Bird
Bird
Lilac-tailed Parrotlet
Touit batavicus
The Lilac-tailed Parrotlet is a tiny, fast-flying parrot of Trinidad's forest canopy, its brief lilac-tinged tail visible only in good light as small, tight flocks streak rapidly overhead calling sharply in flight.
The Lilac-tailed Parrotlet is a tiny, fast-flying parrot of Trinidad's forest canopy, its brief lilac-tinged tail visible only in good light as small, tight flocks streak rapidly overhead calling sharply in flight.
Identification
A very small parrot around 14 cm long, mainly green with a blue crown patch, yellowish cheeks, and orange on the underwing coverts visible in flight; the tail shows a lilac-pink wash toward the tip that gives the species its name, though it is often hard to see except at close range or in good light. Flight is extremely fast and direct, typically in tight, calling flocks.
Behaviour
Forages in the forest canopy for fruit, seeds, and flowers, usually staying high and largely out of sight except when flocks fly rapidly between fruiting trees, giving sharp, chattering calls. It rarely descends to lower levels, making it one of the more difficult small parrots to observe well, and is usually first detected by its distinctive flight call.
Status in T&T
Found in mature forest across Trinidad, generally in the canopy of the Northern Range and other forested areas, though its fast, high flight and small size make it easy to miss. Not considered threatened. It is protected under the Conservation of Wildlife Act and CITES Appendix II.
Threats
- Loss of mature forest canopy habitat
