Lesser Vasa Parrot

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iLesser Vasa Parrot

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Tribe: Psittacini
Genus: Coracopsis
Species: C. nigra
Binomial name
Coracopsis nigra
(Linnaeus, 1758)

The Lesser Vasa Parrot or Black Parrot Coracopsis nigra is one of two species of vasa parrots, the other being the Greater Vasa Parrot C. vasa. The race C. n. barklyi, of The Seychelles, is sometimes split as a separate species, the Seychelles Black Parrot.

Lesser Vasa Parrots inhabit the mangrove swamps and evergreen forests of Madagascar and the Seychelles Islands. The eat seeds, blossoms and fruit - especially berries and mangos.

They build their nests in hollow trees and go through courtship in February. During this time, the female may shed the feathers on her head giving it a yellowish tone. The male's beak may also turn white during this time.

[edit] References

  • BirdLife International (2004). Coracopsis nigra. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 09 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern