The Vasa Parrot

Scott Lewis of
Old World Aviaries

The Vasa Parrot (Coracopsis vasa) is native to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands off the east coast of Africa. The genus Coracopsis includes one other species, C. nigra, the Black Parrot, called the Lesser Vasa in aviculture. The Black Parrot has the same general range as the Vasa plus Praslin Island. Vasas and Black Parrots are the only large parrots native to the region.

Vasas measure 50 cm in length, compared to 33 cm for a typical Congo Grey.

Characterized by general brownish-black plumage with light gray under tail-coverts and pale horn-colored bills, they are not terribly exciting to look at. However, I have read articles relating that Vasas have good pet qualities and are quite intelligent. Vasas are relatively rare in aviculture, probably in part because of their plain appearance. However, they are fascinating birds. They display a great curiosity. They do not bite to any significant degree. And, unlike other parrots, when they walk, they hold their heads down and their tails up. This posture looks like a cross between a parrot and a pheasant.

According to Forshaw (Parrots of the World), the nominate subspecies, C. v. vasa, inhabits a range of habitats in eastern Madagascar. The other subspecies, C. v. drauhardi is native to the Comoros.

Again, according to Forshaw, Vasas feed on seeds, fruits, nuts, and berries, and can be crop pests, especially for corn and millet. They nest in hollow trees. They are loud birds and are usually seen in groups of 10 15. However, our experience with Vasas is that we have never seen quieter birds. Our male has vocalized only three time in 6 months. Our female has never vocalized in 1 month.

Vasas are solid dark-grey to black parrots with white beaks and light grey under the tail. Relatively large, they weigh 500 g or more, which would be typical for a large Congo Grey. But they appear much larger because of their long tails and necks. They have prominent naked ceres and eye rings.

Vasas display several highly unusual traits, which some aviculturists consider primitive for psittacines. When ready to breed, the male inverts its cloaca up to 2 - 3 inches. To my knowledge, this characteristic is unknown in other parrots. In addition, the color of the cere on the male changes from white to yellow and the head's skin color on the hen changes to yellow, often with feather loss. That is, a female Vasa that is ready to breed goes bald.

Baby Vasas never develop down. They remain completely naked until pin feathers develop. They have extremely long legs compared to other parrots. I have heard that baby Vasas eat like big macaws, and that a single male can have a very difficult time keeping a clutch of babies fed.

Vasas are relatively rare in aviculture. However, they are being bred successfully in the U.S. A typical breeding flight is 4 X 4 X 8 feet or longer. Some breeders claim better success pairing two males with a single hen, while others claim a normal 1:1 pairing is acceptable.

As with Eclectus and Great-billeds, the Vasa hen is dominant. Hens can be very aggressive and have been known to kill males. For this reason, pairs should be watched closely, and immature males should never be paired with mature hens.

Our Vasas are very active, curious birds. Although we do not know yet, we believe Vasas could be excellent pets. Typical breeders' prices are $600 $900 with the males usually $100 higher than the hens.