[4] The genus contains nine species:[5] Because of similarities to their larger parrot relatives and their small size, Forpus birds are often called parrotlets.

Forpus species are non-migratory, though some populations of cobalt-rumped parrotlets are known to locally migrate to follow ripening fruit and budding trends.

[14] This is because of increases in the illegal parrot trade - birds are captured and sold as pets in Mexico, the U.S., and other countries.

[8] This goes directly against the Wild Bird Conservation Act, CITES, and other species protection legislation.

[16] This is because parrotlets prefer low-density woodland or open spaces rather than densely forested areas, and deforestation has increased in many of their ranges.

These parrotlets enjoy chewing on calcium treats, wood (bark, e.g. corkbark), and porous rocks.

Due to their curiosity, exposure to toxic material like plastic, toxic plants, and chemically treated objects should be strictly avoided, especially galvanized wires (falsely used as cheap material for aviaries) which have led to many cases of toxidrome.

Forpus parrotlets are not easy to breed as they are extremely aggressive and will sometimes kill or severely maim their partners.

Some Forpus species, such as the Pacific parrotlet, have several color mutations that are selectively bred for as pets.