Easily regarded as the Chihuahua of the bird world, parrotlets combine all the spirit of many larger parrot species in a tiny package.

The pacific parrotlet, or Forpus Coelestis, is one of the smallest species of true parrots, and the smallest available in commercial aviculture. A flock bird that is native to the forests of middle South America, parotlets are every bit as much of a parrot as their larger Amazon cousins.

It would seem easy to discount a parrotlet as “just a small bird” due to their diminutive size, but they are known for their feisty and strong willed personalities. While nippiness can be a problem, regular interaction with a parrotlet makes them a charming and interactive companion. It must be remembered that their small size does not make them a bird that doesn’t need regular interaction or can be put up in a cage far away. Parrotlets are true parrots, and as a flock bird, enjoy and have social need to be part of their human companion’s activities.

Due to their propensity for aggression, parrotlets are generally not recommended for children or first-time bird owners, who can become frustrated by hormonal biting and aggression. For the experienced bird owner or for those up for a challenge, these tiny characters offer up a lot of fun!

Parrotlets are known as a quiet bird, as physically they area unable to scream, and their smaller size means they need a smaller cage than many large species. That being said, parrotlets are highly active and do require a cage large enough to permit many activities such as climbing, as well as a variety of toys.  They are capable of mimicking speech, although not regarded as very talented talkers and their soft voices may make them hard to understand.