Psittaciformes - Coracopsis

Coracopsis

The vasa parrots are three species of parrot which are endemic to Madagascar and other islands in the western Indian Ocean. Some taxonomists place the genus in Mascarinus.

They are notable in the parrot world for their peculiar appearance, which includes extremely truncated bodies with long necks, black to grey feathers and a pink beak.

The skin of both female and male vasa turns yellow during the breeding season, and there is often feather loss. However, in females the feather loss can result in complete baldness. Another interesting feature of the females breeding physiology is when her feathers, which are usually black to grey, turn brown without a molt. This is caused by the redistribution of melanin, which is the pigment that makes the vasas' feathers black.

Greater Vasa Parrot

Lesser Vasa Parrot

Seychelles Black Parrot