The skin of both female and male vasas turns yellow during the breeding season and there is often feather loss, resulting in complete baldness.

They are very lively, intelligent birds. They learn quickly and form lasting relationships with their keepers. Unlike other parrots, they do not scream, but make a tremendous variety of different whistling sounds, even short melodies.

Where in the world?

Native to the island of Madagascar.

Threats in the wild

• Destruction of habitat
• Hunting and pet trade

Habitat

This bird is native to a variety of habitats from moist dense forest to
open dry woodland and savanna. Loss of habitat is one of the threats
in the wild that this bird is facing.

Diet

Vasa parrots enjoy a mixture of fruit and seeds. Eating maize and rice means that they are regarded as a pest in the wild.

Lifecycle

Unlike many bird species, vasa parrots have multiple mates within their social group. This is also known as a polygynandrous group.

Eggs hatch twice as fast as other parrots, with male parrots responsible for sourcing food.