ExploreBirds

Pesquet's parrot

Psittrichas fulgidus

Pesquet's parrot, also known as the Dracula parrot, has a unique look with bright red and black feathers. These friendly birds love to eat fruits and are found in the lush forests of New Guinea.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Pesquet's parrot is a large, striking bird with sooty black plumage and a bright red belly and underwing. Its unique featherless black head resembles a vulture, and males also have a distinctive red patch behind each eye.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPsittaciformesFamilyPsittacidaeGenusPsittrichas
Pesquet's parrot
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Pesquet's parrot

Category

Birds

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It's the only species in its genus, making this parrot truly one-of-a-kind!

Its calls are deep, growling screeches, very different from typical parrot chirps!

These parrots are found exclusively in the remote lowland rainforests of New Guinea.

Unlike many parrots, they mainly eat soft fruits, especially various types of figs.

Special abilities

Ability

Bald Head Advantage

Pesquet's parrot has a bald, vulturine head which helps them stay clean while feasting on sticky rainforest fruits.

Ability

Specialized Frugivore

Pesquet's parrot can digest a diet almost solely of figs, allowing them to thrive where other parrots might struggle.

Ability

Powerful Beak

Pesquet's parrot has a strong, hooked beak that helps them tear into tough fruit husks to get at the soft pulp.

Measurements & details

Length
46-50 cm
Wingspan
65-75 cm
Weight
0.68-0.8 kg
Lifespan
20-40 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1-2
Incubation
27-31 days

Diet & Feeding

This parrot almost exclusively eats figs and other soft fruits, a true fruit specialist!

Primary Foods

  • Figs (Ficus spp.)
  • Other soft fruits
  • Nectar
  • Flowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Red-stem Fig

Ficus variegata

Relies heavily on its soft, ripe fruits for nourishment.

eats

Septic Fig

Ficus septica

Consumes the pulp and seeds of this widespread fig species.

eaten by

Meyer's Goshawk

Accipiter meyerianus

Can be prey for this powerful forest raptor.

eaten by

Green Tree Python

Morelia viridis

Nests and young parrots may be targeted by arboreal snakes.

Traits

Also known as

Dracula Parrot

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Pesquet's parrot?

The easiest way to identify Pesquet's parrot is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Pesquet's parrot?

46-50 cm

What is Pesquet's parrot's wingspan?

65-75 cm

How much does Pesquet's parrot weigh?

0.68-0.8 kg

How long does Pesquet's parrot live?

20-40 years

How fast can Pesquet's parrot move?

60 km/h

What does Pesquet's parrot eat?

This parrot almost exclusively eats figs and other soft fruits, a true fruit specialist!

Where is Pesquet's parrot usually found?

Forests

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