Coracopsis nigra
The Lesser Vasa Parrot (*Coracopsis nigra*) is a truly distinctive member of the Psittacidae family, immediately recognizable by its uniformly dusky grey to black plumage, a rare sight among the typically vibrant parrot world. Averaging 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in length and weighing between 120-170 grams, its sleek, somewhat elongated body and relatively long tail set it apart from its chunkier cousins. Key field marks include its dark coloration, a relatively large, powerful dark grey bill, ...
Found in a variety of forested and woodland habitats, from humid evergreen forests to dry deciduous forests and savannas, primarily at low to mid-elevations up to 1500-2000 meters.
Primarily frugivorous and granivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, and blossoms, occasionally supplemented with nectar and insect larvae. Forages mostly arboreally, plucking food directly from branches.
Lesser Vasa Parrots are diurnal, often observed in small to medium-sized flocks outside the breeding season, though breeding pairs become more solitary. They frequently engage in communal roosting in large trees at dusk. Foraging occurs high in the canopy, where they deftly maneuver through branc...
The Lesser Vasa Parrot is endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros Islands, maintaining a resident presence across its entire distribution. In Madagascar, it is widespread, inhabiting the island's diverse forest types from the humid eastern rainforests to the drier deciduous woodlands of the west an...
Least Concern
- The name "Vasa" is believed to derive from a Malagasy word for parrot. - Unlike most colorful parrots, the Lesser Vasa Parrot's plumage is a striking, uniform dusky grey or black, making it stand out in its family. - During the breeding season, the bare skin on their face can swell and change d...