Pacific Parrotlets, more simply known as Parrotlets, are a small bird (about 4" from head to tail) native to central and South America. Like their larger cousins, the Amazon parrots, they can have a pretty bold personality and often people are surprised just how precocious these little birds can be.

As a pet, Parrotlets are capable of being incredibly affectionate but are also very intelligent. They thrive off learning new things as well as being thoughtfully engaged. While they do enjoy a cuddle here and there, they are active birds that do best in homes that will not keep them locked up in a cage 24/7 and also an owner that understands that simply holding and petting the bird may not always be sufficient to keeping the bird engaged, and "out of trouble," if you will.

These birds are not suitable pets meant strictly for young children (under the age of 10 or so). What I mean by this is that young children can interact with them under supervision, but I would not purchase a Parrotlet meant to be the sole responsibility of a young child. On the other end, older individuals who do not have great mobility or with thin skin may also find that these birds are far too much work.