cobalt-blue on their primary wing feathers while the secondaries are tur­ quoise. They are the only species of which lacks blue on the Identifying rump. They are sweet, gentle which make exceptional pets. There bySandee and Robert Molenda are four subspecies ofGreen-rumped. Santa Cruz, California Forpus passerinus viridissimus is found on the islands of Trinidad and Jamaica as well as northern Venezuela orpus parrotlets comprise one of western . The males have a to northern Columbia. The males are Ethe world's smallest genera of par­ cobalt-blue streak of feathers extend­ darker forest green and have a deeper rots. Often confused with species ing backward from the eye as well as shade of blue than the nominate spe­ from the genus Brotogeris, they are cobalt-blue on the rump and wings. cies. There is no difference between more closely related to the genus Many females also have an eye streak the females. While not as aggressive Amazona. There are seven species of but it is light turquoise or emerald as Pacifics, this subspecies is much these parrotlets: Green-rumped, green. They also have dark green more bold than the species found in Pacific, Blue-winged, Spectacled, backs and wings with light green Guyana. This subspecies is rather Mexican, Sclater's (Dusky-billed) and feathers on the face. Occasionally, common in aviculture. Yellow-faced. Many of these have Pacific hens will have a blue rump but Forpus passerinus cyanophanes, more than one subspecies. They are normally it is emerald green. Inter­ native to northern Columbia, has more primarily found in Columbia, , estingly, the rump color is not cobalt­ dark blue feathers on the upper wing Venezuela, Equador, Peru, , blue as in the males but deep tur­ which forms a patch of color that can Bolivia, Paraguay, Guyana and vari­ quoise. These hens often pass this trait be seen when the wing is folded. The ous islands. The Mexican on to their daughters. While there are female is indistinguishable from Parrotlet is the only species not found no known subspecies of Pacific p. passerinus. in but is native to Parrotlets, many breeders believe Forpus passerinus cyanochlorus is northwestern and the Tres these birds could be an unrecognized found only near the upper Branco Marias Islands. subspecies. River in northern Brazil. In this sub­ All species of parrotlets are sexually Pacific Parrotlets are certainly the species, the male is very similar to the dimorphic. Females are generally most fearless as well as curious of the nominate. It is the females who differ green with various shades of yellow Forpus species. They are also in their overall plumage which is whereas males have beautiful blue extremely territorial, especially the much more yellow especially on the coloring on their wings, rumps and females. They should be kept either rump and underparts. heads. Identification of the male of a alone or not more than one pair to a Forpus passerinus deliciosus is species is based upon the particular cage. If given a chance, they will also native to northern Brazil along the shade of blue he possesses. The attack much larger birds. Handfed banks of the Amazon. The males are females are more difficult to identify babies make wonderful pets if placed the only subspecies of Green-rumped so attention must be paid to small in a home right after weaning and to have their rump feathers tinged details such as subtle changes in the handled regularly. Being highly intelli­ with light blue. Females have more shades ofyellow and green feathers. gent, they can be taught to do tricks. yellow feathers between the eyes than Identification of parrotlet species is Both males and females can learn to p. passerinus. This is another subspe­ simplified by the process of elimina­ talk, however, they will never have cies which may be found in aviculture tion. Pacific, Green-rumped and Spec­ the vocal abilities of their larger although not as frequently as the nom­ tacled Parrotlets all have horn-colored Amazon cousins. Female Pacifics tend inate species or viridissimus. beaks and legs. Yellow-faced also to be more dominant than the males. Mexican Pariotlets Forpus xanthop­ have horn-colored beaks and legs, but As with most , domestically­ terygius are found in northwestern their beaks contain a thin black line raised pairs are much easier to breed Mexico. They are one of the larger which runs the length of the beak tl1an imports. Indeed, it is not unusual species of parrotlet with an average from cere to tip. Mexican and Blue­ for a pair to begin setting up house­ weight of 40 grams. The males have winged Parrotlets have gray beaks keeping at six or seven months but brilliant bright turquoise on the rump and legs, but Mexican hens' beaks do they should not be allowed to breed and wings. Females have dark green not turn gray until they are in breeding until one year ofage. heads, backs and wings with yellow­ condition. The upper beak is gray in Another common species, Green­ green on the wings, face and under­ Sclater's, the lower is horn-colored rumped Parrotlets Forpus passerinus parts. These birds are different from and their legs are gray. are the smallest, weighing around 22 other parrotlets in a variety of ways. The Pacific or Celestial Parrotlet grams. They are native to Guyana and Most parrotlets are energetic and play­ Forpus coelestis is the most well­ have a delicate, streamlined body with ful and constantly engaged in activity. known and popular species of ­ a small beak in proportion to their Mexican Parrotlets, on the other hand, let in aviculture. They are approxi­ heads. Predominantly apple-green, lead a sedentary life that could almost mately five inches in length and weigh the females have a patch of yellow be tenned lethargic. Picky eaters, they around 30 grams. In the wild, they are feathers between their eyes, above often ignore soft foods, preferring found from western Equador to north- their nostrils. The males have bright, sunflower and hemp seed. Other par-

