The Pesquet’s parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus), also called the “Dracula parrot” in some parts of the world, is a splendid specimen of medium to large size, with predominantly black and red plumage. It is a species native to New Guinea, which you may have heard little about, given the limited number of specimens currently living. The IUCN Red List indeed classifies it among the “vulnerable” species, therefore potentially threatened with extinction.
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image credit: Wikimedia / Greg Hume
The Pesquet parrot is a fairly large bird, which can reach half a meter in length (from beak to tail). Half of its body has bright red plumage, while the other half, which includes the head, ranges from dusty gray to deep black.
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image credit: Wikimedia / Jean
Why do some call it the “Dracula” parrot? First, because its call seems terrifying to say the least perrots.org described it as a harsh and menacing cry, which the animal often gives even when in flight. In short, it is certainly not the ideal sound for waking up early in the morning. Second, its colors are very reminiscent of those of the legendary Earl.
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image credit: Flickr / Peter Tan
This particular parrot is a frugivorous animal, that is, it feeds exclusively on fruits or seeds. He is particularly fond of certain species of figs. Among the various parrot specimens, the Pesquet parrot is perhaps the only one that, during its evolution, did not retain any plumage on the facial skin. This is probably due to evolutionary reasons – feeding mainly on fruits, the bird lost its feathers near its beak to prevent food residues from bristling its feathers.
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image credit: Flickr / Rüdiger Stehn
Currently, the number of individuals of the Pesquet Parrot is estimated to be between 20,000 and 49,000, but this number is gradually decreasing due to pressure from hunters and humans who endanger the habitat and species it -even. Hunting for this type of parrot is quite intense, as many hunters are interested in its precious colorful feathers.
source used: Wikipedia