Coracopsis vasa
The Greater Vasa Parrot, Coracopsis vasa, is a large, striking parrot species native to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. Its plumage is a distinctive dusky grey-brown to blackish, contrasting with a long, powerful black bill. During the breeding season, both sexes undergo a dramatic transformation, shedding feathers to reveal bare, vibrantly colored skin on their heads-bright yellow-orange in females and duller yellow in males. Males typically measure around 50 cm (20 in) and weigh 480-600...
Found in a wide range of habitats from dry deciduous forests, spiny thickets, and mangroves to humid evergreen forests, savannas, and cultivated areas, typically from sea level up to 1200 meters.
Primarily frugivorous and granivorous, their diet consists mainly of seeds, nuts, fruits (especially figs), berries, and flowers. They occasionally supplement this with insects and their larvae.
Greater Vasa Parrots are diurnal, often observed in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season, consolidating into larger, noisy flocks during the non-breeding period. They exhibit highly acrobatic foraging techniques, skillfully using their strong bills and feet to access food. Duri...
The Greater Vasa Parrot is endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros archipelago, where it is a widespread and resident species. On Madagascar, it inhabits virtually all forest types, including humid evergreen, dry deciduous, spiny thicket, and mangrove forests, as well as degraded woodlands and cult...
Least Concern
- The male Greater Vasa Parrot has a unique, cartilaginous, non-erectile penis that is everted only during copulation, a rare trait among birds. - During the breeding season, the skin on their heads goes completely bald and changes color dramatically, from grey to a striking yellow-orange in fema...