Some of the world’s most distinctive black parrots include the Australian black cockatoos and the vasa parrots of the Coracopsis genus, which are native to Madagascar, the Comoros, and the Seychelles. In addition to these, a few other dark-plumaged parrots can be found in Australasia, particularly in New Guinea and West Papua.
In this article, we focus on parrots with black or mostly dark plumage, including those that may appear black from a distance. Along with their striking appearance, we examine their size and distinguishing features to help with field identification, especially in areas where several dark species overlap. Beyond identification, we also explore their ecological roles, behaviors, and the conservation threats many of these unique parrots face in the wild.
Red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
- Identification: Large black cockatoo with prominent crest and vivid red or orange tail bands.
- Where found: Widespread across Australia – in woodlands, forests, and shrublands.
- Conservation status: Least Concern; some subspecies endangered due to habitat loss.

The red-tailed black cockatoo is a large parrot, found across Australia, measuring 50-65 centimeters (19.7–25.6 inches) in length. Males are entirely black with a tall, backward-sloping crest and bright red tail bands. Females are blackish with yellow spotting on the head and breast, orange-yellow barring on the tail, and pale bills. Juveniles resemble females until maturity at around four years of age.
Displaying males puff up their crests, sing softly, and flash their red tails in courtship displays. Their deep, metallic calls, such as “krrah” and “kee”, are often heard from flocks in flight or while perched.
This species ranges widely across Australia, occupying habitats from tropical forests and woodlands to semi-arid shrublands and farmlands. It relies on old, tall eucalypts with deep hollows for nesting and breeds at different times depending on the region. Its diet varies by subspecies, including fruits, nuts, seeds, and ground foraged plants. Seasonal movements occur in some areas to follow food availability.
While the species as a whole is not globally threatened, some southern subspecies, particularly C. b. graptogyne, are at high risk due to habitat loss and limited nesting sites. Conservation efforts include legal protections, habitat management, and annual population monitoring programs such as the Great Cocky Count.
Yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Zanda funerea)
- Identification: Large black cockatoo with yellow cheek patches and yellow tail bands.
- Where found: Southeastern Australia, including Tasmania – forests, woodlands, and plantations.
- Conservation status: Least Concern; stable population but sensitive to habitat loss.

The yellow-tailed black cockatoo is a large parrot, found in southeastern Australia, measuring 55-65 centimeters (21.7-25.6 inches) in length. It has mostly brownish-black plumage with pale feather edges, a prominent yellow cheek patch, and broad yellow tail bands. Males have black bills and pink eye-rings, while females show brighter cheek patches, pale bills, and grey eye-rings. Juveniles resemble females until maturity.
Males court by puffing up their crest and tail, bowing while softly growling. Their loud, mournful calls, described as wailing “kee-ow,” are frequently heard in flight or from treetops.
This species inhabits a wide range across southeastern Australia, including Tasmania and nearby islands, from coastal forests and heathlands to pine plantations and urban areas. It relies on large, mature trees for nesting, often selecting tall eucalypts with deep hollows. Its diet includes seeds, insect larvae, and pine cones, varying by region and subspecies. While generally resident, some seasonal shifts occur, especially in mountainous or coastal areas.
Though not globally threatened, the species remains dependent on mature forests, and logging practices may reduce future availability of nesting trees. It is protected under national legislation, with some local conservation concerns related to habitat changes and climate impacts.
Palm cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus)
- Identification: Large black cockatoo with huge bill, red cheek patch, and long crest.
- Where found: New Guinea and northern Cape York Peninsula, Australia; rainforests and woodlands.
- Conservation status: Near Threatened; declining due to habitat loss, fires, and trapping.

The Palm Cockatoo is a large parrot, found in New Guinea and northern Cape York Peninsula, measuring 51-64 centimeters (20.1-25.2 inches) in length. It is easily recognized by its massive grey-black bill, long backward-curving crest, and bare red cheek patch that changes color with emotion. Males have larger bills than females, and juveniles have paler facial skin and bill tips.
This species is famed for its unusual display behavior: males drum loudly on hollow trees using sticks or seed pods as tools. Their varied vocalizations include sharp whistles, squeaks, and far-carrying “keeyaank!” or “raah!” calls.
This species inhabits rainforests, monsoon woodlands, and dense savannas, mainly in lowlands and foothills below 750 meters (2,300 feet), but sometimes up to 1,350 meters (4,500 feet). It feeds on nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries, particularly favoring palm nuts. Breeding takes place in large tree hollows lined with shredded wood, with pairs often using multiple hollows for nesting or display.
While it remains common in parts of New Guinea, its Australian population faces major threats from habitat loss, frequent fires, mining, and limited nesting sites. Hunting and illegal trade are also concerns, especially in New Guinea. Conservation efforts include protected areas, CITES Appendix I listing, and habitat management programs in Australia.
Carnaby’s black cockatoo (Zanda latirostris)
- Identification: Large black cockatoo with white ear patches and white tail panels.
- Where found: Southwestern Australia – eucalypt woodlands, heathlands, and pine plantations.
- Conservation status: Endangered; steep population declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

