Dracula Parrots: Most Gothic Birds on Earth

Wednesday 26th of February 2020

Dracula Parrots: Most Gothic Birds on Earth

The Dracula Parrots, unlike the green, red, or blue-colored birds, have a unique vulture-like appearance due to its black and grey chests, pitch-black beaks, and strokes of bright red feathers.

Also known as the Pesquet’s Parrot, they can only be found in the mountains of New Guinea. 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 parrots are hunted for their feathers, which are used for ceremonial dresses, as well as for the meat and cage bird trade. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species evaluated Dracula parrots as Vulnerable.

Despite its name and vulture-like visage, the Dracula Parrot is actually not bloodthirsty at all. It feeds almost exclusively on just a few species of figs.