Celestial or Pacific Parrotlets aka Lesson's Parrotlets
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Are you looking for a Pacific Parrotlet? Click here for a listing of breeders
The Pacific Parrotlets naturally occur in Western Ecuador and North-western Peru. They are considered an endangered species in the wild (CITES II).
In captivity, this parrotlet has been bred in many striking color mutations. In addition to its natural green color, it is also available in blue, blue pastel, green fallow, blue fallow, lutino, pied, and dilute - many of which are featured on this page.
Pacific Parrotlets are highly dedicated parents and are often used as foster parents to incubate eggs and raise the chicks of other, less dependable, parrotlet species.
Description:
The Pacific Parrotlet averages 4 to 4.5 inches in length and weigh between 31 to 34 grams
Males:
The "normal" male is bright apple green on the forehead, crown and cheeks, becoming silver-blue over the occiput and the nape of the neck, with blue coloration being most prominent immediately behind the eyes. The lower back and rump are dark cobalt blue, as are the under wing-coverts and axillaries (please refer to Wing Anatomy), with the upper tail coverts being greenish blue. The 'upper part of the back and the scapulars are greenish gray. The inner secondaries are similarly colored, with the outer secondaries being cobalt-blue. The lower surface of the flight feathers is bluish green. The underparts are green, with a prominent gray suffusion on the sides of the breast and flanks. The tail feathers are a dull shade of green on their upper surface, and dusky beneath. The beak is pale pinkish white; the legs pinkish; and the irises dark brown.
Females:
Hens have the blue areas of the cock colored emerald-green, although some individuals retain a slight blue suffusion behind their edges, and occasionally on the rump as well. They are a purer shade of green overall, with less grayish suffusion, most noticeably over the wings.
Sexing Tip: Blue feathers on the parrotlet indicate male birds.
Immature Birds:
Young birds resemble adults, but have a pinker beak on fledging. They can be sexed at this stage although young cocks are less colorful than adults. The area of blue behind the eyes is reduced, as is that on the wings. Additionally, the lower back and rump are of a bluish green shade, rather than being pure blue. [The Atlas of Parrots, Dr. David Alderton (1991)]
Mutations:
Pacific Parrotlets are now available in several beautiful mutations; although the original green parrotlet sports a vibrant green color with equally bright blue accents - which are equally attractive. (Please refer to photos on this page.)
Some learn to talk (males more so than females and they up to 10, maybe 15 words and imitate a variety of sounds and tunes). They share the "big parrot" attitude of the lovebirds. They can get nippy, and require training. They are not very noisy, about the same noise level of a cockatiel.
The Pacific Parrotlet is considered to be the most bold and aggressive species of all commonly available parrotlets. It tends to be very territorial, which may present problems if it is sharing its space with other birds. For those who prefer a less aggressive pet, a Green-rump Parrotlet may be an alternative. Although Green rumps are very shy (especially initially and with new people), they are very gentle creatures. These parrotlets need a safe and stable environment to thrive. The Pacific Parrotlet is more resilient in its nature.
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Parrotlets can be nippy, as they do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation. Spraying them with a mister bottle helps in curtailing any negative behavior; however, continuous guidance is important.
- Web Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:
- Procuring your Parrot
- Breeders Listing by State / Country
- Housing Your Bird
- Training Your Bird
- Bird Nutrition
- Parrot Products
Mutations:
Many beautiful color mutations have been bred in aviculture, as you can see from the below beautiful photos that have been provided by Marcy Covaul, President, Pyrrhura Breeders Association - www.birdcompanions.com.
Taxonomy:
Genus: Scientific: Forpus ... English: Parrotlets ... Dutch: Muspapegaaien ... German: Sperlingspapageien ... French: Perruche moineau
Species: Scientific: Forpus coelestis ... English: Pacific Parrotlet, Celestial Parrotlet ... Dutch: Blauwe Muspapegaai, Sperling Papegaai ... German: Blaugenick Sperlingspapagei ... French: Perruche moineau à dos gris
Photo, Video and/or Article contributions are welcome! Please click here for info
The Avianweb strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!
