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Seychelles Black Parrot

Black Parrot Coracopsis barklyi or Kato Nwar in Creole is brown-grey in colour, not truly black. Historically treated as a local form of a species found in Madagascar and Comores, but it is now recognised as a separate species found nowhere but Seychelles, where it is restricted to Praslin Island.

It was once more widespread, but was killed by humans because it likes to eat cultivated fruit including mango bilimbi and papaya. It survived on Praslin and is now protected by law.

Facts

Scientific name: Coracopsis barklyi
Population in Seychelles: 730-1170
Distribution in Seychelles: Praslin
Habitat: Woodland, scrub and gardens
Nest: Nest in hollow trees and nest boxes, two to three eggs laid
Diet: Fruits, both cultivated and wild
Identification: Pale brown-grey all over. Usually occurs in small flocks. Can be recognised by its distinctive whistling call

See more:

Species Data Sheet on BirdLife Datazone

(Photo Credit: Liz Dunlop)