Greater Vasa Parrot
Description
The greater vasa parrot (Coracopsis vasa) is one of two species of vasa parrot, the other being the lesser vasa parrot C. nigra. The greater vasa parrot can be found throughout Madagascar and the Comoros.
The greater vasa parrot breeding season is uncertain but is probably between October to 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 three to eight sexual partners. The males have re-evolved a phallus and copulations can last up to 90 minutes. Copulations come in two varieties, short duration (1–3 seconds) and long duration (averaging 36 minutes), with the latter involving a copulatory tie. A copulatory tie usually refers to mammals such canines where the animals are unable to part during mating due to the swelling of the penis within the females body. 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.
Scientific Name
Coracopsis Vasaevel
Country Of Origin
Madagascar
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Quiet, except during the breeding season
Talk / Trick Ability
Excellent
Characteristics
Greater vasa parrots have an almost primitive appearance; they are not commonly kept as pets. Greater vasa parrots are extremely intelligent and very playful, and they become very devoted to their pet bird caregivers. An interesting fact about the greater vasa parrot is that it has an incubation period of only 18 days, the shortest among the parrot species. The greater vasa parrot is entertaining, agile and they learn very quickly.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Greater vasa parrots are extremely active birds and they are avid eaters — they need a great deal of food and will eat every bit of it. Greater vasa parrots will take all kinds of baths: water baths, sun baths and dirt baths. A large variety of pet birds toys is essential for greater vasa parrots in order to chew enough and to keep mentally and physically busy. They do best in an aviary, where they can fly swiftly, stretch and play enough to accommodate their active nature and large size.
Expert Advice
“The greater vasa parrot is an unusual parrot. Their intelligence and peculiar appearance make them extremely interesting.”
Frank Ball, The Bird Walk (birdwalkstore.com)