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Vasa Parrot  (Coracopsis vasa)

Also Known As: Greater Vasa Parrot (C.v. vasa), Western Vasa Parrot (C.v. drouhardi), Comoro Vasa Parrot (C.v. comorensis)
 
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Young Greater Vasa Parrot in the wild

Credit: © P. McBride
 
photos Photos videoVideo 1
 
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Did You Know?
Female Vasas in breeding condition lose feathers on their head and crown and the skin becomes bright yellow, giving the bird a vulturine appearance.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
Not recorded

Range:
C.v. vasa: E Madagascar.
C.v. drouhardi: W Madagascar.
C.v. comorensis: Comoro Islands, Moheli and Anjouan.


Habitat:
Inhabits variety of habitats from moist dense forest to open dry woodland and savanna, to cultivated areas and inhabited areas. Up to 1000m (3280 ft).

Threat Summary:
Hunted for food. Officially treated as a harmful species due to predation of crops. Also trapped for wild bird trade. Also threatened by habitat loss.

IUCN Rating:
Least concern

Wild Diet:
Consumes seed, nuts, berries, fruits; cultivated maize, rice and millet.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
Congregates in noisy parties and in larger flocks when feeding or roosting. Roosts in tops of tall trees with a lookout to warn of danger. Active on moonlit nights.

Clutch and Egg Size:
3 to 4 slightly elliptical eggs, 46.0 x 34.0mm (1.8 x 1.3 in).

Breeding Season:
Probably October-December.

Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.birdmag.com/vasa.htm

http://www.azafady.org/pdfs/Reports/interim_avifaunal_forrest.pdf

http://webhost.ua.ac.be/crc/seed_dispersal_in_madagascar.html

More Info Sites:
http://www.savethelemur.org/MFG-nov-05.pdf

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=18686853

http://www.thesca.org.uk/Vasa%20Parrots.pdf