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Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius)

Mexican Parrotlet

Forpus cyanopygius

Near Threatened

Overview

The Mexican parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius), also known as the turquoise-rumped parrotlet, is a species of parrot endemic to western Mexico. It is the northernmost member of the genus Forpus and is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical dry scrublands, deciduous forests, open grasslands with scattered trees, and plantations. Its range extends from southern Sonora to Colima in western Mexico, and it does not occur at altitudes higher than 1,300 metres.

Diet

Mexican parrotlets primarily consume seeds, grass seeds, berries, and Ficus fruits, which may be ripe or half-ripe. They forage in large flocks on the ground and in trees or shrubs, wandering frequently to follow blooming and growth patterns.

Did you know?

The population of this species has dropped by 48.4% from approximately 208,000 individuals before 1995 to around 107,000 between 1996 and 2013, largely due to habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade.

Sources