Pesquet's parrot, also known as the Dracula parrot or as the vulturine parrot, is a member of the Old World parrot family Psittaculidae. It is the only member of the genus Psittrichas. The species is endemic to hill and montane rainforests in New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
This species inhabits hill and montane rainforests across the island of New Guinea. It favors mature forest with abundant fruiting figs and often ranges along ridges and valleys. Birds move through the canopy and at forest edges, occasionally descending to mid-levels to feed. Local movements track fruit availability, but it remains tied to extensive forest.
Altitude Range
200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Dracula parrot, Pesquet's parrot has a bare, black facial skin and a vulture-like head—an adaptation thought to keep sticky fig juices off its feathers. It is the only member of the genus Psittrichas. Highly specialized and locally hunted for its striking red feathers, it is considered Vulnerable.
Temperament
wary and often shy
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, occasionally forming larger feeding flocks at fruiting trees. Nests in high tree cavities within mature forest, with a small clutch and prolonged parental care. Courtship includes mutual preening and soft calls while perched.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are harsh, rasping croaks and guttural screams that carry over the canopy. Calls often accompany flight and become more frequent at feeding sites.
Plumage
Mostly black with slate-grey scalloping on the breast and mantle, contrasted by vivid crimson-red belly and wing coverts; head largely bare-skinned.
Diet
A specialist frugivore that feeds predominantly on soft figs (Ficus spp.), occasionally taking other soft fruits and nectar. The bare head helps keep sticky juices from matting feathers. It forages methodically through fruiting crowns and may travel widely to locate productive trees. Seed consumption and animal prey are minimal.
Preferred Environment
Primarily the upper canopy of mature hill and montane rainforest, especially around large fruiting figs. Also uses forest edges and tall secondary growth when figs are abundant.
