Greater Vasa Parrot

Identificazione

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.

Tassonomia

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.

Nome scientifico

Coracopsis vasa

Autorità

(Shaw, 1812)

Ordine

Psittaciformi

Famiglia

Psittaculidae

Genere

Coracopsis

Areale e habitat

Migrazione

Specie stanziale

Comportamento

Comportamento migratorio: Specie stanziale.

Conservazione

Tendenza della popolazione: in diminuzione.

Tendenza della popolazione

in diminuzione