Forpus
The genus Forpus was introduced in 1858 by the German zoologist Friedrich Boie.[1] The type species was subsequently designated as the green-rumped parrotlet.[2][3] The etymology of the genus name is unknown.[4]
Because of similarities to their larger parrot relatives and their small size, Forpus birds are often called parrotlets.
Forpus parrotlets are relatively small birds. Species range between 11–14.5 centimetres (4.3–5.7 in)[6][7] long and typically weigh 30–35 grams (1.1–1.2 oz).[7][8]
Forpus species are sexually dimorphic. Most males are bright green or yellow-green, with bright blue markings on their wings, tails, rumps, and heads (location varies between species). Females are duller green with more yellow-green markings and have few or no blue feathers. Forpus parrotlets have dark brown eyes with light peach or tan feet and beaks (with the exception of the dusky-billed parrotlet, which has a darker beak and feet). Like all parrots, Forpus species exhibit zygodactyly, meaning two toes face forwards and two face backwards.
All Forpus species are found in Latin, Central, or South America, and some species have been introduced on various Caribbean islands. Mexican parrotlets are found the furthest north, in western Mexico,[9] while cobalt-rumped parrotlets have the southernmost range, extending into southern Brazil and Argentina.[10] All other species are found between these two ranges, mostly in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Forpus species tend to live in subtropical and tropical dry forests, but are also found in shrublands, savannas, and heavily deforested or degraded forest areas. They are not found at altitudes higher than 1,800 metres (5,900 ft),[11] though most species remain far below.
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