The vasa parrot is a genus (Coracopsis) of medium-sized birds that are rarely seen in aviculture. It is divided into three species known as greater vasa parrot, lesser vasa parrot, and Seychelles black parrot. The first two species have multiple subspecies.
Vasa Parrot
Quick Information |
|
| Other names | Black parrot |
| Color | Black body with grayish wings |
| Size | 14- 20 in (35-50 cm) |
| Weight | 7-18 oz (200-500 g) |
| Species and Distribution |
|
| Habitat | Greater vasa lives in deciduous forests, lesser vasa prefers evergreen and mangrove swamps and Seychelles lives in scrublands and woodlands |
| Diet | Fruits, flowers, and vegetables |
| Breeding season | October-December |
| Clutch size | 2-5 eggs |
| Incubation period | 14-17 days |
| Fledging | 45-50 days |
| Lifespan | 30-50 years |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
| Temperament as pets | Social |
| Maintenance requirement | Moderate |
| Noise level | Moderate except during the breeding phase. Normal call includes whining like sounds |
| Talking ability | Good |
As Pets
Housing
A big parrot cage is good for the bird so that it has enough space to move around all the time. For breeders, a 23 ft long walk-in aviary is the best option. An ideal cage includes some perches and toys for the betterment of the bird. The cage should be kept in a place where sunlight and air come in opulence.
A horizontal nest box with a size of 16x 16x 48 in should be placed inside the cage.
Temperature
For vasa parrots, average room temperatures will be sufficient.
Temperament
Agile and intelligent by nature, these birds look for activities all the time. It could be foraging toys, eating, moving constantly, or interacting with the owner, vasa parrots hardly sit idle. If you keep a pair, you can see that females are aggressive and dominating towards the males in general.
Lesser Vasa Parrot
Greater Vasa Parrot
Feeding
Give your bird a pelleted diet with fresh vegetables like beans, celery, spray millet, carrots, and fruits like orange, apple, banana, and pear for ensuring a healthy intake. Since the bird loves to eat, be careful about the quantity you are providing. Overeating might lead to obesity and other health complications.
Care
Mental enrichment is one of the important aspects for the bird as the jovial species needs mental and physical stimulations to stay healthy. Converse with it, change the chewable toys, food and water bowls frequently and maintain cleanliness.
Bathing is another aspect that the bird is interested in so bathe it on a regular basis.
Health problems
Psittacine beak and feather disease, avian flu, egg binding are common things that vasa parrots are affected by.
Price
A single parrot can be sold in $1500-$1600.
Black Vasa Parrot
Black Parrot
Interesting facts
- The incubation period of vasa parrot (18 days) is the shortest of all parrots.
- The female parrot loses their head feathers during the breeding and often ends up being bald.
- The mating system is unique as in at first, after the territorial battle, one pair gets to be the alpha pair, meaning those two birds will mate first. Also, unlike other parrots, female vasa parrots mate with multiple males.
- The Seychelles black parrot is the national bird of the country Seychelles.
Video: Vasa Parrot Playing
References
