Pesquet's parrot

Pesquet's parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus), also known as the Dracula parrot[2] or as the vulturine parrot (leading to easy confusion with Pyrilia vulturina from Brazil), is the only member of its genus. It is endemic to hill and montane rainforest in New Guinea.

Pesquet's parrot
At Miami MetroZoo, USA
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittaculidae
Genus: Psittrichas
Lesson, 1831
Species:
P. fulgidus
Binomial name
Psittrichas fulgidus
(Lesson, 1830)

Description

Pesquet's parrot is a large parrot with a total length of approximately 46 cm (18 in) and a weight of 680–800 g (24–28 oz). Its plumage is black, with greyish scaling to the chest, and a red belly, uppertail coverts and wing-panels. The adult male has a red spot behind the eye, which is not seen in the adult female.[3] Compared to most other parrots it appears unusually small-headed, in part due to the bare black facial skin and the relatively long, hooked bill. This rather vulture-like profile is the reason behind its alternative common name.

  • Female profile showing vulturine features - taken at Cincinnati Zoo
  • Upper body

Behaviour

Pesquet's parrot is a highly specialised frugivore, feeding almost exclusively on a few species of figs. Flowers and nectar have also been reported. At least in parts of its range, it is seasonally nomadic in response to the availability of fruits. The bare part of the head is presumably an adaptation to avoid feather-matting from sticky fruits.

Little is known about its breeding habits in the wild. Typically it lays two eggs in a nest in a large, hollow tree.

It is typically seen in pairs or groups up to 20 individuals. In flight, it alternates between rapid flapping and short glides.

Status

Its feathers are highly prized. This, combined with high prices in aviculture, has resulted in over hunting. Habitat loss also presents an ongoing problem. For these reasons, it is evaluated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Pesquet's parrot is listed on Appendix II of CITES.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Psittrichas fulgidus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. Crew, Becky (2019). "The Dracula parrot is intimidating". Australian Geographic. Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  3. Forshaw, Joseph M. (2006). Parrots of the World: An Identification Guide. Illustrated by Frank Knight. Princeton University Press. Plate 23. ISBN 0-691-09251-6.
  • Collar, N. J. (1997). "Pesquet's Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus)". P. 362 in: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. eds. (1997). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 4. Sandgrouse to Cuckoos. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. ISBN 84-87334-22-9.
  • Juniper, T. & Parr, M. (1998). A Guide to the Parrots of the World. Pica Press, East Sussex. ISBN 1-873403-40-2.
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