afa WATCHBIRD 55 rotlets have voracious appetites while Mexicans eat very little. They are diffi­ cult and frustrating to breed. Unlike other species, they will not double­ clutch and often only produce a clutch every other year. Even the incubation period is longer in Mexicans - 24 days instead of 20. Most Mexicans will only breed in a colony situation of more than three pairs. They are the only parrotlets that can be kept in a colony. They have the sweetest, most gentle personality of all the parrotlets. Many handfed babies, who are now breeders, con­ tinue to allow handling years after being paired. If treated gently, even the untamed ones rarely bite. Due to their limited numbers and low rate of breeding success, these birds should not be sold into the pet trade but only to other breeders. The International Parrotlet Society is gathering informa­ tion to begin a studbook for Mexican Parrotlets. There are two subspecies ofthese birds. Year Round, Nationwide Shipping Forpus cyanopygius pallidus ranges from southeastern Sonora to north­ Guaranteed Live Delivery western Mexico. In both males and (800) 735-8537 females the plumage is lighter green with a gray tinge and the underparts more yellow than in the nominate. Forpus cyanopygius insularis is found only on the Tres Marias Islands ThE GATEWAy PARROT Club, INC. off the coast of western Mexico. They PRoudly PRESENTS are considered rare and have only been sighted on two of the four THE GATEWAY islands. A recent expedition to Maria Madre produced several encounters ALL-AMERICAN with these parrotlets, including a flock HOOKBILL SHOW of 20. They were last reported on this island in 1925. This subspecies has a L..-::'=:':::':':=:"::"';';"--J® AuGUST 27m & 28m, 1994 dark green head, back and wings as well as blue-green underparts. The FEATURING* SEMINARS* face is yellow-green and the males' * LARGE SALE ROOM * LINDA GREESON rumps and wings are darker blue than * BIG BIRD RAFFLE * DR. PETER SAKAS, D.V.M. in the nominate species. * COMMERCIAL EXHIBITORS Another large species, the Blue­ winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthoptery­ • CASH • RIBBONS • TROPHIES • gius is often confused with Mexican Parrotlets. Blue-wingeds are sleek, MEET US AT THE ST. CHARLES EXHIBITION HALL, streamlined birds, while Mexicans are LOCATED IN THE MARK TWAIN MALL, ST. CHARLES, MO stocky and round. They range from Paraguay and northeastern Argentina through eastern Brazil. Males have STAY ATTHE BEAUTIFUL BUDGETEL INN. SPONSORED BY: dark violet-blue on the rump and FOR RESERVATIONS CALL; 314-946-6936. .. wings. Females have green-yellow feathers on the face between the eyes • TO RESERVE COMMERCIALSPACE ••"1 and yellow underparts. Blue-wingeds CALL GLENNA JONES 314-389-4766 aD!1~. tend to be nervous birds and even OR CAROL FIELD 314-385-0323 L & M FARMS handfed babies are easily disturbed once they are weaned. They would not make good pets, which is fortun-

56 May / June 1994 Male Pacific Parrotlets have a cobalt-blue streak extending backfronl the .. eye as well as cobalt-blue on the run'lp and wings. Pacific Parrotlets (Forpus coelestis) are the n'lost C01nn'lOn found in the U.S. Here the nlale (right) andfenlaIe sit in the nest box with a newly hatched baby.

Male Spectacled Parrotlets (Forpus conspicillatus) areperhaps the nlost brilliantly colored with bright blue-oiolet on the Wings, runlp and encircling the eyes.

Parrotlets are sexually din'lorphic. 1befen'lale is usually allgreen as in this hen.

