Riparian Parrotlet
Forpus crassirostris
Tiny parrot with green body, short pointed tail, and pale bill. Males have blue wings and a green rump; females are all green. Highly gregarious. Found in light woodlands, forest edges, second growth, open habitats, and urban parks, but typically avoids dense forests. Found in western Amazonia, from Ecuador to central Brazil.
Identification
Riparian parrotlets are typically 12–13 centimetres (4.7–5.1 in) long and weigh about 28 grams (0.99 oz). Their bodies are mostly yellow-green. Eyes are dark brown and beaks and feet are light peach. Riparian parrotlets are sexually dimorphic: males have blue rumps and lower backs, with blue feathers along the leading edges of their wings and blue secondaries; primary coverts are blue-gray. Females have no blue feathers and a yellow-green belly.
Taxonomy
According to most studies, the riparian parrotlet is considered a subspecies of the cobalt-rumped parrotlet as Forpus xanthopterygius crassirostris. However, there are some studies that argue that its morphological differences support the existence of the large-billed parrotlet as its own species, F. crassirostris. There is continuing debate over the validity of this claim. Most taxonomic authorities (including the American Ornithological Society) do not recognize this change in classification.
- Scientific name
- Forpus crassirostris
- Authority
- (Taczanowski, 1883)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Forpus
Range and habitat
Riparian parrotlets are found in southeastern Colombia to northern Peru and western Brazil. There is a small population on São Sebastião Island. Though they do not fully migrate, it has been suggested that riparian parrotlets are altitudinal migrants: abundance of the species in lowland areas increased during winter and spring; this is likely because during these seasons, the main plants of the large-billed parrotlets' diet were budding and providing more food.<p>Riparian parrotlets tend to inhabit forest edges, riparian woodlands, and degraded or deforested areas.
Behavior
Like all members of the genus Forpus, riparian parrotlets are highly gregarious and are often seen in flocks of up to 100 birds.<p>Riparian parrotlets nest in tree cavities or similar places. They have been known to use the abandoned nests of rufous horneros and other unrelated species.<p>Females lay 3-7 small white eggs, which are incubated for approximately 18 days before hatching.<p>Riparian parrotlets feed on seeds, fruits, flowers, buds, and other plants. They favor palm, Cecropia sp., Handroanthus serratifolius flowers and nectar, and Ceiba speciosa fruits.
Conservation
This species is currently unrecognized by the IUCN Red List, so it does not have an official conservation status. Its populations are included in estimates of cobalt-rumped parrotlets, which are listed as Least Concern with a stable population. It is suggested that the population of riparian parrotlets is relatively low.
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Bluish-gray Saltator
Saltator coerulescens
Fairly common, but often retiring, in tropical lowlands of both drier and more humid areas. Occurs across much of South America, from Colombia to Argentina. Can be found from sea level to around 1,500 m elevation. Favors forest edge, second growth thickets, hedges, and tangles, especially with morning glory flowers, which it munches quietly. Note plain bluish-gray coloration with warm tawny vent and short white eyebrow. Immature looks slightly different, with a yellowish wash to the face and upperparts. Listen for sweet song with slurred whistles.
Slender-billed Xenops
Xenops tenuirostris
A small, brown bird of rainforest canopy. Note upturned mandible, white whisker mark, and pale streaking on underparts and back. Follows mixed-species flocks in the canopy but is rarely encountered. Bores into dead twigs and vines for insects, and may climb briefly on larger branches to probe bark crevices. Song is 4–6 high notes, dropping slightly in pitch at end; delivered forcefully but with a thin quality and thus easily overlooked. In central and western Amazonia, compare with very similar Streaked Xenops, from which it is best separated by Slender-billed’s slower song. Readily distinguished from Rufous-tailed Xenops by prominent white whisker streak.
Purplish-backed Jay
Cyanocorax beecheii
Handsome, rather large jay. Common in tropical forest and woodland of northwest Mexico where it is endemic. Usually in small groups, which can be noisy and conspicuous or very quiet and easily overlooked. Deep purplish-blue back, wings, and tail do not contrast strongly with black head and body (can look blackish overall at a distance). Note piercing pale eyes and bright yellow legs and feet. Like other related jays, immature has yellow bill and dull eyes. Compare with San Blas Jay (both occur around town of San Blas, Nayarit, where, ironically, Purplish-backed is generally the only species found in town).
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