Sweetlings
Basic Information
Anatomy
The sweetling is a small generalist parrot with a small beak. Sweetlings have large pink puffs of feathers on their cheeks, with quite smooth matte feathers elsewhere on their bodies. They are much more tolerant of cooler temperatures than many other parrot species, and while do migrate in winter, can still be found in northern ranges.
There are four distinct locales of Sweetling, differing on the region they inhabit. These locales are not considered distinct species or subspecies, however, evidence that they may become distinct groups over time is growing. Southern Sweetlings, inhabiting Central America and South America's jungles and forests, have been increasingly described as distinct in behavior from the Mexico Greater Sweetling, which inhabits more arid regions.
Ecology and Habitats
Sweetlings have a massive ecological range, stretching from southern Laramidia, the Louisiana Isles, all the way to central South America. As generalists and tolerant of cooler and drier conditions, they have spread into many environments such as scrubland, desert, rainforests, and swamps. Primarily, they habituate in forests, feeding on a wide array of vegetation, spreading seeds from trees, fruits, and berries in their droppings. Sweetlings in more arid areas are known to feast on cacti, and occasionally pollinate them by feasting on pollinator insects.
Dietary Needs and Habits
A generalist parrot, the sweetling will eat most of anything that it finds. Leaves, barks, insects, berries, nuts, fruits, and seeds make up the bulk of their diets, though they will also take advantage of roots, tubers, bone, and carrion when it is available. The Mexico Greater Sweetling, which primarily is found in desert conditions, also makes up a fairly large portion of its diet with cacti and dessert flowers during wet seasons, feeding mainly on insects during the rest of the year.
Behaviour
These small birds are named for their behavior- Sweetling flocks have a rigorous pecking order that is constantly fluctuating, and when a member of the flock raises in the pecking order, will assert its dominance by fighting with other members of the group by rubbing its beak against theirs, which at first glance can often look like kissing. This behavior was at first thought to be an extreme example of social bonding and polygamy among the flocks, hence their nickname as the 'Sweetheart bird'. Whenever the flock finds food, roosts in a new location, or begins to nest, they will reaffirm their pecking orders, with those at the top of it claiming the best roosting spots and highest quality food. As individual members of the flock are constantly fluctuating in the pecking order, the birds are highly competitive amongst one another.
Despite their competitive and volatile pecking order, Sweetlings are flocking birds, and require a large social group to meet their needs. Their small size leaves them vulnerable to many predators, and large flocks allow individuals to be more secure. Large groups also allow them to care for offspring communally, ensuring the survival of the next generation. Sweetlings will often form complex friendships and allegiances amongst their flock, often working dynamically to advance themselves in the pecking order.
Origin/Ancestry
natural
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Geographic Distribution
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