








About the Greater Vasa Parrot
The greater vasa parrot is one of two species of vasa parrot, the other being the lesser vasa parrot. The greater vasa parrot can be found throughout Madagascar and the Comoros.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The greater vasa parrot's breeding season is uncertain, but is probably between October and 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 3-8 sexual partners. The males have re-evolved a phallus, and copulations can last up to 90 minutes. Copulations come in two lengths—short (1–3 seconds) and long durations (averaging 36 minutes), with the latter involving a copulatory tie.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Lesser Vasa ParrotCoracopsis nigraThe lesser vasa parrot or black parrot is a black coloured parrot endemic to most of Madagascar.
Seychelles Black ParrotCoracopsis barklyiThe Seychelles black parrot is entirely dark grey-brown except for greyish undertail-coverts; the dark bill becomes paler during the breeding season.
Comoro Black ParrotCoracopsis sibilansThe Comoros black parrot is a medium-sized parrot endemic to the Comoros.
Learn the Greater Vasa Parrot for real
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