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Parrotlets are distinguised from parakeets in that despite their small size, they have a thick build and a broad tail, much like the lovebird species of East Africa and fig parrot and pygmy parrot species of Australasia. At 4 1/2-5 inches long, they're about the size of most lovebirds too.
These miniature parrots in the wild travel in flocks which, depending on the species can range from as low as four to over 100 birds. Most either species travel in flocks of about 5-12 or of about 10-40.
the most commonly kept parrotlet in aviculture is by far the Pacific Parrotlet, which now has several color mutations. The Mexican, Spectacled, and Yellow-Faced are also fairly common pets.
Forpus, the most well know genus of parrorlet includes all species of parrotlet commonly kept as pets inlcuding the Pacific Parrotlet, Mexican Parrotlet, and the Spectacled Parrotlet.
The Touit Parrotlets are a genus of parrotlets found in The Venezuela-Guyana area, Nothern Andes, and Bahia. Only three of the seven species have ever been brought into aviculture, with all three failing to keep them alive, or breed them.
There are only two species in the Genus Nannopsittaca, of which only one- Nannopsittaca panychlora, the Tepui Parrot has been successfully kept in captivity.
aviculture parrots