Seychelles Black Parrot: where and when to see them

The Seychelles black parrot is a small, dark parrot whose breeding population is concentrated on Praslin. Despite its name, the plumage is generally smoky brown rather than jet black. Recognized as distinct from the lesser vasa parrot, it is closely tied to the island's wooded landscapes and mature palms. Its restricted range makes the protection of nesting cavities, feeding trees and suitable habitat especially important for long-term survival.

Size

30–35 cm body length

Weight

Not reliably established

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Vulnerable

Black parrots move between feeding trees in small groups or pairs, often revealing themselves first through clear whistling calls. They can be unobtrusive while feeding within foliage. Breeding takes place in deep cavities, frequently in decaying palm trunks, and females may compete for suitable nesting spaces. Seasonal changes in food availability influence movements, bringing birds into mixed woodland, gardens and cultivated areas as well as native palm forest. Black parrots move between feeding trees in small groups or pairs, often revealing themselves first through clear whistling calls. They can be unobtrusive while feeding within foliage. Breeding takes place in deep cavities, frequently in decaying palm trunks, and females may compete for suitable nesting spaces. Seasonal changes in food availability influence movements, bringing birds into mixed woodland, gardens and cultivated areas as well as native palm forest. Pairs are generally monogamous, with both parents involved in raising young. They are quite long-lived, contributing to their relatively stable population dynamics on Praslin.

• Its naturally established breeding range is concentrated on a single island, Praslin.
• Dead or decaying palms can provide essential nest cavities.
• The English name exaggerates the darkness of its brownish plumage.
• It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the lesser vasa parrot.

The species is resident, so there is no migration-based viewing season. April to May and October to November often provide comfortable walking conditions between stronger trade-wind periods. Fruiting patterns and local movements are more useful guides than assuming peak visibility during breeding. The species is resident, so there is no migration-based viewing season. April to May and October to November often provide comfortable walking conditions between stronger trade-wind periods. Fruiting patterns and local movements are more useful guides than assuming peak visibility during breeding. Breeding typically occurs from September to March, peaking after the wet season. However, breeding activity can be somewhat opportunistic, depending on food availability.

Native palm forest on Praslin is central to its ecology, but birds also use mixed woodland, fruiting gardens and agricultural edges. Mature and decaying trees provide nesting opportunities. Its main habitat is inland wooded terrain rather than exposed coastal beaches. Native palm forest on Praslin is central to its ecology, but birds also use mixed woodland, fruiting gardens and agricultural edges. Mature and decaying trees provide nesting opportunities. Its main habitat is inland wooded terrain rather than exposed coastal beaches. While historically found on other islands like Curieuse and La Digue, it is now almost exclusively restricted to Praslin. It particularly favors areas with abundant Lodoicea maldivica (coco de mer) and Phoenicophorium borsigianum (latannyen) palms.

Fruit, seeds, buds and flowers make up the diet, with both native and introduced plants used. Birds visit fruiting trees as crops become available. Their feeding can bring them into gardens, but deliberate provisioning is unnecessary and can create conflict or dependency. Fruit, seeds, buds and flowers make up the diet, with both native and introduced plants used. Birds visit fruiting trees as crops become available. Their feeding can bring them into gardens, but deliberate provisioning is unnecessary and can create conflict or dependency. Key food sources include the fruits of coco de mer and other native palms. They use their strong beaks to open hard seeds and fruits, a specialized feeding adaptation.

Common name

Seychelles Black Parrot

Scientific name

Coracopsis barklyi

Animal group

Birds

Size

30–35 cm body length

Weight

Not reliably established

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Vulnerable

Identification

Its smoky-brown body, stout parrot bill and whistled calls distinguish it from Seychelles bulbuls and mynas; other vasa parrots are not native to Seychelles. Its smoky-brown body, stout parrot bill and whistled calls distinguish it from Seychelles bulbuls and mynas; other vasa parrots are not native to Seychelles. The plumage can appear purplish black in certain lights, but it lacks the bright colors of many other parrot species. The bill is dark grey to black, and the eyes are dark.