Green-runlped Parrotlet (Forpuspasserinus viridissin'lus) nlales lack the blue coloring as on the runlp ofother n'laleparrotlets. Theirprinlary wing feathers are cobalt-blue while the secondaries are turquoise.

Blue-winged Parrotlets (Forpus xanthoptergius) are sleek, streal1'llined birds. The n'lales have a deep blue run'lp patch and turquoise on the wings. a; .D o cr: 1) c co Q) Q) 1) c co (j) >.. .D oen (5 .c. 0..

The rarest and largestparrotlets are tbe Yellow­ One ofthe largerparrotlet species, (F01pUS cyanopygius) nlales hal.1e bright turquoise faced (Forpus xanthops). Males hal'e deep cobalt­ feathering on the run'lp and wings. blue wi~gs, runlp andeyestreak sin'lilar to Pacific Parrotlets. afa WATCHBIRD 57 AvianTrade Shows & Seminars

Macaw Landing Foundation Gold Country Avicultural Society Chester County Bird Breeders Public Viewing Aviary presents its and Keystone Cockatile Club Third Thursday of each month 3rd Annual Exotic Bird Mart Annual All-Bird Show Janlzen Beach Center, exit 308 off 1-5 June 12, 1994 September 10, 1994 1919 N. Janlzen, Portland, Oregon Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Sonora, CA 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 10:00 a.rn. to g:oo p.m. For vendor information, write: Sheraton Valley Forge Sat. & Sun. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm Gold Country Avicultural Society Convention Center, Raza Entrance Bird care seminar Speaker Pat Huff, DVM. PO. Box 3692, Sonora, CA 95370-3692 Valley Forge, PA Macaw Landing 7:30 p.m. Attn: Rodney P Silva For information contact For information call: (503) 286-0882 or call (209) 533-3496 Doris Rickards (215) 647-4632 For directions call: Central New York Caged Bird Club Erie Cage Bird Club's Sheraton Hotel (215) 337-2000 Spring Sale and Exhibition 4th Annual Bird Fair May 21, 1994 June 18, 1994 Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club Great Northem Mall Perry Hiway Hose Co. Spring Bird Fair Route 31, Clay, NY Route 19, Erie, PA September 17, 1994 For information contact: Public welcome, no admission charge 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dave Dixon (?) 598-5927 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.rn. Hattendort Center or Debbie Johnson (?) 598-5024 Info: Sue Turner (814) 838-1858 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL or Debbie Foote (814) 967-2866 (1/2 mile east of Arlington Heights Road) 3rd Annual Upper Midwest Bird Mart Semi-annual event. open to the public, May 21,1994 American Federation of Aviculturists Features awide variety of birds, cages, toys, seed, treats, and Minnesota State Fairgrounds 20th Annual Convention equipment for sale. Empire Commons Building August~, 1994 For everyone from single pet owners to serious breeder/hobbj1sts, St. Paul, Minnesota Knoxville, Tennessee General information: (708) 705-6260 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hosted by Tennessee Valley Admission $3, and under 12 $2 Exotic Bird Club Erie Cage Bird Club's Annual Auction For information contact: Holiday Inn/Convention Center, September 18, 1994 PO Box 20601, Bloomington, MN 55420 Worlds Fair Park 2306 Norcross Rd, Erie, PA Call Nellie (612) 8546439 Seminar topics: Public welcome, no admission charge or Dallas (612) 427-1046 ,'Out of African and Down Under" Starting at 1:00 p.m. Speakers from Africa, Australia, Canada and the . For info .. Diane Hollz (814) 898-2675 Central Mississippi Bird Club The Convention will take place on Friday and Saturday and have presents their exhibitors from allover the United States. Don't miss this once-in-a­ Coastal Bend Cage Bird Club's 2nd Annual Bird Fair lifetime opportunity to meet with some of the world's top aviculturists. 