When we imagine a parrot, we typically thing of bright greens, yellow’s blues and having quite the personality. As it turns out there are over 393 species of parrots in the world and they differ considerably. One thing they have in common is their intelligence and their beauty. Browsing the internet, I found one of the most intriguing parrots I’ve seen to date and had to do a little more research. This parrot stands out among the majority of all the birds in the sky if you ask me. It’s called the Pesquet’s parrot but most people commonly refer to it as the Dracula parrot. After one look at this magnificent bird, it’s quite apparent why it was so aptly named. The Dracula parrot is stunning.
The Dracula parrot is a nickname for the Pesquet’s parrot found only in New Guinea.
They stand out from most parrots because of their black and gray chests, shiny black beaks and bright red stripes of feathers.
They weight roughly 24-28 oz. and stretch nearly 20 inches in length.
Females are typically slightly smaller than the males but just as vibrant.
The only other difference besides anatomy is that the males have a small red spot behind the ear.
Most parrots enjoy climbing around branches using their large feet. Dracula parrots like to hop from branch to branch instead.
They have featherless faces like a vulture. Only 3 species of parrots have featherless faces.
It is exclusively found in New Guinea and it is unknown how many of them are in the wild.
Sadly, because of their unique beauty, they have become a target for poachers.
Along with deforestation, poaching and the loss of habitat, the Dracula parrots population is rapidly declining.
The Dracula parrot is hunted for its feathers to be used in ceremonial dresses, for meat and for the caged pet bird trade. It’s striking appearance has also made it a target. These birds need to be protected before they become endangered.
Take a look at the video below of the Dracula parrot in a protected environment.
The bird is so unique that there are a lot of people who have fallen in love with its beauty. Here’s what some had to say.I don’t think I’ve ever seen another bird like it.
Awareness is key to their survival.
Parrots are some of the smartest birds in the world.
If Hot Topic had a mascot, this Dracula parrot would be it.
The featherless face makes it especially unique.
A stunning bird and much larger than I thought it would be.
Excellent point. I wonder why it is unique to only that area.
Very handsome indeed.
They are better to be enjoyed in their natural habitat. It is their only chance of survival.
More Info: Red List
The striking beauty of this parrot is unique because there are no other parrots that share the same traits. The gothic appearance has given it the nickname Dracula parrot which is incredibly fitting. The vulture-like featherless head is only shared by 3 parrots in the world. The rarity of this bird has made it a target and we need to be aware of our impact on species like the Dracula parrot and others. These wild birds deserve to be in the wild and not in a cage.