Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius)
Mexican Parrotlet

Mexican Parrotlet

Forpus cyanopygius

The Mexican parrotlet, known scientifically as Forpus cyanopygius, is a charming and diminutive parrot species, with the males distinguished by their delightful turquoise accents on the rumps, wings, and occasionally around the head. Females, on the other hand, are clothed in a more uniform yellow-green plumage. These birds are typically 13-14 centimeters in length and weigh between 30-37 grams. Their zygodactyl feet, with two toes pointing forward and two backward, are a hallmark of their parrot lineage.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, look for the bright yellow-green body contrasted with a light peach beak and feet. The males' light turquoise feathers along the leading edges of their wings and rumps are a key identifier. Juveniles resemble adults, though young males may have a mix of green in their otherwise blue plumage.

Habitat

Mexican parrotlets thrive in a variety of environments, including subtropical or tropical dry scrublands, deciduous forests, open grasslands with scattered trees, and woodlands along watercourses. They are typically found at elevations below 1,300 meters.

Distribution

Endemic to western Mexico, their range spans from southern Sonora to Colima. They are the northernmost members of the Forpus genus and are known to wander in search of food, following the blooming patterns of their preferred plants.

Behaviour

These parrotlets are highly social, often seen in flocks that can number from a handful to thirty, consisting of pairs and family groups. They exhibit rapid and tight formation flight. Their vocalizations include a variety of squeaky chirps and occasional squawks, especially while feeding.

Song & Calls

The Mexican parrotlet communicates with a series of excited-sounding chirps that can be heard both in flight and while perched.

Breeding

Breeding typically occurs from May to July, with clutches of up to three small, white eggs. Incubation lasts at least 19 days, and the young fledge 4-5 weeks after hatching. Nesting often takes place in tree cavities or cacti.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of seeds, including grass seeds, berries, and fruits from the Ficus genus. They forage both on the ground and in trees and shrubs, often as part of a large flock.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Mexican parrotlet as Near Threatened. The population is estimated to be over 50,000 but is in decline due to illegal trapping for the pet trade and habitat loss. Conservation measures are currently lacking, though many areas within their range are protected.

Similar Species

The Mexican parrotlet can be confused with other Forpus species, but the males' distinctive turquoise markings and the birds' overall size can help differentiate them.

Aviculture

While not commonly found in aviculture, Mexican parrotlets are bred in captivity due to legal protections preventing their capture from the wild.

Mexican Parrotlet Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Mexican Parrotlets on Birda

Sightings
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Ignacio Loera
Ignacio Loera
30 Jun 2023 - 7:46am
Mexico

More African & New World Parrots

A photo of a Yellow-faced Parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops)

Yellow-faced Parrot

Alipiopsitta xanthops
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Louise L
Easy to use and accurate
Love this app. It is easy to use and accurate, Their backup communication is really good. I noted a missing species. All through the process, I was kept informed about the progress in correcting the information. I now have the corrected, updated version. 😁 Thanks!
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.