“Apparently, Dracula Parrots Are A Thing And They Might Be The Most Gothic Birds On Earth. When we think of parrots, we usually imagine them as green, red, or blue-colored birds. However, the world of parrots is a lot more diverse than you might think. After all, there are 393 different species of them that all are quite different from one another. From sulphur-crested cockatoos to bronze-winged parrots, these birds never cease to surprise us with their intelligence and beauty. But have you heard of Pesquet’s parrot, which is more commonly known as the Dracula parrot?”
Females and males look quite similar. The only difference between them is that males have red patches behind their ears.
Unlike their other parrot counterparts, Pesquet’s parrots don’t climb from one branch to another. Instead, they move by jumping.
What’s interesting about these birds is that they are one of 3 parrot species that have featherless faces.
The Dracula parrot can only be found in New Guinea.
Sadly, these striking birds have become a target for local poachers, which, in addition to increasing habitat loss, has put the Dracula parrots’ population at dangerously low numbers.These birds are hunted for their feathers, which are used for ceremonial dresses, as well as for the meat and cage bird trade.
Range:
Found in mountains of mainland New Guinea.
Habitat:
Found at 600-1500m (1968-4920 ft); occasionally recorded in lowlands but mainly restricted to hill and lower montane forests. Also tall secondary growth.
Wild Diet:
Feeds mainly on soft pulp of figs (Ficus), mangoes (Mangifera indica) and large flowers of Freycinetia mangopandans.
Ecology and Behaviour:
Large, conspicuous and encountered in pairs or in groups of up to 20 birds, perched at the top of the canopy or flying noisily through the trees. Observed roosting in one tree at dusk.
Clutch and Egg Size:
2 eggs, 44.5 x 36.5mm (1.7 x 1.4 in).
Breeding Season:
February-May.
Source: Audubon, World Parrot Trust
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