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THE PARROT SPECIES FIELD GUIDE · Psittacidae

Brown-backed Parrotlet

Touit melanonotus

Meet the brown-backed parrotlet: its taxonomic place, natural range and conservation record.

Brown-backed Parrotlet — Touit melanonotus
Brown-backed Parrotlet
SPECIES NOTES

A closer look.

Scientific names follow AviList v2025b. Read the taxonomy and source notes for changes in classification.

About this species

The brown-backed parrotlet (Touit melanonotus) also known as the black-backed parrotlet, the black-eared parrotlet, and Wied's parrotlet, is a small (15 cm or 6 in) green parrot found in south-eastern Brazil from Bahia to southern São Paulo. It has a dark brown mantle and back, brown ear coverts, and red outer tail with back tips. They frequent humid forest from 500–1,000 m (1,600–3,300 ft) (occasionally down to sea level), and are mostly found in small flocks of 3–20 birds.

Where it occurs

Southeastern Brazil (southern Bahia to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo).

Conservation record

AviList v2025b records this species as near threatened. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.

Sources & image credit

Names, family, range and conservation record: AviList Core Team (2026), AviList v2025b, CC BY 4.0. Species summary: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Length, weight and longevity when listed: World Parrot Trust species account.

Image: Dario Sanches from São Paulo, Brazil. Original file and full credit · CC BY-SA 2.0. Display size and encoding adjusted.