Fun Black Parrot Facts For Kids

Parrots are adorable creatures that are colorful and quite intellectual but they are on the verge of extinction. When both of these wonderful traits are combined, they form a magnificent creature known as the Seychelles black parrot, the katonwar, or the Praslin parrot (Coracopsis barklyi). It belongs to the family of Psittaculidae from the genus called Coracopsis under the species named C. barklyi which is how it got its biological name, Coracopsis barklyi( Newton, 1867).

This somber-colored, medium-sized parrot is the national bird of Seychelles. It is recorded that the Seychelles population of this bird has the longest history of evolution. These parrots feed on fruit, flowers, and buds.

Excited to know more about other parrots? To find out more interesting facts on parrots check out our articles on Amazon parrot and Meyer's parrot.

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What type of animal is a black parrot?

Black parrots (Coracopsis nigra) are medium-sized gray-colored lesser vasa parrots that belong to the family of Psittaculidae. These parrots are divided into three species and subspecies which include the greater vasa parrot, the lesser vasa parrot, and the Seychelles black parrot nigra. The first two species have subspecies under them.

What class of animal does a black parrot belong to?

These birds belong to the Aves class of animals.

How many black parrots are there in the world?

It is recorded that there are over 400 species of parrot all over the world, out of which most of them are on the verge of extinction.

Where does a black parrot live?

Black parrots are found on the Islands of Praslin, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mayotte.

What is a black parrot's habitat?

This species is found mostly in Madagascar regions and they inhabit woodlands, including mangrove swamps, humid and waterlogged evergreen forests, and the Seychelles Islands.

Greater vasa parrots need dry forest lands, whereas lesser vasa parrots need humid forest lands, and the Seychelles black parrot's habitat includes shrublands and woodlands.

Who do black parrots live with?

Black parrots (Coracopsis nigra) or lesser vasa parrots tend to be affectionate and friendly with the entire family and do not enjoy being alone. Vasa parrots are an intelligent, active, busy, and very joyful species of birds. Female vasa parrots might become moody or aggressive during mating or breeding season. However, a vasa parrot can be let out of its cage without any fear of attacking, so these parrots can play, get to know, and interact with their human friends.

How long does a black parrot live?

A black parrot, Coracopsis nigra, lives approximately for about 30 to 40 years.

How do they reproduce?

These birds breed deep in the cavities of old tree trunks with a good cover so that they can lay two to five eggs, warm and comfortably. The total population of the Seychelles black vasa parrot is well preserved and protected. Their breeding season is from October to November, and their mating system is unique, unlike other parrots. A female parrot mates with multiple males. They lay about two to five oval-sized eggs and incubate for 14 to 17 days in their nest.

Female parrots lose their head feathers during the breeding and often end up bald. Some parrot feathers change color after a molt. A female bird's feather changes color without losing any feathers. They change from smoky gray to light brown in color. This is the beginning of the magical transformation as a female's bald head begins pale but turns dark yellow, even around the facial area. The male's facial skin also turns yellow, but they do not lose their head feathers.

During the breeding season, the male vasa parrot's cloaca descends from its typical inside position to the body position to become a hemipenis, up to 2 in (5 cm) in length which aids in prolonged mating.

What is their conservation status?

According to the IUCN, the conservation status of Seychelles black parrot (Coracopsis barklyi) is Vulnerable and that of a black parrot(Coracopsis nigra) is Least Concern. It has been hunted for various reasons and its predators are rising in high numbers.

What do black parrots look like?

The Seychelles black parrot is a dark grayish brown bird. During the breeding season, the dark bill of the bird becomes pale yellow. The vasa parrot is the same size as another gray parrot, the African gray, however the shape of a vasa parrot is much different. It has a long neck, small head, long legs, feet, and rectangular tail.

How cute are they?

This species is less attractive and colorful than its other parrot varieties.

How do they communicate?

These birds have a special way to communicate. Some whistle which sounds like a flute, whereas others are discordant and noisy.

How big is a black parrot?

The black parrot is a medium-sized bird, and its weight is  between 7.5-11 oz (215-315 g). Their length is 12-16 in (30-40 cm). Its size is a little smaller in comparison to other wild birds of their species.

How fast can a black parrot fly?

The exact speed of a black parrot is unknown. The flying speed of a common parrot comes up to 40-50 mph (64-80.5 kph). Some parrots fly even faster, while some others go slower.

How much does a black parrot weigh?

They are medium-sized parrots, and they weigh around 7.5-11 oz (215 -315 g).

What are their male and female names of the species?

Male parrots are called cocks, and a female parrot is called a hen in the bird community.

What would you call a baby black parrot?

Just like other birds, their young ones are called hens.

What do they eat?

This species are herbivores birds. They have a pelleted diet with fresh vegetables such as beans, celery, spray millets, carrots, and fruits like oranges, apples, bananas, and pear to ensure a healthy diet. The more you give, the more the bird loves to eat. You must be very careful about the quantity of food you are feeding it.

Are they dangerous?

Parrots are wild birds that have been domesticated, and so they can be dangerous if not handled with care. Unlike other pets like cats and dogs, they are wild birds who have been trained. Dangerous circumstances can arise if sufficient attention and care are not provided. They scream when they are scared, frustrated, or angry.

Without understanding the cause of their behaviors, one cannot assume that parrots are dangerous and harmful. They are not aggressive. Parrots never bite each other in the forests. In the wild, they solely use their beaks for feeding, playing, and climbing rather than attacking one another.

Would they make a good pet?

This parrot has more to offer than its appearance. Although it has an awkward black and gray look, this bird's exceptional personality makes it a wonderful pet. These are very noisy birds and those who cannot tolerate sounds should not choose this parrot as a pet. In the bird community, vasa parrots are considered rare compared to other species. Their feeding nature is very interesting as the more you give, the more they eat. It is a completely herbivore bird.

Did you know...

The incubation period of the lesser vasa parrot is the shortest of all other parrots. It is around 14 to 18 days. These black parrots love to take baths in the rain and are sunbathers too. They are the most talkative birds. They express themselves with distinct calls, squawks, and whistles.

Some macaws like green wing macaws and hyacinth macaws can bite and cause serious injuries, especially in smaller children. Parrots often bite out of fear which doesn't necessarily mean they are aggressive.

Among all the parrots, the African gray parrot and macaw are considered to be the most intelligent ones.

How much are black parrots worth?

Although the exact price is unknown, they are known to be expensive birds.

Comparisons with other parrots

You must be well aware of the differences between a dove and a vulture. A dove can fill your heart with love, whereas the other will bring tension and scare you. This is the world of birds. Some birds can bring peace, love, and joy, while some cause trouble, are scared, and can even kill you.

A red-tailed hawk is a hawk found across North America. They are the most aggressive bird comparing other birds. Cockatoos are a different kind of parrot. A palm cockatoo has a black crown on its head, unlike parrots.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our falcon facts and kea parrot facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Black parrot coloring pages.