5th Annual Bird Fair May 21-22, 1994 For more information: September 25,1994 Miss. State Fairgrounds Cindy /ljdent (615) 690-7252 or 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jackson, Mississippi Gary Reid (615) 690-0613 Moose Lodge, 8001 S. Padre Island Dr For information contact: Corpus Christi, Texas W. Nations (601) 825-7809 Mid-South Budgie Club For more info: Mary Moore (601) 924-1180 will host a Linda Young (512) 991-2704 Candy Lott (601) 924-3893 Budgie Bird Show August 20,1994 South Jersey Bird Club Central Pennsylvania Cage Bird Club Quality Inn -Executive Raza Bird Show Bird Mart & Pet Bird Show 823 Murlreesboro Road, Nashville, TN October 1, 1994 May 22, 1994 For additional information: Garden State Park Racetrack Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA Candice Patrick, Apt. B3-7, Cherry Hill, New Jersey located at the Hershey-Harrisburg Exit #28, 400 Forrest Park Road, Madison, TN 37115 Open to the public: 10 - 6 off 1-81 at Route 743 Phone (615) 868-8840 or Judging, educational seminars, vendors, DNA sexing, bird sale room, For information call: Carrol Dunn, 115 Chippendale Drive, and more. Janet Landvater, bird mart mgr Hendersonville, TN 37075 For more information, contact RD #1, Box 135-K, Hershey, PA 17033 Phone (615) 324-8642 Bob Hence, show manager (609) 753-8949 Phone (717) 5334251 Mid-South Budgie Club Avicultural Society of Tucson (Arizona) Middle Tennessee Cage Bird Club will host a Ninth Annual Bird Fair presents its Bird Fair October 16, 1994 Bird Fair August 21,1994 Tucson Exposition Center, May 28, 29, 1994 Quality Inn -Executive Raza Marketplace, USA, Irvington Road at the Middle Tennessee State University Campus 823 Murtreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Agnculture Pavilion-Livestock Center For information contact. Demonstrations, lectures, raffles Murtreesboro, TN Mary Russell (hand-fed bird grand prize). Contact Fair Chairman: Larry Crawford 416 West Cherry St., Glasgow, KY 42141 Contact Su Egen, P.O. Box 41501, 1447 Twin Oak Dr, Murtreesboro, TN 37130 Phone (502) 651-8150 Tucson, Al85717-1501 Phone (615) 890-6906 Phone & fax: (602) 325-0009 Central Alabama Avicultural Society Greater Rochester Hookbill Association presents its Connecticut Association for Aviculture Sale and Auction Annual Show &Fair presents its June 4, 1994 September 3- 4, 1994 18th Annual Exotic Bird Show 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m, Howard Johnson Govemors House Hotel October 22, 1994 Admission free 2705 E. South Blvd., Montgomery, i\jl "Tails-U-Win" Hall Genesee Conservation League Hotel reservations: 1-800-334-8459 175 Adams Street, Manchester, CT 06040 1570 Penfield Rd., Penfield, NY 14526 For information call: For information call: For information write: (205) 857,3817, (205) 892-2204, or (205) 279-6829 Show Secretary Chris Voronovitch GRHA, PO. Box 427, Penfield, NY 14526-0427 at (203) 649-8220 or phone: Gloria Giraulo (716) 342-9529 or Linda Matteson (315) 597 -4836