The Carnaby’s black cockatoo is a large parrot native to southwestern Australia, measuring 55-60 centimeters (21.7-23.6 inches) in length. It has dusky black plumage with pale feather margins creating a scalloped appearance, and a prominent off-white ear patch. Its broad white tail panels contrast with the otherwise black tail, while its crest consists of short, raised feathers.
Males have a dark grey-black bill, pinkish eye-rings, and less distinct ear patches, whereas females show a bone-colored bill, grey eye-rings, and larger, brighter cheek patches. Juveniles resemble females but can be recognized by their constant grating begging calls. The species’ vocalizations are loud and varied, including mournful wailing cries, harsh screeches, and complex calls used in different social and breeding contexts.
This species inhabits eucalypt woodlands dominated by wandoo and salmon gum, sandplain heath, and coastal forests, with movements between inland breeding areas and coastal foraging sites. It feeds on the seeds of native Banksia, Hakea, and Grevillea, as well as introduced pine species, and supplements its diet with insect larvae and nectar. Breeding occurs in large tree hollows, often in mature eucalypts, with pairs maintaining lifelong bonds.
Habitat loss from agriculture, urbanization, and forestry has drastically reduced both nesting and feeding sites, particularly in the Wheatbelt. Key threats include fragmentation, competition for nest hollows, climate change, and loss of pine plantations that provide winter food. Conservation measures involve habitat restoration, artificial nest hollows, legal protections, and intensive monitoring programs, but ongoing efforts are needed to halt further declines.
Baudin’s black cockatoo (Zanda baudinii)
- Identification: Black cockatoo with white ear patch and broad white tail panel.
- Where found: Southwestern Australia – moist forests and woodlands.
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered; rapid declines from habitat loss and hollow shortages.

Baudin’s black cockatoo is a large parrot, found in southwestern Australia, measuring 55-60 centimeters (21.7-23.6 inches) in length. It has dull black plumage with buff feather edges, white ear patches, and broad white tail panels. Males have pink skin around the eyes and dark bills, while females have grey skin and pale bills with larger ear patches.
The species’ long upper mandible is adapted for extracting large seeds from marri fruits. It closely resembles Carnaby’s black cockatoo but can be distinguished by its longer, narrower beak. Their common call is a high-pitched, squealing “kweEE-ah,” often heard in flight.
This species inhabits temperate forests and woodlands dominated by jarrah, karri, and marri trees, with some presence in orchards and suburban parks. It primarily feeds on seeds from marri, Banksia, and other native trees, along with orchard fruits and insect larvae. Nesting takes place in large tree hollows, with breeding mainly in summer.
The population is declining rapidly due to shortages of nesting hollows, logging, fire, drought, and competition with other species, placing it among the world’s most threatened parrots. Additional threats include illegal shooting in orchards and disease affecting key trees. Conservation actions focus on protecting nest trees, managing fire regimes, and controlling illegal activities, but the species remains at severe risk of extinction.
Glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami)
- Identification: Brownish-black cockatoo with red tail panels; females show yellow patches on head and barred tails.
- Where found: Eastern and southeastern Australia – coastal forests and open woodlands with she-oaks.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable; declining due to habitat loss, fire, and competition for nest sites.

The glossy black cockatoo is the smallest among the black cockatoos, measuring about 46-50 centimeters (18.1-19.7 inches) in length. It has brownish-black plumage with striking red tail panels, which are narrower than those of related species.
Males appear mostly dark with bright red tail patches, while females show yellow patches on the head and neck, along with barred red and yellow tail feathers. Juveniles resemble females but may have yellow barring on the body during their first year. Their strong, specialized bills are adapted for feeding on she-oak seeds. This species is not highly vocal, typically uttering rough, grating calls such as “krrrrruh” during flight or while perched.
Glossy black cockatoos are closely tied to woodlands and coastal forests containing sheoaks (Allocasuarina) across eastern and southeastern Australia, depending almost entirely on their seeds for food. They forage slowly, processing cones individually with their bills, and usually occur in small groups. Nesting takes place in large tree hollows, often in dead trees, where females lay a single egg. Some populations now use artificial nest boxes.
The species is threatened by habitat clearance, fire, competition for nesting sites, and climate change effects such as drought and heatwaves. Conservation actions include habitat restoration, provision of nest boxes, and long-term monitoring, but ongoing challenges remain, especially after severe wildfires and continued habitat fragmentation.
Black lory (Chalcopsitta atra)
- Identification: Medium-sized black parrot with glossy plumage, blue rump, and yellow under-tail.
- Where found: West Papua and northwest New Guinea – lowland forests, savannas, and coastal areas.
- Conservation status: Least Concern; locally common but limited to a restricted range.

