Osh Squash B’gosh

Varied Lorikeet (Psitteuteles versicolor), mating pair in nest cavity, family Psittaculidae, order Psittaciformes, endemic to the north coastal region of Australia

Southern Ground Hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeater), family Bucorvidae, order Bucerotiformes, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique

Australian Pelicans (Pelecanus conspicillatus), family Pelicanidae, order Pelicaniformes, Australia

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Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), males, family Picidae, order Piciformes, St, Louis, MO, USA

Yellow-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes flavifrons), male, family Picidae, Brazil

Bornean Ground-Cuckoo (Carpococcyx radiceus), family Cuculidae, order Cuculiformes, Sabah, Borneo

the pacific parrotlet (forpus coelestis) is a small parrot species native to western ecuador and northwestern peru. while their range historically favors dry habitats such as deciduous forest and desert, deforestation in their range has pushed parrotlets into more humid environments. they typically live in flocks of 40 to 50 birds, and are non-migratory, meaning they maintain the same territory year round. in the wild, the average lifespan of a pacific parrotlet is 10.4 years, but in captivity they may live for upwards of 20 years. they have become increasingly popular in aviculture, however, their small size is deceptive to some prospective owners; sometimes referred to as ‘mini amazons’ in reference to boisterous amazon parrots, parrotlets are known to have short tempers and feisty personalities. although their ‘voices’ are not as clear as some larger birds, they are capable of mimicry. in captivity, they often become aggressive with cagemates, despite living in large flocks in the wild; this may be partially due to many parrotlets being kept in unsuitable housing for pairs. with proper care, they are often curious, cheerful birds who can bond closely to their caretakers.