Psittaciformes - Coracopsis - Lesser Vasa Parrot

Lesser Vasa Parrot - Coracopsis Nigra - Least Concern

The lesser vasa parrot or black parrot (Coracopsis nigra) is a black coloured parrot native to Comoros, Madagascar, Mayotte, and Seychelles. It is one of two species of vasa parrots, the other being the greater vasa parrot C. vasa; although, the subspecies C. n. barklyi, of the Seychelles, is sometimes split as a third species, the Seychelles black parrot.

Lesser vasa parrots inhabit the mangrove swamps and evergreen forests of Madagascar and the Seychelles Islands. They eat seeds, blossoms and fruit - especially berries and mangos.

They build their nests in tree hollows and go through courtship in February. During this time, the female may shed the feathers on her head giving it a yellowish tone. The male's beak may also turn white during this time.

Subspecies: There are three or four subspecies depending on classification systems:

Coracopsis nigra libs
Coracopsis nigra nigra
Coracopsis nigra sibilans
Coracopsis nigra barklyi

Coracopsis nigra sibilans and Coracopsis nigra barklyi are considered a single subspecies by some authors.