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Lesser vasa parrot

Lesser vasa parrot

Wikipedia

The lesser vasa parrot or black parrot is a black coloured parrot endemic to most of Madagascar. It is one of four species of vasa parrots, the others being the greater vasa parrot, the Seychelles black parrot, and the Comoros black parrot. The latter two were formerly considered conspecific with the lesser vasa parrot.

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Distribution

Region

Madagascar

Typical Environment

Occurs across much of Madagascar in a wide range of habitats, from humid evergreen rainforest to dry deciduous woodland and spiny thicket. Frequently uses edges, secondary growth, and mangroves, and readily visits cultivated areas and village groves. It can be common in degraded forest and mixed agroforestry mosaics. Roosts communally and moves locally between feeding sites as resources change.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size35–40 cm
Wing Span50–55 cm
Male Weight0.3 kg
Female Weight0.28 kg
Life Expectancy20 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

This species has unusually flexible breeding biology for a parrot; females may become partially bald with yellowish facial skin during the breeding season and can engage in polyandrous mating. Lesser vasa parrots are adaptable and often forage in human-modified landscapes, including plantations. They are known for harsh, croaky calls rather than melodic songs. Their strong bill is used to pry open tough fruits and seeds and to strip bark while foraging.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Hand coloured etching by George Edwards published in 1743

Hand coloured etching by George Edwards published in 1743

Feeding at the National Aviary, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Feeding at the National Aviary, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

strong, fast direct flight with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Often seen in pairs or small groups and may form larger flocks at abundant food sources or communal roosts. Nests in tree cavities; breeding can involve multiple males attending a female, and prolonged courtship feeding is common. Pairs are attentive at the nest, and fledglings may remain with adults for some time after leaving the cavity.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are harsh and raspy, including croaks, grating screeches, and nasal squawks. Calls carry well over forest and plantation edges and are given frequently in flight and at roosts.

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