Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius cyanopygius)
Mexican parrotlets are one of the larger species at five and
one-half inches and weighing almost 40 grams. Both sexes have gray beaks and legs,
however, females' beaks do not turn gray until they are ready to breed. The males have
bright turquoise rumps, primary and secondary wing coverts. Mexican parrotlets are very
different from any other species. Although they will play with toys, they are not nearly
as active or energetic as other parrotlets. They are the only species that can be bred in
a colony and they will only produce one clutch a year and sometimes one clutch every other
year. Unfortunately, they also tend to be much more susceptible to stress than other
parrotlets. Due to habitat destruction and smuggling into the pet trade, the future of
these beautiful parrotlets is in question in the wild. The International Parrotlet Society
is sponsoring a captive breeding cooperative to try and save these magnificent birds.
Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus insularis)
Both the males and females of this sub species have darker green upper body
parts. The males also have more yellow-green coloring on the sides of their heads and the
blue on their rump and lower back is much darker than in the nominate.
Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus pallidus)
The males and females of this sub species have their upperparts tinged with an
ash-grey and their underparts are more paler and yellowish.
