Forpini
Tribe containing only the genus Forpus of neotropical parrotlets.
Forpini is a tribe of neotropical parrots in the subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae. It contains only the genus Forpus, which was introduced in 1858 by German zoologist Friedrich Boie. The tribe is significant as the sole taxonomic grouping for a diverse set of small, sexually dimorphic parrotlets found across Latin, Central, and South America.
- taxonomic_rank
- Tribe
- family
- Psittacidae
- subfamily
- Arinae
- genus
- Forpus
- number_of_species
- 9
- type_species
- Green-rumped parrotlet
- introduced_by
- Friedrich Boie
Lore & Background
The tribe Forpini was established to encompass the genus Forpus, which was first described by Friedrich Boie in 1858. The type species for the genus was later designated as the green-rumped parrotlet. The etymology of the genus name remains unknown. Forpini is the only tribe within the subfamily Arinae that contains just a single genus, highlighting the distinctiveness of these small parrots.
Forpus species are found throughout Latin, Central, and South America, with some introduced on Caribbean islands. They inhabit subtropical and tropical dry forests, shrublands, savannas, and degraded areas, but are not found above 1,800 meters. The Mexican parrotlet has the northernmost range, while the cobalt-rumped parrotlet extends furthest south into Brazil and Argentina.
These parrotlets are highly social, forming flocks of up to 100 individuals. They exhibit complex social relationships and use individually specific greeting calls. Most species nest in small holes or old nests, laying 3-7 eggs. Their diet consists of berries, fruits, seeds, leaves, and other plant matter, with some species consuming clay for minerals.
Reader's Guide
The tribe Forpini holds taxonomic importance as the sole tribe for the genus Forpus, grouping nine species of small neotropical parrotlets. These birds are notable for their sexual dimorphism, with males displaying bright blue markings and females being duller green. Forpus species are widely distributed across Central and South America, adapting to various habitats including dry forests and degraded areas.
Conservation status varies: most species are Least Concern, but the Mexican parrotlet is Near Threatened and the yellow-faced parrotlet is Vulnerable, primarily due to the illegal pet trade. Deforestation has benefited some species, like the spectacled parrotlet, which prefers open spaces. Many protected areas exist across their ranges.
In aviculture, Forpus parrotlets are popular pets but require careful handling due to aggression during breeding. They are social, need space, and must avoid toxic materials. Some species, like the Pacific parrotlet, have color mutations bred in captivity. The dusky-billed parrotlet is extremely rare in captivity, found only in Europe.
Did You Know?
- Forpini is the only tribe in the subfamily Arinae that contains just a single genus, Forpus.
- The etymology of the genus name Forpus is unknown.
- Forpus species exhibit zygodactyly, with two toes facing forward and two backward.
- Some Forpus species, such as the spectacled parrotlet, are believed to have increasing populations due to deforestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forpini in the bird-tribe canon?
Forpini is a monogeneric tribe of small neotropical parrotlets that sits inside the subfamily Arinae of the parrot family Psittacidae. It groups together every species in the genus Forpus, all of which are found across Central and South America.
Who is the type species anchoring Forpini?
The Green-rumped parrotlet is the designated type species for the tribe. In practical terms, it is the reference point from which the genus Forpus was originally circumscribed.
How many species does Forpini contain?
Exactly nine recognized species make up the tribe, all sharing the genus name Forpus. These are small, sexually dimorphic parrotlets, and no other genera are included.
Who established Forpini and in what year?
German zoologist Friedrich Boie introduced the genus Forpus back in 1858. That single taxonomic act is the foundation on which the modern tribe Forpini rests.
Why do fans consider Forpini important in parrot taxonomy?
Forpini is the only tribal-level grouping that unites all Forpus parrotlets, giving those nine species a clear, exclusive taxonomic home. It also serves as a useful reference point when mapping relationships within the larger Arinae subfamily.
More in Bird tribes 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record