Greater Vasa Parrot
Coracopsis vasa
Large black parrot that is found in and around all types of forest. Often seen in flight, sometimes in small, loose flocks. Incredibly loud calls consist of rough squawks and low whistles. Can be very hard to separate from Lesser Vasa Parrot, but larger and bigger-billed, with a straight edge to the skin at the back of the bill. Vocalizations are lower-pitched and rougher than those of Lesser Vasa Parrot. Can easily be mistaken for a raptor in flight, but has all-black plumage unlike any raptor in range.
Identification
The greater vasa parrot's breeding season is uncertain, but is probably between October and December. It has a very unusual breeding biology and mating system; females are 25% larger than males, and are, physically, dominant. The species lives in loose, polygynandrous groups wherein each female has at least 3-8 sexual partners. The males have re-evolved a phallus, and copulations can last up to 90 minutes. Copulations come in two lengths—short (1–3 seconds) and long durations (averaging 36 minutes), with the latter involving a copulatory tie. A copulatory tie usually applies to mammals, such as canids and felids, where the two animals are unable to physically part during mating due to the swelling, and structure, of the penis within the female's body (being barbed or lined with small "hooks" in some species). During brooding and chick-rearing, females shed their head feathers and develop bright orange skin coloration, and also sing complex songs from perches close to the nest. These serve to attract males to approach and regurgitate food, which the female accepts while off the nest. The females also defend a territory around their nest from other females during this period.
Taxonomy
The bird was first described in 1812 by George Shaw. There are three subspecies:<p>The bird is placed in the genus Mascarinus by some authorities.
- Scientific name
- Coracopsis vasa
- Authority
- (Shaw, 1812)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Coracopsis
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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