Spot-winged Parrotlet

Overview

The spot-winged parrotlet (Touit stictopterus) is a Near Threatened species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is a monotypic species found in South America, with an estimated population of 5,000 to 21,000 mature individuals that is believed to be decreasing.

Identification

• Length is 17 to 18 cm and weight is 71 to 84 g, with a green head, body, and tail that are darker above than below.
• Males have dusky brown wings with whitish tips on the coverts, two of which have orange tips, while females have green coverts with black bases.
• Flight call is a harsh repeated 'ddreet-ddreet' or a rapid chattering 'wi-chi-chi', often produced simultaneously by groups to create continuous noise.

Habitat

Found on the eastern slope of the Andes from central Colombia through Ecuador into northern Peru, inhabiting mature humid montane forest as well as open landscapes like savanna and stunted forest on ridge tops. It typically ranges in elevation between 1,050 and 1,700 m, though records exist from as low as 500 m to as high as 2,400 m.

Diet

Feeds on fruit and seeds, often foraging in small flocks. It has been reported to raid maize fields and, in Colombia, to feed on termites.

Did you know?

Although its flight call consists of individual 'ddreet' sounds, individuals in groups call simultaneously, resulting in a continuous noisy chattering.