Pacific Parrotlet
Pacific Parrotlet Pet Bird Profile
| Size | 5 inches (13 cm) |
| Origin | Ecuador, Peru |
| Color | Green, blue, yellow; multi-colored |
| Lifespan | 12-20 years |
| Personality | Playful, funny, likes learning tricks, brave, intelligent |
| How to keep them | At least in pairs (one of each gender) |
| Hand-tame bird |  |
| Talking bird |  |
| Bird Noise | |
Characteristics
Pacific parrotlets are very cheerful, funny, intelligent, feisty, curious and cheeky little chaps. They’re becoming more and more popular as pets as their plumage is so colorful and you can even teach them tricks with enough patience. Pacific parrotlets are also jokingly called “pocket parrots” because they’re so small. But they don’t know how little they are. They have the character, personality and confidence of big parrots. You could say they’re big birds in small bodies.
Pacific parrotlets aren’t just little rascals, they’re also unflappable explorers. With a decent dose of courage and a spirit that’s never daunted by anything, they love to fly around exploring their surroundings. But they can get themselves into some scrapes, especially if you also have cats or dogs in the house. As a human, you also have to be careful and make sure you don’t accidentally sit or step on your pets.
Pacific parrotlets get bored easily. They need lots to do, like flying and new toys. If you neglect these birds, they’ll get aggressive and start destroying things. Want to know something cute? Pacific parrotlets like to sleep in hammocks!
Behavior
Do They Talk?
Pacific Parrotlets can be taught to say around 10 to 15 words - with a lot of patience. But they’re not extraordinarily talented and some don’t learn to talk at all. If that’s not enough for you or you’re unsure, it might be best to choose another bird.
Are They Loud?
No. These birds are by no means silent but they do have quiet voices.
Appearance
Plumage
Pacific parrotlets are often compared to Amazon parrots as they’re so colorful. In the wild, they have green-gray feathers. You can also get them in pastel blue or “Lutino” (orange face, yellow body).
Male or Female?
The male birds have bright blue feathers behind the eyes, on the rump and at the wing tips. Females have no or only very pale blue feathers at these places.
How to Keep Them
Cage size: at least 40 x 40 x 20 inches (100 x 100 x 50 cm) (W x H x D) for two animals
When looking at minimum cage sizes, you always have to keep in mind: this has been calculated under the condition that the birds are let out to fly for a long time each day. If you want to make sure your birds are happy and satisfied, the cage should be at least 80 x 70 x 20 inch (200 x 180 x 50 cm). What about making your own? It’s much cheaper. Good bird keeping guides often provide comprehensive instructions on how to build a birdcage yourself.
Pacific parrotlets don’t get on so well with other bird species. It’s better to keep them with their own kind and at least in pairs (one male and one female).
How Much Space Do They Need?
You’ll often read that these birds are happy with small cages so are ideal for smaller homes. That’s sadly not the case. They have a lot of energy, are super active and lively and want to constantly explore, play and fly around. That’s why they need lots of space and to be let out to fly as often as possible.
Did You Know?
Pacific parrotlets come from Central and South America, more specifically Peru and Ecuador. There, they live in tropical rainforests, bushland and savannas. They’re very social and often live in flocks of 100 or more.