The black lory is a medium-sized parrot from West Papua and parts of northwest New Guinea, measuring about 32 centimeters (12.6 inches) in length. It has glossy purplish-black plumage with a blackish-blue rump and olive-yellow undertail with red at the base. Its bare facial skin is black, and the bill is also black.
Depending on the subspecies, some individuals may show reddish markings on the face, thighs, and underwings. Males and females look alike. In flight, the species appears stocky and large-headed, and its loud, squeaky calls resemble squeals or the creaking of a rusty hinge.
This species inhabits a variety of lowland habitats, including forest edges, savannas, mangroves, plantations, and open woodlands, often near coastal areas or swamps. It is typically seen in small flocks or larger groups, sometimes showing seasonal movements. Its diet includes nectar and flowers, and it has been observed feeding at flowering shrubs.
Although locally common and widespread within its range, the black lory is considered a restricted-range species and is listed under CITES Appendix II due to past trade activity. The population appears stable, but further research on subspecies status and habitat use is needed.
Greater vasa parrot (Coracopsis vasa)
- Identification: Large dark parrot with bare grey facial skin and pale undertail.
- Where found: Madagascar and the Comoros; forests, savannas, and cultivated areas.
- Conservation status: Least Concern; widespread but locally persecuted for crop damage and trade.

The greater vasa parrot is a large parrot found in Madagascar and the Comoros, measuring around 50 centimeters (19.7 inches) in length. It has dark brownish-black plumage, slightly paler underneath, with pale grey undertail coverts and bare grey facial skin that becomes rosy or orange during the breeding season. Its bill is light brown when breeding and dark grey otherwise.
During breeding, females often shed head feathers, revealing bright orange skin, and may sing to attract males. Males have slightly larger bills than females, and the species’ silhouette in flight often resembles a raptor. Their vocalizations are loud and varied, including rough squawks, nasal calls, and melodic whistles.
This species inhabits a wide range of environments, including humid and deciduous forests, palm savannas, coastal plantations, rice fields, and subdesert regions, generally up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). It feeds on fruits, seeds, berries, and cultivated crops like maize and rice, often forming noisy flocks. Notably, it has been observed using tools to grind calcium from shells before breeding. Nesting occurs from October to January, with multiple nests sometimes found in a single baobab tree.
While relatively common and present in many protected areas, the Greater Vasa Parrot faces localized threats from hunting, trapping for trade, and persecution due to crop damage, particularly in southern Madagascar.
Lesser vasa parrot (Coracopsis nigra)
- Identification: Medium-sized dark parrot with paler undertail.
- Where found: Madagascar – humid and dry forests, mangroves, and savannas.
- Conservation status: Least Concern; widespread and stable, though impacted by habitat loss.

The lesser vasa parrot is a medium-sized parrot endemic to Madagascar, measuring 35-40 centimeters (13.8-15.7 inches) in length. It has dark brownish-black plumage with paler undertail coverts and faint greenish gloss on the upperparts. The bill is pinkish-grey to dusky brown, paler in the breeding season, and it lacks the bald head seen in some female greater vasa parrots.
In flight, it may resemble a raptor due to its dark plumage and gliding flight style. This species is highly vocal, producing musical whistles, harsh calls, and rhythmic songs, often heard at dawn, dusk, and even at night.
The species inhabits diverse habitats across Madagascar, including humid and dry forests, mangroves, spiny forests, and savannas, from sea level to over 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). It feeds on fruits, berries, flowers, young leaves, and seeds, often foraging alone or in small groups near forest edges. Known as an important seed disperser, it nests in tree cavities, sometimes using deep hollows or reusing sites vacated by greater vasa parrots.
Although still widespread and common in many protected areas, it faces localized threats from hunting, trade, and habitat loss due to deforestation.
Seychelles parrot (Coracopsis barklyi)
- Identification: Medium-sized dark parrot with pale underparts and faint streaking.
- Where found: Praslin, Seychelles – forests with native palms and mixed trees.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable; restricted range and threatened by habitat loss, nest predation, and invasive species.

