Seychelles Parrot
Coracopsis barklyi
Fairly large, long-tailed dark gray parrot. Found locally in the granitic Seychelles, mainly on the island of Praslin. Uses forested habitats with a mix of native and introduced tree species. Often seen in flight, sometimes in small, loose flocks. Generally very vocal, sometimes calling even at night. Loud calls consist mainly of musical whistles. Can easily be mistaken for a raptor in flight, but has all-black plumage unlike any raptor in range.
Identification
The Seychelles black parrot is entirely dark grey-brown except for greyish undertail-coverts; the dark bill becomes paler during the breeding season. It is about 30 cm in length, smaller and paler than the 35 cm lesser vasa parrot.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Coracopsis barklyi
- Authority
- Newton, E, 1867
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Coracopsis
Range and habitat
The parrot is found only on the island of Praslin, where its main breeding area is limited by the availability of mature palm forest to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve and the lower part of Fond Peper in Praslin National Park. It has also been recorded (since 1988) on neighbouring Curieuse where it has been seen feeding though there is no evidence of breeding. It inhabits woodland, scrubland and gardens.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The parrots’ diet is principally fruit, both wild and cultivated, as well as flowers and buds. Wild foods include the fruits of the endemic palm Vershaffeltia splendida, growing along the river valleys, as well as the flowers of the coco de mer. Cultivated fruits utilised by the parrots include guava, papaya, mango and bilimbi.<p>The birds breed in deep cavities of old tree trunks with good cover, where they lay 1-3 eggs.
Conservation
The population of the Seychelles black parrot is around 520-900 birds. Although it is protected, it is threatened by illegal persecution outside the reserve as well as by competition for nesting hollows with common mynas, and predation by introduced rats.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Orange-throated Longclaw
Macronyx capensis
A large ground-dwelling pipit-like bird. The upperparts are brown and cryptic, but the underparts are striking: the throat is deep orange, hemmed by a broad black necklace, and the belly is yellow. It has white-tipped tail feathers that make the tail distinctive in flight. Pairs occupy high-altitude and coastal grasslands and open pastures. The species is frequently located by its distinctive nasal “wheeeeah” call. Breeding Yellow-breasted Pipit resembles young Orange-throated Longclaw, but the pipit’s outer tail feathers are white, rather than white-tipped.
Papuan Pitta
Erythropitta macklotii
A distinctive plump, short-tailed, long-legged bird with a bold red belly. Note the rusty nape, black throat, broad blue chest band bordered below with a thick black line, and greenish upperparts. Singles or pairs forage on the forest floor or call from a low perch within forest and secondary growth. More abundant in the lowlands but also occurs in the foothills. No similar species in range. Song is typical of the genus, with a quivering, rising first note and a falling, mournful second whistle: “waaaaop-aaaaaawoo.”
Giant Weaver
Ploceus grandis
A spectacular enormous weaver endemic to São Tomé, with a robust barbet-like bill and a bulky head. Adult male has a black head and a chestnut collar that extends to the breast. Female is dull, with a buff wash on the breast. Juvenile is like the female, but browner on the upperparts. Fairly common in forest, forest edge, and plantations. Found in pairs and small groups. Song is a winding gurgle that ends with a wheezing fizzle: “drrt-drrt-drrt-grrzzzztztztztz.” Other weavers on São Tomé are much smaller, and their males lack chestnut coloration.
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