Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: October 12th, 2018

About Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet

Size

5 inches

Lifespan

up to 25 years

Bird Species

Parrotlet

Colors

Green

Sounds

Quiet, Natural calls, Mimicking

Interaction

Social, Cuddly, Fun, Silly, Affectionate

Comparable Breeds

Pacific Parrotlet, Budgerigar Parakeet

Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet General Info

One of the best examples of the popular “pocket parrots”, the Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet is a cheerful, tiny parrot that is quick to charm with its goofy personality and incredibly cute looks. These parrotlets are becoming increasingly popular in aviculture thanks to their fun personalities and ease of care. For anyone on the lookout for a small, affectionate and silly parrot that is full of tricks, one of these “pocket parrots” is the best choice.

A little bird that offers a lot, the Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet might weigh just an ounce, but it has a TON of loveable traits.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

One of the easily recognized birds of Central America, these tiny parrots are found in Mexico, Panama, Sinaloa, and the Tres Marias Islands. They thrive in sparse growth, forest gallery, and lowland woodlands up to 1300 meters above sea level. They often wander on cultivated areas and plantations in search of fruit and crops. Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet is a near threatened breed, with numbers decreasing due to increasing industrialization and deforestation of their habitat.

Overall Description

These little parrots live up to their nickname, with a truly pocket size. Also, they share a lot of physical traits with other closely related parrotlets, and a trained eye is needed to confidently tell them apart. The adults reach an average length of about 5 inches (12 to 13 centimeters) and weigh only one ounce (30 grams). This tiny size makes Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet an ideal pet for apartments or small homes since even moderately sized cages will be roomy and spacious for these birds. They are energetic due to their light weight and small size, so ensure a plenty of room around the home- as well as enough playtime to spend all that energy.

Speech and Sounds

Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet is not too noisy, making them ideal pet birds for apartment dwellers. Loudness, mimicry, and speech are all traits of larger parrots, so all you can expect from these tiny birds is their natural chirps and tweets. An occasional mimicry can be achieved with a bit of training, which only adds to the cuteness of these parrotlets. They are most vocal and noisy when they require something – be it food, company, or playing.

Colors

Almost all parrotlets are known for their similar, simple and mellow colorations. They lack any exotic colors or patterns, which might leave a bit to be desired. But for such a small bird, simplicity might be the best. They are still charming with what little variety of color they have. The body is entirely light green, with slightly darker shades on the upper body. Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet gets its name from the light blue on their lower back and rump, as well as underneath the tail.

The best way to recognize a Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet is the blue color on the lower back.

Care and Feeding

In the wild, these parrotlets thrive on a select diet of fruits, seeds, and tiny insects. They also frequent agricultural crops in search for various seeds or nuts. The best choice for your pet is a commercial seed mix for parrotlets. This is a balanced mix of oats, millet, weed seeds, and sunflower, and is full of good nutrients. You can add finely chopped fruits such as pears, apples, mango, and kiwi. This balances the diet and adds important vitamins to the mix. Hygiene is also important, but being so small, Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet can’t effectively bathe. That’s why you should use a water spray to offer your pet some well-deserved showering.

Health and Common Conditions

Although they are tiny and lightweight, this doesn’t mean they have a fragile health. A Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet that is properly cared for and gets enough attention, will easily live 25 years or more. You should optimize your household conditions and pay extra attention to the draft, damp and extreme temperatures. But social interaction might be most important. Don’t neglect your pet and provide a lot of toys and swings. You can also provide some willow branches, as Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet loves to hide and snuggle in the foliage.

Real willow or elder branches will be a favorite for your pet parrotlet. They have a natural urge to hide and snuggle in the thick foliage.

Personality & Behavior

Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet is a real sparky parrot and will offer a lot of fun to its owner. When you combine their cute looks and a goofy personality, the result is a parrot that will definitely brighten your day. A smile and a hearty laugh is a guaranteed thing when you get a pet as silly as a Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet. They can also be very affectionate, as they have a big love for cuddling and snuggling. Crawling beneath the blankets is a favorite of theirs, so enjoy it – but be careful not to squish them in the process. In general, a Turquoise Rumped Parrotlet pet is a really great choice. Expect a whirlwind of fun, laughs, and love from your feathered friend.

Photo credit: Rafael Martos Martins/Shutterstock; Amdezigns/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Green Rumped Parrotlet General Info There is so much to love about these tiny, cute, playful little parrots from the New World. The Green Rumped Parrotlet can be an excellent choice for beginners, thanks to their low noise levels, ease of care and simply lovely personalities. This also makes them a great choice for apartments and other small places. If you’re looking for a tiny bird full of fun and goofy tricks that will easily steal the hearts of the whole family, then these parrotlets are the right choice. These “pocket parrots” will capture your heart with the cuteness, silly mimics, and affectionate personality.

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Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America

Dogs are the most popular pets in America – deservingly, they are the most loved and affectionate furry friends, and their popularity as family companions never wanes. We all know what are the most popular dog breeds – and which evergreen breeds have been stealing hearts for decades back, but how about those lesser-known breeds? Which in particular are the rarest among them? Even if touting great qualities, some of these super rare breeds are simply hard to come by, and they are seldom seen. Thanks to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ( AKC), we can now find out which dog breeds are as obscure as can be. Out of a list of 199 registered and accepted breeds, the AKC revealed the 10 rarest dog breeds in America. 10.  Pyrenean Shepherd9.  Cesky Terrier8.  Sussex Spaniel7.  Harrier6.  Azawakh5.  Belgian Laekenois4.  American Foxhound3.  Sloughi2.  Norwegian Lundehund1.  English FoxhoundDon’t be surprised if you have never heard of some of these unique breeds. They are rare for a reason! On the other side of the spectrum, looking at the most recent trends, the French Bulldog holds the number one spot as the most popular pet dog breed in America, with the Labrador and Golden Retrievers following close by. That’s a bit of a change, as the Golden Retriever long held the number one spot. Generally speaking, most people tend to go for more known and traditional dog breeds when looking for a purebred dog, but the world of canines is much more diverse, with plenty of unusual and amazing breeds to choose from.Ultimately, the popularity of a certain breed should not be connected with their suitability as pets. After all, many factors contribute to that – a great deal of pet parents, myself included, are proud to share their lives with a mixed breed pooch and the fact that they’re not a certain breed doesn’t make them any less perfect. Your four-legged bestie might be a more popular dog breed, a rare purebred, a hybrid designer dog breed, or a cute mutt – they’ll steal your heart either way!

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Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

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