Complete Parrotlet Care Guide: The Smallest True Parrot

The Parrotlet is the world’s smallest true parrot, but do not let the size fool you. In a 5 inch body they pack the intelligence, boldness, and territorial confidence of birds three times their size. This guide walks through everything you should know before buying a Parrotlet, including which species you will actually find in the US, how much they cost, what their real care needs are, and honestly whether they are the right first parrot for you.

What is a Parrotlet?

Parrotlets are a group of small Neotropical parrots in the genus Forpus, native to Central and South America. There are seven species in the genus, but only two are commonly kept as pets in the United States.

• Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis): the most common pet Parrotlet species. Native to western Ecuador and Peru. Males have distinct blue markings around the eyes and on the rump.
• Green Rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus): the second most common species. Slightly smaller. Native to Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. Males have less pronounced blue markings.

If you are looking at Parrotlets for sale in the US, the majority you will find are Pacific Parrotlets.

What does a Parrotlet look like?

• Length: 4.5 to 5.5 inches
• Weight: 25 to 35 grams
• Body colour: Bright green with lighter belly
• Male markings: Cobalt blue on rump, wing, and eye ring
• Female markings: All green or with muted blue tint
• Tail: Short and square

Parrotlets are one of the few small parrot species that are sexually dimorphic, meaning you can often tell males from females visually. Males typically have brighter blue markings; females are more uniformly green. This is convenient because DNA sexing is less critical than for many other species.

Personality and temperament

Parrotlets are famously fearless. They will attack a Blue and Gold Macaw ten times their size if they perceive a threat, and they treat everything from a coffee cup to a fingernail as their personal territory. For the right owner, this bold personality is exactly the appeal. For the wrong owner, it means bites, screams at reflection, and unmanageable territorial behaviour.

A well socialized hand raised Parrotlet is affectionate with its primary human, tolerant of other family members, and playful with toys well beyond its size class. A poorly socialized or under stimulated Parrotlet becomes aggressive and difficult to manage.

Are Parrotlets good talkers?

Some Parrotlets talk, but they are not reliable talkers. Male Parrotlets are more likely to talk than females. Typical vocabulary is 10 to 15 words spoken in a soft, high pitched voice. Do not choose a Parrotlet primarily for speech.

Are Parrotlets loud?

No. Parrotlets are one of the quietest true parrots. Their contact calls are short, high pitched, and low in volume. Perfect for apartments, shared walls, and offices. If quiet is your top priority, few small parrots beat a Parrotlet.

How much does a Parrotlet cost?

Hand raised Parrotlets cost $200 to $400 in the US in 2026 from a working aviary. Colour mutations (blue, yellow, white, pied) can push prices to $500 to $700.

Care requirements

Cage size. Minimum 18 by 18 by 24 inches. Larger is preferred. Bar spacing no wider than 3 by 8 inch. Parrotlets are small enough to squeeze through wider spacing.

Diet. 60 to 70 percent quality small parrot pellet, 20 to 30 percent fresh vegetables and small amounts of fruit, 5 to 10 percent millet spray and small seeds as treats. Overfeeding seeds causes fatty liver disease in this small species.

Out of cage time. At least 2 hours per day in a bird proofed room. Parrotlets are strong flyers for their size.

Enrichment. Rotate three small toys weekly. Foraging toys are important for their intelligence.

Sleep. 10 to 12 hours of dark quiet sleep per night.

Safety warning. Never house a Parrotlet with any other bird species. Their territorial nature can cause them to attack and injure birds many times their size.

How long do Parrotlets live?

Parrotlets typically live 15 to 20 years in captivity with proper care. Their small size makes them somewhat more fragile than larger parrots, and accidents (being stepped on, being crushed in a door) cause more premature deaths than genetics. For the full lifespan picture across parrot species, see our how long parrots live guide.

Is a Parrotlet the right bird for you?

Choose a Parrotlet if: you want the smallest possible parrot, live in an apartment where noise is critical, want a bold and confident bird, and have experience or willingness to handle a bird with a strong personality.

Choose a different species if: you want a cuddly bird (get a Cockatiel or Green Cheek Conure), have small children who might handle the bird roughly, or want a reliable talker.

If you are still comparing small parrot species, see our full easiest parrots for beginners guide for the top 8 small parrot options ranked.

Where to buy a Parrotlet

Parrotlets are less commonly bred than lovebirds or cockatiels but still reasonably available from specialty small parrot aviaries. At Mo’s Birds we hand raise a range of small parrot species. Browse the other parrots category for less common species, current available babies, or contact Mo directly for Parrotlet waitlist information.

Frequently asked questions

Are Parrotlets the smallest parrot?

Yes, Parrotlets are the smallest true parrot at 4.5 to 5.5 inches. Some Fig Parrots and Pygmy Parrots are technically smaller but are not kept as pets.

Do Parrotlets bite?

Yes, and they bite hard for their size. Their small beak is proportionally strong. A well socialized hand raised Parrotlet rarely bites; a stressed or under stimulated one bites frequently.

Can you house two Parrotlets together?

Only bonded pairs from the same breeder. Introducing two adult Parrotlets often results in one attacking and injuring the other. Never house a Parrotlet with any other bird species.

Are Parrotlets good for children?

Not ideal. Their small size makes them fragile, and their strong bite hurts small hands. Better first birds for children are Cockatiels or Budgies.

What is the monthly cost of owning a Parrotlet?

$25 to $50 per month for food, toy replacement, and vet fund contribution. Among the cheapest parrots to keep.

Do Parrotlets need a lot of interaction?

Yes. A Parrotlet needs at least 2 hours per day of active interaction plus environmental enrichment. Undersocialized Parrotlets develop behavioural issues quickly.