Parrotlet Basics: Small South American Parrot

A parrotlet is a very small parrot that originates from South America. There are several types of parrotlets, only two of which are currently sold as pets in the United States, green rumps and pacifics. Their closest parrot cousin is the Amazon, a medium sized parrot that also originates in South America. Although parrotlets are some of the smallest parrots, they still have a big parrot personality.

Parrotlets make excellent pets for apartment dwellers, as they are generally less noisy than parakeets and are unable to scream like larger parrots. They do, however, produce a relatively loud, shrill cry when they are upset or want your attention. Most of the time, however, the noise level is moderate and appropriate for most living conditions. Despite their small size, parrotlets are able to mimic a broad range of sounds, including kisses, whistling, other birds, and any other sound that they find to be interesting. Parrotlets are also able to talk, but their words are often difficult to make out and somewhat unclear. It is also important to remember that, like any other parrot with talking abilities, it is possible that they may never talk at all.

As for diet, parrotlets can be fed a variety of foods, including most fruits and vegetables, grains, and pasta, along with a healthy pellet diet (such as Harrison's) or a cockatiel seed mix. Parrotlet mixes are somewhat difficult to find but are available from some manufacturers. To remain healthy, parrotlets require a varied and fresh diet and will become ill if fed seeds alone. They are often willing to try many foods and will not hesitate to make their preferences clear.

Parrotlets do not always get along well with other birds, including other parrotlets, so it is best to keep them in their own cage, at least until their behavior toward other birds in the home is clear. And although they may enjoy the presence of other birds in the vicinity, this does not necessarily mean they would appreciate those same birds in their cage.