If you are thinking about a parrot, but don’t have room for a large cage and don’t want the noise of a large bird, then maybe a Parrotlet is for you. These tiny parrots have the personality of a large bird, without the noise or large cage requirements of a large bird.

They still need out of cage time and you must spend some time with these birds, but they are also very happy playing in their cage as long as the cage is well equipped with toys.

One toy that many Parrotlets really seem to enjoy is a small wheel (often used for rodents such as hamsters). Care must be taken in the selection of the wheel to ensure that your bird’s feet will not go between any bars as they are running in this wheel.

Although there are more types of Parrotlets, I will just mention the three types normally kept as pets.

Pacific Parrotlet is just under 5 inches in length. They are the most common of the Parrotlets and are very active little birds. They can be quite affectionate, but on their own terms. For their tiny size, these little birds are fearless and care must be taken to make sure they don’t attack a larger bird or a dog or cat that may not appreciate being nipped.

Green Rump Parrotlet is the smallest of the Parrotlets and may also be the sweetest. They can be a bit more timid as well, but are very affectionate with the people that they bond to.

Spectacled Parrotlet is not much bigger than the Green Rump and seems to have a personality somewhere between the Green Rump and the Pacific. They are outgoing & affectionate as well as fearless but do not normally attack as readily as the Pacific.

All types of Parrotlets are sexually dimorphic, which mean males and females can be distinguished visually. They have a lifespan of approximately 20 years.

As with any type of bird, please research several resources and talk to several people who know the species before making any decision as to whether this bird should form part of your household.


If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop by the Bird Forum anytime (see the most recent topics below).