58 May I June 1994 ate since there are so few of them in the eye and yellow-green faces. These the United States. Blue-wingeds have birds are very rare and are only being five subspecies. traded with participants in the stud­ Forpus xanthopterygiusflavissimus book sponsored by the International is native to northeastern Brazil. The Parrotlet Society. Since the birds are Exotic Bird Club of Florida Bird Show general plumage is paler green and prolific in captivity, it is hoped with October 29,1994 the underparts are more yellow than careful management their numbers Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort the nominate. The blue in the males is will increase substantially. There 1300 N. Atlantic Ave., also paler and they have bright yellow are two subspecies of Spectacled Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Reservations: (407) 783-2271 on the face and throat. The females Parrotlets. For information contact: also have more yellow on the face, Forpus conspicillatus metae ranges Maureen O'Steen throat and underparts. This subspe­ from central Columbia to western 613 Dianne Dr., Melbourne, FL 32935 cies is being bred successfully in Venezuela. On males, the head is Middle Tennessee Cage Bird Club Europe. bright green with yellow-green face hosts its annual Forpus xanthopterygius crassirostris and throat. The eye ring is reduced to Fall ShowJFalr Extravaganza ranges from northeastern Peru and a thin partial line of blue feathers. The October 29-30, 1994 Nashville, Tennessee State Fairgrounds southeastern Columbia east along the female's plumage is more yellow. Creative Arts Building Amazon to northeastern Brazil. The Forpus conspicillatus caucae, which One day iJdged show - Sat, Oct. 29 blue of the males is paler than in the is found in southwestern Columbia, Show chairman Bill Hite (615) 643-2617 nominate. The primary coverts are can be distinguished by its large, runs simultaneously with a two day salelfair Oct. 29-30. gray-violet blue and the secondaries heavy beak. The blue plumage of the Fair chairmen: are darker violet blue. The upper beak male is lighter and less violet than the Wilma Crawford (615) 890-6906 or is compressed laterally in the middle. nominate. Joy Johnson (615) 895-3386 The females are more green than the The rarest species of parrotlet is the Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club nominate and they are smaller birds. Yellow-faced Forpus xanthops. 62nd Annual Cage Bird Show Forpus xanthopterygius ollallae is Weighing close to 50 grams, it is also NovemberS,1994 only found in two locations along the the largest. They are found only in one 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rolling Meadows Holiday Inn Amazon River in northeastern Brazil. remote valley in northwestern Peru. 3405 Algonquin Rd., Both males and females are darker Males have deep cobalt-blue wings, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 green than crassirostris and the males rump and eye streak similar to male Phone (708) 259- 5000 Judges: have darker blue on the wings and Pacifics. Both males and females have Type Canaries - Harold Sodamann rump. bright yellow on the forehead, face Hartz Canaries - Harold Sodamann Forpus xanopterygius spengeli and throat. Regularly bred in Europe, American Singer Canaries - Mike Bacon occurs along the coastal region of they have all but disappeared from Colorbred Canaries - Ignacio Perea Finches & Softbills - Brian Binns (England) northern Columbia. The males differ American aviculture. Also, as in - Lee Horton from the nominate in that the color on Pacifies, there are no subspecies of Hookbills - Ray Johnson the rump is more dark turquoise-blue. Yellow-faced Parrotlets. Budgerigars - Don Langell American Cockatiel Society - Cart Helton The primary coverts are violet-blue Sclater's Parrotlets Forpus sclateri National Cockatiel Society - Lee Horton with the remaining being dark tur­ have never been imported into this Juniors - to be announced quoise. Females are similar to the country and are rare even among National Finch & Softbill Society Regional Show and the Border nominate but have more yellow on European aviculturists. They are Breeders of Cllicago All Border Show will be held in conjunction with our show this year. the forehead. found in northern Brazil, southeastern General information: (708) 705-6260 Forpus xanopterygius flavescens is Columbia, northeastern Equador, east­ found in eastern Bolivia and central ern Peru and northern Bolivia. They Way Out West Bird Expo, Peru. The general plumage of this are approximately five and one-half Arizona's Biggest Bird Mart November 13, 1994 subspecies is paler and more yellow inches in length. The males' general State Fairgrounds than in the nominate in both males plumage is dark green, darker than 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.rn. and females. The blue is paler in the any other species. They also have Everything from finches to macaws, cages, feed, bird toys and more. males and the females have more emerald green on the forehead and $3.50 adults / $2.50 seniors yellow on the forehead and face. cheeks. The lower back and rump are $1.50 children 5-12 The most striking species of parrot­ a deep violet-blue which is also darker For vendor info: (602) 973-9282 let is the Spectacled F01pUS conspicil­ than any other parrotlet. The females Alamo City Bird Mart latus. They are recent imports to the are lighter than the males with yellow •• Biggest lillie Bird Mart In Texas!" United States which were obtained underparts as well as yellow-green December 10, 1994 from captive-bred birds in Belgium. In foreheads and cheeks. The Sclater's 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Live Oak Civic Center the wild, they are found in Panama Parrotlet has one subspecies. 8101 Pat Booker Rd., off Loop 1604 and Columbia. These gorgeous little Forpus sclateri eidos are native to 24,000 sq. ft. of breeders cages and supplies, parrots weigh approximately 25 western Guyana, Venezuela, Brazil seminars, microchipping dinic, raffle. grams. Males are a deep, rich ever­ and Columbia. The males have lighter For vendor info call: (210) 648-0788 or send for space application: green with bright violet-blue on the green and blue plumage than the 2611 Tucker, San Antonio, TX 78222 wings, rump and completely en­ nominate. The females are also lighter circling the eye. Females are bright green with more yellow, particularly green with emerald feathers encircling on the breast. •

afa WATCHBIRD 59