The Seychelles parrot is a medium-sized parrot found only on Praslin Island in the Seychelles, measuring 35-40 centimeters (13.8-15.7 inches) in length. It has dark greyish-brown upperparts and paler underparts with faint streaking on the throat and breast. The bill is blackish-grey, becoming paler during breeding, and the bare facial skin around the eyes is grey. Immatures are slightly paler, with yellowish tinges around the bill and face.
This species can resemble a raptor in flight due to its dark plumage and long tail. It is highly vocal, producing varied whistles and sharp calls, often heard both during the day and on moonlit nights.
This species inhabits native palm forests, river valleys, mixed woodlands, and even coastal areas and gardens on Praslin Island, with occasional records from nearby Curieuse. It feeds on seeds and fruits from native and introduced trees, particularly targeting endemic palms and various fruiting plants. Breeding occurs from October to March, with nests built in tree cavities, mainly in dead coco de mer palms and other large trees.
The population remains small and vulnerable to threats such as forest fires, nest predation by rats and cats, invasive species like yellow crazy ants, and loss of nesting trees. Conservation actions include habitat protection, invasive species control, fire management, and ongoing population monitoring, but the species remains at risk due to its limited range and population size.
Comoro black parrot (Coracopsis sibilans)
- Identification: Medium-sized dark parrot with pale undertail and slightly greenish gloss.
- Where found: Grand Comoro and Anjouan (Comoros) – evergreen forests and nearby plantations.
- Conservation status: Near Threatened; declining due to habitat loss and forest degradation.

The Comoro black parrot is a medium-sized parrot found in the Comoros, measuring 35-40 centimeters (13.8-15.7 inches) in length. It has dark brown plumage with paler undertail coverts and faint greenish gloss on the back. The bill is pinkish-grey to dusky brown, and the bare skin around the eyes is grey or rosy-grey.
It closely resembles the greater vasa parrot but is smaller, with a slimmer bill and no bald-headed appearance. Its flight silhouette is raptor-like, and it produces high-pitched, musical calls in rapid, up-and-down sequences.
This species is restricted to the islands of Grand Comoro and Anjouan, where it mainly inhabits evergreen forests in upland and mid-elevation areas, particularly on Mount Karthala on Grand Comoro and in the remaining highland forests of Anjouan; it also visits nearby agroforests and cacao plantations. It forages on fruits, seeds, flowers, and leaves, often at mid-levels in the forest canopy or lower. It is typically seen in pairs or small flocks and makes daily movements from roost sites.
The Comoro black parrot is threatened by habitat loss from logging, agricultural expansion, and settlement growth, with upland forests on Anjouan especially degraded. Conservation efforts are limited but include recent surveys and habitat monitoring; further protection and restoration of forest habitat are urgently needed.
Pesquet’s parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus)
- Identification: Large black parrot with bare black face and bright red belly and wing panels.
- Where found: New Guinea – foothill and montane forests.
- Conservation status: Vulnerable; declining due to hunting for feathers and trapping.

Pesquet’s parrot is a large parrot native to the forests of New Guinea, measuring around 46 centimeters (18.1 inches) in length. It has striking black plumage with a bare black face, grey-scaled chest, and vivid red belly, rump, and wing panels, which are highly visible in flight. Males have a small red patch behind the eye, absent in females, and both sexes have long hooked bills specialized for eating fruit.
This species has a unique vulture-like profile, and its loud, harsh calls resemble tearing cloth or rasping screams, often heard over long distances. Pesquet’s parrot is often seen in pairs or small groups, flying with a mix of rapid flaps and glides.
This species inhabits primary and tall secondary forests in the foothills and lower mountains, usually between 500 and 1,800 meters (1,600-5,900 feet), though it can range lower or higher. It feeds almost exclusively on a few species of figs and is thought to play a key ecological role in fig dispersal. Occasionally, it also takes nectar and other soft fruits. It nests in large tree cavities, typically laying one or two eggs.
The main threat to this species is hunting for its feathers, which are prized for ceremonial uses and trade. Habitat loss is less severe but still a concern in some areas. Conservation efforts include legal protections and monitoring programs, but pressures from hunting persist.
Dark side of parrot diversity
Though most parrots dazzle with their bright colors, the world’s black and dark-feathered parrots offer a different kind of beauty – subtle, striking, and rare. These species have adapted to diverse habitats, from remote islands and montane rainforests to coastal woodlands and savannas. In many cases, their dark plumage provides effective camouflage in shaded environments, or serves as a distinguishing trait among closely related species.
Despite their distinctive appearance, several of these parrots remain little studied, with open questions surrounding their breeding, vocal behavior, and ecological roles. Species like the Comoro black parrot or Pesquet’s parrot reveal just how much remains to be discovered about these fascinating birds.
Yet, many of these dark-plumaged parrots face significant threats. Habitat destruction, invasive species, hunting, and the illegal bird trade continue to jeopardize their survival, especially for island endemics with tiny populations. Even species that remain locally common face uncertain futures as forests shrink and ecosystems change.
Protecting these parrots isn’t only about conserving their unique appearance, it also means safeguarding fragile habitats and the ecological connections they help sustain, such as seed dispersal and fig pollination.
Whether seen in flight or heard calling from deep within the forest, black parrots offer a compelling reminder that nature’s most captivating stories aren’t always told in bright colors.