Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet

Overview

The sapphire-rumped parrotlet (Touit purpuratus) is a species of small parrot found across northern South America. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a very large range and a population believed to be stable.

Identification

• Body is mostly green, darker above than below, with a blue lower back and rump.
• Size is 17 to 18 cm long and weighs 54 to 66 g.
• Features a white eye ring and dusky brown scapulars that form a 'V' when wings are folded.
• Flight call is described as an 'almost goose-like' nasal 'nyaah', with flocks producing a continuous nasal chattering sound.

Habitat

Found in northern South America, ranging from Venezuela and the Guianas to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, and French Guiana. It inhabits evergreen montane forest in the tepui region up to 1,400 m, while elsewhere it prefers lowland rainforest, particularly várzea, though it also occurs in savannas, remaining woodlots, and isolated Guianan mountains.

Diet

The sapphire-rumped parrotlet mostly feeds on fruits, including those of figs (Ficus) and several other families. In north-eastern Peru, it has also been recorded feeding on leaves, shoots, and bark of Terminalia catappa, as well as on dead wood.

Did you know?

The genus name Touit derives from the extinct Tupi language spoken by native people in Brazil, where Tuí eté translates to 'really little parrot'.