The Mascarene parrot or mascarin is an extinct species of parrot that was endemic to the Mascarene island of Réunion in the western Indian Ocean. The taxonomic relationships of this species have been subject to debate; it has historically been grouped with either the Psittaculini parrots or the vasa parrots, with the latest genetic study favouring the former group.
Region
Mascarene Islands
Typical Environment
This species occurred only on Réunion in the western Indian Ocean. It most likely inhabited native evergreen forest, using mature trees for foraging and nesting. Historical mentions suggest it ventured into forest edges and valleys, where fruiting trees were abundant. Habitat loss, hunting, and capture probably restricted it to increasingly remote forest interiors before extinction.
Altitude Range
unknown
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the mascarin, the Mascarene parrot was endemic to Réunion and is now extinct, likely disappearing by the late 18th or early 19th century. Its taxonomic placement has been debated between the Psittaculini parrots and the vasa parrots, with recent genetic work favoring Psittaculini. The species is known from a handful of historical accounts, museum specimens, and paintings, which depict a striking red bill and dark head.
Plate from Comte de Buffon's encyclopaedia Histoire Naturelle, 1700s
1907 depiction by Keulemans, based on his 1893 illustration
1801 illustration by Jacques Barraband
Mountain area on Réunion
Carl Wilhelm Hahn's 1834 illustration of the supposedly last living bird, which may have been based on Martinet's 1779 image
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
Like many island parrots, it likely formed small flocks or pairs and nested in tree cavities. Breeding was probably tied to peaks in fruit availability. Historical accounts and general parrot behavior suggest attentive pair bonds and cooperative care of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations were likely loud, carrying calls and harsh screeches used to maintain contact in forest canopies. Occasional softer chatter may have been used at roosts or nest sites.
