The Black Parrots of the Red Island
Parrots are mainly known for their colorful feathers. However, in the depths of Madagascar’s mangrove and rainforests lives the jet-black Raven Parrot. The small Raven Parrot is also known as the smaller Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis nigra) and reaches a body size of about 35cm. Its larger relative, the greater Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis Vasa-Vasa), can grow up to 50cm. Both species have
A black, sometimes dark brown or gray plumage. They are quite common in Madagascar and are often kept as pets here. However, they are very rare in the rest of the world due to an export ban. They have also been introduced on the surrounding islands of Réunion, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. The raven parrot primarily lives in wooded areas in the highlands. The larger raven parrot, however, can also be found in thorn forests and dry, desert-like areas in the south of the island.
With a bit of luck, you may encounter one of these magnificent specimens during a Journey to the Land of the Thorn People in the dry south of the island. The birds mainly reproduce during the rainy season from October to January and nest in January and February. In the west, they mainly nest in the treetops of the impressive Baobabs of Madagascar. Often, several pairs of parrots nest on the same tree. They are usually located.
3 eggs in a clutch, from which the small parrot chicks hatch after 17 days. The young Vasa parrots are cared for by their parents for 2 months before leaving the nest.
German: Vasa Parrot, Lesser Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis nigra) for the smaller species and Greater Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis vasa vasa)
English: greater Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis vasa vasa) and lesser Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis nigra)
