a diminutive and vibrant bird, measuring a mere 15 to 17 centimeters in length and tipping the scales at approximately 80 grams. Its plumage is predominantly a lush green, with a darker hue adorning its dorsal side and a lighter shade gracing its ventral side. The bird's name is derived from the striking red that embellishes its forehead and parts of its face, complemented by a touch of blue and encircled by a delicate white ring around the eye. The crown and nape exhibit a bronze-green coloration, while the throat is tinged with a subtle yellow. A conspicuous red patch adorns the wing's carpal joint, and the primaries are a stark black with green outer fringes. The underwing coverts are a vivid yellow, and the tail is squared off, featuring central feathers of black and others of yellow with black tips. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males flaunting more extensive red facial markings than females, and the immature birds displaying scarcely any red at all.

Identification Tips

To identify the Red-fronted Parrotlet, look for the characteristic red on the face and wing "wrists," the square-tipped tail with its unique color pattern, and the bird's small stature. The male's more pronounced red facial coloration can help distinguish between sexes.

Habitat

This species is known to inhabit the evergreen montane forests, which are exceedingly wet and cool, at elevations reaching up to 3,000 meters during the dry season. As the wet season commences, it descends to the lower elevation rainforests.

Distribution

The Red-fronted Parrotlet graces the landscapes of western Costa Rica and extends into western Panama as far as Coclé Province. It is more commonly observed on the Caribbean slope than on the Pacific side.

Behaviour

As an elevational migrant, the Red-fronted Parrotlet traverses between higher altitudes in the dry season and lower elevations, occasionally down to sea level, during the rainy season. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 meters throughout the year.

Song & calls

The Red-fronted Parrotlet is known for its distinctive vocalizations, which include a shrill, querulous "chheee? chee, che-de-de-dee" call. When in flight, it emits a slightly nasal "kyee kyee" sound.

Feeding

Foraging predominantly in the canopy, this parrotlet's diet consists of fruit, with notable contributions from the Melastomataceae and Ericaceae plant families.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Red-fronted Parrotlet as Near Threatened. With an estimated population of fewer than 12,000 mature individuals that is believed to be in decline, the species faces challenges despite a relatively low rate of habitat loss within its range, particularly in the highlands. It is considered uncommon to rare, possibly underestimated due to its tolerance of some habitat disturbance, and is not known to be heavily traded.